suggestions of the Spanish Ministers of State to keepe quiet within his owne dominions and peacefully to injoy that which hee could not so easily preserve in warre These reasons though very strong and such as the Duke had hee been wise should have followed were neither embraced nor rejected but the greater part of his Councell who were wisely by the Spaniards kept partiall on their side either by pensions hopes or promises thinking it not fit to forgo the friendship and protection of the Austrian party for any pretence or threats of the King of France grounding their hopes upon the event of the secret practice held by the Spaniard by the Duke of Orleans and other Princes of France which was to raise new troubles in France whereby they might inlarge their owne limits said Peace was alwayes good where Warre was harmfull as it was likewise alwayes prejudiciall when by the idlenesse thereof ruine was well-nigh caused that wise men ought to observe the meanes how to secure their dominions which was not to be done by suffering their neighbours to increase in power that Princes were alwayes in suspition either to be treated as vassalls or to lose their estate when they suffered themselves to be brought into the bosome of one greater then themselves That France was no more powerfull then it was daily indeavouring to increase its power that the memory of their pretensions upon Lorayne a faire Jewell for the Crowne was of great efficacy that fit occasions to weaken such Forces as we stand in feare of ought not to be let slip when the permitting of them may cause jealousie that it was better to hazard ones selfe in warre then to be sure to lose all in peace that inferiour Princes thought it a great advantage to have a sanctuary whereunto to fly when they are injured by their superiours that nothing could preserve Lorayne from the ambition of the French but protection from Spaine that it might be said to be lost between the Swedish and the French Forces that reason of State would have Alsatia preserved Burgundie kept flourishing Flanders strengthened and France troubled that the King wanting issue was lesse observed by his subjects that such successours as were most adhered unto by the unstable and wavering multitude had reason to hope well that therefore Orleans ought to be fomented and that it was safer to follow the Austrian party then by fearing the French Forces to grant them that which would be more profitable to deny them Although these reasons prevailed much with the Duke who was sufficiently thereunto inclined and did lively worke upon the affection which he bore the Imperiallists occasioned by the good entertainment he had received from them whilest he was a Voluntier in their Armies against the Count Palatine during the life of his Unckle Duke Anthony yet for that the fiercest spirits are sometimes kept under by the scourge or rod of the more powerfull fearing the inundation of the French upon his State who were already in readinesse and had a good will thereunto he by the advise of his Councell resolved upon a peece of cunning which was to satisfie the King with complements and faire words and with all outward appearance which might make him forbeare his threats and to conceale the ill will he bare him to a fitter occasion And for that the French a Nation of all others of a more nimble spirit boldnesse of minde and unquiet disposition are hardly pleased or contented with the idlenesse of peace but still desiring novelty is oft times prodigall of its wisedome and runs without foundation to graspe at shadowes which to their passion seeme bodies those that had seduced the Queene Mother to absent her selfe from the Court and to put her selfe into the hands of the Spaniard being still distasted with the present condition of affaires and thinking they should be more esteemed of when they were forth of the Kingdome then when in it having likewise wrought upon the Duke of Orleans the Kings only brother to incense him against the Cardinall Richelieu an officer of State to whom the whole government of the Kingdome being committed did faithfully governe it and with so much advantage as France had never before knowne upon pretence that the authority wherewith this man was intrusted belonged better to a Brother then any other subject feeding him with vast hopes kept him still in Lorayne The Spaniards by whose knowledge all this businesse was set on worke considered how much the troubles of France would make for their greatnesse and the profit they might receive by the Civill discords of that Kingdome whose union was their jealousie and was only able to counter-ballance their desired ends and this so much the rather for that by reason of the French Forces falling downe upon the Frontiers of Germany they rationally enough suspected they might have called the Swedes into those parts to frighten the Roman Catholiques and consequently invite them to flye for protection to them whereby fencing themselves from being injured by the Protestants and without unsheathing their sword yea under a religious pretence this was a fitting meanes to possesse themselves of many Forts of great importance But it being foreseene by the wisedome of the Austrian Councell that this was the Center wherein the lines of many circumstances of reflection was to fall for that the getting of the French are such as are much facillitated by the peoples necessity who had no other meanes Spaine being growne too weake to defend themselves against the warre but by their protection and that as this would be a considerable addition to the greatnesse of France so would it be no small trouble to the Austrian power since it was not in good policy of State to be permitted Hence it is that many thinke they upheld the fearefull with hopes fomented the male-contents with Counsell and endeavoured to stirre such as were constant by feigned appearances so as these practises passing from one to another already infected with treachery as the Duke of Momerancy Dukes of Rohan and Delbeaf the Bishops of Vsiers Nismes and Besiers and many other principall subjects the businesse seemed already to have had a good beginning But on the one side they found the Swedes proceedings to be such as neither the German Forces nor yet the Forces of Flanders which were much weakened seemed to be any wayes able openly to second the commotions in France and that the straights whereinto they were by the Swedes reduced did not well comport with the irritating of France and thereby drawing upon them a dangerous warre and on the other side they considered that to passe by such an occasion as this whereby to moderate the greatnesse of France was to lose that wisedome which as the Pilot of the Spanish Counsels brought their resolutions oftentimes to a happy shore since wise Polititians ought never to abandon those undertakings out of feare which may suffocate feare nor embase themselves in those difficulties which
valiantly withstood are usually by time and fortune dissolved Wherefore finding no lesse danger in bearing with those jealousies threatened by the Frontier Army the gray-headed Spanish wisedome refined by the Italian subtilty and made perfect by the continuall mannaging of so many and various examples measuring their height of profit with their depth of danger unanimously agreed to endeavour intestine trouble in France to shelter themselves from the cloud which threatened them and to win time which being of great help to those who study witty projects tâ—ey hoped to reape thereby good advantage and though the small Forces which Orleans had with him promised no great effect yet the hopes they had that many others who had not yet discovered themselves and who bore ill will to the Cardinall would joyne with him as being the Kings onely Brother and Heire apparent to the Crowne of France made them hope for some good event And for as much as past examples doe much authorize the Counsells of Princes whereupon building their Maximes they thinke that what hath once happened may be an unvariable Law to future times the Duke growing somewhat coole in the enterprise having no other hopes then those already layd and his Councellours rather blinded by desire then guided by vertue egging him on by calling to mind past examples whereby â—e might see what effects the instabilitie of other Princes had wrought who were much inferiour to the onely Brother of the King they conjectured the like issue must be expected from the troubles so prejudiciall in former times as also at the present to all France It was therefore commonly said by many That the Duke of Orleans perswaded by these suggestions and likewise comforted by Momerancyes promises who was Governour of Languedock and by the hopes of receiving succour from Spaine suffered himselfe to be perswaded and that therfore drawing in an undue season into the Field and being come out of Lorayne He with the Dukes of Roâ—an and Delbeafe Count Moret and his Favourite Pilloran came into Languedock where joyning with the Forces raysed by Momerancy and being in this folly followed by many from all parts great troubles were likely to have insued in France For the which though the Spaniards designe seemed then to have had a good beginning for Marshall De la Force who was with his Army upon the Frontiers of Germany towards the Dukedome of de Pont for the enterprise of Filisberg belonging unto Trevers as has beene said being sent for to suppresse the Rebellâ— freed those Frontiers from the jealousies the Austrians had conceived yet did not that effect follow which was hoped for by the Enemies of France for the Kings Forces hastened thither and these being with good conformitie mannaged by the wise orders of Cardinall Richelieu and the Rebells Forces being divided within themselves by the bad correspondency held betweene the Duke Delbeafe and Pilloran with Momerancy and Marshall Schamburg who was a particular Enemy to Momerancy closely pursuing him and fighting with him neere Chasteauno d' Arri Count Moret was slaine the Rebells disper'd and Momerancy taken Prisoner At which accident Monsieur being exceedingly troubled and they fayling in their courage who inciting sedition and instabilitie use onely to keepe so long constant as their hopes meet with no opposition And finding he could expect safetie from no where else but from the King his Brothers clemency for he was not onely pursued by Schamburgs victorious Forces but likewise by those of Marshall De la Force he resolved to aske forgivenesse of his Majestie and to returne to his obedience He to this purpuse dispatcht away Monsieur De Caudebonne he found no resistance in the King who accounting it a piece of greatnesse to pardon could not but be mollified at the intreatie of an only Brother mislead by evill Counsellours His Majestie therefore dispatcht away Monsieur D' Ayguebonne Brother to the said Caudebonne to the Duke his Brother to assure him of his pardon And at the same time going from Dawpheny towards Languedock and Monsieur comming to meet the King the Articles of agreement were as they were upon the way concluded on by the Duke of Boullognie the contents whereof were That Monsieur confessing his fault did desire the King would be pleased to pardon him promising to give his Majestie any reasonable securitie that he would no more commit the like error That he would forgoe all practices as well within as without the Kingdome and more particularly that he would forsake all intelligence held with the Spaniard the Duke of Lorayne and the Queene Mother as long as she should keepe her selfe out of France that he would not take in ill part any thing his Majestie should doe to any one that had beene guiltie of Treason nor that he never would aske pardon of the King for any forreigner that had accompanied him in this his mischiefe intended to the Kingdome to all which notwithstanding six dayes time was allotted to retire themselves into the Country of Rossâ—glion that he should not keep neer his person nor in his Court any one that his Majestie should not approve of and if he â—ad any such â—eer him hee should to free suspition put him away and for that it could not be believed but that all those evill Counsels had proceeded from Pilloran that the said Pilloran should be bound to make knowne any Treaty that might have beene prejudiciall to the Crowne These being signed by the King great was the joy thoughout the whole Court and the Count D'Allois sonne to the Duke of Angolesme and Colonell of the light Horse was appointed to waite upon his Highnesse to the King who spoke with him upon the way and thus was this fire quencht which perhaps might have set all France on a flame The Duke of Momerancy not being comprehended in the Articles and the Duke of Orleans having promised not to beg pardon for any one that was not therein specified remained to be disposed of as the King should please who knowing how much prejudice Princes receive by pardoning their Subjects for the breach of their Allegeance and that to free ones selfe of enemies otherwise then by iustice is a signe of some feare maturely weighing the salve for this sore which by indulgency is alwayes renew'd although his Majesty was alwayes more inclined to mercy then to justice yet at last he resolved to let France know by the example of this Prince one of the chiefest of all his Kingdome that his mercy extended not to pardon high treason which should he doe it would soon be set at nought that he had been taught by the government of his predecessors not to admit of yoak-fellowes in his Kingdome and that it was not praise-worthy to passe by those offences which tended not onely to his owne privat harme but to the prejudice of the publique Nay by this notable example of his upright government this mighty Monarch afforded the world occasion to admire his great
Sittaw and Guben two Townes paâ—ted by the River Neisse with divers other places weake in Defence and Garrisons yielded themselves to the Caesarians But the Duke of Saxony awakened by this invasion assembled all his Army which lay scattered in divers Townes and went against the Austrians who were not strong enough long to withstand him so as after some dayes defence they were necessitated to abandon Gubâ—n to surrender Sittaw and to quit other places they had tane The Saxons likewise possessed themselves of Freiberg watered by Polsnitz Sagan neere Bober and Glogaw watered by the Oder chiefe Cities in Slesia together with many other Townes which were forsaken by the Imperialists who got into Steinaw seated between Glogaw and Breslaw where they fortified themselves but being afterwards set upon by Harnem the Saxon Generall having first by their singular valour supplied the defects of their Bulworkes with the bodies of men they were inforced to yield whose example was followed by Lignitz a walled Town seated upon the Angle made by Ratsbach Schwartzwasser Rivers which taking their head not farre from thence joyne there and a little below fall into the Oder this Towne was taken by Kalchesteim a Saxon Colonell This meane while Maradas being joyned with Schamburg Count Mansfeild and Schaffâ—uts chiefe Commanders of the Emperours Army opposed the Swedes proceedings and Mustering their Forces which came to 14000 Souldiers and 12 piece of Cannon he thought it might make much for them to recover Steinaw hee saluted it with divers Cannon-shot and couragiously assaulted it and with many threates invited the Garrison to surrender the Towne as they basely did having had onely Thirty Great-shot made at them The taking hereof incouraged the Caesarians to undertake the winning of Glossaw a thing very much desired by them aswell for their owne honours as to satisfie Walesteine for it belonged unto him as being Duke thereof being afterwards informed that Tuball one of the Swedish Colonels was intrencht about it with a good body of an Army which would make their designe the harder they deserted the effecting thereof and some little skirmishes passing between the Swedes and them with equall successe they left a fitting garrison in the Fort and withdrew themselves to Breslaw the Metropolitan of Slesia a free Towne as are the other Hauns Townes of Germany rich and given to Merchandise by the traffique it holds with Poland but not much confiding in the Magistrate thereof and suspecting the faith of the Protestant Inhabitants fearing likewise to be set upon by the Swedes who made haste towards them they resolved to go to Neisse a place strongly but irregularly fortified and there to attend succour from Walesteine Their hopes being vanished to aire who built their greatnesse upon the ruines of France by the death of Momerancy by the punishment of the Rebels and by Monsieurs reconciliation and the Imperialists being filled with new fears through the formidable power of that now united and warlike Kingdome wavering in the uncertainty of their resolutions they openly declared themselves when new businesse being set on foot by the Spanish wisedome and a firme resolution taken to sow discord in France that they might thereby secretly enjoy their desired fruite they applyed themselves to the effecting thereof And for that whil'st Monsieur stayed in Lorayne his favourite Pilloran fell in love with the Dawager Princesse of Psalsburg Sister to Duke Charles love being of power sufficient to overcome what ever defence wisedome could make and the Princesse by secret messengers corresponding with him in his desires he gave himselfe so totally over to the hopes of this marriage by which his Condition would be not a little bettered and being much troubled at Momerancy's example thinking his person more considerable when out of France then when in it where he was not wel looked on by those who were faithful to the King making use of the credit he had with Monsieur raising him by new hopes to fresh undertakings troubling his thoughts with Momerancy's death and by putting him in minde that Princes how mercifull soever they be never forget the injurie of high Treason hee brought him againe to resolve of absenting himselfe the which he did by withdrawing himselfe againe into Lorayne where Pilloran hoping to make himselfe worthy of the Princesse Dowager by some service which he might doe to Duke Charles did negotiate and privatly conclude the marriage with the Princesse Margaret which as was very well knowne was yielded unto by the Spaniard that they might have the greater obligation upon the Duke in binding him to effect their desires that they might by this allyance oblige the affection of these Princes reciprocally the one unto the other and by this knot make both their hatreds to the King of France implacable and by the assistance of this State and the Forces thereof make fitting preparations for to trouble France and by the interposition of this State free Alsatia and the Palatinat from the power of that Crown Moreover the most Christan King being without issue and having but small hopes of any his Brother was to succeed unto him so as the making of his brother sure did not meanely import them whereby they might not onely afterwards ransome such Townes and Provinces of theirs as were fallen under the government of the Crowne of France but afford matter of thought to the subjects of that Kingdome who should take up Armes against the Kings onely Brother and Heire as well for the respect which is due to the blood Royall as likewise for feare lest he being afterwards possest of the Scepter of that Kingdome might remember such as had stuck unto the King Many were therefore of opinion that the Spaniards unwilling that he should stay in Lorayne where being so neere he might soone alter his determination and returne to France as by all possible art it was by the King indeavoured he should doe they wrought so with Duke Charles as that he should perswade Monsieur it were better for him to retire himselfe into Flanders for that by his stay in that his Dukedome the King might take occasion to threaten him the Duke of Lorayne and make Warre upon him whose Forces wanting the Austrians assistance were but weake that it was better to see the issue of the Emperours Armies under Walesteine then by buckling thereunto without a good foundation runne upon the like hazard with little hopes of good successe Monsieur being then perswaded by these reasons and much more confirmed therein by the advice of such as were of credit wiâ—h him not minding their policy went to Brussels to the great satisfaction of the Spaniards whose end as was said by some wise men was to keep him as an Hostage and under some specious pretence either of waging war against Languedoc or some such like thing to draw him into Spaine and so secure themselves by their keeping him aloofe from France from being unquieted thereby and that if their mentioned hopes should
it it was with dolefull lamentations of the whole Army put into a Coach and sent with a good guard to Neuburg and from thence to Hall The Swedes having heer got some Cannon which for want of Horses were left behind by the Imperialists some Crabats which were come to fetch them off being put to flight Offchirch pursued them but Walesteine who was then at Leypzyg expecting the arrivall of some Regiments who were not in the Battell and the recruiting of the disbanded Forces with those of Holke to whom he had sent to come to him being hereof informed by his Scouts he called a Councell of Warre wherein he demanded the opinion of all his Commanders whether they should make good the station where they were or else retreat Somewere of opinion That to retreat was rather a signe of losse then Victory that they pretended to be Victors and therefore it mis-became them to â—lye from those whom they gave out they had beaten that they had a safe refuge within the Walls of Leypzig if they should apprehend danger in the Field that they might there expect Holkes arrivall and other Souldiers from the neighbouring parts by which addition they should not be short of the Swedes in number might to the field again and Crowne their Victory Walesteine was well enough inclined hereunto but it being knowne that there was not in Leypzig two dayes Victuals for the Souldiers that the people therein adhered unto the Swedes that the Duke of Saxony being not farre off upon his march might sâ—ut up the passage into Bohemia that the Swedes being grieved would in a desperate manner flye upon them and that it was much better for them to expect what effect the Kings death would worke then to fall to blowes with them who thought they could not lose their lives better then in accompanying their King seeing moreover how the Swedes had received new Forces from Saxony not finding any advantage in staying any longer in that Citie with their men who were wearyed and somewhat affrighted by the cowardice of some Officers who some few dayes after payd for their Treachery in Prage he resolved to be gone and therefore having reviewed his Forces and given them new orders he sent them towards Borne neere Pleise and he himselfe followed them that very day in the Reare with Troopes conducted by some Colonells who were not so much wounded as were the rest Other Companies of Horse came up afterwards unto him who being abroad to informe themselves of the Enemies condition were not at the Battell And having exhorted the Citizens to be mindfull of gratitude promising that if they would so doe he would keepe good correspondency with them as should appeare upon any future occasion he marched towards Bohemia intending to Winter in that Kingdome and in the meane time to expect what effects the Kings death would produce The newes of the Kings death was suddenly spread every where and the successe thereof was confusedly discoursed of in divers parts those who never heard that a King ranne any hazard in a Battell were strangely and unusually astonished to many the newes seemed an illusion or Chimera a very dreame neither could it fall into their imâ—gâ—nation that that King could be slaine who not long before was surrounded with Victories and Triumphs and who seemed not onely to have perswaded Fortune to partialitie but to have subdued her Others would have it that this was but newes given abroad to know what men would thinke thereof and that the King was privately gone into Swethland which secret departure of his was given out for his death All the Protestant Princes were much cast downe at this so important advertisement words are not able to expresse the griefe which this losse caused in the Hauns Townes There were many who wept for eight dayes together and would take no sustenance the Country people and Garrison-Souldiers moved pittie whilst flocking together and full of feare scratching their heads and looking like so many Lambes that had lost their flocke they ranne like mad men up and downe calling upon their King The resentments of all other Princes were but shadowes in respect of the Elector of Saxonies sorrow being strucke almost dead at the newes thereof he spared not for teares or sighs but broke forth into such like speeches as this The King of all valiant hearts is dead the German liberty hath lost its onely prop. There was not any one in France England nor Holland who was not grieved at this misfortune Those Kings and Princes confest a gallant King was dead and that they had not words sufficient to expresse the griefe they thereat conceived there was not any Nobleman or Common Subject in those Provinces who did not commisserate his losse the Papists and those that were his Enemies durst not hold up their heads as seeming to rejoyce the fame of his valour and of his civill comportments had not onely captivated the good will of his Souldiers and his owne Subjects but even the like of strangers and his very Enemies never was Prince so beloved as hee those who had never seen his Majesticall person coveted to injoy the sight thereof in effigies Painters were never so much set on worke as in drawing this Prince his picture every one desired to have it when it was brought downe into any Country where it had not formerly beene seen the bringer of it was sure to want no visiters There was not any one in Germany Noble or not Noble who did not make more esteem of it then of any other picture in his house the French English and Italians never stucke for price so they might have a Coppy Hee was tall of stature somewhat corpulent of a Majesticall aspect which wrought in men reverence admiration love and feare his countenance was faire mixt with red his haire and beard flaxen insomuch as he was called by many the Yellow King hee was not full out eight and thirty yeares old from his Infancy he was addicted to warre desirous of renowne and ambitious of good repute in all his actions he exprest wisedome in all his speeches gracefull eloquence in all his treaties affability in his enterprises boldnesse in businesse constancy in difficult affaires discretion in battailes courage in dangers undauntednesse upon occasions watchfulnesse In fine he was a Prince who knew all and understood all Never was Commander served with greater applause and affection he gave satisfaction to every one either with praise promises or affability praise-worthy actions were by him written in Characters not to he razed out he forgot not services received he was pleasant in his discourse not costly in his entertainments He did not disdaine to speake with all men and many times as he walked before his people and his Souldiers he would aske them how they did what they did and what they would have every private Cavalier or Commander was admitted to his Table and to his Chamber he had wont to say that
by the French he had refused and how he had hazarded his estate and ventured his owne life for the most glorious house of Austria These conceptions being with efficacy urged by those imployed by his Excellency of Bavaria met not with any thing that withstood their making an impression in the hearts of those to whom they were imparted and for that the Interest of Princes is as apt to take â—ire as Tinder shadowes serving them for substances many Counsellours began to be distasted with Walesteines actions who formerly had viewed and looked upon them through such spectacles as doe falsiâ—y the object which now throwing aside they found what would be the sequell of his being thus proceeded withall for politicians looke still to be offended by him whom once they have offended and that they cannot preserve themselves from revenge but by reiterating their offence The Spaniards as those who are thought to be of a more refined judgement then others and who doe alwayes with wary advice bring about the ends tooke councell how to loosen the freedome of their Princes from bondage to tye his hands who plotted their prejudice and how to keep the Crowne of Bohemia upon their heads and seeing that the evill was sufficiently cankered and inveterate for that Walesteine had got to be so reputed of his Souldiers and had wone so much upon their affection and observancy as that they were not likely easily to forsake him whom they knew to be prodigall of his rewards to them and for that the greatest part of the Commanders had been by him preferred to their places of Command and were consequently his well wishers and would in all likelihood run the same fortune with him as likewise for that 't was generally thought that he had accumulated much riches all which presented themselves as objects of ruine to the eyes of those Counsellours they therefore saw it was expedient to bring violent remedies to this indisposition and began with all diligence to have an eye to his apparent infidelity But if the Condition of Germany were thus and these the proceedings of the Protestants and the Romanists each indeavouring to overthow the other and if nothing but Armes were talked of in every place and threatnings everywhere proclamed the like affairs began to bud up in Italy For Duke Crequi being then Embassadour extraordinary for the King of France at Rome where he had been ever since the preceding Iune staid there to draw the Pope to leane favourably to the King his Master and to make other agreements with the Princes of Italy And the Polach Embassadour extraordinary came likewise to Rome at this time sent thither by his King the pompe and magnificence of both which have been sufficiently set forth by able pens The Spaniards were much moved to see as they would publiquely say that pleasures and delights should make the consideration of what misery the world was in laid aside that many studyed nothing but pompe and vanity striving how they might exceed in apparrell dyet and other magnificencies and they as professing more zeale to Religion and as neerer neighbours to the Churches patrimony pretending to be of greater Authority with the Pope then any other potentates were not a little troubled and grieved that they should be so forward in spending their gold and bloud in ayd of Religion which was supprest whilst the Ecclesiastickes onely intending their owne quiet did not onely not trouble themselves with thinking how to assist the Emperour but were not any wayes carefull of those imminent evils which were threatned to Christendome by the proceedings of the Protestants they therefore resolved to try the Pope and to indeavour not onely to interest him on their behalfes in the present warre but likewise to make him give the King of France an admonishment for his assisting the Protestants against them They therefore chose the Bishop of Cordova and Signior Iohn de Chiamadser men of acute wisedome and profoundly politique who being come from Spaine to Rome and joyning with the Cardinals Spinola Cueva Borgia and the Marquesse of Chasteaw Roderigo the Spanish Embassadour in ordinary they joyntly agreed to be instant with his Holinesse that he would assist the Emperour with monies and to that purpose obteyned the tenth of all the Ecclesiasticke goods in Sicile Sardinia Portugall and other parts which was thought would amount to 500000 Crownes At this time dyed the Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia at Brussels wherefore Flanders wanting a Prince of the Austrian blood to governe it the Infant who was yet at Milan was solicited to come thither This Princesse left this world in the 67th yeare of her Age and 33 of her Government she was a Lady of a Majesticall aspect affable and full of Curtesie her customes were religious even to admiration her actions devoute and her government most just Her losse was lamented by all Flanders but chiefly by the Inhabitants of Brussells for the Marquesse of Aytona having taken upon him the government and having by night stolne in many Spanish Souldiers â—â—to the Towne the Inhabitants tooke this his diffidence of them in such scorne as hatred supplying the place of loyalty the Flemish devotion to the Spaniards began to vanish apace and some novelty was likely to have happened had not their hopes of receiving the Infant into the Throne which they had so much reverenced moderated the violence of the popular desire and the passion which was conceived by the Nobility Aldringer this meane while leaving a Garrison in Miminghen and Kauffburen retired with the Duke of Feria towards Fussen upon the Confines of Swabenland towards Tiroll upon the Leech when Wert thinking to surprise Ollins his quarter a Swedish Colonell in a Village neer Straubing called Harthawsen went thither by night but finding the Swedes drawne forth of the Village into an advantagious place with their weapons in their hands he set fire on the Village and fearing to meet with a hard incounter for that the Allarme was already given round about he returned to his former station Whilst in Vienna and in other places the greatest policy that in wisedome could be found out was practised by faithfull Ministers of State for what concerned Walesteines actions Baudis who as hath been said was about Coln tooke in Bona and Ertfield Townes belonging to that Electorat and seated along the Rhyn begirt onely with single Wals and Ditches after the ancient manner which made them not fit to resist the Cannon and other moderne offensive inventions where afterwards by the interposition of the Holland Embassadour he treated with the Elector touching a Newtrality which tooke effect And Cronisfield being advertised that Waldeck a place from whence a ridge of Land takes it name which lyes between the Landsgrave of Hessens Country the Arch-Bishoprick of Paderborne and the Dukedome of Burgher in Westfalia along the Eder named the County of Waldeck was much opprest by the Swedes marched thitherwards for it was not fitting to permit the Protestants
he resolved to ride streight towards the Frontiers of Picardy and took order to prevent any mischiefe which might insue that upon the day appointed certaine Troopes of French Horse should bee upon those Frontiers Hee went out of Brussels waighted upon by Messieurs de Pilloran de Fargis de Condray Montpensier leaving Monsieur de Candeboune to wait upon the Duchesse his Wife which Candebonne was afterwards sent away by the Spaniards as one they trusted not in And finally he arrived in France to the great contentment of all the Subjects Princes Ministers of state Cardinall and of the King himself which they exprest by Jubilean teares and all outward manifestations of joy and to the as great discontentment of all those who had laid their foundations upon these divisions The Spaniards who if all be true that was said were not very well pleased hereat did notwithstanding wisely cover their inward sorrow giving out how much they were joyed that their Kings Brethren in law were reconciled and that his Highnesse needed not have beene so secret in his departure for as they had courteously received him so would they as willingly have served him and attended him with such decency into France as became so great a Prince The Infanta whom we left after the Battaile of Nordlinghen in the Spanish Army in the Dukedome of Wirtenberg went by Ashaffemburg a City belonging to the Elector of Mentz upon the Main towards Cullen and came happily into the Country of Lucemburg with the great applause of the Inhabitants The King of Hungary having taken Neilburne a City in the Dukedome of Wirtenberg seated upon the Neccar which being onely surrounded with old Wals soone yeelded march't with his Forces towards the Ringrave who kept himselfe with his owne men and those hee had drawne out of Garrisons neer Offemberg to oppose the Caesarians proceedings in those parts not being strong enough to face a great and victorious Army discovering the Imperialists Scouts and having skirmished with them he retired towards Strasburg But being pursued by the Caesarian Horse and not able to get to the Bridge over the Rhyn before they overtooke him whilest hee past over his Foot it behoved him to skirmish with the Imperialists Horse where being overborne by the grosse of the Enemy and not able to passe over the Rhyn by the Bridge which was barricadoed by Carts and Foot he to save his person threw himselfe into the River and by swimming over it escaped the hands of the Enemy but left behinde him at this bout neer 400 Horse and some Carriages After this action the Imperialists fearing lest they might necessitate the Swedes to implore succour from France and to joyne themselves with the Army commanded by the Marshall de la Force who was fallen downe into Alsatia and was then quartered about Lindaw they kept themselves within there quarters for some time in the Dukedome of Wirtenberg not indeavouring any new businesse at which the Swedish Commanders did not a little wonder But this was by politicians interpreted a piece of cunning thus to afford leasure to the Swedes who were totally broken that gathering a little courage they might not give way to the demands made in Mentz by the French Agents concerning those Townes which they held upon the Rhyn and thereabouts and which they had yet refused to surrender But the Elector of Bavaria growing jealous at these delayes by which they seemed rather to seek peace with the Protestant Princes then pursue the warre 't was said that the Austrians foreseeing an almost inevitable rupture with France would first see the businesse of Germany setled that they might the more freely afterwards oppose themselves to the French Forces the which was to be indeavoured before they should declare open Warre against the French for if they should fall foule with them before the other affaire were setled they were likely to meet with greater difficulties then otherwise for inheartned by hopes from France their pretensions would be the loftier The Duke of Bavaria doubted lest the Emperour might conclude this Peace and lest he might remit the Count Palatine into his state so to gaine the friendship of the King of England which it much imported him to have Hee indeavoured therefore by what was gathered from understanding men to thwart this and made Iohn de Wert Commander of the Forces of the Catholicke League of which the said Duke as hath been formerly said was Generalissimo sit downe before Heydelberg the Metropolitan of the lower Palatinat to renew by this hostillity the jealousies between Caesar and the Crowne of England the which Wert did and tooke the Town and shortly after the Castle which wanting succour compounded The losse of this Towne though it opened the way for the Caesarians to advance without any difficulty towards Franckfort and Mentz yet was it not pleasing to the Imperiall Councell For Manheime being garrizon'd by the French a strong hold upon the Rhyn at the mouth of the Neccar formerly possessed by the Spaniards afterwards slighted by them to free themselves of the expence they must be at in maintaining a strong Garrison there which now they needed not and having built a Bridge upon Boates they would not oblige them to passe over the Rhyn and declare Warre They therefore kept themselves within their quarters at Wirtenberg and the Marquisat of Turlach not indeavouring any other enterprise attending the conclusion of Peace with Saxony which at this time was with much fervenvency and almost an assured successe treated of For the distastes which that Elector had taken against Oxesterne for the little respect given by him in his discourses to the Electors actions were growne to a very great height And though the French who were troubled this peace should be concluded sent Monsieur de la Grange to the Elector to disturbe it as it was commonly reported with promise of Monies Armes and assistance yet did they not feare to effect it for the Elector was not greatly well inclined to the greatnesse of Forreigne Protestants in Germany and therefore it was not to be believed hee would nourish the Warre at the desire of the French The end of the ninth Book DOCTRINA PARIT VIRTUTEM The Warres and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE X. BOOK The Contents of the Tenth Booke The Imperialists are invited to the surprisall of Filisburg by the Frenchmens neglected Guards many consultations being had they resolve upon the enterprise which they easily obtaine The French are much incenst at this surprisall and make great Military Provisions Franckfort upon the Mayne compounds with the Emperour The Spaniards surprise Triers and carry the Elector prisoner into Flanders Auspurg and other Cities brought to great extremitie cloze in with the Peace of Prague The French fall unexpectedly upon the Valteline and without any dispute make themselves masters thereof The state of Milan takes up Armes and the Spaniards are carefull to preserve the strong holds The
Duke of Savoy is much prest by the French and Spaniards at last he resolves to satisfie the French Duke Waymer takes pay of the King of France Oxesterne goes from Germany for Swethland The Austrians make divers proceedings about the Rhyn The Dutchmen come to the succour of the Valteline Great confusion in the state of Milan by reason of the French Hostilitie The Spaniards helpe them Artois is assayled by the French Forces and much of action is had in those parts The Duke of Saxony indeavours to shun breaking with the Swedes but cannot prevaile they declare themselves his Enemies The King of Hungary comes into the Field he passes into Wirtenberg and hath an eye to the proceedings of the French The Austrians indeavour to put distastes betweene France and England but faile in their designe The Duke of Bavaria is married to the Emperours Daughter The Spaniards surprise Sckinck-Sconce The Duke of Crequi passes into Monferrat enters the state of Milan takes many places encamps before Valenza The Milanois are hereat much affraid Rohan proceeds sâ—ccessefully in the Valteline The Hollanders goe to regaine Schinck-Sconce The Forces of Parma and Savoy joyne with the French before Valenza The Spaniards complaine unto the Pope of the Duke of Parma The Duke in a Remonstrance publisheth his Reasons The Spaniards make great preâ—arations for the defence of Milan by a Fleet at Sea they surprise the Island of S. Honore and S. Marguerit WHilst the Imperiall Forces to the wonder of many remained idle in their Quarters at Wirtenberg Lieutenant Colonell Iaspar Baumberger formerly Governour at Filisburg he who before he surrendred that place to the Swedes cunningly and peradventure with intention of making use thereof upon fitting occasion made the Palizadoes to be saw'd on some sides of the Fort and to be so repleated that if at any time any reasonable force should be used against them they might be broken in sunder and throwne downe the season serving for this purpose which was so cold as that all the Ditches were hard frozen over and incouraged by the good correspondency which he held with all the parts thereabouts for whilst he had the government of that place he so behaved himselfe as he had generally wonne the good will of all the neighbouring people not doing as the French who by making continuall inrodes into the neighbouring Townes and by other different wayes of proceeding and Military licentiousnesse had purchased the peoples hatred did secretly acquaint the King of Hungary and some other prime Counsellours and Chiefe Commanders of the Caesarian Army with his designe Who debating hereupon some were of a contrary opinion affirming That the event of a businesse must be maturely fore-seene before the businesse it selfe be undertaken that it was well knowne how that Fort was valued by the French what trouble and paines they had to get it from the Swedes and that therefore it was not to be doubted that as the losse would be more resented so would the distaste they should take thereat be the greater that it was not yet time to come to open enmitie with the French who were at peace within themselves had recovered their Kings Brother and who united within themselves were of themselves alone without any other assistance formidable to all Europe a Nation alwayes desirous of Warre which could not wish for a better occasion then such a conjuncture to breake with the Spaniards being as well their greatest Enemies as their chiefest Rivalls and who by having an Army out of their Kingdome might thereby evacuate those unquiet humours wherewithall they doe abound and which uses to occasion home-troubles amongst them very advantagious to those that feare them and without which all attempts against them are vaine that Flanders was not able at one and the same time to maintaine it selfe against the Hollanders and defend it selfe against the French who might easily fall upon Artois that the Forces of Burgondy were too small to defend it selfe from those much more powerfull of a King of France that Italy which was drained by the continuall evacuation of so many men sent into Germany and Flanders most Princes being at this crisis of time well inclined towards the French might run a great hazard if it should at this time be set upon that it was no doubt that either Flanders or Italy without succour from Germany could make their partie good against the French that it was credible that the Spaniards who were much concerned in the possession of those Provinces were to expect succour from the Emperour whereby the Dutch Army being weakned the Swedes joyning consequently with the French Forces the Warre was likely to be kept on Foot in the Empire to the great prejudice of those people that it was therefore better for them to temporise and persisting in the way they were in before they should breake with France to weaken the Swedes re-assume a good correspondency with the Hanse-Townes and conclude the peace with Saxony without the which it would be dangerous for them to have to doe with the French To these wel-grounded Reasons reply was made by those who knew how advantagious it was to make Achievements without cost That occasions of securing themselves and growing greater were not to be let slip when Fortune proffers the meanes that the proceedings of the French were no longer concealed that the harmes occasioned by them were apparently seene how they indeavoured to oppresse the house of Austria and aggrandise themselves that the blowes of a declared Enemy were lesse to be feared then those of a diffident and feigned friend that it was to be considered the French would alwayes foment the Austrians Enemies and strongly assist them out of hopes of getting somewhat thereby and that keeping themselves in peace whilst others were by the eares as others grew weaker they must consequently grow the stronger that the proceedings of the French out of France was not much to be feared for that the impatiency and eagernesse of that Nation not being long to be tollerated by others of a different genius 't was probably to be hoped they might alter the affections and friendship of their Confederates that it made not for any of the other Protestants that they should get footing out of France that it would be hard for them to make any proceedings in Flanders by reason of the strong holds and situation thereof that it was held the Hollanders would never agree they should grow greater in those parts That Burgundy wanted not Forts upon the Frontiers sufficient to consume whatsoever Army and that the losse of that Countrey would be prejudiciall to Helvetia whereunto it was not expedient to change the Confines of a King whose Territories were dis-joyned with those of a formidable Monarch whose state was united that more might be feared in Italy then elsewhere but since it made not for the advantage of the Princes and Potentates thereof that the state of Milan should be taken from the Spaniards and
and somewhat of unknowne was agreed upon by the Duke in favour of the King of Spaine Crequi this mean while playd upon Valâ—nza on all sides in so much as those that were wel-wishers to the French gave out a report that Valenza would yeeld or be lost which being got hold of by the common people began to be believed by the great ones and the wisest And this the rather for that the wary Crequi seeing how little good his Forces could doe unassisted by Savoy and Parma from whom as yet he had received nothing but hopes save 10 Companies of Curasses from Savoy under the command of Monsieur Flort a French Gentleman and Marshall of the Field resolved upon some prevalent meanes to perswade the Duke of Parma to declare himselfe openly against the Spaniards for when he should have done so Savoy would have all excuses taken from him why he should not condiscend to the desires incessant pressures made unto him by the French And the more to make Parma as being the further off declare himselfe for the French Crequi by expresse messengers sent him word that the Towne was already so distressed by his assaults as it would doubtlessely suddenly be tane that therefore he desired him to come and honour the Forces of France with his presence for that by so doing he might the more ingratiate himselfe into the favour of the King of France by declaring himselfe when the event of things were yet uncertaine The Duke believing that Crequi spoke like a reall friend being moreover desirous of glory and inheartned by hopes of bettering his condition with the division of the State of Milan suffered himselfe contrary to the opinion of his owne Counsellours to be perswaded by Crequi and to that purpose mustering his men at Saint Iohns Castle where were found to be 4000 Foot and 800 Horse he on the 30th of August sent some Squadrons on this side Poe into the Territories of Coniado the demeanes of Prince Trivullio and on the first of September those of Parma marched very secretly through the Country of Tortona and not meeting with any incounter came before that Town where staying a while and the Duke quartering himselfe neer Poe in Signor Scampa's Palace a Battery was suddainly raised on that side also against the Tenalia which was held by the besieged and moreover hee threw a Bridge of Boates over the River in that part as the Duke of Savoy did likewise on the other side who came thither also soone after with about 5000 men and this was done that they might passe on this side the River and hinder the succour which those of Valenza might receive by the Bridge which was guarded by the Spaniards The Spaniards being very much grieved at the Duke of Parma's hostility and the more for that they had alwayes beene held by the Dukes his predecessors as arbitrators of the affaires of that Dukedome could not tollerate the proceedings of the present Edward they therefore complained bitterly to the Pope to the end that that Dukedome holding of the Church and consequently the Pope being obliged to defend it hee should not afterwards have reason to move them to withdraw their Forces if they should invade that Dukedome since the Duke thereof had first given the occasion The Pope being wrought upon by such perswasions wisht the Duke not to molest the State of Milan lest hee might afterwards give the Spaniards occasion of waging Warre against him the Duke and therein interest the holy Sea The Duke of Parma pretending to have just cause to breake with the Spaniards dispatcht away a Gentleman of his to Genua to advertise that Republicke of his comming into the field and soone after publisht a Manifesto expressing therein what benefits the Crowne of Spaine had recived from his house and how on the contrary that Crowne had evilly requited him how Regent Villani had threatned him for that he had not consented to what had been propounded prejudiciall to his State in respect of sending him into Flanders as hostage of the others faith how instant the Emperours Embassadour had been with him to disburse more Mony then he was able and how he had sent an Embassadour into Spaine to represent unto his Catholicke Majesty how much hee might expect from him which Embassadour was entertained there many Moneths and at last returned backe without any answer The Spaniards knowing very well that the State of Milan was not to be succoured by help from Germany by reason that the passages of the Valteline were stopt by Rohan and that therefore they were to indeavour succour by Sea where it behoved them to have a considerable Fleet to scoure the Seas without danger of the French Vessels had already prepared a good Squadron of Gallies and round-botomb'd Boates in the Mediterranian under the command of Marquis Santa Croâ—â— and thinking it was very fit for their purpose to take the Islands of S. Mâ—rguerit and S. Honore places which would not onely have facilitated their navigation but be a hindrance to the French who passe from Marselles into the Territories of Genua and consequently would be a great trouble to the transportation of such provisions as they should indeavour to send to their Armies in the State of Milan and Montferrat sailed thitherward and landing some of their Foot made themselves easily masters thereof for the French not expecting such an attempt had neglected to put such defence into those Islands as was requisite for them The end of the tenth Book DOCTRINA PARIT VIRTUTEM The Warres and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE XI BOOK The Contents of the Eleventh Book The French continue to oppugne Valenza the Spaniards defend themselves valiantly many men of qualitie are slaine before it Gustavenburg falls into the Imperialists hands The Crabats invade France and are worsted Monsieur De Belieure the French Embassadour goes to many Princes of Italy Valenza is luckily succoured by the Spaniards which causeth the French-men to rayse their Siege being ill satisfied with the Duke of Savoy A great bickering in the Valteline betweene Rohan and Serbellone The Spaniards desire and obtaine passage from the Papists Cantons of Switzers for succour from Germany for Milan The Saxons proceedings against the Swedes Marquis Villa passes with those of Parma into the Countrey of Piacenza Marquis Leganes comes to Milan The Court of France is much troubled at the retreat from Valenza Consultation is had upon what is expâ—dient to continue the Warre in Italy The Duke of Parma goes into France to speake with the King Villa enters in hostile manner upon the Territories of the Duke of Modena and is made retire The King of England indeavours the restitution of the Palatinate but in vaine The Emperour demands helpe from the Princes of Italy for the Warre of Germany New Dutch Forces come to the State of Milan whereupon the Spaniards pursue to invade the Territories of the Duke of Parma The French
indeavour to divert them but lose their labour The differences betweene Parma and Modena are husht by the Popes interposition The Duke of Parma returnes from France to Montferrat and indeavours to succour his Dominions Divers Consultations are had by the French at Casale wherein they meet with many difficulties Duke Waymer takes pay of the King of France The Saxons being recruited by the Imperialists have divers proceedings against the Swedes The Imperialists over-runne some Townes in France are ill handled and Colloredo tane Prisoner The Grisons grow jealous of the French A Diet is called at Ratisbon for the choosing of the King of the Romans The Saxons besiege Magdeburg The Hollanders storme Sckinck-Sconce And the Imperialists pursue the taking of Hannaw AT the same time when the Saxons battered the Castle of Hall the Spaniards scoured the Mediterranean Sea and the Imperialists advanced in the Lower Palatinate and in Alsatia where every day Townes and Castles yeelded to them The French having made their approaching Trenches raysed their batteries and couragiously set upon Valenza made a fierce assault upon some little Forts and out-workes of the Towne which being with no lesse valour sustained by the Spaniards occasioned the death of many brave French-men Soone after some Companies commanded by Don Antonio Lottello and backt by the Marquis Celada and Don Antonio de Chiavari Nephew to Cardinall Albernots sallyed out against the quarters of those of Parma and a great skirmish was had betweene them for the Spaniards fighting stoutly and incouraged by Celadi's gallant behaviour who with his Sword in hand gave testimony of his courage and being no lesse valiantly withstood by those of Parma led on by Signior Richardo Avogardo Generall of the Horse much slaughter was made and much blood shed Avogardo being shot with an Harquebusse was immediately slaine together with six of his Captaines and about 200 Souldiers Chiavari having a faire Chaine which invited his Enemies to get it was likewise â—laine with a Pistoll-shot together with five Reformado-Captaines and stript and Laines a Spanish Captaine of great esteeme whose death was no lesse lamented by the Cardinall his Uncle then by all the Spanish Commanders and Souldiers he being a gallant Young-man well behaved and of great hopes But if the Spaniards were grieved at his losse the Duke of Parma was not a little sadded for the death of Avogardo he was by birth a Brescian of one of the best Families of all Lombardy who to boot with the orders of Chivalry enjoyed the priviledges of the Venetian Nobilitie he came young out of his Country and being trained up in the Emperour Ferdinand the seconds Armies he had not onely by experience worthily purchased the name of valiant but by his bold courage and keene Sword wonne the repute of one of the gallantest Cavaliers of those Armies having after a single combat with Colonell Forcats who was esteemed one the best at his Weapon in the Army and wherein he purchased immortall glory in all actions behaved himselfe with such undaunted animositie as that his Colonell Picolomini inamored of his valour made him his Lieutenant Colonell which office he so worthily discharged in the Battell of Lutzen where the King of Swethland was slaine as that it is truely affirmed that Picolomini and Avogardo saved the Romanists Army from the imminent danger of being routed that it was in and where he was wounded in the thigh with a Musquet-shot which had well-nigh cost him his life He was a Gentleman of a comely presence of a tall stature of a pleasing aspect and graciously spoken In briefe the expectation which his worthy indowments did promise is able to draw teares from any ones eyes that makes account of gallant men Gustavenberg a Towne built by the King of Swethland out of some great designe over against Mentz as hath beene said was this meane while straightly besieged being brought to great extremitie Waymer not being able to succour it who was gon to that purpose with his men to Mentz was at last inforced to yeeld to the Caesarians the Swedish garrison marching out which were 1200 Foot with their Bagge and Baggage Whereupon Waymer fayling in his designe and fearing to be invironed by the Imperialists who having past the Rhyn came even to the gates of Mentz resolved to retreat to Cruntzenach which he did in great hast He was followed notwithstanding by the Imperiall Horse who setting upon his Reare which skirmishing gallantly kept the Caesarians off yet being overtaken by fresh Troops they were inforced in much hast to betake them to their heeles wherein their Squadrons which with much adoe got under the Walls of Cruntzenach did somewhat suffer The taking of Gustavenberg and Waymers retreat from Mentz did so much inhearten the Austrians as they bethought themselves to make some inrodes from Flanders into France The Crabats out of hope of bootie which is the true bait that intices Souldiers on especially those of that Nation and perswaded of good successe went into Picardy and to the no little prejudice of those Townes and Villages many of which they sack't and burnt they past a good way in At which the King of France being highly offended and sending readily many French Foot and Horse towards them who cut downe the bridge of Some betweene Abaville and Amiens they were inforced to face about and to retreat upon a round gallop to their former quarters with no little losse and suffering many of them being slaine by the French and their Baggage lost Mounsieur De Belieure the extraordinary Embassadour of France sent by the King to the Princes of Italy having received his dispatch went to Genua where having agreed with that Re-publique to keepe a perfect good intelligence with the Crowne of France as those Senators seemed to pretend to doe in this Warre and having taken his leave of that Senate with satisfaction to the French and no small jealousie to the Spaniard he came to Parma about the midst of August where he had audience by the Duke and with mightie promises and hopes inheartned him to keepe friendship with his Majestie and to joyne his Forces with Crequi and having received signes from him of probable good inclination to the King he departed well satisfied when he came to Mantua he staid some dayes with Duke Charles discoursing upon the present affaires and exhorting him to continue in his devotion to his King And because one of the French-mens chiefe foundations in this Warre was to divert the Venetian Forces led on under-hand by the Duke of Mantua or publiquely declared by the Re-publique it selfe against the state of Milan out of inlarging their Confines he treated with his Highnesse to rayse men in Italy in his Majesties name to which purpose Mony should be sent him to raise a body of an Army in that Dukedome wherewithall hee might at least make jealous the Spaniards in Cremona if it should not bee thought fitting publiquely to declare himselfe which
being thus recruited marched into the field to oppose the inrodes of the Swedes who keeping in the State of Magdeburg did much infest those Towns which joyned upon Saxony and putting some of their Regiments to flight they slew many of them and tooke 7 Ensignes Bannier being hereof advertised who was reinforced about Lunenburg with 4000 Souldiers which were brought to him by Colonell Stalans from Prussia marched with his Army against the Saxons who fearing to meet with desperate men and such as desired to joyne Battaile with them though their numbers were greater their courage appeared to be lesse for they faced about and retreated to their former quarters Hannaw was likewise at this time streightly besieged by the Imperialists a strong hold fortified after the moderne fashion and seated upon the River Brints which taking its head from Franconia fals into the Mayne before Franckfort Colonell Vistum did herein command in Chiefe one of the bravest Commanders the Swedes had who having a stout Garrison made frequent Sallies wherewith he much troubled the Marquis of Grana and Lamboi who were the chiefe leaders of the Caesarian Camp News being come to the Court of France of their countrymens retreat from before Valenza and how little good their Commanders had yet done they took speedy advice about such things as they thought most fitting to continue the Warre in Italy and somewhat to salve their losse of reputation It was therefore foreseen and evidently made appeare by the wiser sort that little was to be hoped for in that Province whilest they were not really and effectually assisted by other Potentates or else unlesse the King himselfe should march thither in person with a powerfull Army For the French have no great desire to make Warre in Italy which they call their Grave insomuch as of 20000 Foot which came from Dolpheny hardly 10000 came into Piemont of which whole Squadrons fled daily away moved thereunto out of the impatiency the French-men have of seeing Rome Venice and other Cities in Italy where they stay lay downe their Armes and betake themselves to such Trades as they formerly used in France whereby the French Companies were so much lessened as that their Captaines not daring to acquaint the King therewithall were it either out of shame or for their privat gaine by the receiving of dead pay excused their delay by invented difficulties Whence it was that thus to set upon an estate full of strong holds and having good Forces in the fields was but a losse of men and time And the King not being able to goe out of his Kingdome by reason of the great interests of the Crowne or rather as it was said by others lest he might hazard that reputation and glory which with the universall applause of Christendome and of the whole World he had wonne when he freed the Duke of Mantua from evident Spanish subjection it behoved either to quit the enterprise or else to indeavour to conclude a friendship and union with some such Potentate as might be able to set upon that State in some other part that by such a diversion the way might be opened to their desired proceedings This Counsell though it were the most proper and that which at their first taking up Armes was imbraced yet was it not thought sufficiently effectuall For those who cleerly saw the reason and relation of States argued by what was past that the Italians more hated the neighbourhood of the French then of the Spaniards they being naturally more inclined to the Spaniards by reason of their sympathizing in language and gravity with them then to the others who much differ from them both in customes and vivacity of spirit Yet building upon the opinion that the Spaniards were ill thought of as those who being potent in Italy doe infinitely desire to inlarge the bounds of their Monarchy That they had beene the cause of so much ruine in Italy as was witnessed by the fresh memory of Mantua and Lombardy they perswaded themselves that particular hatred was able in some sort to obfuscat that wisedome through which Princes regard not the memory of any thing that is past that so they may be the more intent to the present interest of their State The Duke of Parma was in this interim not well satisfied with those chiefe Agents who had the government of the French Forces in Italy who gave little appearance of concurring in advice with his Highnesse keeping their men quartered in Montferrat when both time and occasion required they should have beene imployed about the common interest before such time as further Forces should bee brought into the State of Milan as was expected from Spaine Naples Germany and elsewhere and whereof some Dutch Troopes did already appeare who were received upon the Confines by Signior Alexander Visconti sent thither to that purpose from Milan The Duke foresaw that through the Commanders negligence who minded nothing but their owne profit the Warre was at last to fall wholly upon his Country which lay open for the Spanish invasion But he was also comforted by hopes of receiving fresh aide from the King of France and that hee himselfe should have the chiefe command of the Warre A businesse which if it had succeeded as it was wisely advised the French might have hoped for better successe then they hitherto had For the Duke of Parma being a sprightly Prince and of high thoughts would have carried on the Warre with courage and ingenuity and being sufficiently ill minded towards the Spaniards would not have let slip such occasions as should have opportunely presented themselves keeping his Companies compleat and behaving himselfe like a generous Commander And when the Milanesses should have seene such a Prince in the field who can tell but that believing hee might prove another Lodowick they would not have been so faithfull unto the Spaniards as now they seemed to bee for feare of falling in subjection to the French And this was thought by witty men the best course the French could have taken for when they should have appeared not to have beene any wayes interessed themselves and that their onely end had beene to have driven out the Spaniards and to have reduced that Dukedome under the Scepter of an Italian Prince those who were subjects unto Spaine would have been glad thereof so to have been eased from the government of strangers and the other Princes of Italy hoping to better their condition by expelling the Spaniards and particularly by their dividing the State of Milan amongst them they would have heartily fomented the worke but strangers being to be exchanged for strangers and an united power as was then that of France being to be drawne neere them 't was better for them to continue the State of Milan in the Spaniards hands whose Territories are farre off and disjoyned For to compose an Army fit to defend on one part and to offend the State on another much Mony and time would be required and the
Kingdom of Naples and their other States would be thereby much burthened a businesse of so great consideration as the Spaniards would have very well bethought themselves of the end before they would have undertaken such a Warre and peradventure never have done it till first they should have driven the French from Montferrat and Piemont and so have hindered them from succouring of such Princes of Italy as should be by them opprest wherefore neither did the Souldiers nor any of the adjoyning neighbours like of such a change and the rather for that the Spaniards were more quiet neighbours then the French the Duke of Parma resolved therefore to go to the Court of France where he was received by the King with all beseeming pomp graciously looked upon and better treated Marquis Villa who during the Duke of Parma's absence kept himselfe with the abovesaid Savoy-Horse upon the Piacenzan Territories being advertised that the Duke of Modena did still ingage himselfe in further friendship to the Spaniards and that he furnished them with all things necessary out of his owne State thinking it now no longer time to keep idle in his quarters resolved upon some enterprise and under pretence of remitting the Prince of Correggio into his estate who in the former Warres of Mantua being accused by the Austrian Agents of coyning false Monies and extortion was banished to over-run the Country of Modena and thereby indeavour to withdraw the Duke of Modena from his inwardnesse with Spaine or rather to perswade him to joyne in league with the Duke of Parma and the other Colleagues Which could he have done as he had small reason to imagine for that wise Prince minded not to interest himselfe foolishly in a Warre whereby he could promise nothing to himselfe but the ruine of his State it would have been so usefull a diversion for the French Forces as they might easily have obtained their desired ends Departing from his quarters he so opportunely and so unexpectedly came upon the Territories of Modena as that the Duke thereof and his Commanders dreaming of nothing lesse afforded the Savoyards opportunity to over-run some Townes of Rugio and to â—acke Castle Novo but these proceedings were soone stopt For the Duke and his Uncle Prince Lewis a valiant and experienced Souldier marched into the field with a good strength of Foot and Horse and the Spaniards upon notice hereof did speedily imbarque 800 Horse and 2000 Foot at Casall the greater upon the Poe who landing under Bressell a strong hold in Modena came the first week in Lent to the succour of the Duke by whom they were courteously received and refreshed in the quarters of Castle Novo Gualtieri and other Townes of Regio where hearing that the Enemy advanced the Spaniards made suddainly towards the Bridge over Lenza a River which comming from the Alpes cuts through the Country between Parma and Regio where joyning with those of Modena they advanced to the high-way which leads from Parma to the said Bridge where those of Parma kept themselves in good order marching towards the Country of Modena And being come neere Sorbolo a Towne betweene Bressel and Cassall Novo Miazza's Company which was advanced to observe the Enemies proceedings light upon the Savoy Horse with whom they skirmished in the which skirmish Count Lodovic Aresoes Company being advanced to succour Miazza and these being pursued by those of Parma they could not retreat by reason of their Commanders unadvisednesse who instead of leaving a convenient space open on the said high-way whereby their Horse might have retreated after their bickering had with the remainder of their Forces block't up the passage so as Count Lodovic was defeated with no little losse likewise to the Burgonians led on by Signior Batteville Of the Spaniards Count Lodovic Arse Batteville and Don Vincenzo Gonzaga were wounded and of the Savoyards Don Scipion di Masserano was tane prisoner And Villa knowing he could no more good for that the Enemy was much more in number then he others will have it that he had secret instructions from the Duke of Savoy to seeme outwardly to give all manner of satisfaction to the French but in effect to delay the execution thereof and to let slip such occasions as might be advantagious to them passed over â—â—za and returned to his former quarters in the State of Parma and the Spaniards after having over-runne some Townes of the State of Parma came back to the Territories of Cremona The English thought the present conjuncture of time favourable for them to get the restitution of the Palatinate by reason of the revolutions and ruptures of these two Crownes for many yeares agitated with War and undoubtedly hoping that upon these emergencies the Austrians would be very glad to keepe good intelligence with that Kingdome and rather indeavour their friendship by giving them satisfaction then againe to render them distrustfull Whereupon as it is usuall to grant those things for need upon poore conditions which in times of prosperitie were held in great esteeme the English thinking that now they might easily obtaine the restitution of the Palatinate from the Imperialists which had formerly beene denyed them sent an extraordinary Embassadour to Vienna to obtaine it from the Emperour who being come thither and having made knowne his Commission was by outward appearance more welcomed then formerly as well in respect that it is usuall to make much of such a Princes Ministers of State so farre as good may be hoped from them as likewise to cause the greater jealousie in the French The negotiation hereof was committed to Monsieur Vicario the Counts Mecaw and Trantmistorfe and to the Baron Stralendorph the chiefe Officers of the Imperiall Crowne and after many meetings and consultations had upon the businesse Caesars good inclination thereunto was interrupted by respect of the satisfaction that was to be given to Bavaria England not being to be satisfied without the prejudice of Bavaria they ought to set the greater value upon the Dukes friendship by how much they knew the re-granting of the Palatinate advantagious to the English for it was not now time to make an uncertaine correspondency with a Forraigne and farre distant Prince thereby to abandon the certaine friendship of one who had alwayes deserved well of and beene faithfull to the Emperour and who being Master of a flourishing Countrey a considerable Exchequer and a no despicable Army if he should quit his Confederacy with the Austrians and joyne himselfe with the French who failed not to indeavour it by all the skill they had the ruine was apparent which would thereby have fallen upon the Empire Therefore the Propositions and the Answers were long held in hand with such dexteritie as Princes use in businesses whereunto they wish no good conclusion so as the negotiation proved abortive The Emperour foreseeing the importance of the Warre with France that he might as well preserve the Princes and Potentates of Italy well inclined towards him and keepe them
reduce them to some dangerous necessitie that the Duke of Mantua's obligations to the King were true but little of hope was to be grounded upon that Prince so impoverished by the late Warres that the wise State of Venice was onely intent upon the maintaining of their own Dominions and the preservation of the peace in Italy that therefore it was not probable they would like the neighbour-hood of the Forces of so great a King who the further distant he was from their Dominions was alwayes the more their friend and that it was an infallible argument that if they would not send their Forces into the Valteline nor yet into the Spaniards Territories at the first entrance of the French who it may be hoped well therein they would lesse suffer the neighbourhood of such Forces to foment them which by how much the neerer they were the more cause of jealousie did they afford That the friendship of Modena and Tuscany with the house of Austria was apparent so as nothing could be expected from them but help to the Spaniards and the contrary to the French In briefe they concluded that as the Princes of Italy were not satisfied that the Spaniard should inlarge his power amongst them so would they not indure that the French should extend themselves beyond Cassalle since their possession of that place was sufficient to keep the Spaniards in perpetuall jealousie and divert them from such thoughts as they would certainly demonstrat could they keep the French lockt up on the other side the Mountaines By these reasons the enterprise was laid aside the danger being foreseen which the Army might run of being destroyed whose numbers was lessened by the running away and death of Souldiers and who would certainly according to custome continue their disbanding and by these objections the mouths of the boldest and most couragious were stopt and they were of the more force for that any such designe without greater strength was onely built upon the aire and meer imagination Whereupon feeding the Duke of Parma with hopes and satisfying the Court with excuses they grew at last to be so negligent as it may truly be believed all the harme they suffered afterwards arose from hence Bannier who was retired to quarter in the Bishoprick of Magdeburg where by reason of sicknesse he staid for about a month having recovered his health and divers Swedish bands being joyned with him he went with his Army from thence where he saw he could not without prejudice tarry any longer And being followed by the Imperialists Saxons about Hall some skirmishes ensued wherein the Swedes had the worst whereupon the Imperialists being egg'd on to further enterprises they marched forwards to ingage Bannier in a Battaile but he wisely knowing it was not now time to hazard the gaines of so many yeares upon the few houres of one day haulted at Ghilberstet between Mansfield and Magdeburg and intrenching himselfe there prepared to fight in that advantagious situation The which when the Saxons perceived fearing that if some other Forces that were not farre off with Agafelt should come up to Bannier they should be too much ingaged and some notable mischiefe might befall them the Swedes being desirous as those who for the peace lately made by Saxony did not a little detest all the Saxon Souldiers to fight and revenge the ingratitude as they termed it used by the Duke to the Crowne of Swethland they retired likewise upon the bankes of Sala there to provide themselves of necessaries for the taking of Magdeburg which they so much thirsted after Which retreat when Bannier saw he likewise rose from Ghilberstet and went to Strasford and Altensleben places in those precincts to provide for the preservation of that City where having viewed the Ammunition Rampiers Fortifications and Garrison hee returned to his quarters at Strasford Duke Waymer who as hath beene said by reason of Gallasse his comming was retired to the Confines of Lorayne knowing that it was not possible to keep any longer in those parts which were wasted and now full of the Emperours Forces and more impossible for him to receive succour from the Swedes who because they saw that after the defeat at Nordlinghen it was behovefull for them to forgoe the Provinces of Franconia Alsatia and the Palatinat as places too farre from succour and wanting such commodities as the Armies had formerly maintained themselves withall raising great Contributions from thence had resolved to quit the warre on this side and to march with all their Forces to defend the Townes upon the Rivers of Vesser Elb and Oder the preservation whereof was necessary for them they being as it were united to the Kingdome of Swethland for having meanes to transport what men and Ammunition they pleased by the Baltick Sea of which the Swedes were Masters they might easily defend those places and by the maintaining thereof inlarge their dominions and keep up their reputations in Germany the Duke I say being thereunto perswaded by the importunacy of the Officers and Souldiers who either demanded pay or leave to depart as likewise by the large offers of the French Agents who daily solicited him to come and serve their King which if he would doe he should be generall of all his Forces though the Imperialists failed not to doe what in them lay to reconcile him to the Emperour and that these indeavours were assisted by the instigations of his brother Duke William who had already accepted of conditions offered by the Emperour yet did the French prevaile with him who indeavoured by all meanes possible to win him over unto them the which they did for that by gaining this Prince to serve them they added to their Forces about the number of 8000 old Dutch Souldiers and who were the valiantest of the present age by reputation whereof they should not onely keep the places possest by them in Alsatia in fealty whose Inhabitants were naturally ill disposed to the French But they might hope for much better advancements in Germany having one of that Nation for their Commander who was generally beloved by many Cities and Princes then if their Generall should be a stranger a French-man not knowne unto them and the name of French-man being by antipathy odious to Germany Waymer was the rather likewise hereunto perswaded by reason of the ill satisfaction he had received from Oxestern and the other Swedish Officers He went therefore to Paris where hee was received by the King and all the Nobles like a Prince with much magnificency and demonstration of joy and had his businesse concluded to his minde the King subscribing to all his known desires and thus hee tooke upon him the service of the Crowne of France And because the French desired the King of England should at this present crisis some-what declare himselfe for the restitution of the Palatinat to the Princes his Nephewes they resolved to send away Serjeant Major-Generall Ruthen a Scotch-man and one of high esteem in War
should have forgot the true way of corresponding with that which his proper interest required The Embassadour was sumptuously received entertained with extraordinary civilities satisfied onely in hopes and complements but prospered not in his negotiation And againe the Imperialists did preferre the satisfying of Bavaria before giving way to the King of great Britaines pretences for that the neighbour-hood of Bavaria was more behovefull for them as also for that it stood not with the self-interest of England to foment the French since it complyes not with that great Potentate to see his neighbouring Princes grow greater which may afterwards cause jealousies in himselfe and it not being possible for the English to breake with the Austrians without much advantage to the French the Austrians knew well enough that though the English might peradventure barke so to fright them they would not for the aforesaid reasons bite Hannaw held out yet stoutly for the Swedes the Garrison whereof by continuall sallyes did not a little prejudice the Imperialists quarters the Protestants very well knew of what consequence the succouring and maintaining of this place was for it would be a continuall goade in the Austrians sides and a place fit for the Colleagues to retreat unto if at any time they should have men enough to re-enter into Franconia and the Palatinate The Landsgrave of Hessen was looked upon as a man of great concernment who having refused conditions of peace propounded unto him by the Caesarians and Saxons and having joyned in the League now againe contracted betweene Swethland France and Holland joyned all his Forces which were about 7 or 8 thousand men with Lesley who did then command the Swedish Forces in those parts and after he had raysed the Siege from before Osnabruch Hessen betooke himselfe to the taking in of Mynden a place of no small consideration in those times and as affaires then went by Stratagem assisted therein by intelligence which he held with some of the Inhabitants who were not well inclined to the Caesarian partie the which he effected thus He conveyed into the Towne some choice Souldiers in certaine Chests like such as Merchants put their Ware in and sent others thither in Countrymens apparrell seeming to have somewhat to sell who comming to the Gates at the houre agreed upon and the others getting out of the Chests which were conveyed into the Conspirators houses those who guarded some Waggons shot at those that were upon the draw-bridges and the others together with them unsheathing their hidden Weapons fell upon the Court of Guard insomuch as the Romanists ranne rather where they might hope for safetie then to their Weapons for defence it being usuall for men in unexpected accidents to faile of that courage which upon better advertisement they are not wanting in The Swedes therefore became masters of the Gate by which they let the Horse in who staid attending hard by and thus did the Hessians winne a Fort by Stratagem which they had small reason to hope to get by force Of the Romanists there dyed about 400 Souldiers three Captaines and one Lieutenant Colonell the Governour together with many Officers and men of qualitie were taken prisoners and the Citizens ransomed themselves from Military insolence and sacking at the rate of 100000 Dollars The Swedes lost one Captaine and about 35 Souldiers Hereupon the Lansgrave taking heart marched to succour Hannaw which when Lamboi understood who commanded the Caesarian Campe in chiefe he rose with his Horse from his quarters and retreated to Stenheim not thinking himselfe able to withstand the Forces that came against him so as the Swedish horse gallantly advancing and being back't by their well ordered Foot they relieved the Town with 300 Waggons of Provision and changed the Garrison which was much lessened and wearied by continuall action They then set upon some lesser Forts thereabouts where some Imperialists were left to defend them for they understood their succour was not farre off and were minded to returne to before that Towne when the Swedes should be gone from thence which had so much indammaged the neighbouring Territories but having made good their Trenches against two assaults they were at last overcome and forced to flye by the Swedes who behaved themselves couragiously that so they might doe their worke before the Imperialists that were about Mentz should come up and succour their fellowes They therefore about two a clock at night made certaine fires to make the Swedes believe that they prepared for defence and that these were signes of some news of succour or of some other intelligence held with the Austrians and so quit their quarters and went towards Franckfort but they prospered not therein according to their imagination for the Swedes being aware thereof pursued them with their Horse tooke many of them prisoners and brought them under their Colours The Protestant Inhabitants who were not over-confident of being thus relieved and therefore the more joyed thereat did for three dayes together expresse their rejoycing by drinking according to the Dutch fashion to the health of the said Landsgrave and the Swedish Commanders the Cannon going off and the Drums beating at every health insomuch that were it for over-much content or over-much wine the chiefe Magistrate of the Towne drunke himselfe dead whereat all his friends were much troubled for he was a merry conceited old man a good companion and one who was most heartily affected to the Swedish party and the Protestant Commanders Gallasse who was about Spire to observe the proceedings of the French and to withstand them hearing of the Hessians approach and fearing lest the Swedes incouraged by their successe might advance further into Veteravia or the Palatinat where many Townes in which his Souldiers were quartered could not hold out against them past speedily over the Rhyn with part of his Army to Wormes and joyning with Lamboi marcht towards them resolving to face the Swedes and give them Battaile in the field But he found they were already retreated for apprehending danger both on this and on the other side since the Catholick League was raised from before Osnabruch and was upon their march towards them they were contented with having honourably succoured that place and so returned towards Cassell the Landsgrave City of aboad Waymer having taken pay of the Crowne of France being declared by the King Generall of all his Forces in Alsatia and being promis'd to be invested into all that by his Forces he should winne upon condition that he should hold them in Fee of the Crowne of France and Swethland by whose consent the said charge was given to this Prince thinking it now time to undertake somewhat and the intentions of the French being to drive all the Imperiall Garrisons out of Alsatia that so in time they might be wholly possest thereof which would have been of great concernment to them for to boot with inlarging their Dominion and the joyning so rich a Province to their Kingdome they did the
some baracadoes and of an ambush of 600 Foot which was placed in some little Woods therabouts Then Gambacorta seeing what disorder the French were in who forsooke their Trenches cry'd out Victory Victory and giving forward in the head of the Horse being scandalized at some words which Leganes said unto him whilst he disswaded him for setting upon the French within their Trenches who mocked them as if the forbearance thereof proceeded from feare he with two other of his men leapt into the Trenches and would certainly have given a great blow to the French if the rest of the Horse could have immediately have leapt in after him but the Duke of Savoy being this meane while advanced from Oleggio upbraided the French Souldiers and Commanders with pusillanimitie rallyed them together and incouraged them made them face about and keepe their Trenches whereupon returning from all parts to their former stations and by their continuall showers of Musquet-shot gaining ground Gambacorta like a brave Commander with his Sword in his hand purchasing immortall glory was slain with a Musquet Bullet Here was the fight begun again by the Spaniards Dutch and Italians and the French being re-inforced by the Savoyards did no lesse returne to defend their Trenches and upheld the skirmish which was made by the Horse of both sides neere La Cassina but at length all the Commanders behaving themselves circumspectly that they might not hazard the losse of a Battell the night came on and Leganes finding that his men grew weary by reason of their continued labour and that his Horse suffered much for want of water thought it fitting to forbear further fighting and keeping all night in the field within the sight of the French that hee might shew no signe of fearâ— hee in good orden retreated to Biagras and the neighbouring Townes having luckily susteined the on-set which Colonell Monte of Verona made upon his Rear who was then Commissary-generall of the Savoyards Horse The Duke of Savoyes Men did upon this occasion so valiantly behave themselves that most men are of opinion had it not been for them the French Army had been utterly ruined In this action there were slaine of both sides about 3000 Souldiers All the Spanish and Italian Commanders behaved themselves singularly well and were exceedingly grieved at the losse of Gambacorta as were the Savoyards at the like of Toiras Gambacorta was a Gentleman who very well understood the affairs of Warre a Neapolitan by birth not degenerating in his behaviour and proceedings from that civility for which his counâ—â—ey is so famous he was facetious and affable with the Souldier and more generous then usuall his many services in Flanders Germany and other places and the imployments which he worthily discharged for his King witnessed his fidelity and great desire to shew himselfe a worthy servant to his Majesty all his thoughts were onely bent upon his Prince his good all particular advantage was totally banisht out of his imaginations and exercising his ingenuity and vertue of his mind even to his death hee left an eternall memory to posterity of his imitable actions But such as was the sorrow and displeasure which the Spaniards felt by this misfortune such and no what inferiour to them was the grieâ—e which the Duke of Savoy and many other Gentlemen exprest for the death of Toiras This man was not onely held for one of the freest swords of France but his wisdome and his experienced understanding in affaires of Warre was by all admired which had brought him to the degree of Marshall of France and afterwards to the defence of Cassalle a Fort which of how much greater reflection and concernment it was to the King of France and all the Princes of Italy the more was his honour in having the charge thereof given him and his capacity thereby approved and which was by him with so much glory preserved as he might boast to have captivated not onely the affection and good will of his Countrey-men but even of strangers and such as did not know him who professing to be inamored of his valour did by their encomiums exalt him to the height of merit which fortune grants but to few and that onely at the cost of laborious paine Monsieur Toiras was very solid and considerat in his resolutions wise in the executions thereof and vigilant in their mannaging Selfe interest then which there is no contagion more prejudiciall in the officers of Princes he had none Hee made appear unto the world what a worthy Commander and well-deserving servant should be and though by reason of some sinister actions of a Brother of his who sided with the Duke of Orleans for which hee was after punished he was in some contempt or be it but diffidence with the King and had therefore withdrawn himsefe from his service he did not notwithstanding go lesse in the reputation which was held of him the fault of one Brother not being to be imputed to another that hath been found to continue faithfull To returne now unto the Army you must know that when Leganes was retreated from the aforesaid field he disperst his Souldiers into the neighbouring Villages not yet out of sight of the French and there he haulted to refresh and re-inforce his Army that if need should be he might returne againe to fight The French lest they might be too farre ingaged kept in their former Stations within their Trenches and did it upon good grounds for if they could have kept themselves there any long time they would have brought the City of Milan into great danger for lacke of Water and Victuals But they themselves wanting Victuals every day more and more which were tane from them by the Garrisons of Novâ—â—a Mortara and other places full of Spaniards who flank't upon them they on the first of Iuly retreated to Castelletto not farre from Sesto a Towne neer the greater Lake and sackt all the neighbouring Townes which put those people into great frights and made them distrust in helpe from the Spaniards for an opinion was spread abroad and it was firmly believed by the people that the Spaniards would not give the French Battaile in open field but be sure to destroy them by temporizing which was knowne to be their best course But the common-people being ignorant of State Interests and hard to be made understand reason though never so apparent did greatly exclaim against and complaine of the Souldiers who had hitherto made great brags and canted it in the Piazzas and in their quarters where they behaved themselves stoutly against the Battery of dishes but occasion now being offered they could not finde the way to defend those to whom they were so much beholding yet all this was but a tale for they did wisely to preserve their men together which they had beene at so great costs in assembling on the losse whereof depended the ruine of the State of Milan and by entertaining the first brunt of the French
Imperialists after their Horse had skirmished a while and entertained the Enemy whilst their Foot might get under the shelter of the Cannon of their other Sconces they betook themselves to their heeles to their no little losse for being pursued by the grosse body of the Imperialists many of them were slaine and many taken prisoners Waymer having at the same time received a new recruit of French-men who at the newes of these the Imperialists preparations were come in to his succour being much netled at this blow for he was full of courage and one who coveted Battell he sent all his Forces on this side Rhyn and having ordered his Army was ready to fall upon the Enemy But the Duke of Rohan who desirous to see the end of this Siege was for his pastime come from Zurick to Waymer being knowne to be extreamely good at Military stratagems by the powerfull reasons alledged and which were approved of by the Swedes with-held Waymer from coping with the Enemy he thought it better for Waymer to conceale his courage and by seeming rather fearefull to make the Austrians the more vaine-glorious who it being usuall for confidence to produce presumption whereby enterprises are oft-times lost seeing the Swedes retreat and concluding thereby that they were not in a condition to resist would conceive greater hopes in their advancing Rohans advice was therefore imbraced which was That the Swedes seeming to feare the Iâ—pirialists assault and quitting their first stations whilst the Enemy should too boldly pursue them they should by a great Ambush stop their course and the whole Army facing about they should charge home upon them But Wert who was an old and an experienced Commander advancing advisedly did temporise lest he might fall upon the Ambush he haulted that he might the better informe himselfe of the Swedes proceedings who now retreating contrary to their custome made him believe they had some stratagem on Foot And that hee might the better discover the Swedes condition and prevent their cunning he advanced with part of his Army and all his Chiefe Commanders At last being abused by his Spies and unexpectedly set upon by Waymer Rohan and the whole Army the Austrians behaved themselves valiantly and had the better of the Swedes at the first for to boot with having broke divers of their Ranks they tooke Rohan prisoner Waymer at the newes hereof gave forward himselfe in person on the head of his Troopes and making his way with his Sword through the Enemies Battaglions he fell upon Echendorphs Regiment who had Rohan away prisoner routed it recovered Rohan and tooke Echendorph prisoner And Rohan getting upon a brave Gennet which Waymer furnisht him withall he together with Waymer on the Front of the Squadrons of the Ringraves and the French Horse gave on upon the Caesarians who being set upon by Schiavalischi and Calambac's Horse fought stoutly but the residue of the Romanists Horse not comming in time enough who notwithstanding made all the hast they could to come in to succour the Imperialists Generalls having used their utmost power and valour and being invironed on all sides by the Enemy and abandoned by their own men they were compelled to demand quarter and yeelded themselves prisoners to Waymer with the losse of the greatest part of their best Souldiers of their Baggage and such Cannon as they had Iohn de Wert Savell and Speureter were brought to Valdshut where they were with all civilitie entertained by Waymer as famous and renowned Commanders But Savell through intelligence held with some upon the place and by corrupting the Guard made an escape to Waymers great resentment who was much troubled at the losse of this Prince as he severely shewed upon his complices Rohan who in this skirmish was lightly hurt with a Musquet-shot in the Leg was much importuned by Waymer who exceedingly loved him to withdraw himselfe and have his wound drest but he esteeming it but a small hurt it at last gangrend in so much as he dyed thereof not many dayes after to the great griefe of Waymer and all the other Commanders and of all the Protestants For he was a very wise man and who governing his actions more by his considerate discretion then by his daring force had gotten many Victories And had he beene a Romanist so as the King of France might without any suspition of his loyaltie or scandall of his other Roman Catholique Subjects have intrusted him with the managing of his most important affaires what might have beene expected from him commanding a powerfull Army who with the weake power of the Protestants had alwayes maintained himselfe against the King in France it selfe Rohan was a French Prince Duke and Peer of France being bred up and educated in the Warres under Henry the great he attained to such experience as following the opinion and partie of the Protestants he was by them chosen to be their Generall in which charge he alwayes worthily behaved himselfe till such time as he got the Kings pardon He was civilly behaved courteous in his entertainment and of a very sweet condition which made him much approved of by such as had dealings with him He had a sharpe wit was wary in his proceedings and advised in his Counsells He was not proud nor seemed he to be ambitious nor were there any reprehensible faults knowne in him He was noble in his expences and despised increase of wealth a gallant part in a compleat Commander And when any discourse was offered upon this point by any who were straight-handed and had betaken themselves to the War onely for lucre sake he had wont to say that such men ought to be abhorred by all Princes because where particular interest militats the glory of the publick keeps not the field and good will dwells not where Avarice keeps house that that soule wants the freedome of sacrificing it selfe to glory which is fettered by Gold that nothing of worth nor generousnesse can be expected from him who studies onely how to acquire riches He was alwayes diligent in what concerned businesse infinitly inquisitive after novelties desirous of correspondency with men of worth he used such subtlety in all his actions as that he atchieved his ends more thereby then by his Forces he spared not for Mony in rewarding Intelligencers which he kept in all parts and affirmed that such were the eyes of an Army he was so suspicious as where he held a bad opinion he feared even truth it selfe he was of such an impression as where once he fixt his minde even reason could hardly alter him He discoursed willingly spoke with all men was very inquisitive and would know every the meanest matter whereupon hee had wont to say that as ever hearb hath its vertue so every man hath his saying and that oft times that was learned from the meaner sort which was not had from the greatest and hee added that those Princes were of no great worth that were not the subject of the peoples chat
shunne the danger which over-hung his honour and his loyaltie if that place should be lost and boldly advanced to discover the position of the Spanish Campe he went with some of his Domestiques on the other side the Poe and leaning against a great withered Tree he with a perspective Glasse indeavoured to discover the position of the Enemies quarters A Cannonier of Bologninoes quarters espied him amongst many other that were about the Tree for he was clad in Red which made him be the better discerned a farre off and imagining that he must be some man of eminency because usually the great men of France weare that colour in the Warres he levelled a Saker of twelve pound Bullet against him and gave fire thereunto the Bullet whereof hit Crequi on the left hand wherewith he held out the perspective Glasse and on the belly bereaving him immediately of his life and the Bullet stuck in the body of the Tree which being afterwards found by the Spaniards was kept in memory of Leganes Mongagliard hearing of this accident desired to be informed of the truth thereof from Leganes who civilly acquainted him with what had happened from whence he tooke an occasion to come to a rendition of the which his avarice and negligence had beene the onely cause The 26th of the aforesaid March they Articled and on the next day he marched out with Armes Baggage Colours flying Drums beating and with leave for the French Merchants to convoy all their merchandize safely into Cassall and upon condition that such Fugitives in the same Fort as were subjects to the King of Spaine should be left to the discretion of Leganes as by name a Fryer of Olvietto named Ponsone who was discovered to have beene tampering concerning the surprise of Ponsone This happened to the great wonder of the Spaniards who would have beene glad to have laine a moneth before it so they might have beene sure to have tane it The French of this Garrison who were convoyed by Don Vincenso Gonsaga to Fraschinctâ—o close by Cassall were not suffered to come into the Towne but were divided into the quarters of Moano Villa Nova and other Townes of Montferrat Mongagliard and foure other Captaines of that Garrison were onely suffered to come into Cassall who by the command of the Embassadour Emmeri were presently made prisoners Leganes having left 1500 Foot in Brem with all things necessarie under the command of Don Carlo Sfondrato with directions to slight the Workes made during the Siege and to repaire the Fortifications of the Towne returned to Milan where a thanksgiving was observed and their joy exprest in Feastings Maskes and Turny throughout all Milan as indeed they had reason for who shall consider the importancy of this situation must needs confesse it was the happiest thing that at the present could befall the Spaniards unlesse it were the taking of Cassall for this Towne being seated in the very bowells of the State of Milan opened the way thereinto and afforded the French occasion to thinke upon the taking of Mortara a very strong place and well guarded by the Spaniard which if it should have fallen into the French-mens hands doubtlessely the State of Milan and all other parts thereabouts would have tasted the miseries of Warre By the taking of Brem likewise the Spaniards might proceed further in Montferrat The death of Crequi was no lesse lamented in the Court of France then it was throughout all the King of France his Armies it drew teares from the eyes of many who knew his worth and valour The King himselfe and many Princes of France did by their countenances witnesses how heartily they were sorry for it Duke Crequi was of a gallant behaviour and gratefull presence his courage and the esteeme that every one had of him might be read in his countenance He was bred up in War educated amongst Souldiers and had his growth in Armies and by his actions he shewed he had deserved the Character of a worthy gallant gentleman His many actions and the many victories won by his Sword made him be dreaded and trumpeted his deserts his alliance with d'Esdeguieres whose Daughter he married conferred respect upon him and made way for the greatnesse to which at last hee arrived He lived splendidiously preformed punctually the duty of his charge and mannaged his Kings affaires with much advantage hee was of a high spirit witty and very advised In briefe had he not been a little too vain-glorious and too much given to the satisfying of his sences nothing of amisse could have been said of him but hee affected too much his owne appetite he was aswell a sonne of Venus as of Mars hee too much exposed his wisedome to the surprisals of folly The faire looks and good demeanour of every Lady imprisoned his heart hee cherished all manner of censuallity as soone as hee came to any Towne his first inquiry was after women of composition and would preferre his familiarity and domestick licenciousnesse with them before any respect of his place gravity or condition his levity in discourse with-drew much from his estimation hee died an old man being past 70 yeares old and forsaken by that good fortune which had protected him in so many bickerings The losse of Brem made the French Forces be ill-thought of by the Italians for whilst it was thought they would have manifestly indangered the state of Milan they on the contrary suffered their strongest holds to be lost their Armies looking on and by the running away and sufferings of their Souldiers lost whole squadrons It fared otherwise with the Spaniards whose numbrrs still increased having at this very time received a Regiment of Neapolitan Horse under the command of Duke Saint George and two Brigades commanded by the two field Marshals Achilles Minutelo and Pompey de Genaro together with other recruits which were continually made in the Austrian dominions The French commanders foreseeing that the Spaniards emboldned by these fortunate successes would not content themselves therewithall but indeavour to proceed further and their Army being in great confusion by reason of Crequi's death whose authority as it was great with the Souldiers and Kings Officers so were his desires with more diligence listned unto Monsieur d'Emeri who as Embassadour was upon this accident superintendent of all the Kings affaires and the Count of Guiscia Generall of the Horse acquainted the King and Cardinall Richeleiu how affaires stood and did earnestly desire his Majesty to send speedy and requisit provisions answerable to the occasions and gave him an exact account of the Spaniards Force and condition Whereupon the King casting his eye upon these parts his intention being that the Warre should be maintained in Italy if not to proceed further at least to divert the Spanish Forces which being assembled in the state of Milan might to very good purpose re-inforce Germany and Flanders when they should bee of no further use in Lombardy and so much the rather for that
easier by reason of the present conjunctures For the Spanish Forces which were then in Flanders were not able to maintaine Antwerp against the Hollanders and Saint Omers against the French They therefore drew neare to this place which they very much desired to take and employed all their witts how they might effect it But the Spaniards who were very much troubled that so famous a Citie as this should bee lost it being the key of those Provinces minded the importancy of the affaire Prince Thomas tooke with him part of the Army that was then in Brabant by reason of the Hollanders new undertakings and Encamped himselfe betweene Duminghen and Ardres two Forts from whence the Victuals and Ammunition was brought to the French Campe intending to reduce their Armie to so great a scarcity by cutting of their Commerce with those Forts wherein they had placed all their Provisions requisite for that siege as they should be necessitated to give over the enterprize and the Spaniards might preserve the Towne without the losse of blood and so it fell out For the accustomed Victuals not being able to bee any longer brought either by Land or Water to the French Camp from those places which lay most commodious for that purpose and their numbers daily decreasing by their excessive sufferings and Military Duties and by the running away of their Souldiers they were by the gallant behaviour of the Besieged brought into a bad condition and the succour not appearing time enough which was expected to come with the Marishall De la Bresse and Monsieur de Saint Prejule the French raised their Siege on the twelfth of Iuly to their great prejudice having lost about sixe thousand men before the Towne and retreated neare Ardres a place of great consequence belonging to the King of France that they might hault there and attend new Orders from the Court together with the expected succour which they heard was already upon the way towards them But sinister events whereby the opinions of Princes is prejudiced being usually imputed to the blame of thâ—se who have the mannaging of the Affaire by such as doe either emulate or envy them Schatillion who had beene unfortunate in the carriage of this affaire though upon all occasions hee had given sufficient testimony of his loyalty and valour yet reason not being now admitted of in his defence hee had well-nigh ship-wrackt both his fortune and his Honour Had not Cardinall Rechelieu one who through his refined understanding penetrates into affaires and knowes the conditions of envious people and one whom France may very much glory in discovered the wickednesse of the times and the false calumnies which were laid to this mans charge whereby he was restored to his former place and dignity and recovered the honour he had well nigh lost The Hollanders who could not endure to stand idle in these present occasions of Flanders molested by the French though they were much afflicted for the blow they had received at Callo and that this unfortunate accident was knowne by many to be a fore-runner of other bad events that yeare yet as undaunted Souldiers and accustomed to the variety of Fortune not at all declyning in their hopes but confirmed in their opinion of not letting the winter approach without atchieving some-what worthy of their Forces they resolved upon the enterprize of Gheldren Having therefore led on their Armie towards Niminghen and made some new Dutch Troopes passe over the Rhene at Skinschconce they marched 16000. strong before that Town and taking up their Quarters began to draw their Line The Newes hereof being forth-with brought to the Infanta who was at this time recruited with sixe thousand Collonians brought unto him by Lamboy to boote with Picolomenies men he marched in person thither-ward and Lamboy with his Dutch-men fell so furiously upon Count Casamire de Nassaw's Quarters desirous either to dye or not to goe out of Flanders as Picolomeny did after the attempt before Mastricke and with his sword in his hand amongst the first Files of his men assaulted some of the Hollanders Trenches not yet perfected and after a long and bloody dispute hee wanne the Station and put some Dutch to the Sword who did defend it This was reported to have happened through intelligence had with the Dutch themselves Hee took the said Count Casemire Prisoner and a Prince of Portugal who weary of the austere life he led whilest hee was a Carmelite Fryer was come into Holland There were lost about 1000. Souldiers with divers Officers and some Cannon Wherefore the Prince of Orange wisely knowing hee could do little good by endeavouring a revenge to shunne the hazard of joyning Battell hee forth-with rose from where he was quartered and retreated to Capell But though the designes of the French had not good successe in Artoise they notwithstanding prospered in Bischay for the Prince of Conde having assembled a great Army he couragiously advanced into the Spanish Dominions and unexpectedly came before the Port of Passagge a chiefe Citie in Biscay seated upon the Sea betweene Bayone and Fonterabbia called also Airona invironed only with bare walls after the auncient fashion but with a strong Haven within to keepe from being injured by the Enemies Vessells where the Gallions destined for the Indies are usually built hee planted his Cannon against it The Spaniards who had the custody thereof as it oft times fares with them who nurst up in peace and not acquainted with the noise of Warre know not what belongs to an Enemies Armie being surprized at such an novelty and full of confusion not knowing whether to turne or how to defend themselves emboldned the French-men to assault the Towne who with little resistance made themselves masters thereof in the beginning of Iuly which the officers of the Spanish Court were much troubled at for besides the losse of the seat wherein they provided for the tackling of their Indian Fleet and of many Gallions and other ship provisions this business made the Spanyards now that they saw the war brought home unto them linger no longer about the necessity of waging War afar off but giving over the applying themselves to the Wars of Italy and Flanders bethinke themselves how they might hinder the French from proceeding further on that side The French-men presaging good success unto themselves by this happy encounter brought their Army before Fontarabia one of the best places the King of Spain hath in those parts intrencht themselves and ordered their Cannon against it whereupon the Spanyards greatly fearing to lose this place the importancy wherof was very great and it being requisite to use all possible diligence to provide against this unexpected novelty all the Stipendiaries of those Kingdomes were by order from the King summoned upon paine of life and charged to goe toward Pampalona in Navar and Vittoria in Bischay there to be commanded by the Admirall of Castile who having already assembled a good strength on the other side had an
daring to quit his quarters for feare his souldiers should mutiny for want of money Bannier had oportunity to assault Volghast and to take it which hee luckily did He afterwards with his horse which were led on by Tortenson advanced too neer the Imperiallists quarters with whō he had divers skirmishes for it behoved Gallasse much against his will to retreat as far as Volbery towards Elbis for he fore-saw hee was likely to reap but little good by that War since the Sweedes were recruited in all parts the Imperiallists every where lesned To boot with these defaults which hindred him from proceeding on accordingly as he had hoped he was much grieved for the death of Lelio Pompey an Italian Gentleman of Verona by birth who had by many Princes been very wel esteemed of as wel in peace as war The Sweeds being the more encouraged by this retreat of Gallasse came before Dimmin of which after many Cannon-shot and three fierce assaults they made themselves Masters Wherefore Bannier marched cheerfully on toward Landsperg by the winning whereof the way was opened into Saxony and the Country of Magdeburg whether the Sweed did desire to come to take revenge for the injuries they had received from that Elector Whilest nothing but War was heard of on all sides in Montferrat each party being prepared as well for defence as offence the French expecting supplyes from France and the Spanyards the like from Naples Spaine and Germany Francisco Giacintho the young Duke of Savoy seised on by a violent Feaver dyed on the third of October whose death as it bore along with it weighty consequences so were not the effects which were thereby fore-told by our curious newes-mongers late in their arrivall for there being none left of the Issue of Victorio Amedio save one Infant Prince named Charles Emanuel but five years olde of a weake constitution of body and who was at this time sick of the small poxe a disease which raigned much that yeare 't was easily fore-seene that if he should saile great troubles would arise concerning the succession for the government falling upon the Prince Cardinall and hee having of late declared himselfe to adhere to the Spanish faction it would ensue that upon this occasion the French would never tollerate a Prince in this State which should be independant upon them so as keeping the Townes in their own possession and not suffering the lawfull Prince to be introduced it would fall out that the Subjects being well affectionate to their naturall Princes and incensed by the Spaniards against the French the War must needs grow greater which would produce bloody events The Spaniards therefore who as hath beene already said hath formerly laid great foundations upon the comming of the Prince Cardinall and Prince Thomas knowing this to be a fitting occasion sent presently for the Cardinal from Rome for that being by meanes of their Forces brought into Piemont he might the better be prepared to take possession of his right in case his other Nephew should dye The Spaniards invited him hereunto out of greater hopes for that they knew the Inhabitants of Piemont were not very well satisfied with the French after the taking of Vercelles because in steed of defending them and helping them to recover what they had lost they seemed rather desirous to possess themselves of all the rest that belonged to the Duke of Savoy pretending not to confide in the people and to have some caution of their good in their hands The Spaniards who were stil carefull to maintain their Crown in its greatness for they knew what advantage did accrew unto them by the dependency of Forreign Princes and endeavouring all means whereby they might reap any good after their accustomed fashion of civility endeavoured to correspond in gratitude to the satisfaction they had received from Francis Duke of Modena a wise Prince and very affectionat to the Crown of Spain whose good correspondency his Highness out of reason of State thought requisite for besides the great advantage which those of Modena gat by their commerce with the State of Milan it may be added that confining upon the Pope between whom and the Dukes of Modena there was never any great inwardness since the loss of Ferrara To boot then with what was already done for the Emperour had already invested him in Corraggio a Town in the heart of the Country of Modena by al other friendly demonstrations made him know what valuation his most Catholike Majesty put upon him He was under various pretences invited to the Court of Spaine and more particularly for that the Queen being great with child was ready to lye downe the King the more to win his friend-ship would have him to be God-father to his childe yet this was but a pretence to hide the true occasion which was not so easily seene by all men for the emulation being very great betwen the Spanyard and the French they could not disgest that demonstration of obsequiousness of the Duke of Parma to the King of France whilst he went to visite him at Paris without the like comming of another Italian Prince to Madrid that it might be known that if Parma did depend upon France others did side with Spaine The Duke of Modena therefore being a sprightly Prince and well inclined to make this voyage that he might see new Countreys and receive honours and profitable terms for his State which he could not chuse but do from so great a King went to the Court of Spain where he was received with greater magnificency then ever was any Prince of Italy Those who see far into State-affaires affirmed that this the Spaniards civility proceeded from the need they had both of his person and state and therefore they said they had brought him into Spain with an intention of giving him the chief command of his Majesties Forces against the French in those kingdomes the which they did not onely to obleige that Prince unto their pay but that they might have out of his Countrey which was very populous as many souldiers as they could to make use of them in their owne kingdomes It was also reported that the Spanish Ministers of State thought to make a change with this Duke and to give him the Kingdome of Sardinia for his Dukedome of Modena which would have been a very good change for the Spaniard for augmenting the State of Millan by the addition of that of Modena becomming on this side also the Popes neighbours they would have heightned their authority in the Court of Rome and the Duke of Parma bound up between the Country of Cremona and Modena would have beene inforced to depend upon Spaine and by how much the Spanyards power encreased in Italy so much did the power of the Italian Princes lessen and Sardinia being but a barren Island in a clymat almost unknown to the Italians the Spaniards would have lost but little by loosing it But the Duke being wise and no
imprisoneth divers confederates of the said Princes By meanes of these forces the people of Piemont are much confused many jealousies arise betweene the Spanish Ministers of State and those of the Emperour but they are covertly husâ—t up The King of France makes exceeding great preparations towards Artoise beseidgeth Theonuille Hesden and Salsa in Spaine and Salins in Burgondy Marcini with the Caesarians opposeth Bannier but is routed The Spaniards march to before Turin and and luckly take it by storme The French retake Chinas their other proceedings in Italy Duke Longeville comes into Piemont to assist the Cardinall De Vallette Picolomeni succors Theonuille and routes the French taking Monseiur de Fischieres prisoner Hesden Salsa and Salins yeild unto the King of France Duke Weymar dyeth at Newrenberg upon the Rhâ—ne Turin is surprised through intelligence by Prince Thomas The Frenchmen from the Cittadell offend the City very much great mortallity ensues on both sides A truce is concluded for fourescore dayes THE Cardinall of Savoy parting from Rome upon the hopes and great promises made unto him by the Spaniards returnes to the Frontiers of Piemont thinking that being now neerer to the succession the subjects would the easiler be brought to desire him to be neere them so to shun in case the young Duke should dye those dangerous occurrences which use to happen through such confusions particularly the state being betweene the forces of two great Potentates upon these informations Leganes who at this very time was confirmed in the government of Millan Don Francisco di Melo who as it was thought should have the charge thereof committed unto him being destined to be Vice-roy of Cicely Thinking it now time to try occasions and to make experience of the offers that those made who depended upon the Cardiâ—all went with his forces towards the parts of Allessandria and being come together with Melo Spinola the Lord high Chancellor Aragon and Vasques into Icqui not farr from Alessanâ—ria many councells were there held with the Cardinall of Savoy the result whereof was that his highnesse making use of the Spanish forces should indeavour to enter into some part of Piemont wherby he might the easiler afterwards advance further And because Asti was nearest them and not hard to be taken by reason of the good intelligence which they held therein they applyed themselves thereunto The Army being therefore removed from where it was on the Sixteenth of November and assigned over unto the Cardinall great was the expectation which was had thereof But the Embassadour of Savoy who was resident at Rome gessing by the Cardinales hasty departure that he had some secret designe upon Piemont gave speedy advertisment thereof unto the Dutchesse And the French being no lesse vigilent so great was the suspition caused thereby in the Dutchesse and her faithfull servants as not knowing whom to trust nor what to promise unto herselfe under pretence of mustering the Militia of Turin she brought in thither 1000. French-foote and securing thereby the Citty and her owne person she began to provide against the secret and treacherous machinations of her officers And because the Spanish forces which were brought to the territories of Allessandria though their outward appearance was to winter in those parts made those Frontiers feare they had some other end by order from the Cardinall de Vallette the Duke de Candalle made many companyes of French advance to those confines and having an eye to the proceedings of the Dutchesse of Mantoa's officers he dismist the Marquis Vallis and Count Gabionetto who was president of that Magestracy from Cassalle and made it be knowne by publique Proclamation that under paine of incurring his Kings indignation none should dare to hould any practice or intelligences with the Marquis Alfonso Guerriere Governour of the Port of Mantoa it being thought that by his meanes all the affaires of such like intelligence was continued The guarrison of Asty was strengthened and all things provided for that might prove harmefull they likewise sent back for some men who were already on their way to assist Weymar before Brisack And the Dutchesse beleiving more and more that she was betrayed imprisoned many of her subjects in Turin amongst which Colonell Renso the Secretary Clareois the Cardinalls favorit Don Silvio the Governour of Carmagneola Valerio Rossio and every other body of whom there was the least shaddow of suspition that they should be adheerers unto or depend upon her Brother in Law She moreover brought into the Cittadell a brigade of French called the Dutchesse Regiment and suspecting the Governours loyalty she suddainly removed him from thence and in his stead gave the custody of the Cittadell to the Marquis of St. Iermane whereupon the Cardinall finding his plot discovered seeming as if he had no such intention went to Nizza della Paglia and within a few dayes after came from thence to Certosa di Pavia that he might speake with Melo with whom after many consultations it was agreed upon that Prince Thomas should in all hast be sent from Flanders because he being trained up in Warre well liked of by the people of Piemont vallued and feared by the Nobility and being well reputed of in Warre might peradventure doe more by his owne experience and assist more by his credit then the Cardinall For those who thought not the Cardinall able to defend them with the sword would peradventure have liked well enough of Prince Thomas who was thought capable of taking upon him the weight of a Principality and to governe it by Armes By reason of Ghets his aforesaid defeate the Austrean affaires were not onely frown'd on by fortune in Alsatia but which imported more they ran to ruin by reason of the contention emulation of the cheefe Commanders for such as were enemyes to Ghets and rejoyced at his restraint laid all the blame of what had happened amisse upon him and his friends and such as would patiently give eare to sound reasons were grieved at and complained upon the actions of his evill wishers yet did they this but covertly and under hand since there are but few that will publiquely take upon them the defence of such faults as have no other protector but God and truth So as the actions of Ghets being publiquely declaimed against by some and other some privatly insinuating into the mindes of many their evill opinions of his accusers the more his enemies did outwardly expresse the rancor against him the more did they inwardly burne with anger that did defend him whereupon the desire of doing well and gallantly being supprest their own strength decreased and the enemies power increased the time was wholly spent in councells in hopes and in laying of badly sustained foundations for Brisack languishing every day more then other was now brought to her last will and Testament Duke Savell notwithstanding upon these great emergencyes seemed though with small hopes of any good effects willing to extrinsicate his desire in a business
The most Illustrious and Victorious Prince of famous memory Gustavus Adolphus by the grace of God King of Sweden c. to bee sould by Peeter Stent AN HISTORY Of the late WARRES And other State affaires of the best part of CHRISTENDOM Beginning with the King of Swethlands entrance into Germany and continuing to the yeare 1640. Written in Italian by the Count Galliazzo Gualdo Priorato And in English by the Right Honourable Henry Earle of MONMOVTH LONDON Printed by W. Wilson and are to bee sold by Iohn Hardesty Thomas Huntington and Thomas Iackson at their Shops in Ducklane MDCXLVIII THE TRANSLATORS EPISTLE TO THE READER AMongst many other times that I have had the honour to wait upon his Royall Majestie who now lives and whom God long preserve and speedily restore to all his Due Rights and Praerogatives I humbly beseech him it was my fortune once to attend him when a young Nobleman that was then going to travell came to kisse his Majesties hand and to take his leave of him To whom the King was graciously pleas'd to give this sound though succinct councell My Lord keep alwayes the best company and be sure never to be Idle As King Iames of blessed memory did deservedly entitle his Booke dedicated to the then so hopefull Prince Henry ΒΑΣΙΛΙΚΟN gr ΔΩΡΟΠA Kingly guift I thinke I may safely stile this his Sonnes advice ΒΑΣΙΛΙΚΟΠΒΟΥΑΗΜΑ A kingly Councell It doth indeed containe very much in very little I am sure it made such impression in mee as I hope shall not quickly be effaced Cum his versare qui te meliorem facturi sunt saith Seneca And where is this conversation better to be had then in the best company Dimmi con quien tu vai e sapro quel che fai saith the Spaniard There is no better touch-stone whereby to know the worth of a mans actions then to observe what company he usually keepes Our English Seneca Doctor Hall sayes Next to being good 't is good to converse with them that are so if we be not better'd by their example we are blest by their protection and as for Idlenesse the same man saies The idle man hath neither leasure nor power to avoid sinne To apply this to my selfe and to the occasion since it hath pleased Almighty God to seat me in such a condition as for the present and for some yeares last past I am not onely debarr'd the attendance upon his Maiesty a happinesse which from his infancy and mine till of late yeares I have enjoy'd but also am inhibited to sit and vote in the house of Peeres the next best of Companyes for having obey'd his Maiesties command upon no lesse penalty then the forfeiture of my allegeance and for not having obey'd the Summons of the House of Lords when I was not in a condition or capacity of doing so A fault which mee thinkes and I wish I could perswade others to thinke so too Five yeares deprivation of birth-right might be able to expiate I have betaken my selfe to converse with Bookes which if good in themselves certainely are no bad company Amongst these lighting upon this my Author which if not too much injur'd by my Translation I presume may be admitted into the number of good bookes that I might the better evade Idlenesse the Kings second Cautelous Councell and that I might in some sort be serviceable to my Country since I am not permitted to be so the way I would I betooke my selfe to put it into our Idiome and have now adventur'd it and my judgement in the Choise thereof to the censure that usually waites upon the presse The subject thereof is Warre inter-laced with other occurrences as Treatyes Leagues Embassies Councells Discourses Geographicall descriptions of Countryes and Rivers Comments upon actions Characters c. The Warre here treated of is that which hath befalne Germany France Italy Flanders Holland Lorreine Piemont Leige Montferrat the Grisons and other adiacent parts of so late times as there is none who hath arrived at maturity of yeares but may remember somewhat of them and whose eares have not been acquainted with the Names of the Princes and other chiefe Personages herein mentioned so as it may serve to recall into their memoryes that little which they may have heard thereof before and compleate their understandings with the full and satisfactory knowledge of what may not as yet have been so perfectly deliver'd unto them And all this in a well-woven History which may be termed a Tragedy the Scean Christendome the Actors the Princes and as many as have been famous in this our age as well for the conduct of Civill as of Martiall affaires There is a second volumne of this History already published by the Author whether I shall trace him in that or no lam not yet resolved according as this shall take I may be more or lesse perswaded thereunto But if my Author proceed further upon this subject and consequently fall upon our troubles for his second part ends just where our miseries began he must pardon me if I tread no farther in his foote-steps since they are such as I could wish were rather buried in Oblivion then recorded unto memory being by all parties interessed acknowledged to be unnaturall The Lord of his infinite mercyes put a Happy a spedy and a lasting period unto them and let all true hearted Englishmen say Amen And that I may perswade them so to do by putting their helping hand to an happy accommodation I shall referre them to what Guicchiardin sayes In tutte le attioni humane e nelle guerre massimamente bisogna spesso accommodare il consiglio alla necessita ne per ottenere quella parte ch' e troppo difficile e quasce impossible esporre il tutto a manifesto pericolo non essendo manco officio del Ualoroso capitano far operatione de savio che d' animoso in English thus in all humane actions and especially in warre men ought oftentimes to advise which necessity and put on their resolves accordingly and not expose the whole to manifest danger out of a desire of obteining a part which is to hard to compasse and almost impossible it being no lesse the duty of a worthy commander to be advised then valiant in his proceedings And to what the same Author saies in another place La prima laude nella disciplina militare consiste piu nel rendere con la industria con la patientia e con s' arte Uani i conati degli anversarij che nel combattere ferocemente which may be more breifely Englished in Mr. Fullers words Not Fury but Discretion must be the guide of war And lastly I shall recommend unto them the opinion of Cicero Quem discordiae quem caedes civium quem bellum civile delectat eum ex numero hominum eijciendum e finibus humanae naturae exterminandum puto I am of opinion that he who takes delight in discord murther of
vertue which as he did abound in conferring favours on those that did deserve them so was it plentifull in justice towards Delinquents Hee therefore about the latter end of October was brought prisoner to Tholoâ—se his cause was tryed and upon Inquisition made he was found guilty of death and though some thought he might have merited pardon aswell for what he himselfe had done formerly for the Crowne as in respect of his forefathers deserts who had planted the Christian faith in France and had maintained it with their blouds and this a great deale the more for that by this mans death that so noble family did wholly rest extinct yet were not these reasons of force enough since no merits can be so perspicuous but that the least shadow of Treason may cover them with blacke oblivion He was therefore two dayes after brought by the Guard to the Piazza or market place where his sentence of death together with the confiscation of his goods and his title of Rebell was read unto him and the same afternoon being first disroabed of his orders of Knighthood his head was strucke off in a privat house whereby he paid for his infidelity not knowing that the governments of Princes are not alwayes the same but that they alter as doth the understanding and experience of their assisting Officers The death of this so conspicuous prince in whose linage greatnesse flourished in whose name Nobility shone whose valour was famous and in whose person much vertue appeared in his strength of years of a healthfull body begirt with honours and abounding in riches manifested the inconstancy of fortune the uncertainty of humane affaires the slippery footing of greatnesse the fall of glory and the vanity of ambition At the newes hereof those unquiet spirits who only sought means how to produce Novelties not unlike to travellers who seeke to shelter themselves from the aire when great with tempest it threatens stormes so these men with-drawing their bold fancies under the security of feare knew what was the insatiatnesse of desire the deceitfulnesse of passion the feignednesse of presumption and the harme of infidelity France being by this blow terrified the common-people by this example undeceived the Nobility restrained every mans minde was more bent upon their obedience to their Prince then upon their owne particular greatnesse This mean while Montecuculi who then was Generall of the Caesarian Artillery and was in Swabenland was commanded to march with the Forces that were about Lindaw and Constantz to guard Alsatia and particularly Brisach a Fort whose situation was of very great consideration upon the ascent of a hill which having no other hill neer for the space of two Leagues is an Island upon the Rhyn in the midst of a large Champion having a Bridge over the River fortified on the one part and the other with moderne fortifications which make it almost impregnable by Force and renders it aswell beneficiall to all the Townes thereabouts as likewise fitting to assemble together the levies of men which by Walesteines order were made in Burgundie and in Lorayne by the Colonels Cornelius Bentivoglio Marcus Fiston Aracourt Bambaglioni and others And because the Arch-Duke Leopald was much concerned in the preservation of Alsatia and chiefely in that of Brisach the key of that Province the care of seeing this place well Fortified was recommended to Colonell Ascanio Albertini Governour thereof and moreover many other Commanders were sent thither to survey those Bulworks and to be assistant to Montecuculi amongst the which I my selfe being one I forthwith went from the Camp before Nurenberg and came with what speed I could to the said Count of Colmar The Elector of Trevers being this meane while taken into the protection of the French Marshall Horne who had taken Coblentz seated upon the Rhyn in that Angle which the Mosel makes there a River which taking its head in the Mountaines of the valley of Listraye which parts Lorayne from Helvetia and Alsatia falls into the Rheine and is comprehended within the jurisdiction of the Elector of Trevers he by the Command of his King delivered it into the hands of the French as he did likewise Tareber a walled Towne upon the bankes of Mosel between Trevers and the said Coblentz the taking of which places forced the Spaniards who were lodged in the neighbouring Towns to forgoe those parts and retire to Luxenburg Montecuculi and Ossa the Emperours Commissary who watched over the safety of Alsatia being advertised that besides the departure of the French from those parts there were not many Swedes left there the greatest part of them being joyned with the King before Nurenberg so as there remained not there above 500 Horse and 800 Foot thought therefore to make some further advancement whereby if they should get no other benefit it would be some advantage to them to get Contribution from the Townes formerly taken in and satisfy in part their Souldiers who grew impatient of living without pay and it was yet more considerable that the Duke of Wirtenberg who seemed to leane more towards the Swedes then towards the Emrour although he durst not yet make publique shew thereof maintaining two Regiments of Foot in his state as it was thought to assist the Swedes when he should finde the Caesarian Forces neer upon his Confines would be carefull not to doe any thing contrary to the duty he ought to the Imperiall Crowne To this purpose as likewise for other reasons they went from Colmar and Brisack and resolved to enter the territories of Turlach to make the Marquesse thereof who being a Protestant followed the Swedish party aware of the Errors of such Princes who forsaking the faith and loyalty which they owe unto their superiours throw all the goods they doe possesse upon the hopes of getting more and greater by the helpe of others Having therefore mustered 1500 commanded Muskettiers and 1300 Horse with two Companies of Dragoones and two pieces of Cannon under the Command of the Colonells Aracourt Montrecâ— Fiston Bambiglioni and the Marquesse of Baden they took their way thitherward and came happily to Turlach The Inhabitants of that place advertised of the Romanists approach and not having wherewithall to withstand their Artillery sent Commissioners to the Count desiring him that he would keep without the City and that they would provide him with all things necessary and that they would receive him and his domesticke attendants into the Towne but this was to no purpose for the Count resolved to lodge there with all his people that night the which he did without any prejudice to the Inhabitants from thence he advanced to Pretem a little Towne barely walled about and guarded by 400 Foot which hee forced to yield to his discretion Whilest things went thus Montecuculi was advertised that the Duke of Wirtenberg was marching towards him with 6000 Foot and 800 Horse so as commanding me to make the discovery and I finding that they were but Country-people
prepare to rayse the Siege that they might succour their Compagnions when hearing the truth of this last gotten Victory whilst the Trumpets with their Sourdets sounded to Horse they were again comforted every mans countenance was cheared the Cannons playd for joy and bowles of Wine went off apace The French perceiving more cleerly the Duke of Loraynes evill intentions by his continuing intelligence with the Austrians his hostile proceedings against the Colleagues his despising the Kings admonitions his violating of his promise made the yeare before unto his Majestie under his hand his complotting with the Enemies of France in businesses much prejudiciall to that Crowne and discovering more particularly how the Marriage was concluded betweene the Duke of Orleans and Princesse Margueret the Dukes Sister contrary to the Fundamentall Lawes of that Kingdome which inhibite Princes of the Blood to marry without the Crownes consent and thinking now that they had just cause to resent the Dukes actions which were altother contrary to his promises and finding moreover that the Duke of Feria was marching from Milan with an Army thitherward with intention when he should have relieved Brisach to come first into the strong holds of that State and by assisting of Flanders Burgondy and Germany to reduce the French affaires into a greater streight The Marshall De la Force with 20000 Souldiers without any further delay threw himselfe on the 20 of August into the midst of that Dukedome and without any contestation made himselfe Master of the Field and of all the neighbouring Towns whereupon the Duke astonished at this newes knowing himself not able to contest with the Forces of so great a King and fore-seeing moreover the ruine of his state if being obstinate to keepe in Nancy he should quit the Campania he resolved by the joynt Counsell of his Subjects since he could not contend with so great Forces to imbrace such courses as might rather tend to appease the King then to irritate him yet more He therefore recommended the care of that place to the Cardinall Nicola Francesco his Brother and he himselfe together with his Wife and Sister in Law withdrew himselfe to Remiremont towards the Confines of Burgondy and for that his Majestie of France was chiefly incenst that his Brother should Marry with the Dukes Sister and the Duke knowing that if the Princesse Marguerit should fall into the Kings hands before the Marriage should be consummated he would break the Match he resolved to send her disguised in Pages apparell attended upon by three of his most intimate Friends to her Husband into Flanders which insued without any interruption He afterwards sent the Cardinall towards the King who on the 19th of August met the King at Ponte Monson by whom he was graciously received The Cardinall humbly desired the King to pardon any thing that his Brother had done amisse or wherin that State was concerned which was rather ready to put it self under his Princely protection then to provoke his anger The King gave gracious eare to what the Cardinall said and replyd How that the Duke without any occasion had given himselfe over to very evill Councell that he had so oft broke promise with him as he could not now any longer trust him that therefore his firme intention was to secure himselfe of all the Dukes Forts and strong holds during the present Commotions in Germany and that he would have the Princesse Marguerit in his custody and that when these things should be willingly yeelded unto by the Duke he should then taste the effects of his Clemency The Cardinall having by these mannerly excuses moderated the Kings anger and saved himselfe from apparent danger was not notwithstanding herewithall satisfied as indeed it made but little for him for the King saw well enough that all this was but cunning to deferre the time till the Spanish Forces should be arrived wherefore the Cardinall seeing himselfe invironed on all sides by the French having no succour nigh and finding the Spanish promises not likely to take effect agreed to surrender up unto his Majestie the New Citie of Nancy to discard forthwith such people as were there in pay to indeavour that the Princesse Marguerit should be put into his Majesties hands and totally to relinquish the Austrian union But the Duke being after this agreement gone from Remiremâ—nt to Bisansor and causing no small jealousie in the French by the slow disbanding of his Forces as also that it appeared not that he would forgoe his addiction to the Emperour and the King being to boot with this much more offended by reason of the Princesse Marguerits escape he caused his Army to advance in sight of Nancy and sent his complaints interlaced with threats to the Duke who thinking he was able by dissembling the machinations of his desires to free the King from his suspition and being imboldned by the Cardinall Richeleius invitation to whom the King had intrusted the government of all these affairs who then was at Charnes upon the Mosell he resolved though not so advised by his Councellors to goe in Person and speake with him that so he might excuse himselfe and by humbling himselfe procure the safetie of his State since there was no hopes of maintaining it by force or by ayde from Spaine But the French who were little advantaged by their having the New Citie of Nancy whilst they wanted the Old the New Citie being so scituated as it was commanded by the other they resolved to secure themselves of the Old Citie likewise without the which they could not maintaine themselves in the New one The Cardinall after having reproached the Duke for his sinister comportments totally averse to the Rules of good State-government he in the Kings name demanded of him the Old Citie expressing an intention that when the Duke should make good his promises the King would courteously restore all unto him whose aimes were not to take what belonged to another but only to secure himselfe of such a ones loyaltie who by failing therein might prejudice the Crowne of France The Duke who very well knew how hard a matter it was to get strong holds out of the hands of powerfull men when they were once possest of them was not well pleased with this proposition but being much vext and troubled thereat indeavoured by reasons palliated with promises and other proffers to be therein excused but the Cardinall replying that his instructions were to secure himselfe likewise of the Old Towne which by all meanes he must have and threatâ—ning the Duke with some sinister successe if he would not willingly surrender it the Duke much confused and being on all sides invironed by the French forces knowing that he could not evade the blow â— likewise apprehending danger of his own life signed the agreement caused the Town to be delivered up into the hands of the Kings Officers but upon these conditions that neither should the Citizens be disarm'd nor the Duke
title of disloyall and ungratefull on the other side it presented unto his eyes his own fear the danger of calumny the Spaniards hatred his enemies emulation and the desire of revenge so as involved in these considerations sorrowing that the greatnesse of his eminent fortune should make his downefall the greater he narrowly weighed with these men the present emergency and having wisely ponderated the imminent danger he chose a meanes very proper to plead in his behalfe and which in some sort might make him seeme excusable were not the prerogative which Soveraignes hold over their vassalls too Supreme he then discoursing upon the instabilitie of fortune which oft-times abandons those who thought they had had her surest by the fortop and upon the incertaintie of the Planets which rarely effect those things to which they seeme to encline complained of the Spanish Ministers of State laying ingratitude and ambition to their charge affirming that when ever they prefer a servant of theirs they prepare his precipice so much the deeper by how much higher he is exalted that their reasons though in appearance leaning upon the Policy of State are produced by their owne proper interests whose maxime hath in it such ambition as that they declare all that live independent thereupon guiltie of high Treason He moreover taxed the Dutch Ministers of State that were neere the Emperour of dulnesse and unadvisednesse in having suffered that Nation to get footing in the Court saying they were not well verst in the negotiation of those places they were possessed of for that let the necessitie be what it please it is never good to admit the Officers of one Prince into another Princes Government and especially those that to boot with their owne pretensions that they may the better maintaine their owne conceptions and for the respect they desire should be borne unto them adde the upbraiding of the assistance they have given and good turnes they have done He spared not in his discourse some Monasticks who being displeased with him as he said for his rewarding the Souldiers with what the Souldiers got and not suffering them to partake thereof as formerly had beene used nay more for his totally discarding them from having any thing to doe in his affaires imposing upon them their attendance upon Gods Service and the doing their owne duties declared him to be an Heretick as for these he said they deserved correction and not to be fomented since their pretensions were now growne to that height that nothing was to be done wherein they were not to have a finger He murmured against the Duke of Bavaria and breaking forth into bitter speeches he declared how the Politicall part of that Prince was so interessed as that from thence proceeded all the past and present miseries and for that his hatred was more bent against him then any other he charged him with many things to make his Commanders know his accusations proceeded not from malice but out of intire loyaltie and principally he accused him of little good will to the Emperour by being the meanes of withdrawing from Caesar the strength of those Forces which whilst governed by him Walesteine awed Germany and kept all the Princes and States of the Empire within the bounds of dutie wherein if they had still continued those miseries had never beene which had of late beene tasted he affirmed that this Duke had conspired against his person not so much for that he saw him a so much dreaded Generall as for that he had never given his consent that the title of Elector Palatinate should be conferred upon him nor yet that his Dominion should be so much inlarged for that he well fore-saw the Emperour would never enjoy peace thereby since the Protestant power suffering thereby violence which was fomented by two great Crownes France and England he would not quietly enjoy the Palatinate according to Hidra's heads one head being struck off another would rise up in its place for it was certainly knowne the Protestants would never suffer that honour to depart from one of their profession nor yet would forreigne Potentates suffer that Prince to be driven out who being upheld by many props as well within as out of Germany was almost able to counterpoise the Imperiall greatnesse which being now annext unto the power of Spaine makes all Europe not a little jealous he accused him to have assisted and consented unto the comming of Feria as independent on him not for the publique good but for his extirpation plainly discovering that the restraining an authoritie granted is a signe of suspition from whence many evills take their rise since thereby the good will of well-doers suffers an allay In briefe as it is usuall with emulation to make appearances seeme substances Walesteine rather envying this Princes greatnesse and his solid wisedome then invited by any just occasion of blame in him who was ever knowne to be a wise Prince full of goodnesse and loyaltie towards Caesar spoke thus of him But afterwards comming to resolve upon what was to be done he agreed with them that they should divulge it throughout the Army how that he finding how his actions were falsly interpreted at the Court in Vienna was resolved to quit his charge and to betake himselfe to a private life wherein wisemen rest secure from passions of the mind and from such downfalls as envy layes traps for in other mens actions that they should shew unto the other heads of the Army and to the whole Souldiery how much they should be indammaged if this should happen that they should murmure against the injurious Officers and evill Counsellours which had possest themselves of Caesars eare who being desirous to enjoy the reward which belongs to the labour of valiant and well-deserving Subjects indeavoured to loosen their hands of gratitude which were bound up by his authoritie in disposing of what was gotten to deserving Souldiers and not to Jesters or Court-flatterers that they should likewise give out that the Spaniards Plotted his ruine for no other end but that as they had obtained their share in Counsells they might likewise get the charge and command over the Souldiers to make them slaves to their ambition that whilst they had need of his wealth to be imployed in the raysing of an Army and of his credit in perswading the people to serve the Empire faithfully his actions were commended and so received as that infinite promises were made and obligations acknowledged but these ceasing the memory of al past-benefits vanisht to ayre that these new Counsellors envied their companions greatnes and did no sooner find out any good place but they streightway sought how to possesse themselves of it he said it was an experimented case that some make use of their servants no otherwise then husbandmen doe of their Cattell which after long and laborious service are brought to the Shambles that his affection towards the Souldier was not unknowne to them how liberally he used to make them
of Ratisbon and the King of Hungary appeared likewise on the other side Waymer who was much troubled that so famous a purchase which he to his great renowne had wonne should be lost passing over the Danube at Kelchaine a place above Ratisbon neer to the said River entred the City and marching with wonderfull admiration in the sight of the Enemies whole Army hee put thereinto a recruit of about a thousand Souldiers and some barrels of Powder But the Imperialists setting upon the Towne on all sides Waymer presently advertised Horne thereof and desired that he would come and joyne Forces with him that they might defend that City the losse whereof would much impaire the fame and honour of the Swedish Forces lessen their credit with the rest of their confederates and greatly incourage the Enemy Horne having first put Garrisons into such places as he had taken in Swabenland and particularly in Bucorne went towards Auspurg and in his comming to Leech he understood that Laâ—shut a strong and considerable place being seated upon the Iser in the midst of Bavaria was unprovided of things necessary for the defence thereof and this being a place of importance for the reliefe of Ratisbon though he were by reduplicated letters earnestly desired by Waymer to come and joyne with him yet wisely considering that by such a diversion hee might cause much trouble to the people of Bavaria and that it was more expedient to let the Imperialists still go on in losing of their men in the taking of Ratisbon where daily they lost the flowre of their Army he resolved by temporising not to let slip the opportunity of taking Lanshut he therefore marched thitherward with an Army conâ—isting of 6000 Foot and 4000 Horse with which Waymer not being well pleased it might from his speeches be gathered that he thought Horne did envy his valour being displeased at Waymers being made Generall That he did not joyne Forces with him because he could not obey him that hee intended by the taking of Lunshut to inhaunce his owne glory and by the losse of Ratisbon to obscure his Duke Waymer and Count Cratz who being fled some moneths before from Iugulstat was made master of the Field in the Swedish Army as hath been said that they might divert the Imperialists from Ratisbon set downe before Fortheime where having spent some time to little purpose and yet desirous to succour Ratisbon by diversion Waymer left the aforesaid Cratz with 5000 fighting men before Fortheime and returned himselfe to his first station that he might joyne with Horne and joyntly raise the Imperialists Harnem having received a recruit of 5 Regiments which were sent him into Slesia from Bannier passed with his Army towards Olaw the Governour whereof finding himselfe not able to resist the Enemy wanting sufficient Garrison to maintaine rampired Wals set fire on the City and betooke himselfe to the Castle wherein being besieged and not receiving any succour after 20 dayes suffering he submitted to the discretion of the besiegers The Siege of Ratisbon continued against the which the Imperialists thundred Cannon-shot hailed Musket-bullets and used Granadoes and other artificiall fires to effect their desires wherein though they found much more of difficulty then they at first imagined yet did not they quite lay aside their hopes but this being the first enterprise undertaken by an Army commanded by a King in person who was come into the field with so great Forces wherein if he should not prevaile all his credit would be lost and the Enemy inheartned they imployed all their might to overcome whatsoever difficulties The Swedes and Inhabitants were no lesse vigilant in defending themselves with equall valour molesting the Imperialists with continuall Sallies and hindering their approaches by great and small shot wherewithall many were slaine for the besieged not having their wals rampired whereby to resist the Enemies briske Assaults it behoved them by their frequent shooting to keep them aloofe off the which was done with much diligence as that through the smoake and fire of Cannon shot the Towne seemed to be all on fire when Aldringer by order from the King went with 15 Regiments to succour Lanshut which was streightly beset by Horne and as he thought to enter in by one Gate the Swedes being let in by the other whilst he was upon the Bridge ready to enter the Towne he was slaine with a Musket-bullet not without suspition that this had happened unto him from his owne side in revenge of some injuries done unto them for such was his severity as hee was rather feared then beloved by the Souldier Amongst other Sallies the Swedes made one gallant one on the Eleventh of Iune wherein withstood by the Imperialists who were led on by their chiefe Commanders though they were faine to give backe yet did they much indammage the Caesarians and slew some Gentlemen of good estimation amongst which Colonell Prainer whose losse was very considerable for hee was a Dutch Gentleman for his worth very much beloved both by the Emperour and King and for his valour in Military affaires well esteemed of by the Souldiers Aldringer being slaine at whose death not onely the Emperour but the Duke of Bavaria and all the Commanders of the Aâ—my were very much grieved Colonell Iohn Wert was chosen to succeed in his place a Souldier of knowne valour and great experience this man was sent with some Regiments towards Rain to recruit those Troopes which were gone with Aldringer to succour Lanshut and meeting with some Swedish Companies which scoured those neighbouring parts he fought with them and brought away many prisoners some Cornets of Horse and defeated above 500 of Horse Souldiers by which good successe hee did not onely purchase the good will of the King of Hungary but of the Duke of Bavaria and every other Commander and soone opened the way to have a greater valuation put upon him But for that to proceed further on and to bury Aldringers conditions in silence would not onely be an injury to his desert but offend the curiositie of him that reads I will make the memory of his fame survive his life He was a native of Lucemberg of meane birth having past his child-hood moved thereunto by his naturall genius and sprightly desire he put himselfe in service with some Noblemen who travelled into France to study whereunto he likewise applyed himselfe and became the Master of many Languages and intelligent in many affaires from thence passing into Italy he was entertained for Auditor by Count Madrucci from thence he went to Trent and by his Pen wrought himselfe into the Prince his Auditory where having studied a while at last were it either his fortune or by reason of the malignitie of the times he was envyed by many and being much scandalized with the actions of some of his Colleagues he resolved to be gonne and not certaine what course to take he went towards Inspruch resolving to follow the occupation that he should
Lorayne towards Alsatia and Burgundy was also taken and that whole Province being reduced that great head-piece began to thinke of new Achievements in Alsatia when things should succeed more opportunely and to prepare the fittest meanes to march with their Forces into Italy if the peace should at any time be broken The French therefore gathering together all their Forces which were dispersed about Lorayne marched with them towards the Frontiers of Alsatia not without some jealousie in the Austrians who fear'd lest they might joyne with the Swedes of whom likewise there wanted not some apprehensions for the French seeing them held in play by the Caesarian Forces thought to get into Filisburg by force if they could not prevaile by faire meanes Their end notwithstanding as was conceived by Polititians was neither to declare Warre at this time against the Austrians neither yet to distaste the Swedes but as Arbitrators of the businesse in Germany the proceedings both of the Swedes and Austrians depending upon the ballance of their Forces to keepe themselves attentive spectators upon the fall of the one or other of them carrying the matter so as whether the Swedes should winne or lose they without entring into Warre might reape advantage thereby For the Kingdome of France being then all of a piece and therefore become the most formidable power of all Christendom if the Austrians should prevaile they would be able to uphold the Swedish partie and such strong holds as by such an accident should be put into their hands by the Swedes they might easily keep them and if the Swedes should be victorious the apprehended Austrian greatnesse growing weaker they saw they were sufficient to enlarge their owne Empire and to keepe the Swedes within the limited bounds of power so as France being well enough pleased with the falling out of others that so she might inhaunce and keepe intire her owne strength through their ruines it was clearely discerned that their intentions were neither to denounce Warre against the Spaniards nor yet to foment the Swedes but conditionally For if they should have denounced Warre to boot with the former alledged reasons concerning the Duke of Orleans absence it was to be considered that the breaking of peace without occasion given would adhibite faith to what was already suspected that the French intended to pluck downe the Spanish greatnesse and by the ruines thereof the more to aggrandise their own Monarchy and that which imported more then all the rest that the Austrian Force being counterpoised by the French-mens declaring of themselves 't was easily discerned that the Swedes having the way opened to proceed on to further greatnesse they would consequently be more confirmed in their resolution of not parting with the Townes upon the Rhyn nor yeeld to give the French such content as they desired Whereupon if the French should indeavour by force of Armes to make them forgoe their obstinacy it would be a meanes to make a pacification betweene the Swedes and the Emperour and to their no little prejudice incite them against themselves or by holding with them to rest contented with what they could purchase of themselves at the great expence of money and blood And because the French knew the great ill will that the Lorayners bare them to shun all insurrections they resolved onely to keepe Nancy La Motta and Bitsch and to throw open the Gates of all the other Cities walled Townes and Castles of that state which were 36 in number and to prevent any mischiefe that might happen at Nancy the Inhabitants were disarmed and at Nostre-Dame gate a Citadell of foure Bulworkes was erected In Italy where in due time 't was doubted their Armies might fall on they gave in Commission to Duke Crequi who was dispatcht from Rome that he should go to all the Princes and Potentates there under pretence of Visit Complements and ratification of his Majesties good intelligence with them but indeed secretly to informe himselfe how they stood affected towards his most Christian Majestie and where he should find any appearance of aversenesse that he should wisely indeavour to worke upon their affections by promises and by making his Kings good intentions knowne unto them making his agreement so with them that upon any occasion they might favour him and that he should invite them to an offensive League against the Spaniards in the State of Milan as the place which lyes open to the commerce of the Emperours Forces and the maine Body of their strength being thither reduced kept the neighbouring states in continuall jealousies He therefore went to Florence and though he had no hope to obtaine any thing of the great Duke by reason of his relation to the house of Austria yet to palliate the intentions of his other Visits 't was thought fit in all respects both of decency and faire correspondency that he should goe to that Court to make all his other Embassyes seeme but Complementall without futher causing jealousie in the Spaniard From thence he went to Venice where having stayd two moneths he found those wise Senators desirous to preserve the publique peace of Italy and constant in alwayes keeping good intelligence with his Majestie of France rather willing to be mediators for publique tranquilly then authors of new turmoyles Having tane leave at Venice where he admired the greatnesse of their regalities and the splendid manner of their treating he went to Mantua where being worthily received by Duke Charles and assured of his great good inclination to the Crowne of France he passed on to Parma to visit the Duke thereof whom he found full of high and generous thoughts and one who being a sprightly Prince was not contented to passe away his time in idlenesse a thing despised by exalted minds and having filled his Highnesse with vast hopes and assured him of his Kings assistance in keeping him independent upon the Spaniards and confirmed him in his good will to France and to that purpose agreed upon what was knowne fitting for the Dukes interest he followed on his journy to Pyemont and there passing over the Mountaines returned to France The Swedes vast hopes being ship-wrack't in the battell at Norlinghen and they knowing themselves to be reduced to such a condition as they could no longer with safetie keepe in such places â—s were by them Garrison'd the Garrisons were drawn out at Biberach Bucorn Cell Rinfelt Friburg and from all other places where the Swedes had any by the Ringraves order who was then Chiefe Commander of the Forces in Alsatia and all these which might amount to the number of 3000. being added to the other 6000. the said Ringrave had with him and which were not in the battell the Swedish Commanders knowing it was impossible for them to keepe longer in those parts withdrew themselves to before Strasburg that they might hault tâ—ere under the protection of that Citie reputed one the strongest of all Germamany that they might re-assemble in the best sort they could their
disbanded Forces and those which they drew from the neighbouring quarters This Victory which much inheartned the Austrians and all that sided with them was solemnised with a publicke thanks-giving and by speedy Posts all their friends were advertised thereof signifying what advantage the Romanists might hope from thence and on the contrary side what dammage their Enemies were to receive thereby Whilst thus incouraged they advanced to reap the fruits of so great good fortune this newes was much resented in France though some more speculative then others would say that this defeat was desired by the French and expected upon designe that they might see the Swedish Forces reduced to such Condition as that standing in need of their protection they should be necessitated to have recourse thereunto and consequently willing to put into their hands not onely Filisburg which the French so earnestly desired but likewise Mentz Benfeilt and other places upon the Rhyn possest by the Swedish Souldier and wherein they had hitherto obstinatly kept themselves nor would by any meanes be perswaded to forgoe them The Marshall de la Force who with a compleat Army of about 16000 fighting men kept himselfe in Montbelgard a Country which lyes betweene the Frontiers of Lorayne Burgundy and Helvetia not long before purchased for a summe of Mony by the French from the Duke of Wirtenberg and upon the Frontiers of Lorayne and Alsatia did by order from the King draw neerer the Rhyn not out of any intention to joyne with the Protestant Forces as it was noysed and feared by the Romanists the more for that the Marshall being a Protestant 't was doubted he might vary from his directions received from the Court and demonstrate his affection towards the Protestants to their advantage but to get into the Townes where the Swedes being no longer able to subsist 't was knowne they would rather deliver them up unto the French then to the Imperialists And just so it fell out for the Swedes being too weake to keep themselves in that Province without the aide of France resolved to quit Colmar Sclestat Hagenaw Lindaw Hermisteime and some other Towns barely begirt with ancient Wals though Populous and Merchandising which ly in the heart of that Province on the other side of the Rhyn towards Lorayne Monsieur de Fichieres who was then assistant for the King of France in Franckfort with Oxesterne and the reformed Councell making use of this occasion renewed his demand and his pretence to Filisburg and that the Swedes might the easilier condiscend to the consignation thereof he accompanied his demands with vast promises of assistance which was very willingly listned unto by them who upon this emergency stood in need enough thereof for necessity is that which makes things either acceptable or unacceptable Oxesterne notwithstanding was of another opinion though he wisely concealed it for he approved not of receiving so powerfull strangers to be companions in their atchievements and so to receive Lawes from them for by ingaging their owne liberty and subjecting themselves to France hee would say to those he did confide in that when they should have this strong hold they would desire another under the specious charitable pretence of receiving the Romanists into protection they would without unsheathing their Swords injoy the reward of the Swedish labours That neighbouring potentates nor their exhibitions ought never to be trusted in for what is not taken by the enemy with the Sword fals into the power of friends by the exposition of some writing made by some Officer of State The other Dutch Counsellours for of the twelve deputies chosen to consider of the publick government of the Confederates affaires there were nine of that Nation allured by hopes of monies from France upon which they much relied aswell for the publicke as their particular interest for they very well knew they could no longer subsist by the Swedish party and that therefore it was behovefull for them to have some other Prince to rely upon from whom they might receive such pensions as might maintaine them in the decencie of their degree subscribed to this desire of the Embassadour and perswaded Oxesterne to resolve upon sending to Colonell Smidberg who was Governour of the Fort to deliver it up unto the French the which was done though with some delay for Smidberg pretending that the Crowne of Swethland owed him certaine Monies intended not to quit that place till he had received satisfaction 'T was said he was hereunto incited secretly by Oxesterne who for divers ends would protract the surrender of that place Yet did the French remove this obstacle by satisfying Smidberg by which meanes they possest themselves of this so considerable strength Waymer being gotten with the remainder of his ill-treated Army to Franckfort and having re-assembled a new Body of an Army about 14000 Souldiers by the means of the two Brothers Otho Lodovico and Philip the Ringrave who joyned their Forces with him and by the Souldiers drawne out of the Swedish Garrisons eagerly thirsting after revenge prest the French Embassadour that he would send unto him 6000 men which had formerly been promised by vertue of the new capitulation between the Swedes Crown of France in lieu wherof the Swedes had till now taken Mony to shun such confusion as is usually caused by the French when they are mixt with other Nations By which aid he gave out he would yet be able to oppose and retard the Imperialists in their swing of Victory who were very much weakned by the Infanta's parting from them who carryed along with him as he travelled not onely all the Spanish Army being about 10000 fighting men but likewise part of the Imperialists assigned to him by the King for his convoy The Embassadour replied hereunto in an affectionate manner that his Highnesse was not at all deceived in his relying upon succour from his King who was a well-wisher to the interests of the Crowne of Swede to the Protestants in Germany and to Waymers person in particular that therefore he would suddainly acquaint the Court therewith and that he would moreover write to the Marshall de la Force to know from him what orders he had received from the King concerning this and thus he held him in suspence till having received an answer he gave the Duke to understand that the French were ready to assist him but that 6000 Souldiers appearing to them to be very few in respect of the Austrians numerous Forces imboldned by Victory they intended not to hazard the reputation of their Armes upon a new precipice that therefore they offered to second him with a compleat Army of 20000 fighting men which were upon those Frontiers in Alsatia The Embassadour did upon this offer take cunningly an opportune occasion to re-demand Benfelt Gustavensburg Mentz and other neighbouring places much desired by the French the better to secure themselves of Lorayne and that they might make the Warre in another mans Countrey if at
whole affaire and to desire him that he would interpose that the Duke might be permitted according as he desired to keep newter Duke Waymer by reason of his late bad successes was at this time in no good credit with such German Princes as were confederate with the Crowne of Swethland who did not applaud his too hasty actions Wherefore hee seeing that the Countries Contributions grew daily lesse and lesse that the Duke of Saxony had made his Peace with the Emperour and that many Hauns Townes had changed their Copy so as he knew not how longer to maintain his Army without help and assistance from the great Potentate the States from whence he raised his Monies and Victuals for the maintenance of his Souldiers being the most of them already in the power of the Austrians and the Country wherein he was quartered being totally wasted and consumed and that his Souldiers inforced by their sufferings fled to the Colours which were set up of all Nations for the King of France who foreseeing the insubsistency of the Dutch Companies in the Swedish service aswell for the want of Contribution as of pay which the Swedish Commanders converted to their owne use and fearing lest by the disbanding of these the Caesarian Army might bee augmented which was victorious and composed of the same Nation resolved to make some levies of Forreyners aswell for what hath been said as likewise to winne the affection of the Protestants who comming into his pay together with the aggrandizing of his already dreaded power the weakning of other Armies made not a little for the advantage of the French Waymer being therefore moved out of these considerations resolved to fly for protection to the French by whose Agents hee had been sought unto and perswaded to take pay of that Crowne and to ingage himselfe and his Forces in the service thereof The French foreseeing that unlesse they could divert the Emperours Forces which were numerous and well experienced the Fabricke of their designe was grounded but upon an ill foundation and that this division of the Dutch Forces was the right way to compasse their ends had procured this Princes dependency upon them he being a gallant Gentleman beloved by the Souldiers a greatly experienced Commander and who was at this time in great valew and estimation As also the like of the Landgrave of Hessen who was a sprightly Prince and of no lesse esteem with the Protestant party and the Elector of Saxony and all this was done through great promises which being food onely fit for weake stomacks the using therof was rather prejudiciall then advantagious to the safety of France For this was judged to be one of the chiefe motives which made the Duke of Saxony reconcile himselfe to the Emperour hee having too well found that the protection of more puissant Princes is nothing else but a hook whereby that liberty is fisht for which hath escaped the nets of other mens rule and govenment as he had very well found since his joyning in friendship with the King of Sweden The great Chancellour Oxesterne having likewise wisely weighed that any longer tarrying about the Rhyn would be hurtfull to the need which the Townes upon the Elb and Oder stood in of his assistance which might easily be invaded by the Saxon Forces joyned with the Emperours As likewise for the Dyet which was to be held at Hoband for the new Truce Peace or Warre with the Polachs leaving Mentz resolved to goe into Pomerania to provide for what was needfull for those Provinces which were yet held by the Swedish Forces and which did more import them then the others foreseeing very well it was impossible for the Swedes to keep any longer upon the Rhyn being pursued on one side by the Imperialists Sword and on the other side prest by the desires and perswasions of the French who knowing them to be but weake in Men Mony and Meanes to subsist did much urge them to give themselves up unto their protection that so they might get into their hands such Townes as they were possest of in those parts Hee therefore tooke his was by France where by command from the King he was honourably treated and received with extraordinary civillity and afterwards imbarking himselfe in some Holland Vessels at Callis he lâ—nded safe in Holland and after divers negotiations with those States he parted from thence and came to his journies end Nurenberg which yet stucke to the Evangelicall League for so did the Protestants tearm theirs being reduced to that scarcity of Victuals as that a loafe of bread was sold for a Dollar and decaying much in trade it being a very populous City which lived upon handy-Crafts and Merchandizing seeing their hopes faile them of being succoured by the Swedes and Princes of the League being likewise invited by the examples of Ratisbon Auspurg and other Cities which had found more Clemency from the Conquerour then from the conquered for Caesar finding at last that violent meanes did not worke upon a malady cankered through the peoples obstinacy of not forgoing the liberty of their Conscience had applied the due remedy therunto to wit the permission of their said liberty and privileges which was the true Antidote wherewith to abolish hatred and regaine the peoples love agreed likewise that 't was better for them to reconcile themselves with the Emperour then to persevere in friendship with the Swedes from whom they had yet received but a ruinous preservation which peradventure would not have proved such if they had kept themselves in their due obedience to the Emperour The Swedes were in these confusions when the Imperialists imboldned by their victories and growing stronger in Alsatia and Burgundy thought it expedient to venter upon somewhat whereby they might satisfie the Duke of Lorayne and advantage themselves in those parts Montebelgarde which lies upon the Confines of Alsatia Burgundy Lorayne and Swizzerland and where the French had fortified themselves seemed to them a very convenient place to open their way into Lorayn Gathering therefore together all their Forces towards Brisach and Burgundy they advanced to the taking in thereof against which they planted their Cannon plaid upon the Towne and would doubtlesly have taken it had not the Marshall de la Force suddainly come in to the succour thereof who fortunatly gave the Austrians Battaile neer Luder and after a strong bickering had the upperhand and routed the Regiments of Wert Renoch and Merci the chiefe heads of that Army Whereupon the Imperialists fearing to bee worsted if they should continue the enterprise they had begun suddainly raised their Siege and retreated part into Burgundy part under Wert into Alsatia rather to guard that Province then to indeavour the winning of any Townes garrisoniz'd by the French As these the Austrians proceedings were jointly listned unto in Vienna and throughout the whole Caesarian Territories so was the news of the French-mens falling into the Valteline no lesse displeasing unto them whereby
opinion that they should passe by all the Forts and strong holds and suddainly over-run all the whole State of Milan possesse themselves of the most advantagious passages fortifie themselves there infest the Country continually and so bring the Townes and Cities to compound for the Country being well peopled full of Nobility and Inhabitants that lived commodiously when they should see their grounds wasted and their goods destroyed they would easily be brought rather to thinke upon the preservation of their owne estates and privat interests then upon the King of Spaines Forts and this opinion was assented unto by many as known to be the likelyest to prosper but this resolution requiring more Men and Mony and being by powerfull reasons disswaded by the Duke of Savoy not grounded upon any good intention to the French but upon his owne particular interest with the which it did not well agree that the State of Milan should fall into the King of France his hands the enterprise of Valenza was agreed upon Before the which the French being to spend much time the Spaniards consequently reaped thereby the benefit to provide for the defence of the other places and to succour Valenza likewise and the French losing many of their men before this place 't was easily descryed they would be able to effect little or nothing it being held as a strong reason of State that the French-mens further progresse in that Province made not for the good of any Italian Prince by reason of the good neighbourhood which they finde who confine upon great Potentates particularly upon such who desirous to inlarge their dominions invent pretences to breake their word and to usurpe what belongs unto their neighbours Yet this Counsell was held by wise men not to fit so well with the present interest of the States of Italy who gave for their reason that the State of Milan being a new Carthage which kept all its neighbours in continuall motion and being possest by the Spaniards a powerfull Nation ambitious of glory and which hardly ever parts with what it hath once gotten Italy would alwayes be troubled with their pretensions that the French were on the contrary unquiet impatient of staying long out of France thinking there was no other world but their own Kingdome that it would not be impossible to drive out them when they should have driven out the Spaniards and so redresse that Kingdome under the power of some Italian Prince as it formerly had been They added that to adde to the power of great Princes was to nurse up a Serpent in ones bosome which at last would devour the nourisher for great Potentates remember not their neighbours good turnes but are mindfull how they may commodiat themselves by the ruine of such as border upon them Others more partiall to the French replyed That all the foolish French were dead and all the wise Spaniards All things requisite being in a readinesse they gave order for their march thitherwards which was for a few dayes retarded for their were some who thought it was not good to undertake a businesse wherin any difficulty lay with the French Forces onely since Savoy and Parma had not covenanted openly to declare themselves till they should see some Towne possessed by the French and though some were of opinion that the Duke of Parma who had a strength of about 4000 Foot and 800 Horse was able to have made an Impression in the State of Milan by which the Spanish Forces being in many places cut short the worke would consequently be the easier for the French yet did not this opinion prevaile for the Duke not daring to declare himselfe openly an Enemy to the Spaniard till the French were so farre advanced as that they might easily succour him upon any occasion kept his Forces upon his owne grounds holding the Spaniards onely in jealousie But Crequi incouraged by the hopes hee had of the Duke of Parma's being well-inclined towards his King and by the desire he found in that Prince to breake with Spaine pitcht his Camp before Valenza raised Workes and planted his Cannon and began couragiously to set upon it The Marquis of Calada who was a little before put in there as superintendent Signor Francesco di Cardine who was the governour of the Towne and Captaine Spadino a worthy Gentleman knowing how acceptable the preservation of that place would be to the King of Spaine and how much glory they should thereby gaine unto themselves began to shew as much courage and industry in the defence thereof as the French did in their desire to win it The newes of the French Armies arrivall in the state of Milan being come to the knowledge of the Townes and Cities thereof brought with it no small feare to the Inhabitants and to the Spaniards themselves For those places wanting men sufficient for their defence the whole Countrey was in a confusion for the Souldiers of the Trained Bands by their taking up Armes were rather cause of grief lamentation to their wives and children who quit the Countrey then of comfort or incouragement to defence they being generally known for white-liver'd men Yet amidst these emergencies was not the Cardinall Albernois and the other Spanish Agents wanting in courage but according to their innate undauntednesse began to make such Provisions as they thought necessary and as the shortnesse of time would permit them Expresses were sent by Post into Spaine Naples and Germany to sollicite the amassing of men and moneys a new scrutiny was made of all the people of the state and out of every hundred men eight of the ablest were chosen to place in the Forts and Forreiners were removed from thence to be made use of in the Field Il Maestro de Campo Roma was sent to Mortara a Towne betweene Pavia and Verculles to be super-intendent there Don Carlo Colombo was sent to Alessandria and divers other men of worth to the Fort Sandavall and other places upon the Confines and all those places were re-inforced with men the Drummes beat up every where and Provisions were made for the present occurrences The Spaniards desisted not notwithstanding to negotiate by their Agents with the Pope and Republique of Venice that if they intended not to succour them neither should they assist the French and chiefly they feared lest the Venetians should declare themselves who were instigated by mightie offers from the French to appeare in their behalfes and to bring their Forces on this side Alda the Venetians being very strong having 8000 Foot of sundry Nations and 2000 Horse well in order in Lombardy beyond Mincio under the command of Luigi Zorzi their Generall a valiant man much esteemed and feared who to boot with his refined judgement was couragious and resolute in his Warre-resolves they had moreover more men quartered in Crema and thereabouts under the conduct of Michell Priuli a sonne not unlike his father who had formerly beene Duke of Venice an Heroick Prince who had a
likewise who was very affectionate to the house of Austria to boot with the Brigado of Foot which he raysed at his owne costs in Helvetia did upon this occasion likewise assist the state of Milan with 300 Horse under the command of Marquis Cosimo Richardi Whereupon Beliviere leaving Venice came to Florence not out of any intention to make the great Duke side with the Crowne of France but at least to moderate the evill opinion which the Princes of Italy might have taken of that Crowne by reason of the French-mens falling into Italy and to keepe the great Duke as much as possibly he could from assisting the Spaniards And because the opinion grew stronger every day that the Duke of Savoy held secret intelligence with the Spaniards 't is said that to moderate in some sort this report the King of Spaines Agents held it fit to dismisse the Abbot Torre who was the Duke of Savoyes Embassadour from Milan under pretence that considering the breach made by his Master against the King of Spaine it was not fitting a Minister of his should keep with those against whom he had declared himselfe an open Enemy At this time Don Franchesco di Mello a man of great esteeme sent as extraordinary Embassadour from Spaine to the Emperour tooke Milan in his way and staid there it being reported he was to have beene made Governour thereof The Spaniards this meane while building very much upon the Duke of Modena's declaring himselfe for them as well for the assistance they might expect from that Prince of warlike people as for the credit of being reverenced by such an Italian Potentate not respecting the right of discent in the Prince of Correggio mediated with the Emperour therein in the behalfe of the Duke of Modena that the true Prince might be deprived thereof and the other invested thereinto as it insued upon the promise of disbursing 200000 Dollars The Elector of Saxony having after some dayes stout defence made by the Swedes taken the Castle of Hall knew it was requisite for him to joyne with the Imperiall Troopes who were then in good numbers about Franckfort upon the Oder that they might joyntly invade those Townes which were by them pretended unto and were held and gainsaid them by the Swedes He therefore marched towards Berlin a Citie of Brandenberg upon the Hault where the Swedes were who were much grieved at the uniting of those Forces as making much against that which they intended and being hereof advertised Bannier thought it expedient to remove from thence Therefore having brought his Souldiers neere Ratzaw and having quickly taken Verbeâ— which not being in a condition to stand out immediately Articled the small Garrison which guarded it marching out with their Bagge and Baggage he left therein a good guard for it was a place of some moment for him and then marched with his Army towards the Enemy where some Regiments of the Swedish Horse meeting with some Squadrons of the Saxons which scoured the Countrey they so evilly treated them as that they made them runne away to the Electors head-quarters The Elector of Brandenburg was much troubled with this Hostility betweene the Swedes and Saxons who confining upon them both if he should declare himselfe for either side he should bring the Warre home to his owne doores So was likewise the Duke of Mechelberg who could expect nothing but much prejudice from this their falling out Therefore an accommodation betweene the Swedes and Saxons being very much desired by those two Princes they were not wanting in their best indeavours to compose those differences but they could doe no good therein for the Swedish Commanders being particularly offended by the Elector and incited through a deâ—ire of Warre whereon their greatnesse did consist for they thereby much inriched themselves held the businesse in suspence upon very small hopes and at last all the differences consisting in a declaration which contained that before they would proceed further they would be repossessed of all that they did possesse the yeare 1634. the Treaty fell to the ground The French-men fayling in their intentions of taking Valenza which for the reasons formerly alledged they much desired seeing that the numbers of the Spaniards did dayly increase in the state of Milan by the assistance of other Princes their friends for now the Dutch began to march towards them under the command of Prince Borso of Este and Colonell Giledas together with other Switzers to boot with many Foot that were raysed in the state of Modena and in Tuscany and those that every day were landed from Spaine and Naples thought it fitting to ease the quarters of Montferrat which began to be very burthensome to those people by sending backe the Duke of Parma's Forces into their owne Countrey But because their numbers were much lessened in lying before Vabenza and that they could not without evident danger passe through the Territories of Tortona and so enter into Piacenza without being back't with greater Forces and when they should be luckily arrived there they were not able to defend their state from the Spaniards who were expected to invade them they indeavoured all they might to make the Duke of Savoy joyne his Generall the Marquis Villa with those of Parma who with the Savoy Horse might back the Duke of Parma till he should come to his own home where when he should be they would then bethinke themselves of new resolutions to which the Duke gave way though he suspected that the French did this to weaken his Forces that they might have him the more at their beck for by his suffering Valenza to be succoured the French had renewed the former jealousies they had of his actions Villa therefore left his quarters and marching towards Tortona began to doe as was agreed upon but the Spaniards who had heard hereof sent speedily away 3000 Foot and 10 Companies of Horse to Tortona whither they came on the 23th of December and lodged in the Suburbs of the Citie from whence they sent out Scouts to discover the Enemies proceedings and understanding that Villa with his Horse appeared already in very good order upon the Territories of that Town they thought it expedient to foord over the Sâ—rivia a Torrent not far from thence and send some Horse towards the Savoyards seconded by divers Files of Musquets intending to set upon them on the Flanke and by fighting with them to make the Colleagues alter their intentions But the Spaniards finding themselves not strong enough to encounter them though they were somewhat advantaged by the protection of the Citie and the Cannon thereof which playd upon the Enemies Horse being come within their reach they kept their stations forbearing to make any further attempt so as while this was a doing the Foot which marched on the other side came successefully to the new Castle of Scrivia not having so much as one Musquet-shot made at them though there were some Spanish and Neapolitan Foot there and
Spaniards Therefore they more then ever renewed their hostilitie in the State of Piacenza and making more Dutch Troopes advance they tooke the Castle of Rottofredo betwixt Titon and Trebbia and afwards Valditaro and S. Donino and wasted all those Territories 't was said their intention in doing this was that if the Duke should come with a French Army into his Countrey to invade the State of Milan on that side he should find neither Forrage nor Victualls to maintain himselfe by which meanes they should secure themselves on that side and so much the rather for that the French when they should be brought to that ruined Countrey of narrow Precincts they being a Nation who cannot well endure hunger if at other times and in other places they were accustomed to runne from their Commanders they would much the more doe so here having the commoditie to goe see Mantua and Venice And the Spaniards greatly fearing that the French upon the Duke of Parma's comming and their Commission from the King should rather attempt somewhat in the State of Milan they sent Don Alonso de Quiranes the Lieutenant Generall of the Horse with 24 companies of Horse into Novara to watch over the French-mens wayes and to oppose them in such sort as his experience should bid him till such time as necessary Provisions for defence were had in the State of Milan And because the Spaniards knew of what importance Rottofredo and the Borrough of Valditaro were by reason of their situation for the present Warre they resolved to fortifie them for that maintaining themselves there though the French should come to succour Piacenza they would be able to bring them to great sufferings and to hinder the French from advancing on that side into the States of Milan or of Modena And for that the keeping of good intelligence betweene the Spaniards and the Duke of Modena was very requisite in many respects they sent Don Francisco di Mello to the greater Cassall whither likewise the Duke came and speaking together 't was said that Mello in his Kings name did againe assure his Highnesse of his Majesties perfect good inclinations to what concerned him wishing him to cast away any umbrage of feare he might have that the French passing into the Countrey of Parma were to lay hands on the State of Râ—giâ— or of Modena Others said that Mello let fall some words to invite the Duke to come to the Court of Spaine which was much desired by the Spaniards that they might not goe lesse with France which had beene visited by the Duke of Parma Others said it was to raise more men out of that State and to interest that Prince yet more with the Crowne of Spaine but every man judged as he thought good guessing onely by conjectures for no man knew any word he said The Duke of Alcana came likewise at this time to Milan who was reported should be entertained as Governour thereof and who was much welcomed and in stately manner met without Pavia by Leganes Mello and other Cavaliers The French were as diligent as the Spaniards in examining what would make most for their advantage and of all the rest Crequi was offended that his fame should not now mount as high as it had done in his former actions foreseeing that if by his valour he should not make good those hopes which the Court expected from the comming of the Duke of Parma and the Kings commands he should goe lesse in reputation The French Kings chiefe Commanders and Ministers of State being met in Cassale such Propositions were put to be wisely weighed as were thought fitting by such as were more passionate then others to see the honour of the French Forces lessen the contents whereof were That the Army being brought together it should immediately march towards the State of Parma that when they should have driven the Spaniards from thence made Piâ—cenza their Arsenall of Armes and all necessary Provisions they should couragiously and boldly set upon the State of Milan on this side which as it was more opulent and abounding in plentie then any other part so did it want Forts able to withstand a strong Army and that when they should have ransackt the Countries of Cremona and Lodegian and made themselves Masters of those two Townes which were not very strong they might easily beleaguer the Citie of Milan they fortified these opinions by these reasons That if this were not done the Duke of Parma who had readily without any respect to his owne particular declared himselfe for them might lawfully make his peace with the Spaniard Whereupon together with the losse of so important a friend they were to suffer not onely in their reputation but even in their plighted faith for all other Princes taking example hereby would be careful how they built upon hopes from France That the friendship of the Princes and Potentates of Italy was one of the greatest goods that could befal the Crown of France and contrariwise the greatest prejudice that could happen to Spaine That Charles Duke of Maâ—tua's obligations to France were knowne the affection and intire friendship of the state of Venice That doubtlesse though the state of Parma should prove penurious as not to be able to maintaine an Army it would be supplyed from Mantua Ferara and Venice That the Princes would be glad of such a neighbour-hood for that the Spaniards having thereby recourse unto their Townes their Territories growing consequently more populous and they inriching themselves by their neighbours pillage their Principalities would be thereby advantaged That it was not to be believed that the Spaniards though stronger then they were would resolve upon a generall battell with the French Army since by losing they should lose too much and by winning gaine but little That therefore they were to furnish Brem Cassalle and other neighbouring Forts with all things necessary to send speedy advertisement to the Court to the end that more Forces might with expedition be sent by the King to set upon the State of Mila on the other side that so they might effect the work according to their desire The other Commanders would easily have given way to these reasons as appearing probable and valid but considering the end and scope of the enterprise there were some who openly opposed them alledging That the French had not about 7 or 8 thousand Foot and 2500 Horse wherewithall to keepe the Field that this was a small number in respect of the difficultie of the undertaking and the recruits which the Spaniards had received from divers parts that they were for many miles to passe through the Enemies Countrey having Valenza Alessandria and Tortona upon their Flanks and backs that the Army would be perpetually disturbed that they could not promise themselves any safe retreat if they should have occasion so to doe it was rather to be feared that the Spaniards by possessing themselves of the most advantagious Avenues might crosse them in their march and
confused in their following of him he left the Campe full of fires though no body was therein and having put part of his Foot into Magdeburg he with his Horse wasting all the neighbouring Territories retired to Serbest some six houres march from Magdeburg over-running all parts thereabouts and pillaging the Townes even to Brandeburg and from thence to Havell to the end that the Saxons finding neither Victualls nor Forrage might be incommodiated in their Siege and not be able to keepe long before that Citie and meeting with two Regiments of Saxons who were advanced to watch over and oppose his designes being in condition to withstand them for some of Maracinies men were come up to him he ingaged himselfe with them in a gallant fight routed them and tooke from them eleaven Standards flew 200. tooke many prisoners and returned againe to Serbest But the Elector having sent some Barques of Ammunition and instruments of Warre downe the River to Rossemburg a Towne upon the Sala and Elb he himselfe likewise advanc't thether being joyned with Azfelt who brought with him about 9000 fighting-men and having made two Bridges upon Boats over the Elb and Sala he commanded Azfelt to advance towards Magdeburg on the Bishopricke of Halberstats side and he himselfe past with his men on the other side the Elb to set upon Bannier to drive him from Zerbest and to begin the Siege But he found the Swedes parted from thence and quartered betweene Magdeburg and Werben in Tregemonde where they expected Oranghell who was already at Stetin with 8000 Souldiers They therefore halted here and fortified themselves making a Bridge that as time should serve they might succour Magdeburg which being strongly set upon by the Saxons those within the Towne did valiantly defend it and by gallant and continuall sallies did annoy the Enemy in their 〈◊〉 and quarters The Hollanders did now besiege and batter Sckinck-Sconce the former losse whereof as hath beene said did much trouble them in succour whereof Colonell Iohn de Nassaw was come with his men to Cleves a Citie three leagues distance from thence and the Spaniards were likewise advanced who tryed on all sides though in vaine to surprise the Hollanders in their Trenches who were so well fortified with Trenches re-doubts and their men did so desperately behave themselves as the Spaniards holding it impossible to break into them resolved to returne to Cleves and Goch where a little before to the universall sorrow of the Infanta and all the Commanders of that Army the Marquis of Aytona dyed a Gentleman greatly wise and as well courteous in his demeanour as valiant and experienced in Warre At this retreat the Hollanders being much incouraged and not desisting day and night to batter and assault the Fort they at last set upon it with such force and boldnesse as the defendants wanting further meanes to maintaine it and the Hollander being dead therein who had surprised it and who was sent thether by the Spaniards to defend it they Articled on the 26th day of May and on the 30th of the same Moneth about 900 Foot marched out with their Armes Baggage Drums beating Colours flying and 4 pieces of Cannon and marched towards Ghelders and the Hollanders entred to the great applause and ineffable content of all the States and people of those Provinces But if Fortune favoured the Hollanders in assisting them so quickly to compasse their desired enterprise she frown'd upon the Imperialists before Hannaw for though Lamboye was succoured by 3000 Souldiers and that he did more and more streighten the Fort the Swedes and Inhabitants by valiant defending themselves and by unheard of daring and continuall sallies annoying the Caesarian quarters they kept them at distance and in awe and making excursions even to the banks of the Maine they fired the Barques that were sent to Franckfort which caused a great dearth in that Citie the Inhabitants whereof were reduced to that poynt as they durst not for feare of the Garrison of Hannaw goe one mile out of the Citie nor live in the neighbouring Villages The end of the eleventh Book DOCTRINA PARIT VIRTUTEM The Warres and other State Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE XII BOOK The Contents of the Twelfth Book The Spaniards are much troubled to heare of the French-mens passing into the state of Parma They advise about and provide for their affairs Rohan enters into Valsazena and breakes the building wherein Cannon Bullets were made The King of England sends the Earle of Arundell to the Emperour about the Palatinate The Landsgrave of Hessen having surprized Minden succours Hannaw Duke Waymer declared Generall of France and Swethland in Germany prepares for Warre Dole in Burgundy is besieged by the French The Duke of Parma returnes privatly to his own Dominions Crequi with his Army enters into the heart of the state of Milan He cuts off the water from Navillio that goes to Milan Incamps himselfe on the fields of Castane and puts all the neighbouring parts in great feare The Spaniards invade Picardy and by the falshood of some of the Governours take some Forts The Duke of Orleans in head of his Majesties Forces make divers Atchievements France takes Allarme and provides for such inconveniencies The Spaniards publish a manifesto against the government of the King of France his Ministers but get nothing thereby A bloâ—dy Battaile is fought upon the fields of Castane neer Pamperduto between the French and Spaniards The French after a while retire from the places they had tane neer Pamperdueto Divers discourses upon the Duke of Savoys actions Zaverna yeelded to the French The Prince of Conde retires from Dole Magdeburg is yeelded to the Duke of Saxony who doth divers other things The Emperour comes to Ratisbon where the Dyet begins The Spaniards go out of Navar against France They incamp themselves before Bayone The Spaniards thinke upon the taking of Piacenza and to that effect marcht towards it The Duke of Parma makes protestation in France that without aid he can no longer hold out against the Spaniards The King of Hungary is chosen King of the Romans in Ratisbon and what the Austrians joy was WHilest affaires went thus in Germany great preparation for Warre was made in Flanders and all Europe stood as a spectatrix inquisitive what the event of so great provisions made on all sides would bee The Spaniards having sent the Duke of Alcala to the State of Milan to assist in the government of that Dukedome Leganes not being able to be both in Milan and in the field at once made it knowne that the French increasing every day more and more in Montferrat gave out they would by force of Armes march into the State of Parma Whereat they being much troubled for that enterprise being accompanied with the diversion which they might have on the Piacenzan side would very much molest them generall consultations being had in Pavia between the Duke D'Alcala Leganes Mello and
of some of those Governours and other French Officers knowing that Nation to be desirous of noveltie and that they are oft-times not contented with their present condition and which is worse not well affectionate to their King and the Ministers of State proceed it either from their natures or from the inclination of their ill composed minds or from their envy to see others imployed or their distaste for not being treated so well as they themselves thinke they deserve They bent their braines unto the businesse and to say truth Fortune was not faultie to them in the enterprise for all the Dutch being taken from the Territories of Liedge the differences betweene which City and the Emperour was referred as hath beene said to the Umpirage of the Elector of Cullen by whose meanes they were allayd the rest of the Souldiers being yet quartered in the neighbouring parts and an Army being gathered together of about 30000 Souldiers with 48 piece of Cannon they made their Arsenall at Cambrai a Citie upon the Schelde betweene Hannault Artois and Picardy and having corrupted the Governour of La-Chapelle a Fort belonging to the King of France upon those Confines modernly fortified they came before it The Governour thereof that he might not appâ—â—â—e to be so base a villaine did at first seeme to make some defence but afterwards yeelded it up and tooke pay of the Spaniard as knowing his head would pay for 't if he should remaine in the King of France his power The Governours of Chastellet and Corbie places upon the same Frontiers did the like soone after with whom the Spaniards having secured their retreat and opened their way into that Province they marched speedily forwards sacking many Villages and comming even to before the Gates of Amiens and S. Quintiâ—s for the French not misdoubting any treachery in those Officers were not then provided with men sufficient to oppose such an invasion The Allarme was therefore given throughout all France and particularly in Paris where the news was ill interpreted the Drums beat up everywhere and Foot and Horse were every where raised His Majestie of France did wisely and undauntedly beare those so bad tidings which were understood to be so much the worse as that they had happened through the treachery of those whom he had believed to be faithfull the which of all things else doth most exasperate a Prince for since they cannot but trust their servants a blow received through infidelitie is the bitterest of all others He presently dispatcht away the Duke of Montbasson to Soisons together with Monsieur De Mirtmont the Marshall of Bresse to Fera the Marshall De la Force to Remis Count D'Ales to Abeville Monsieur De Betune to Peroonne Monsieur De Varnes Captaine of the Guard to Noion and Monsieur De Ramboures to Dorlens all of them being prime valiant men who went to these strengths which were most esteemed of by his Majestie with orders that to boot with the preservation thereof they should raise what possible numbers of men they could to joyne afterwards with the Count of Soisons who had directions to march thetherward with 8000 Foot and 2000 Horse not onely to oppose the Spaniards further Invasion but to enter upon Artois till such time as his Majestie and the Cardinall Richelieâ— having gathered together more men which were marching towards them from all parts might not onely drive the Spaniards from the places they had possest but might also invade their Territories in Artois and Flanders But Prince Thomas marching forwards after the surrender of Castellet and thinking that the Governour of Guiscia one of the strongest places on those Frontiers would doe as the others had done came before it planted the Cannon against it and gave the Governour thereof to understand That if he would surrender the place he should be so rewarded as that he should for ever after live happy But he being true unto his King answered the Prince that he was so well prepared to defend that place recommended to his trust if his Highnesse would come in he would throw open the Gates to the end that the Spaniards might cheerfully enter where they should be by him received as became a man of honour and one who was faithfull unto his Master so as the Prince perceiving he could advance but little further returned to Corbie where all the rest of the Spanish Army intrencht themselves The Spaniards heard of the great preparations of the French and did greatly feare to be much troubled and to be forc't to sorsake those Confines for to boot with these the Hollanders prepared with all their might to come into the Field and undertake some great matter whereupon they imagined to worke no small prejudice to France by blowing the coale of ill affection which some of the people Princes and Nobilitie of that Kingdome did inwardly beare to Cardinall Richelieu a faithfull servant to that Crowne and as such a one much envied and hated by those who desirous of noveltie coveâ—ed to part the Royall Mantle amongst them no way minding the preservation of the weale publique which if it had succeeded and not beene prevented through the suspition the French had of the Spaniards and the hatred they bore them they might have hoped for good thereby They therefore out of these hopes published a Manifesâ—o full of charitable conceptions and expressions of a seeming care of the welfare of poore Christians oppressed by the ambition of Ministers of State without either Conscience or Pâ—etie whereby they thought to provoke the hatred of the people against the aforesaid Officers and move â—ome intestine flame without which they could do no good against that Kingdome They therefore did thus publish to all Europe How the most Christian King was abused by self-interessed Subjects who had not the feare of God before their eyes and were evilly minded towards the publique safetie and the Kings Person whom by fraudulent and politique maximes they had caused to be a chiefe means of divers Warres in the Empire and King of Spaines Dominions calling in and introducing at his owne charges stranger Nations into those Provinces and such as were Enemies to the holy Church of Rome â—as the Swedes Hollandâ—rs and others assisting them with men mony in such sort as were it not for Divine Providence and the house of Austria Christendome would by this time become a prey to Heretiques and Barbarians and that the onely end herein was the ruine of the Emperour and the King of Sâ—ain the which was sufficiently manifest by his having purchas'd many Townes from the Swedes in Aâ—satia by his possessing himselfe of others by his owne Forces under the specious pretences of receiving Romanists into his protection by having waged War with Flanders to which he had no coulour of pretence by sending his Forces into the State of Milan and contrary to the Articles of Neutralitie invaded in hostile manner the Franch Countie and that therefore the Emperour and
his most Catholique Majestie had with just reasons tane up Armes against that Kingdome not out of any intention to bereave the King of what was his since the Spaniards who have enough of the world and abound in charitie never covet what belongs to another but onely thereby to reduce the King to an universall peace which was so much desired by the Austrians for the welfare of the poore people who are those that at the last are onely indammaged by Warre and to get the States restored which were taken from the Duke of Lorayne and others as also to have satisfaction given to the Queene Mother and to have those Nobles restored to their Estates who were banished the Kingdom not for any fault of theirs but onely for that they would not depend upon his Majesties Ministers of State whom they knew to be no friends to France and in particular upon the Cardinall of Richelieu whom they feared most of all the rest having a genious opposite to the Spaniards and one who knew how the affaires of that Crowne went wherein there would be charitie and no little merit at Gods hands and all the world if those people and Princes could perswade the King to punish those as Traytors who were the cause the Kingdome was so much weakened by assisting strangers This Manifesto being published in France and comming to the Court afforded occasion of laughter to the Lords there who were much taken with the expression of the Spaniards charitie in not coveting what belongs to another they found all this to be but an invention to throw seeds of diâ—â—idence betweene the great ones too much inclined to noveltie and to put them in mind how their fore-fathers had strugled with their Kings to doe the like amongst the people who were desirous of quiet and not willing to undergoe new Impositions and in fine that this was but a bait to draw some male-contents over to them by whose meanes they pretended to receive no small benefit Yet was it not of force enough to have any outward operation for the late example of Monmerancy and other great ones of the Conspiracy had sufficiently taught them that the Subject might hope to be borne withall and pardoned for any other fault save that of infidelitie And every one knew very well that if the Crowne of France had consumed sufficient treasure by the government of such Officers yet were they secure from intestine Warres whereby that flourishing Kingdome had so much suffered in former times and which were easie enough to be renewed againe for every little distaste taken by a French Prince was sufficient to subvert whole Provinces so as it was better to indure some Taxations then to be exposed to the insolencies of a friend and violence of an enemy Moreover they saw a Dukedome of Lorayne joyned unto the Crowne the reveneues whereof did farre exceed all the expences they had beene at together with so many other Cities in Alsatia and in Italy where formerly they had not one foot of ground the maintaining whereof did keepe the Enemies of the Crowne in continuall suspition and afforded them meanes of thinking upon other enterprises and of helping upon all occasions such as were friends to France when they should be incombred by their Enemies The French having possest themselves of the seat of Panperduto and made their Trenches there in the open Fields which gave them no small hopes of further advancement and knowing that without any more adoe they should bring Milan into great streights for want of Victualls if carrying their Forces aside the great Lake they should cut from them those Provisions which were thereby brought unto the Citie they resolved upon the taking of Arona a Towne upon the Tessine in the mouth of the said Lake which would make them to perfect their designe They therefore marched with part of their Forces thetherwards but were not proserous in the attempt for all the neighbouring people taking up Armes together with others under the command of Count Iulius Caesar Borromeo they were saluted with many Cannon shot from divers places which were held by the Milanois on those Hills so as it behoved them to retreat that they might not dis-joint their Army which kept about Panperduto expecting the event of that enterprise by the benefit whereof they designed to marke where they might have greatest hopes of advantage But these proceedings were not well interpreted by those of Milan which made them murmur and complaine of the Spaniards for that they had assembled so many men together kept them so long in that State to the so great incommoditie and losse of so many people whom they had not courage to defend now that they stood in need of their helpe At which the Spaniards being much galled who fore-saw the apparent danger that over-hung them if they should make any further delay they resolved to alter their determination of keeping themselves in strong holds so to reduce the French to a scarcitie of Victualls and into a condition of receiving some great overthrow and propounded that content might be given to the Milanois by their undertaking some generous action whereby the others minds which were so farre sunck in dispaire might be somewhat comforted Leganes therefore on the 22th of Iune went from Biagras where he mustred his Army which the Militia of the Countrey being therein comprehended consisted of 15000 Foot and about 4000 Horse he was accompanied by Don Francisco di Melo Marquis Spinola and many other chiefe Commanders and in a grave and sober march he advanced in good order towards the French Army which kept in battell array within their Trenches but it being somewhat late there onely past an ordinary skirmish betweene the Horse of both parties which lasted almost all the night with little losse to either side for the Spaniards went warily to worke that they might not be brought upon disadvantage and the French attended some fitting occasion to charge them upon advantage so as the meane while the night came on which stickled the businesse Leganes notwithstanding knowing very well the Enemies condition and finding in his Souldiers a great desire to fight appeared the next morning at Sun-rising in good order before the French who kept themselves in battell array within their Trenches and going boldly on with the Spaniish and Dutch Foot against the Trenches the French though they did valiantly defend themselves and withstand their Enemies who fought very couragiously yet could they not keep one of their Foot battaglions from being routed which was charged by the Neapolitan Horse for the French Horse which were on the left wing towards the Ditch of Panperduto being playd upon by 3 pieces of the Spaniards Ordnance which were placed upon the edge of the said Ditch and being thereby much indammaged were wheeled about towards La Cassina di Tornavento from whence these Foot receding and others by reason of their feare they retreated towards the River under the shelter of
sent towards Piemont The consequences which were concerned in the intelligence held betweene the Duke of Parma and the French being vanished by his late peace made with Spaine that diversion being taken away which occasioned the keeping of a great part of the Spanish Army on that side and the succession of the Empire being provided for in the person of the Sonne of the late Ferdinand by the Election of the King of the Romans no greater contentment could in these present emergencies befall the Austrians nor was it possible for them to become more famous then by having overcome three such difficulties which had not a little troubled them These successes did therefore so exalt the Austrians hopes as they thought it not onely an easie matter to drive the French to the other side of the Mountaines and to secure Flanders but also to beat back the Swedes beyond the Baltique Sea And to effect these vast designes Piccolomini and Wert were sent for back into Flanders the one or them Generall to the Emperour the other to Bavaria who a little before were come from the Low-Countries for the affaires of the Empire to their Masters Dominions so to guard those Provinces the better from being invaded by the French as likewise if Fortune should prove propitious to undertake somewhat in France and to get some of the Forts of Lorayne which the Spaniards could not indure should be in the power of the French For besides that France was thereby increased by the addition of a good Dukedome lying betweene Burgundy and Flanders those Provinces were consequently much weakned by that division They therefore sent Foot and Horse by the way of Navarre against France to re-inforce the Siege before Bayon intending if not to proceed further at least to divert the Army of France from that side After the fight and rout given to Azfelt Bannier advanced cheerfully towards Turingia where he had already taken Mansfelt and Erfurt and other places of those Provinces wherefore Ghets and Glissing who were then with about 10000 men in France were commanded when the Forces should be gotten together which were in the Hercinian Woods to joyne themselves with the Saxons Army which after the taking of Magdeburg was about Marsburg and Halla to refresh it selfe for the sufferings it had indured before that Towne and to oppose the Enemies proceedings And because Orenghell also over-runne Slesia with a great strength of Swedes to the great prejudice of those people the Caesarian Commanders who had the charge of guarding that Province were commanded to take what men they could from the neighbouring Garrisons and joyne with other Souldiers who were already on their way from Moravia and with all diligence to oppose Orenghells furthers proceedings So as the Austrians thought they had done reason on this side by the assistance of the Forces of the Electors of Saxony and Brandemburg and of those other people which they had sent to those parts the rather to keep those Electors in their loyaltie then totally to drive the Swedes from such places of theirs as they were possest of By reason whereof some more speculative then others gave out that the Austrians intentions were grounded upon a strong reason of state to keepe the Warre still on foot in this part for that the mischiefes thereof being nourished in the State of Saxony the Duke whereof was a Protestant Prince and at the present one of the powerfullest of all the Empire his Countrey having preserved it selfe better then any other from the miseries of Warre by which all other places had beene greatly wasted it was likely his strength might be weakned and that afterwards the businesse of Italy and France being compounded the Emperour might easily bring all Germany to his obedience the Princes whereof by reason of their past-sufferings would not be able to weigh against the Austrian power and as it is usuall for the weakest to tollerate more the actions of great ones so it would behove them to respect Caesars authoritie more then formerly And the Spaniards chiefe aime being to preserve Alsatia and Flanders and to drive the French from Montferrat having thus provided for the urgencies of Germany they set themselves wholly upon the getting of Piemont Those people therefore being drawne out who after the retreat from Piacenza were quartered in the Territories of Pavia and Lodiggian and a new inforcement of some Companies which came from Spaine and Naples being come to the State of Milan Leganes resolved when he should have perfected the Fortifications spoken of about Lumello a Bridge should be throwne over the Tessine at Sesto a Towne neere the greater Lake that he might make use thereof in the more speedy leading of the Switzers and Dutch which were expected from Switzerland and Swabenland into the Territories of Vercelles at any time when he should betake himselfe to the taking in of that place where in the neighbouring Townes he resolved to lodge them And therefore advancing with a part of his Army to Pavia he commanded Emilius Ghedini who was in the parts of Allessandria with some Dutch Companies belonging to Ghelidas his Regiment and some other Italian and Spanish Troopes to advance to before Ponsone a Castle situated in the Langhe between Savoy and Allessandria and that he should indeavour to take it as a place of much consideration upon the present occasions for he thereby the better secured the communication of the Havens of Vado Finale and Codoretto with the State of Milan At the appearing of these men the Towne suddenly yeelded which wanting fitting Fortifications could not hold out the French retired themselves into the Castle which being incompassed with great Towers and seated on high suffered not the Sapniards at the first to advance further whereupon Ghedini staying in the Towne and making himselfe master of such passes by which Crequis men might come to the succour of that Castle he speedily advertised the Governour of Milan thereof who likewise fearing that it might be succoured by the French for the losse hereof would be a greater detriment to them for the aforesaid reasons sent Don Martin d' Aragona Generall of the Artillery thither with such Forces as he had with him about Pavia upon the arrivall of which strength the Spaniards presently planted their Cannon against the Castle which after some days defence no relief appearing yeelded and the Spaniards were masters thereof to Crequi's great griefe who was come from Cassalle to Turine expecting the resolves of his King which by reason of the agreement made by Parma he thought might be altered and fore-seeing that the Spaniards emboldened by their successes following their good fortune might easily fall upon some greater enterprise before the French could receive fresh supplyes he sent the Marquis Villa with 4000 Foot and 1000 Horse to observe the Spaniards proceedings in those parts And because for want of pay his Souldiers did daily disband and those that remained with him were discontent and greatly
gave out that he would quarter his whole Army that Winter in the State of Milan but these words tooke not effect for Leganes having brought the greatest part of his Army about Valenza the Marshall altered his mind and returned to Winter in his former quarters of Piemont and Montferrat Whereby the Spaniards finding it an easie matter to take Brem they had many reasons to goe about it before they should betake themselves to their Winter quarters and before the French should receive more recruits from France But the season proved afterwards so exceeding wet and the wayes so deepe as they could not without much incommoditie march with their Cannon wherefore upon better advice Leganes resolved to leave garrisons on the Frontiers particularly in Lumello and Carasona whose fortifications were not yet perfected and disperse his Army in the Townes of that state with intention to appeare in the Spring with greater numbers in the field and doe that which though it was deferred was not forgotten The face of affaires was changed in Lombardy by the death of Victorios Amadreo Duke of Savoy as also by the decease of Charles Duke of Mantua who died a little before the other on the 21th of September For Charles having left his Grandchild very young and his sonnes Wife Mary Governesse of her sonne till he should come to bee 18 yeares old 't was foreseen that from hence alteration would proceed for the wiser sort were of opinion that the Princesse was of another genius then was Charles who could not forget his affection to the French and that the greater part of the Mantoans being Leaguniosised and not onely naturally small friends to Forrainers but much exasperated against those whom they termed the cause of their ruine they might easily perswade the young lady to keep faire correspondency with the Spaniard under whom they thought themselves to be bettered when indeed they were by so much more impaired by how much a King of Spaine is greater then a Duke of Mantua at which the French who through Charles his unadvisednesse were now in the best Townes of Montferrat taking offence some adverse accident might fall out Others said the Duchesse being but young and much solicited by her mother Marguerit of Savoy and the Empresse Ellinor she might perhaps listen to a new marriage And that when the Infante of Spaine could get footing in Mantua and in the right of the young Lady lawfully keep what he had gotten in Montferrat hee would willingly yeeld to marry her and that the Princesse would not be unwilling to better her condition in these present emergencies from whence great troubles must needs arise for if the Spaniards should once get into Mantua and the Citadell of Casalle there was no hope though they might intend to restore the state to the lawfull heire that ever they would take their garrisons out of such important places Whereupon every Potentate apprehending the Spaniards greatnesse they would prepare to obviat what might prove prejudiciall to them and so those poore Countries would bee the Scaene of Warre Some notwithstanding replied to the discourse touching this marriage with reasons not improbable to wit that it would hardly be affected for that the Princesse being esteemed to be fruitfull it did not comply with the Spaniards that their Kings brother should have children out of the reason of State of keeping the government in one onely and that therefore when they should thinke upon a match for him they were to provide a Wife that were barren and on the other side they aswell saw that if the Mantuans should keep constant to the French they should not onely be treated by them as subjects and the Duke of Mantua's Authority be assubjected to the pleasure of France but which was of greater consideration if the Spaniards could not beare that the French Forces should bee in Cassalle they would consequently never be contented till they were removed from thence So as the Warre hapning in an Orphans state his subjects were likely to prove the mischiefes thereof although others reflecting hereupon and who were not of opinion that this made for the Duke did probably maintaine that Warre was little or nothing troublesome to those who were therein brought up and that both parties being desirous to keep that warlike people well affected to them they should be gently proceeded with by them both and being well treated they might consequently by making the best of their affaires expect more profit from Warre then from Peace But it was not long ere the effects of such cogitations began to shew themselves For the Princesse taking upon her the government of her sonne and being more addicted to the Italian gravity then to the French freedome seemed little satisfied with the proceedings of the French and in particular she seemed not to be well pleased with Monsieur de Torre who commanded under Charles as generall of all his Forces for he not able to submit the French liberty to the moderation of Italy had by his affability won the good will of many and almost got all the Nobility of Mantua to follow his Capricioes so as basterdizing the customes of Mantua with the mode of France his actions were no wayes pleasing to the Princes nor yet to others who knew it was not fit to introduce such a noveltie So as aswell to free her selfe from such a spectacle as also to injoy that soveraignty which became her and which was by this man through his Kings authority in some sort moderated as also that by so doing she might partly shew the Spaniards her Mother and her Aunt that she was independant as concerning France and for other reasons the Princesse so behaved her selfe as she made Monsieur de Torre depart from Mantua who going to Venice and from thence being sent for into Montferrat the superintendency of Cassalle was committed to his charge and the French by these demonstrations growing jealous of the Princesse and her Ministers of state they fell to such resolutions in Casall as shall hereafter be mentioned But to returne to the Duke he was well enough composed in the parts of his body and no lesse inriched in those of his minde for to boot with a generall knowledge he was easily appeased and governed by reason his being borne and bred up in France was the cause why he as all others who naturally affect their owne Country taken with the courteous behaviour of the French Nobility by the good entertainment he partook of at the Court and by addition of his naturall clymat could not when he was transplanted into Italy overcome his nature by art so as rather then to forgoe his affection to France he incurr'd the anger of Spaine and submitted his state to the discretion of their Forces which peradventure hee might have shunn'd and would have been more advantagious to him then Warre if with the change of soyle hee could have changed that genius which made him beare so great an inclination
fore-saw that Piemont was likely to be the Sceance whereon all the Warre betweene those two Crownes was to be acted She called her Counsell together and advised upon what was fitteâ—â— to be done upon the present and did openly declare That though she were the King of France his Sister yet she was Mother to the Duke of Savoy and that she thought her selfe more concerned in her Sonne then in her Brother The present affaires were had in consultation and very well discust It was generally agreed upon by all that if they might be suffered to be Neuters and not to declare themselves for either partie it would be the wisest course they could take The bringing of the Cardinal into the government was also discoursed of to which some were inclined for if he shold come thither the King of France his Forces might be prejudiced by assistance from Spaine and doubtlesly the French turning their threats into handsome desires and efficacious promises would rather indeavour to divert the Duchesse from siding with the Spaniard and to hold good correspondency with her Brother then exasperate her against them and peradventure this would have beene the best resolution they could have put on But there were in it such difficulties as it behoved them to leave the thought thereof for besides that the government of one so neere of blood to the Heire afforded cause of jealousie the Duchesse as are all other Princes being desirous to be chiefe in the government and not to admit of a Companion would not give way thereunto But that which did chiefly hinder the taking such a resolution was the King of France his protestation who threatned that if the Piemontois should take the Cardinal into the State belonging to the Duke of Savoy he would presently wage Warre with them and the French being already masters of the strongest and most important passages of Savoy and Piemont they would straightwayes have brought that State into evident danger They likewise fore-saw that they were not to ground their hopes upon assistance from Spaine for though the French should be beaten which would not easily be done if they should really intend such a Warre it was not to be doubted but that whilest the Spaniards warred in Piemont those Townes which should have escaped the insolencies of the French would have tasted the Spaniards indiscretion and so much the rather for that they had not as then any hope to carry the Warre on the other side the Mountaines for the French being possest of Casalle and the greatest part of Montferrat it would require some time to drive them from thence and therefore the Warre would be maintained in the bowells of Piemont to the great prejudice of those Inhabitants They being then of two evills to chuse the least resolved to put themselves totally upon the protection of France and to this purpose the Marquis Parelo was sent by the Duchesse to her Brother to desire succour and assistance although this was knowne to be a hazardous resolution for not being able to put themselves into the protection of France without receiving the French into their strong holds they would not be easily got to forgoe them so as either by permitting them to Lord it there the Dukes authoritie must be lost or else the Spanish Forces which most apprehended this neighbour-hood if they should endeavour to drive them out by force the State of Piemont would first be ruin'd by their encamping and if afterwards things should happen successefully and the Spaniards be brought into that State they would have the better pretence to keepe it as the purchase of their Swords Whence it is easily seene what prejudice such States receive as have Infants for their supreme Lords But as the Austrians prepared by all meanes possible to ruine France so were not the French idle in contriving how to countermine the Spaniards cunning which they much apprehended and at the same time that the Spaniards built their designes upon the Prince of Savoy the French who confided very much in Duke Waymers valour began to lay the foundations of their future Fabrick So as Waymers Army being much increased by recruits from France and by moneys he had received from them wherewithall to satisfie the Dutch he thought it no longer time to keepe idle in his quarters but fore-going them in Chapell and the Countrey of Fistemberg he kept the Fields with his united Army in those Territories which caused the Austriâ—â—s to doubt whether he intended to march against Bavaria or else to enter Rhetia to revenge the injuries done to Rohan Divers were their suspitions and their discourses divers but whilst every one not without much feare stood expecting where this blow should fall foreseeing some mischiefe Waymer on the sudden and unexpectedly came before Rinfield which in his absence was againe taken by the Austrians where he planted his Cannon and according to his wonted diligence playd upon the Walls So as though the Towne were well defended by a good Garrison yet it not being a place fit to resist the moderne violences of the Pick-Axe and Mines it was not able to be maintained many dayes without sudden fitting relief The Imperiall Commanders whose Forces were increased by succours sent from Bavaria and Franconia thought it not honourable for their Prince nor that it became their reputation to suffer such a Citie besieged but by a few to be lost whilst they looked on mature deliberation being had in the Councell of Warre concerning what was to be done it was resolved that Duke Savell and Iohn de Wert should goe to the succour of it they therefore marched with their Army which consisted of about 12000 fighting-men in good order to effect their purpose But being advertised that Speureter one of their Colonells was come to about Lindaw and Constance with 4000 Souldiers with command to joyne with them they resolved to expect his comming before they went any further Therefore they haulted in Obercal Schoma and Lomat Villages betweene Friburg and Rinfield and by great fires gave notice to the besieged that they were upon their march to succour them to the end that they might be the more constant in maintaining the Towne They afterwards dispatcht away Posts to Speureter to hasten his comming to them continuing their resolution of succouring the Towne and in Battell Array advanced towards the Swedish quarters Waymer being advertised by his Spies that the Imperialists were not strong enough to effect this designe sent some Troopes of Horse and two Regiments of Foot on this side Rhyn and doubling the Guards on that part continued his Siege no wayes fearing the Enemy The Caesarians seeming as if they would turne toward Laâ—fâ—mburg that by taking that Towne which was not fit to resist the Cannon they might become Masters of the passage over the Rhyn unexpectedly fell upon the stations guarded by the Swedes who surprised by this accident and not being able to withstand the furious assault given by the
Crabats going before as is their custome light upon some Swedish Companies cut 300 of them in pieces and took about a hundred Carriages of Victuals from them which they were bringing from Wertemberg unto Waymers Army Mongagliards triall who was governour of Brem was now had in Cassall and he being found guilty of high Treason for having abused the Kings pay to the so great prejudice of the King his master and been the cause of the losse of the place by converting it to his owne use hee was adjudged to lose his head which accordingly hee did in the market place of the said Town on the 22th day of Aprill his goods were confiscated and a Pillar erected in the market place to perpetuate the memory of such a Treason and for the example of all such as are governours of any Fort who when occasion shall serve ought rather to chuse death then an ignominious Surrender The end of the fourteenth Book The Warres and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE XV. BOOK The Contents of the Fifteenth Book The Swedes are much troubled by the Duke of Saxonies continued hostility They summon a Dyet and resolve to continue the Warre in Germany The Cardinall of Valette goes to Piemont to take the Command of the French Forces He makes the Governour of Cassall be beheaded to the great restentment of the Mantuans The Spaniards goe to the taking of Vercelles and effect it The French enter into Biscay take Airon and besiege Fontarabbia The Venetian Fleet fight with 17. Turkish Galleys in the Haven of Vellona and get the Victory Ghets endeavours to succour Brisacke but is routed by Weymar Fifteene Spanish Gallies fight with as many French within sight of Genua and are beaten The Spanyards make great preparations towards Mount-ferrat The young Duke of Savoy Francis Giacinto dyes and much of Novelty iâ— occasioned thereby Francis Duke of Modena goes to the Court of Spaine The Dolphine of France is born to the great contentment of all that Kingdome Rupert Prince Palatine of Rhine is routed by Azfelt taken prisoner and carried into Austria Weymar routs some of the Duke of Lorreyns souldiers and takes the little Fort of the Bridge before Brisack The Imperialists require succour for Brisack from the Spanyards in Italy SUch were the preparations for Warre made on all sides by the Austrians and such was the Elector of Saxonies constancy in union with Caesar against the Crowne of Swethland as that the Swedes being thereat confused and no lesse incensed they were frequent in their Counsells and in using all oportune expediences how to prevent that mischiefe which they saw ready to fall upon them and they were much the more troubled for that they saw the Princes of the same Religion ready to fall into the same precipice for they knew that in policy it was not good for that Elector but was repugnant to the reasons of State to suffer the Sweeds to be driven beyond the Sea For by their being Masters of the strong holds in Pomerania a diversion was maintained a counterpoyse which at any time when the Imperiall Power should aime at the absolute Monarchy of Germany would fitly ballance and maintaine the authority of the Electors and of the other Princes of Germany in their vigorous degree for being in the midst between two great ones when one of them should plot to bring them to their subjection they would presently out of state interest be assisted by the other and so being able by the helpe of the one to contend with the other their correspondency would be the more esteemed by their neighbours on the other side The Elector notwithstanding as it oft times fares with those who being mastered by their passions doe sometimes wander out of the right way and especially when their Counsellours being by their owne particular interests made to side with other Princes sooth their Masters in what they are most inclined unto being now as much an enemy and hating the Sweeds as much as he formerly was their friend and shewed himself affectionate to them continuing his spleene and preparing by all meanes to work them mischiefe afforded the Sweedish Ministers of State occasion of thought The Sweeds knew of what consequence the maintaining of their armies in Germany was to the interest of their Kingdome wherein they now having gotten a great repute and their name being grown famous which formerly inclosed in the most remote corners of the North was unknown to other Nations such an augmentation of State was of great consideration the Crowne of Swethland being thereby the more strengthened and they reaping no usuall advantage by the Warres of Germany so as they were not to forgoe such meanes whereby they might proceede how to keep what they had gotten To boote with the publique Interest the Swedes were moved hereunto in regard of their own particulars For by the plunder of those Townes they enriched their owne persons most of them being but of meane fortunes and by their traffique in the Havens of Pomerania and Germany from the like in Swethland they enriched their publike magazines and Ware-houses bettering thereby as well the publique as the private so as so specious an atchievement and which was with so much labour gotten ought to be by all meanes possible preserved The Swedes being moved by these and other greater reasons and understanding how the Saxons strengthened by continuall Austrian recruits pursued Bannier they summoned a Dyet of the States Generall of Swethland wherein the importancy of affairs being maturely discussed it was with joynt consent agreed upon that the War should be continued and to that purpose that a new levy should be made of 12000. Foote and 3000. horse to recruite their Armies and to provide for all things that were necessary for the maintenance thereof The French likewise were not unmindefull to provide for such things as made most for their greatnesse and for the continuation of the Warre And they found there was no more powerfull diversion to weaken the Spanyards Forces in Flanders in Alsatia upon which their thoughts were then wholly bent then by carrying fire home to their owne houses to the end that being intent to quench that they could not so easily runne to extinguish farre-off combustions They found no better way how to overthrow those Councells which being solidly taken in the Court of Spaine do usually produce ingenuous wayes how to get what belongs unto another then by affording them occasion of spending their time in thinking upon their own defence They knew that to boote with keeping the forces of Italy employed in the State of Milaine so as they could not over-run Alsatia it was also not little advantagious to stop the recruites which might from Spaine come into Flanders Italy for the Spanyards were to keep an Armie in their owne Kingdome and that this was one of the most probable courses which could make for the good of the French to wit
Sigliano in the way to Cresentino Leganes sent Don Iohn de Garray against the army which after the taking of Cingio kept thereabouts wherefore changing his first intention which was to come on the other side above Maudoni to assaile Turin he was to march by the way of Aich Nizza and Annone and crossing the Astigian to come before Verva Then joyning with Prince Thomas in Sigliano they came before Verna on the ninth of April and in a few hours tooke the Towne by assault and the Castle wanting necessary defence yeilded the next day they also tooke Crescentino both of them Townes neere the Poe the one on this side the River the other on the other places fit to hinder what was wont to be carried by water to Trino and Cassall And because the Spaniards knew of what importancy Hiveria was a place very fitting to keepe the command of that Country which lies between Doira Bautia and Sesia above Canavese they resolved to fortifie it round about with perfect Fortifications So as sending Fra. Ferrante Bolognino with other souldiers to strengthen the Garrison and Pioners to perfect the Works they fell very busily to it In this revolution of affares the Cardinall of Vallette not daring to march into the feilds for feare of the insurrection of the people thought good to come to Turin where there was greater suspition of meeting with some treachery And to quarter his army about that City till such time as the Duke of Longeville who was already parted from France to assist the forces of Italy with the recrewtes promised by the King were come to the edge of Piemont where they would then resolve upon what might make most for the Kings service and increasing in the Dutchesse her suspition of the inhabitance of Turin he made their armes be taken from them the guardes be dubled and dilligent inquiry to be made into the actions gestures and speeches of such as were suspected of treachery But Prince Thomas being comforted by those who could bring him into Turin that he might loose no time in appearing before the Towne marched thetherward with Leganes and the whole army and haulting at Gruliasco two miles from Turin hee there attended the houre to perfect his worke and being advertised by a Princes a sister of his who was a Nun that such a Fryer was gon towards him with intention to kill him the Fryer coming soone after to present him with a letter were it true that he had any such intention or were it his misfortune to come in such a nick of time as did correspond with the suspition had of him he was arrested and sent to his Brother the Cardinall at Hiverea to the intent the truth might be there found out but agreeing with the keeper who had him in custody as he was upon the way he and his Keeper made an escape Parting from Gruliasco on the 17th of Aprill he drew neere to Turin where meeting with the French horse a skirmish happened betweene the Dragoones and Dutch of the Spanish army and some of the French troopes who were put to the worst and were forced to retreate with the losse of about twenty Mules loaded with marchandise which they were convoying The Dutchesse having afterwards sent Commissary Monte with a good strength of horse and foote to reinforce her men and Leganes having sent some Companyes of Bolognini and Sottellos Brigades to meet with them the skirmish began a fresh againe in such sort as the Marquis Villa comming in on the French side and Don Carlo della Gatta with all the Neapolitan horse on the Spanish the Spaniards being many more in number then were the French the French skirmishing in an admirable good order got under the shelter of the Cannon of the Cittadell with the losse of some Souldiers and of the Count De Giu a Frenchman Incurraged by this retreate and by the hopes of intelligence the Spaniards suddainly advanced to set upon the borough of Poe neere Turrin and intrenched 3000. foote there hoping by meanes of their partakers to enter the towne that night but they failed in their intent for the Cardinall of Vallette being vigilent every where rendred all the indeavours of the treacherous vaine and possessing himselfe of the Capuchians scituation and fortifying himselfe there he levelled his Cannon against the Spaniards quarters which were commanded on this side So as finding the place too hot for them they after a few dayes retreated and devided their army the one part thereof went with Prince Thomas to Villa nova d'Asti which he presently stormed and pillaged and Leganes went with the other parte to before Moncaluo and after having taken the Towne and left 2000. foote there to reduce the Castle he joyned againe with the Prince and with one accord on the thirtieth of Aprill they came with a great force before Asti and the next day without any gainesaying entred the City which the Commendator Balbiani who was Governour thereof thinking he would not keep it he withdrew himselfe to the Cittadell where he thought to defend himselfe better But Montagnivola being taken by the Spaniards upon the which the French had built a litle fort the Castle was thereby commanded so as wanting succour and ammunition yeilded upon treaty way being made hereby to further acheevements the Cardinall of Savoy who was at Hiverea removed his Court hither as well to keep the subjects in their logality and faithfulnesse to him as to raise men who might have no dependance either upon France or Spain which when he should have done he was sure he should be willingly received into many Townes where they should be certaine to be guarisonised by people put into them by their owne Princes and not by the Spaniards or French to which some would not submit Bolognini who parting from Hiveria was commanded to take in the Castle of Pontestura had likewise no worse successe for being reduced to great extreamity it compounded and the French marched out and Trino being by this Castle divided from Cassall they might easily effect their desires upon that place A convenient Garrison being afterwards left in Cassall under the command of Marquess Pietro Antonio Lenati and the Garrisons of Salicetto Montaldo Aliano and other places being by reason of this place superfluous the whole Army came before Moncalvo and streightly besieging the Castle which did valiantly defend it selfe by meanes of a myne which blew up one of the great towers thereof he forced it to yeild to the great displeasure of the French for this place being in the very hart of Montferrat Cassall was thereby the more streightned The Cardinall of Vallette fearing therefore lest under the happy Augure of these victories they might likewise bethink themselves of taking Cassall he conveyed in thither divers sacks of salt a thing which the Inhabitants very much wanted and hee added 400. horse and 800. Foote of the Montferrians to the Garrison thereof And his Brother the Duke of
put so great an esteeme upon the Imperiall greatnesse wherewith their owne Grandetsa is likewise upheld should only intend their owne interest and provide for the safety of Flanders and Italy by drawing the best Souldiers from out the Emperours Armie and that chiefely fearing the power of France they endeavoured most of all to fence themselves against it Others that were more speculative affirmed the cause of this not to proceed so much from what hath been said as from a more profound end for they held the Spaniards did not so intensively mind the affairs of the Empire as well for that they more valued what was their owne then what appertained unto another as that it seemed no such prejudice could be received by the Sweeds then as the ignorant people talked of For before they could come into the heart of the Imperiall patrimony the Sweeds were to passe through the States of Brandemburg Saxony and the States of other Protestant Princes who had made their peace with the Emperour so as those States would be first exposed to the miseries of Warre and it made for the Emperour that the Warre might fall out amongst the Protestants who when they should be by themselves weakened the Emperours pulse would beate the higher So as when afterwards they should have defended Flanders Italy from the French and have come to some accommodation with that Crown or by any new accident some intestine broyles might againe rise up in France they might then turn all their strength against the impoverished and weakened Princes of Germany and reduce them more easily to their obedience and accomplish that vast designe which the Spaniards aimed at The Dutch observing the Spaniards manner of proceedings wherein they never found the effects which they comforted Caesar and his Court with neither knowing whether they had been faithfull to them or no in their relating to them the pleasure of the King of Spaine and his Counsell but rather fearing that his agents might have altered or with-drawne from his orders Haniball Gonsaga brother to the Prince of Bozolo was sent Embassadour extraordinary from the Emperour to acquaint the Court of Spaine with the condition of Germany with the importancy of the losse of Brisacke and with what need there was of a puissant army to recover it and to hinder the further advancement of Weymar and Bannier who being Commanders of great esteeme respect was to be had to their experience and successe The Arch Dutchess of Inspruch did likewise send to the same purpose Pagano a Jesuite a very understāding man for knowing what influence the Jesuites have upon the Spaniards whose councels are for the most part governed by them shee thought him fitter then any other Subject of Tiroll to obtaine what was desired Picolomeni was ratified Generall of the Flanders Forces Gallasse having recovered his health was entreated to reassume the government of the Armie and to have a care to the preservation of Bohemia which the Sweedes seemed much to threaten all the levies of men were in great haste sent to the Frontiers Lamboy was likewise sent to treat with Weymar under-hand to see whether they could entice this brave Commander from adhering to the French and which imported more to get him to relinquish Brisacke by offering him the Dukedome of Cobury and by other promises The Grisonne Embassadour returned very well satisfied in their negotiations from Spaine where they had been very well treated and were nobly received at Millan with presents and other demonstrations which made them very well satisfied with the new friendship they had contracted with Spaine in briefe great preparations were made in all parts and negotiations earnestly pursued But as the Austrian preparations were great in all parts of their dominions the King of France came not short of them in his vast designes For to boote with a great Armie which hee had got together upon the Frontiers of Artoise between Amyens and Abbeville commanded by Monsieur de Millervy chiefe Commander of the Artillery and other souldiery towards Mets commanded by Monsieur Ficchieres the Viscount Arpagia more men were continually raised in France and taken into pay to the end that their army might stil be kept in vigour their places be supplyed who perished or ran away Wherefore the Infanta fearing the French had some great design in hand he sent for some of Picolomenies men who were quartered about Cleves and dispatched them away with Colonell Breda and Horch towards the Mosell that there they might have an eye to the French and withstand them the best they might And Picolomeny who was at Bona in the Country of Cullen to be assistant with Colonell Glem and the Marquesse Caretto at the Councell of Warre which was held concerning the present affaires when hee understood the Frenchmens march he forth-with returned post to his army and removing it from its former quarters he came betweene Mosa and Mossell and halted there preparing to execute the Infanta's orders But all this kept not the French from going on with their resolutions For it was agreed in the Kings Councell that Theonuille should be this yeare endeavoured to be taken a Fort of mighty importance which lying upon the Moselle benath Mets kept the way open for the Spaniards from Lucemburg to Loreyn whereinto when things should succeede well they might enter The French therefore that they might make this place sure sent Ficchiers with sixteene thousand men to besiege it on the 10th of May and because they had resolved at the same time to undertake somewhat else elsewhere Milleray having mustered his army neer Abeville on the 13. of May which he found to consist of 18000. men together with a good traine of Artillery hee went to take in Hesden a strong place invironed with exact and regular Bastions scituated in the Champion which extends it selfe from the Sea to Dorlens a passage of great consideration to open the way for further enterprizes in Flanders he therefore planted his batteries and began the siege On the other side likewise the Prince of Conde Marishall Schamburg who had raised another great army in Languedocke about Tolowse went to the taking in of Salsa a Fort upon the confines of Catalonia belonging to the K. of Spaine by which the ingresse being opened on that side they might bring some troubles upon those Kingdomes and Duke Weymar went at the same time before Salies a City in Burgundy Four Sieges at one and the same time of remarkable consideration and which do evidently witnesse the power of that Kingdome which to boote with the Armies before these Forts three of which are thought to be the best of all Europe did at the same time maintaine a Warre in Italy an Armie in Alsatia a Fleet at Sea and contributed great summes of money to the Hollanders Swissers Sweeds and others all which was done by that Kingdome alone without the aide or assistance of any others The Commanders fought a vye against
forbore not to spend part of what they had gotten which being ventur'd upon the banke of Plunder was to bring them in double advantage Count Merodes went into Flanders to solicite the Spaniards to raise an Army to oppose Bawdis the Swedes Generall and William Landgrave of Hesse Isolani went into Croatia and Hungary to raise horse and that he might the better intend the service he was honoured with the title of Generall of the Nation all the rest of the Commanders that had Commissions to raise men went some into Moravia some into Slecia Austria Stiria Carinthia and other Provinces where they understood men were least imployed and were given to warres so as every where the Drums were heard to beat the Trumpets to sound and monyes were disburst whereby according to custome the Emperors health being cheerfully drunke and every one providing himselfe with good armes and other acoutrements the people seemed by their discourse to presage the ruine of the Swedes The greatest part of the horse wanted Curasses by the losse of Armes in the late routes and particularly in the battaile of Leypzik where they were either left in the field with their dead owners or elswhere thrown away by such as fled there being therefore great want of armes and artificers some great men of Italy were by Walesteine sent into Lombardi to make a considerable provision of them and other Colonels sent Officers of their owne to the like purpose sparing no money in this behalfe not caring for expence for the Generals intention was to come into the field not onely rich in fame but furnished with whatsoever was requisite to a glorious Army continuing therefore his diligence he treated with the King of Poland to have men from that nation and in this he imployed his Cosen-german Tersica for they had each of them married a daughter of Charles of Arrach the Emperours chiefe Counsellour This man being one of the richest Gentlemen in all Bohemia was not much troubled to finde money to raise 3000. Horse and 4000. Foot of sundry nations Walsteine after this made the Counts Galasse Mansfeild Aldringer and Montecucully Generalls of the Artillery all of them chiefe Commanders of the Army to these he recommended the care of recruting their old companies and the raising of new ones which he allotted unto them and they overcome with the Generals gratitude did their utmost to obey him He moreover appointed eight Serjeant Majors Generals of the Army who have the command over the rest of the Colonels and whose place is to order the Army in the day of Battaile and to these he gave new Commissions to raise men They for the honour they had received and that they might preserve their Generals good will which was ambitiously coveted by all little waying the difficulty of raising men in dispeopled Provinces and full of troubles where the poorest companion could be had under 25. Dollers He gave Commissions to any one that desired imployment and disburst much money by the way of loane that the whole might be made up neither did he make any distinction as then of any that proffered their service for holding it the best counsell that can be given to a Prince who is desirous to inlarge his dominions and to secure himselfe in the faith of his friends and from the injuries of his adversaries to have copious Armies that so he might do that in some moneths which otherwise would require some yeares to effect his intention was to gather together great quantities of armed men who if they should afterwards want experienced Commanders he wanted not old Captaines under whose Colours he might put these new men and casheer those that were uncapable of such imployment before he was to march against the enemy and to this purpose he had wont to say if the Emperour will raise an Army of 30000. Souldiers the Elector of Saxony or some other Prince by the assistance of friends will doe the like that to fight with equall forces was to have the victory to be decided by fortune and not to secure ones owne selfe by power that time would be lost their Territories would be oppressed the subject would be weakened by keeping forces in their own Country businesse would be precipitated and finally peace would ensue the end whereof would be misery and ruine to the vassals that a numerous Army lords it over the fields goes whither it lists meets with no obstacle and being able to scoure the Country at pleasure loses not Contribution nor the meanes to maintaine it selfe and though this be contrary to some experience where a few men have been known to beat a great many he said that this little number must be pick't out of a gallant and well reputed nation and that the execution was easie when the Commander in chiefe had wonne the name of generous and magnanimous towards his Souldiers He would not forbeare to let fall in his discourses that the Imperiall Crowne would be but weake if it were not secured by 100000. Souldiers kept continually in pay for the Empire being a body of many members dissonant in Religion it fals out that by the liberty which many Cities professe and by the power of the Electors and other Princes the Caesarian authority being by them lessened sickens and wanting forces languishes as if Crusht to death by her owne fewdatories in briefe he so handsomely chid the errors of late successes as all such as were dejected by reason of their past terrors were seene suddainly to be clad with new hopes Hee moreover sent expresses to Charles Duke of Lorrayne as well to keep him in good correspondency with the Emperour as to perswade him to raise men in the assistance of the common interest and that he would permit the Austrian officers to raise men in his Country This Prince being of high thoughts and inclyning to warre a lover of novelty counselled by that vivacity which sparkles in the hearts of sprightly Princes and seconded by advice of others which useth not to differ from the inclination and genious of the Master did not onely yield to Walesteines request but declared that he would hazard his life and fortune with him arming and behaving himselfe as the chiefe of this league of which 't is said he aspired to be Generall this was the first beginning of the jealousies between him and France and the reason why he drew upon him the enmity of the King of Sweden These affaires past not without some knowledge of the Queene mother of France mother to the most Christian King and to the Duke of Orleans for at this instant a gentleman of hers came to Zenam who having had some discourse with Walesteine was dismist with appearances that he was well apaid with his negotiation And the Austrians building much upon the troubles of France whose union did not a little disturbe their designes they more seriously applyed themselves to invent meanes and wayes how to hinder the increase of that flourishing Kingdome
by nourishing the differences between the Princes of the bloud and thereby to affoord fuell to the flames of Ambition to kindle a new intestine warre sufficient to disturbe the Forces of that great King aswell by deviating them from his intentions upon the State of Milan which in this conjuncture was much feared as to withhold from thence that assistance which the Protestants expected To this purpose 't is said they sent some of their trustiest creatures concealedly to treate with the Duke of Orleans and other chiefe men that were discontented with the government of the Ministers of State in France not letting slip any thing that might hurle the French into those straights whereunto they were leaning for many were afraid that if the French had declared themselves in this so calamitous time after a hostile manner all their preparations would doubtlesly have been much perplext if not totally shipwrackt but for that when God extends his hand of protection over a crowned head all the plots and hatreds of their envyers are rendred uselesse many considered that the Emperour Ferdinand the second had not a little merited from Heaven whilest Princes and people jealous of the Austrian greatnesse and conspiring together to suppresse the same in stead of embracing an opportune occasion of laying the Emperour upon his backe betooke themselves to things of uncertainty and which concerned their private interests so those armes which openly joyned together would have ruined the Empire being unresolved and expecting what the event of others would be stayed from declaring themselves till such time as the prevailing Forces of the Swedes growing weaker and the Imperiall power in time gathering force they should finde it a hard matter to abate the edge of that strength which was inheartned by the experience of Armies and was made more stable by being shaked Rome increasing under Romulus had the good fortune that whilest she was fought withall by diverse Nations she was not set upon by all at once And whereas being all united they had overcome her they severally were by her overcome and by their ruine affoorded leisure to lay the foundations of the Roman Monarchy It is a truth not to be doubted of that if the French not inferiour in strength to the Austrians and who knew the Imperiall greatnesse ought to have been suppressed had followed the King of Swedes fortune and openly have drawn their swords as afterwards they were inforced to doe they would either have brought the Imperiall dignity to make peace upon their owne conditions or else have led it to some great exigency That fire that is not quencht by a little water gathering more strength and breaking forth in greater flames will not afterwards give way to greater store of water Whence it may be gathered that when a Prince may by his advancing prejudice his Enemy whilest his Enemy is busied on one side he ought not to stand idle on the other for 't is well knowne that those Forces which have overcome their first withstanders made wiser by experience grow keener and better edged against the second Knowing moreover that the only Austrian Forces was not sufficient in such an emergency as this to withstand the evils threatned by the victories and well conducted Armies of the Swedes and of so many other enemies whose numbers by their greatnesse and command was increased they sent first the Cardinall d' Arach Walesteines kinsman to the Pope and after him Duke Savell who being found innocent was absolved of the faults laid unto his charge by Tilly out of some private ill will that he bore him with pressing and earnest desires of being from his Holinesse assisted with good store of monies and newes was brought that the Pope had voted a considerable summe of money to be sent the Emperour though it were demanded with too much pretensions by the Austrian Ministers of State and advised for the interest of their Countrey by some Cardinals of the Spanish Faction and that they knew his Holinesse to be very carefull of the good of Christendome whilest by continuall exhortations he had endeavoured the safety of Lombardy against the fury which the Forces bent without regard upon the destruction of Mantua threatned by whose example the Christian Princes very well perceived that to foment the greatnesse of puissant Princes was nothing else but to nurse up a Serpent in ones bosome which at last would poison its benefactor as it would have proved in past times if the French and Swedes diversions had not recalled those Forces from Italy which neither the prayets exhortations nor protestations of the Pope could prevaile withall to make them turne backe they also sent to other Potentates and Princes of Italy the Count Rabata then Governour of Gradisca no lesse powerfull with his pen then with his sword a gentleman of singular understanding in any affaire who was very much welcomed by them all with many complements but their expeditions proved unusefull When the Enemy watches we must not be asleep therefore if Walesteine did by these new inventions recruit his Army that he might in the Spring appeare in the Field The King of Sweden growne hardy by his victory and other happy successes sent newes of this his prosperous proceedings to such Princes States and Cities as were his friends and disswading the Hauns Townes and Princes of the Empire from assisting his Enemy he did not sit still in this his prosperity but printing a Declaration wherein was contained that he would take aswell Roman Catholiques as Protestants into his protection that he might not lose time but make use of his fortune he resolved forthwith to march with his Army into Franconia This Province extends it selfe on the West and South side to the Confines of the upper and lower Palatinate on the East to Bohemia and Misnia and on the North side to Thuringia so as it may be called the Center of Germany it is partly plaine and partly adorned with pleasant hills of a fruitfull soile though in some parts sandy 'T is watered by the Rivers Mayne Aisah Ridnits Bints Stray Tawber and others to the no little advantage of the Inhabitants The King agreed with the Elector of Saxony how he should behave himselfe in the Kingdome of Bohemia he left Bannier and Tod Marshals of the Field with other great Officers behinde aswell that they might drive from the Confines of Pomerania such of the Emperours Garrisons as yet remained there as likewise that they might endeavour to win Magdeburg and other Townes held by the Caesarians in the lower Saxony and he himselfe parted from Hall upon the River of Sall towards Erfurt the chiefe City of Thuringia This Province is seated between the Rivers Sall and Wesser by which it is much enriched 't is well peopled abounding in Corne Hay and many sorts of Beasts it bounds on the South side upon Franconia on the West upon the Landsgrave of Hessen his Country on the North it is covered with the Herecinian Wood