defended the sleep of all with his vigilancy the repose of all with his labour the leisure of all with his activity in whose breast though there were a deep wound yet there appeared no scar In the mean while he rendred all obedient with the awe of him so that they who had cruelly hated his former condition made profession that they would follow this though with the hazard of their whole Estates But we shortly saw Fortune speedily return to repentance through so many prosperous successes as ensued The first debate was whether it were better with the whole power of the Army to overwhelm Conde in Guyenne that was already tottering or directly to march for Paris the principal City and Head-quarters there to win Orleans who was wavering and either oblige the Slingers to return to their duty or ruine them This seemed the more adviseable although Harcourt at that time standing upon terms give some trouble which I shall afterwards more dearly particularize The Army of Nemours plundering the Country put all into a fright and laid the Circuit waste from Orleans by Gergovie and Giemie It is resolved suddenly to quench that fire which was of it self inconsiderable but as it ministred strength to the Faction On the March that the County of Anjou should be cleared by beating up Chabot The Service is committed to Hoquincourt who within very few days forced Anjou and Chabot its Governor to a necessity of Surrender notwithstanding Beaufort had been sent in by Orleans to his assistance and reduced Ceo and other Towns to extremity Chabot is of the highest Nobility in Xantogne whose Grandfather was Admiral and Governor of Burgundy his Father Lord of a great Estate which he had by his Wife upon which he lived in the Country and had no affection to the Attendances on the Court This Gentleman of whom we speak was for the gayness of his spirit and comeliness of his person taken into the Graces of Margaret Roban and married her by the mediation of Conde the Father and this present Prince then Duke d'Enguieâ— therefore Chabot not forgetful of his obligation expressed his thankfulness to the Prince to the utmost of his power The Court staid some days at Saumure to advance the Siege of Anjou Then did Corinth compass that Hat so often promised and so often put by which Pope Innocent granted not so much for gratifying the King as eclipsing Mazarine by setting up an equal to him in Dignity What matter of division doth not this out-landish Purple set on fire De Rhetz for so must he be called hereafter no longer Corinth Illustrious in Birth and Honourable Descent active eloquent most eminent in favour friendships and vigour of spirit as though he had been displeased with his vertues which did not presently meet with Preferment by divers Plots which he thought the shorter cut when a pleasant path did not lye open to the highest place chose the more troublesom way in the most of his Enterprises he acted with more Wit than Luck believing nothing so much his own as what he held by his friends who upon all occasions proved false The Court removing from Saumure by Tours Amboise Bloise at length after so many motions placed its Residence at Geimie There is a Bridge over the Loyre a Poste of great importance to either Party The King could not attend the Issues of Affairs in a more convenient station On the one side hovering over Paris on the other pressing towards the Rebel-Forces to attend whose motion he had set a strong Army under the Conduct of Thurenne and Hoquincourt Orleans who would believe it shut her Gates against the King That was in favour of Orleans and especially his Daughter who Pucelle-like having the courage to appear amongst men of Arms had posted thither to give Spirit to the common Souldier Conde abides in Guyenne without hopes finding every where a slackness of obedience whilst Harcâ—urt urgeth his successes and plys the favour of Fortune what marvel when he was warranted by his Majesties Authority which every thing in France doth at length obey The Spaniard did more and more slacken the hand of his bounty The piomises of England by Cromwell proved more ineffectual but what was to be hoped for from that Mountebank and shameful Monster in Nature Hereupon the Guyennois fell to distaiste the Prince whose continual presence rendered him less reverenced No longer did his high Renown of being 〈◊〉 Warriour dazzle the eyes of the people No Creature is more way-ward than a Guascon None to be handled with greater Art This Conde never â—ad That Nation is apt to rise against none sooner than such as it finds to pretend to a Government over them without bringing them money Valiant they are and to repair the decays of their Fortunes with their blood wish for War but cannot be long held fast unless they bite somewhat Conde pondering all these things in his mind the discontents between Beaufort and Nemours increasing the Army longing after him Orleans wavering the addresses of the Sling expectation of Paris although always fickle but what was principally considerable the pressing admonitions of Chavigny That he would come up speedily and nut let slip the fair opportunities that Fortune offered him although hereby Chavigny more aimed at monopolizing the Prince to himself than at the promoting of his service Such reflexions produced in the mind of Conde a determination to leave Guyenne and having reached his beloved Forces to draw up to the Imperial City Thus hope being raised out of despair he hastens to his wishes and having left behind him the subject of his fears neither carrying his Wife nor only Son into danger enters upon his Journey with but very few that he had made acquainted with his intention through Forests and Deserts out of the Road scarce came under any roof yet more than once known by his face though his hand were held before it and he had used all means to cut off the marks to pursue and trace him A Woman in the train of the sort of those Ladies that are wont to follow the Camp had almost occasioned the discovery of the Prince as he was taking a Bait in a Country-Village He escaped away and crossed the Coast till wearied with wandring he came all dusty spent with travel and want of sleep into his friends Camp where he was received With sound of Drums and Trumpets Scarce was lie dismounted when being informed by Scouts how the Royal Army was lodged he falls in at midnight upon Hoquincourt that ever was secure beats up his Quarters and rifles his Waggons and Baggage to great Consternation little loss One might have seen the Court at Giemie melancholy and dejected words were given out of trussing up and marching away that the Bridge should be broken down after the King had escaped over at Bourges and the like which fear prompts upon a misfortune received The day after both Armies stood drawn up a Matisse parting them
Nation Falconbridge is honourably received by the King and having been presented sumptuously and magnificently returned home In the mean time Thurenne assaulted Dunkirk the Marquess of Leyds more stoutly defending The Spanish Low-Countries bent and restrained their whole Power to relieve the distressed City Dou Juan d'Austria and Conde drew up not far off and sent in Hoquincourt who as he views the French Camp was shot through by a common Souldier happy in his misfortune because by looking out his Fate he anticipated the destruction that was imminent over the Spaniards Thurenne June 14. 1658. about nine in the morning having left the care of the Trench to Richlieu went to seek the approaching Spaniard and met with him which gave the Enemy terrour The Marquess of Crequi commanded the right wing and he was matched with Conde who understood not to be conquered Chaste aunaud Mauvissier led the left Squadron where stood Lockhart with his English Scarce was ever a more bloody Fight in so short a time Whatsoever old Souldiers were in the Spanish Forces fell before the face of Don Juan who being himself obliged to retreat is reported to have cryed out That he was conquered by savage Beasts that rushed on furiously without any sense of danger Few of the French were lost Conde having his Horse killed under him escaped hardly mounted on anothers His most intimate friends were taken Guitault Mely Boutteville Collins and others The Baggage and Colours left upon the place fell to the Victor Thurennes valour was extolled even by the Enemy who in so great a Battel acted more than commanded And what less could be expected of such a Captain to whom no face of War is new and strange who hath imbibed all Military Discipline and perfected it by long practice having been so often exercised by Fortune and always out-done others and himself No farther hope of Relief being left the besieged Leyda held out Dunkirk to the last undaunted and at last crushed under so many cares and hazardous attempts dyed of a shot fortunate in this that he did not survive the destruction of the City but had its monumental Walls the Witnesses of his Valour The besieged City followed his Fate which surrendred to the French King He on the 25. of June entred it thinking himself abundantly satisfied in securing the old Religion Lockhart in the Name of Cromwell engaged by solemn Oath that the Catholick Profession should be preserved entire at Dunkirk The neighbouring Cities Bergen Dixmuid and Feurne readily render to the King Crequi is sent in a pompous Ambassade to Cromwell with Mazarines Nephew in his Train This was the last Blaze of that petty Tyrant who dyed not long after in his Bed a rare instance The whole World run a madding after the Fanatick to whose industry was attributed what should be imputed to the Vicissitude of Times The dulness of his stupid Age acquired him Reputation Such Monsters do arise when unavoidable Alterations are imminent which must be without delay taken off or the proper time attended yet for all this passions of cruelty are not to be provoked nor mens spirits inflamed to Revenge They oftentimes fall into no great inconveniencies who take wrongs patiently Amidst these prosperous successes the King falls into a Feaver at Calais judged mortal His Mother groaned over the Fate of her Son France of her King Mazarine of his Master Supplications are made at all Altars and Prayers for his Majesties Recovery publickly enjoyned Mazarine day and night sate by his Bed-side to make him governable in taking Physick which he would taste himself either to take off the unpleasantness or make proof of it The eleventh day accounted Critical the King seemed at the point of death could scarcely lift up his eyes that now appeared almost set in his head The agony of the disease a little remitting he came to know them that stood by him his Majesty never being totally eclipsed Oftentimes turning to Mazarine whom he obligingly called by the name of Friend would ask him to advise him freely of the extreme danger of his life since his Mother out of tenderness of affection could not Philip Duke of Anjou the Kings Brother to whom upon the death of Lewis the succession had devolved demeaned himself modestly Plesse Praslin was his Governor Although there wanted not among the Courtiers Spirits desirous after Alteration that before the setting of the Sun adored the rising one The King having Antimony with judgment administred him by Geunault recovered and being conveyed to Paris payed his Vows in Nostre-dame-Church a Heart of massie Gold was hung upon the Wall as an Oblation Afterwards to confirm his Health he retired to Fountainbelleau Mazarine stayed some time behind to advance the Siege of Graveling Mareschal Ferte carrying on the Expedition whilst Thurenne gives terror all abroad over Flanders The taking of Graveling was the last Monument of the French Glory before the Conclusion of the Peace Ferdinand III. was dead and before his Father Ferdinand the King of the Romans The Imperial Throne was vacant for Leopoldus being in his Minority was not yet of an Age capable to manage the Empire Thus was there a wide field set open for the Ambition of the Princes This seemed a fit opportunity to rend the Imperial Dignity from the House of Austria It is a hard matter to throw down from its ancient Seat a reigning Family that is confirmed by the uninterrupted succession of so many years Gustavus Adolphus King of Swethland having a just quarrel against the Austrians had indeed laid aside all thought concerning himself but promised his Service to promote the Interest of others There occurred worthy of the Empire in the Bavarian Line Ferdinandus Maria Duke of Bavaria if you consider his power if prudence and maturity of Age Philip William Duke of Newburgh An honourable Embassie is ordered by the French King for the performance of which Gramont Mareschal of France and the Marquess Lyonne are chosen by the King with these Instructions To go to Frankfurt upon Meyne where the Electoral Diet was held that there they should possess the Electors minds should pervent the Spanish designs should obviate the applications of Pigneranda who was manifestly designed a Broker of Voices That the Germans should be minded of their ancient liberty and of chusing an Emperour not of the House of Austria upon the remembrance of their arrogant exercise of their Authority to steer their motions by the directions of the Bishop of Mentz Upon his Advice this Embassie was undertaken The Ambassadors perform their parts diligently â—ating that of Bravery and Magnificence wherein they did not so much feed the eyes of the Vulgar as the hopes of the Grandees They decently address to the Elector of Mentz and the rest That their Master did not sue for the Empire in his own behalf but for some German Prince That the Electors should assume Spirits worthy of their Predecessors and not suffer the Empire gotten by
had them This we decry which in all Ages you have been clear of either by avoiding or redeeming it Plainly Rivals of those who having been daunted with no wound of Fortunc after Trebia Thrasymen and Cannae held out stoutly you never sunk under misfortunes but have obliged the Turk the mâ—st Potent of Empires in the World so often to retreat before your Forces and the Providence which attends your Arms whilest the chief Monarchs of Europe were bloodily engaged against one another upon trivial pretences to the ruine of Christendom whose Bullwark and Admiration you are Nor doth the matter only invite and sollicite your Authority to grace the Front of this Labour being small in Bulk though perhaps that shall be eternal in duration but much more my grateful mind which presents you with your own gifts In like manner as when we Sacrifice and bring oblations to God it is for our own and not his benefit For if I am some-body my Lords if a Candidate of Fame if enrolled in the Catalogue of them who do not promise but confer immortality thanks be to you in whose Bosome I have been educated First of all That your City Founded by Antenor my Nurse the sweet Mother of Arts the Fruitful Seminary of Industry the Fat Soil of Vertues implanted in me her Principles Which how greatly you esteem we collect from hence because that one Vniversity of Padua hath more Schollars in it then whole Kingdoms besides This taught me to look down from the lofty Tower of a rightly informed judgment upon Vulgar Errors and to discover upon true Grounds with what gross darkness the seeming light of frail mortality is Eclipsed After that I Travelled to Venice the joy and darling of Heaven the Shop of Policy the School of Wisdom where I searched into the Mystery of your Government This doth not deliver a Prince to be made up of wicked Plots falshood and a dedolent Spirit hardned against all remorse of Conscience not of subtle Devices or Craft but of Sincerity and Faith whose venerable Name holds out among you her right hand the Security of the Worlds Peace A Republick happy in its Orders with which as with Ligatures it stands unshaken without fear of fall boasting of its duration for 1300 years And what wonder when so many Vertues are the Poles upon which that Immortal Frame is rolled Laws you have few and good as Medicines which should neither be many nor divers Suing at Law which is very subject to abuse is more restrained with you then any where else in the World none are vexed with long Suits You have wonderful Concord one with another with which Cement your State holds and I have confidence will hold to the Worlds end Superiors manifest their Greatness only in extending Favours and Inferiors without grudging render Obedience and rejoyce in your Grandeur Private quarrels you pass by for the Publick benefit and remit offences in view of your Country There is no Contention but who shall love that most which is every Noblemans Treasure and Inheritance No where if so great a price set upon faithful keeping of Counsel Nor are Secrets any where preserved with such strict silence so that as other People have a great itch of spreading reports at Venice they have unmovable affectation of holding their peace which is almost incredible in their noble Youth who condemn talking much as the companion of lying by an inward principle of sound judgment and by the rules of their Education Whilst Candidates they stand at the doors of the Court and are admitted to a sight of the Publick Counsel before a Voice in it From the first entrance of their Age they are by degrees used to their Honours which you sharing equally and judging of Vertues deprive none of their due nor under a colour of preferment do you exhaust the worthy Pretendants in the Purchase Such as are advanced to Places of Honour bring in humility not scornfulness and as it proves all the world over find what they bring When private you obey without Servility and when advanced you command with Moderation Young Men dive into the depths of Prudence because they hearken to the Old concealing great Abilities under an obstinate temperance of Words Afterwards the avocations of youth being cast off when they must put on after glory and being used to improve they find nothing strange or new Ye are covetous for the Publick Money sparing of your own which you do not get to scatter but to maintain your state In habit not only indifferent but plain you think it decent so to discover the Modesty of your minds And in truth Silks and Gold Lace are not Ornaments of brave Men but Arguments of light Spirits You excel the common sort in Vertue in Clothes you conform with them Your Houshold-stuff doth not strain the rest of yoâ—r Estate Variety of Offices and multitud◠〈◊〉 Servants doth not clamour after you With Athenian Severity you punish Luxury which plundering great Estates ingenious to destroy it self drives on furiously after its own Confusion being withal the Bane of Common-wealths and Ruine of States Those that are empty of solid goodness glister in that borrowed appearance and bare of Worth spread in Pomp and sumptuous Dishes rather exciting than satisfying the Appetite How admirable is it that you who are upon more accounts than one Kings should condescend in your whole Furniture to the plainness of Fellow-Citizens and should shrowd the degree of Princes as you all bear under an ordinary Garb. But that Majesty which you carry about every where especially by your Ambassadors who being Noble in Birth do every where represent the Dignity of the Republick hath its Source from your internal Greatness and is that Mother of the Honor and Reverence due and deferred to you which Glory accompanies that inflames gallant Souls being peculiar to the immortal God or his immediate Representatives as you are All these things do adorn you but the Foundation and Basis of your State is Religion by which Subjects are made better and more peaceful You have an ancient Doctrine imprinted in you and received by Tradition from your Ancestors that all our Enjoyments are bestowed upon us by God and by him continued to us To believe this is commendable but so as you believe it that is avoiding Irreligion and Superstition both of them great mischiefs The insultations over mens weakness which were prevalent in times of Ignorance are received by you only in appearance who do not compel men to Faith against their wills but are of opinion that a right Judgment in Holy matters is insinuated by God into mens minds and that the Devotion which doth not proceed from the choice of the heart is unacceptable to God but that false Opinions are subdued by length of time not by the violence and commands of such as being chosen into the Sacred Ministry do exasperate all things and retain nothing of that Office besides the Name and
Armies The Extent of the Kingdom Interest of Allies Posture of the City A Parallel between Richlieu and Mazarine HAving arrived at rest of mind from many dangers and troubles I am resolved to pass the residue of my days free from medling any more with State-affairs and lest I should spend my time in sloth or be constrained by servile dependencies to flatter great Ones and hang upon the Court amidst the lazy and obsequious Retainers on the Palace have undertaken to rescue from the injury of oblivion or mis-reports the most memorable occurrents in France and record them to posterity if that priviledge may be expected from my endeavours as may possibly the rather because my mind rallying against the insults of Fortune is now fully set at liberty from hope and fear and taking part with any of the Princes The retirement that I had determined could not appear under a more fair pretext nor did any subject occur either more copious for acquiring praise or more durable to transmit to late memory besides that the work appeared suitable to my Age now upon the declining and some expectations and favourable opinions of Foreigners concerning me although I am not ignorant how odious it is to repeat these matters whilst grudges are yet fresh whereupon I shall be suspected by some for a Flatterer and offend others by sullen Truth which always goeth to the quick when it proceeds with uncorrupted Faith and undaunted freedom of Speech Therefore I shall comprise in this Decade with as much indifference and courage as I shall be able the whole Ministry of Mazarine For that I appears to me for variety of Action sadness of Accidents strangeness of Dangers and at last for successfulness of Events most worthy to be recorded 1. After that Lewis XIII took Armand Richlien for prime Minister of State the Debates both of Peace and War were carried on more fortunately and with better faith The name of Armand was renowned all over Europe all business applied to him as Sharer in the Kingdom He was the only person in the eye of the City of the Provinces of the Armies not by secret workings but openly none contradicting The better any stood affected to him he was the more advanced in Wealth and Honours and the most eminent were the forwardest to be at his devotion All the world cryed never was such a rare Creature nor ever would be again Then were his Actions repeated in particular The crushing of the Rebels the frighting Rochel the Head-quarters of the Sectaries chaining up the Ocean and the Kingdom setled that by the relief of Casaille restoring the D. of Mantoua and bringing the Savoyard to extremities Laws were given to Italy that to the astonishment of the Spaniard he had ridden in Triumph over the Alpes and Pyrenaean had eased the German Princes from the incroachments of the Empire and broken the House of Austria in many Parts This was the Tamer of the Danube this of the Rhyne The Pale of France was the Ocean and remotest Rivers That the Armies Provinces Fleets all were compact within themselves by his means that Justice was planted amongst the Subjects and awfulness umidst the Confederates the City it self was improved in stately Buildings and enlarged Somewhat indeed had been carried with a high hand but only to keep the rest in quiet All this was reported of Richlieu and believed by the World But because things arrived at the highest pitch do not long hold there nor can prosperity ever support it self he begun to sink under his own greatness Then was death to have been called for when by Providence it came and by Fate preventing the turn of Fortune his last day obviated the dangers that were imminent A Fistula in the Fundament presented Armand this timely dâ—th To whose end before I come it will not be impertinent to premit a word or two Lewis being grown weary of a Favourite that lay so heavy upon him had without doubt made many and grievous complaints of the carriage and pride of Richlieu There was one Henry D'Effiat de Cinque-Mars in great Vogue at Court for the Kings special Favour and certain Qualities resembling Vertues He was obliging to his Friends with his interest and by relieving them with gifts towards strangers too affable and courteous He had also advantages of Fortune in a graceful presence But far from gravity of manners or staidnese He was airy and gallant as is ordinarily incident to that Age which had not yet arrived at twenty two Having therefore searched into the Kings jealousies of and distasts against Richlieu he several times had an inclination to have made an attempt upon him whether unguarded which was rarely or amidst attendance that were admirers of such a comely personage These thoughts spur'd on his youthful mind had not that which is the bane of all great undertakings a desire of passing unpunished amidst the sweets of Vice pulled him back And beside he durst not attempt that alone which some would censure for an hainous act others thers would magnifie as an excellent service Therefore he took in to his Counsel the Duke de Bouillon a person of an excellent Fame and temper of Spirit a mighty aid for so great a design drew in de Thou and others In the first place it was judged the safest way to truck with the Spaniard by the concurrence of whose Arms the Party in France against Richlieu begun greatly to advance Now when Affairs proved unsuccessful it was concluded the King would soon forsake and throw off a Minister sufficiently disgusted by him and there was no other means to ruine him safely That Lewis had so great an affection for his Kingdom as that he would never move him as long as his Estate prospered by his Service This Intrigue was soon discovered either by the practices of Richlieu or because the French can never keep Counsel and revealed to the King by Chavigny a great Creature of the Cardinals At that time was the King abroad at Narbo whither he had travelled in very stormy and rainy weather it being but the beginning of February The pretence was the Siege of Perpignan which Richlieu the prime Minister had advised to get the King out of the way and for diversion of the Enemy Close Guards being left at Paris to watch the Queen and the young Princes This Plot then was discovered to His Majesty when his Eminence not well in body but worse in mind was upon his way homeward The passage is strange and scarce to be credited by the Readers that the King displeased with Richlieu and bearing affection towards D'Effiat when once informed that he held intelligence with die Spaniard immediately putting away all tenderness consented to the death of his special Favourite such influence had either the love of his Kingdom or the fear of the Cardinal Thereupon were Cinque-Mars the Grand Constable and de Thou late Master of Requests apprehended at Narbo the very day that the King had
but in the morning embraced and kissed Cinque-Mars and had talked very courteously to de Thou having naturally that quality and being practised to disgust his anger under fine language The King being glad when the matter was over but perplexed till it was put in execution parts from Narbo The same was done to de Bouillon at â—asailles The Prisoners are brought to Lyons where by chosen Judges that were resolved to do Richlieu's work before ever they heard the impeachment they are condemned to lose their lives De Bouillon got off by the Surrender of Sedan Cinque-Mars and de thou pay dear for their destructive friendship with the loss of their lives Whether Cinque-Mars practised de Thou to draw him into the Plot or whether de Thou was contented enough to be wrought upon doth not appear However both were upon a Scaffold beheaded with great compassion of the Standers by and lamentation of all the Country De Thou bore his condition not stoutly but with a Christian sense was long and earnest at his prayers which now might receive no comfortable return No Criminal hath been known to suffer with more pity of the Beholders D'Effiat received his Fate resolutely in the prime of his Youth by his own vertues and others vices running headlong upon Fame The King was then onward in his Journey on the way to Paris Richlieu that was ever satisfied with punishment never with repentance ordered the execution and almost looked on to see it done and as if he took content to hear their dying groans was loth to depart from Lyons certified the King by Letter that Perpignan was taken and his Enemies cut off Which was an unhandsom expression Reason indeed there is to blame for ingratitude and indiscretion D'Effiat especially who might easily have compassed by time only what he attempted with over-hastiness and by ill practices against the Laws both of God and man The two poor men are worthily condemned for being Traitors but the principal cause of their death was because they could not brook with a slavish tameness to avow the fatal baseness of their Country The one was Son to a Mareshal of France The other received a great addition to his splendor from James Augustus Thuanus our most eminent Historian of an Illustrious Family among those of the long Robe prime President of the Parliament of Paris a person renowned of great vertue and by his ancient Linage allied to many honourable Houses of France Richlieu either haunted or stung in conscience at the remembrance of so many Executions never free from discontent gives out that the tenderness to his Country imported him beyond all private affections And now more like a Sceleton than his Eminence being carried upon the shoulders of men hath houses broken down to make him room to come in at so much French blood lost at home so much shed in the field disquiets and dejects his spirit now imprisoned in a languishing body I have but one request to make the Readers of this Story that they would not suffer so many Noble men executed to pass off in oblivion as though they stole out from the Stage of the World Let Persons of Honour challenge this Priviledge that as they are distinguished from the Vulgar by their Funerals so they may receive a peculiar memorial in recording their fall I mean the Vendosmes the Ornani the Marillaes the Montmorancies upon whom I judge it best not to dilate the Cramaillaes the Bassompeirres the Vistries the Chastelneufs with innumerable others basely imprisoned At length this scarcely breathing Corps nothing benefited by the Waters of Borbogne is brought to Paris carrying about it the incentive of its own pain in a spirit more exulcerated than the body Many marks of exasperation formerly smothered then burst out Distrust of the King a desire to remove such as were not Confidents imposing upon his Masters ear by Chavigny growing daily fierce through an habitual and implanted arrogancy whilst Lewis suspected Armand Armand did no less suspect Lewis A matter of Scandal In the mean time Richlien's distemper grew upon him Many discoursed of the benefits of Liberty The greatest number past their censure who were likely to succeed in favour all called for Peace cryed out against Wars which had been commenced against the House of Austria not so much out of desire to enlarge the Empire or upon any considerable expectation as for the establishing the power of Richlieu Some few days before his last His Majesty came to Town to visit the sick Cardinal Many tears past on both sides and tokens of affection The King thought it his best course to lay aside his displeasure and not to grate the memory of a dying man with any disgustful words Therefore during the whole time of his sickness he visited him by Messengers oftner than Kings are wont and sent to him his principal Physitians were it out of care or to observe his condition The last day frequent intelligence was brought of his declining No body imagining he would be so curious to enquire what he should be sorry to hear yet His Majesty put on his Countenance an appearance of sadness when he was sure that his grudge was satisfied and conceiving he might now be safely kind constrained himself to let fall a tear and forced groans from a joyful breast Armand du Plessis Richlieu was born at Paris of a noble and untainted Extraction his Father was Francis du Plessis his Mother Susanne du Port he had a fair Estate which he wasted First an Abbot afterwards Bishop No excellent Preacher having fed upon the Chimaera's of the Sorbon unacquainted with the more polite Learning while the Marques d'Ancres was in favour Secretary to the Queen Mother Then confin'd to Avignon Recalled from thence by her means was made prime Minister of State Shortly after the poor Lady found her favours over-hastily heaped upon him for she being by his means chased out of the Kingdom an Exile having wandered thorow Holland and England without any certain abode at length in Cologne broken with afflictious changed an unhappy life for a desirable death But this by the way To return to Richlieu whole shape if Posterity shall be so curious as to enquire was comely and tall nor wanted he gravity tempered with a graceful aspect He lived 57 years was in favour 18. Having passed a middle age in respect of glory and eternal fame may be judged to have run the longest period of life For he had obtained whatever could be wished for What could Fortune heap upon one so succcssful and accomplished What was more blessed than for him continuing in Honour flourishing in Fame to secure future Events seeing that nothing in Nature is so fickle as Power that depends upon anothers pleasure After the decease of Richlieu the Cabinet-Counsel to the King were Cardinal Julius Mazarine a Roman by birth Leo Bouthillier Chavigny and Soublet Noyer both Secretaries of State This Triumvirate did not agree Some courting by
secret addresses the Queen others Monsieur others the Dauphin as the rising Sun Soublet a passionate man somewhat fierce professing the Jesuitical Position that vertue requires no other reward but that of a good conscience which sets a generous lustre upon actions under that veil disguised his ambition a man of blameless conversation for wisdom and judiciousness but indifferent having such an estate as he did not increase by any unworthy practices though he wanted not opportunities to have done it in that point highly to be commended that he made not use of them Greatly in Richlieu's favour for his observance and industry one that so respected his friends in prosperity as never to forsake them when they declined Leo Bouthillier had contracted pride from Richlieu whose support now failing he thought it more seasable to get into be the second than to aim at the prime Ministry Therefore did he put Mazarine forward but so as himself a while to pass for his equal not as acting under him afterwards would have supplanted him of which hereafter Mazarine whether by Fate or some peculiar Genius won upon Inferiors upon Equals upon Superiors by variety of applications He had a comely Personage but was most renowned for an acute and subtile wit for experience in business for vast designs and equal successes one who never gave Counsel or laid Plot that did not prove effectual To this was joyned such a discreetness of carriage that though he had got above many he was equally dear to all charming envy by an Art of conversation From these and such like qualities it was evident to such as can skill the Court that he was the one man that must shortly carry all before him Nor did it prove otherwise For being imployed in the managing our State and consequently almost all Europe he brought those Enterprises to pass which this day put the whole World in admiration His Majesty now wholly intending Peace had resolved to send Cardinal Mazarine his Commissioner to the Treaty of Munster whereof I shall speak afterwards but altering his mind thought it better to use him as his prime Minister Then first of all was Mazarine had in open Honour among us by being admitted to be God-father to the Dauphin whom he named Lewis that is now the Fourteenth who shall be the Theme and Subject of our Work About this time the King falls sick at S. Germains Prayers are made for his recovery The Princes the Nobility and Commons attend the Issue of his weakness He being sollicitous at the approach of death had many debates in his mind He thought it unsafe to trust the Queen with the Government Madam Cheureuse which was her great Confident then kept in Spain and secret Intelligence by Letters passing between them displeased his Majesty To Monsieur he was never truly reconciled Therefore it is resolved to commit the Government to neither but that ten Ministers be chosen to bridle both their powers At length His Majesties Will is made and sealed Each presently strive to insinuate themselves into the Queens favour by divers practices especially Noyer that assumed to himself the glory of making the Will He is supplanted by Chavigny quits the Court and asks leave to retire soon after pines and frets himself to death no Rules of Wisdom sufficing to still or sustain his Spirit Chavigny stayed behind but as a shadow or empty appearance of business Mazarine leaving no means unassay'd got the sole Management Which Prize having obtained after much deliberation having carefully weighed his own and his Competitors interests he let slip no kind of deference possible towards any either in publick or private All came in excepting the Bishop of Beauvais Beaufort and Madame Cheureuse now returned to the French Court that were afterwards turned all out of Favour having been the Contrivers of their own disgrace His Majesty sometimes a little cheered then anon spent when his death approached spoke to the Queen supported by her two Sons and the Nobles standing by him much to this purpose Seeing that decay of Nature doth now bring my life to an end I haste the few words that I am to speak will be the more sacred with you the nearer I am entring upon those places of which Divines speak such glorious things By this right hand which this day lays down the Scepter and transmits it to this your King pointing at his Son and Heir I advise and adjure you ever to pay him unspotted Loyalty Reverence him and do your diligence that such a prosperous State may not be impaired by my untimely death and his tender age I leave you a Kingdom firm and flourishing and unless it offer violence to it self by Civil dissensions that can never come to other ruine Not Armies nor Treasures are the Pillars of this Empire but Counsel and Concord More he said which having been then published I forbear to transcribe hither Looking upon Conde Your Son said he hath won a brave Battel Now the D. d'Enguien was General in the Borders of Champaigne and a little while after gave the Spaniard laying an untimely Siege to Rocroy a great Defeat and having raised the Siege and given them chase went far up into their Country and laid it waste This glimpse the King gave before he expired rather after a prophetical sort then that he was not perfect in his senses He earnestly advised Gaston Duke of Orleans to amend his life Turning to the Duke of Engoulesmes said that All things leaning only upon pleasure are but fading and repentance would follow speedily or more late Many other excellent sayings he uttered according to the Christian Doctrine of the Hope of a better life and such sweet Consolations of Mortality that is very loth to think of coming to an end which being so often thundered out in Pulpits I here wave No mortal man either ancient or late did so couragiously receive the assault of death At length May 15. 1643. he dyed an easie death Lamented by some of his intimate friends but worthy to have been followed with a larger mourning of all French-men had he chosen to act by himself what he could well have done rather than by Colleagues to whom he was all his life time obnoxious to his own and Countries great prejudice He was singularly courteous to all about him Free from pride yet retained Majesty and Gallantry of Spirit Moderate in pleasures entirely loving his Kingdom and had he been allowed a longer space of life would have proved the best of Kings Many observed that which perhaps is of no great importance that the same day he came to the Empire was the last of his life for his Father Henry was murdered on the very same day of May. 2. The Princes and Nobles came all up to Town and none made a greater shew of mourning than they that were most glad at it His Funerals were performed in such order as is proper for Kings and the exposing in State being over his
the Princes Will for the Supreme Law This ought to be the Temper of the Parliament of Paris which hath been heretofore the Rule of Right the Bound of Equity and the Pillar of Law to which as to an Oracle all Nations came from every part to be resolved but as all things grow worse by length of time so is that fallen from its ancient Glory I speak of the most not of all For that Court even to this day can produce brave men who maintaining their State with integrity do bear up that tottering Fabrick and who being carried away with the stream of the Seditious have groaned over their own Ordinances That purple Assembly hath and will yet add great weight to the Kings not only Decrees but Actions also Therefore after the decease of Lewis it was strictly observed which way the Scale would turn By the consent of Orleans Conde and the Parliament the whole Government was committed to the Queen under the name of Regent Then was it not objected against Mazarine his being an Alien Nay soon after he is counted worthy to be chosen and that with the Applause of the Senate for the man to whom the Hopes and Helm of the Kingdom should be intrusted that the Competition among the Princes might by that expedient be removed This the Soul of Lewis now in Heaven intimated the Queen had fulfilled her Husbands meaning 5. Mazarine casting with himself what is hurtful and what profitable past this Sentence upon the Clergy These are his words counselling the Queen Regent The Sacred Order for these many years hath had but a thin harvest of excellent Persons however it come to pass Men follow after nice Questions live idly do not embrace serious Studies All is done with Pomp nay if any Sermons be to be made and the very venerable Sacrifice offered Of their Office they lay claim to nothing but their Rents the Duty of Preaching which is the principal Dignity of a Bishop they quit to any one though never so insufficient They think themselves Bishop enough if they can but ride in fine Coaches with their Arms set on outvy one another in rich Liveries and Lacquais and punish with rigour those that transgress in the least matters Perpetual Haunters of Ladies Couches not without undervaluing the Pastoral Staff This is for the most part for there are some that lead holy and unreproveable lives He that shall take offence will owne himself not to be one of these but â— those other So much power hath Religion over the minds of men that as often as amongst men in holy Orders any eminent Vertue hath got up and overcome the common attainments and the vices of mankind it is adored like a Deity At that time that Company was of no weight nor moment in France said Mazarine I am trouble and in a manner unwilling to write this but plain dealing and faithfulness doth at present offend those that it meets with afterwards it is admired and commended There was Francis Paul Gondy by Extraction a Florentine but born in France Abbot of Rhetz afterwards Coadjutor to the Bishop of Paris Archbishop of Corinth one that if occasion had offered would have aspired high as Cardinal Mazarine confessed he was perswaded Over and above an honourable Family he had Eloquence and Learning with promptness of Spirit Very free of other mens money not careful to pay his debts though his Creditors were in the greatest necessities but rather forward to bestow courtesies He regarded more to engage many than to seek that any should make him requital of a lofty mind had many designs in his head catching at opportunities waited for some alteration only to advance his Honour 6. The Provinces being wasted torn and harassed with Taxes Impositions and Free-Quarters cryed out for nothing else but Peace yet in a readiness to couch under greater burdens So great is their Obedience and Loyalty to their Soveraign Their Governors were men engaged that would hear the yoke quietly There were then no Mountmorencies nor Les Diguieres which heretofore at their least motion would make the Court shake That Rohan who for fourteen years together trod upon the Bowels of the State to maintain by Arms the new Profession was long since gone out of the world and had left none behind him that could answer the reputation of such a mighty Name The Innovators for that name I shall use wearied with Wars their Head being taken off at the winning of Rochel the Seat of the Rebellion panted after nothing but to be at quiet which is wonderful at that change And because that Religion could abet so much mischief it were not amiss to lay open the Rise and Principles of it lest Posterity should be ignorant thereof John Calvin at first called Chauvin of Noyon was the Author of the Innovation that having quitted France retired to Geneva whitber such persons flock and are in high credit Charles was King and Katherine Queen-Mother who yet made no scruple to prosecute the Innovators with fire and sword as Criminals and deserving most exquisite torments Such tortuâ—es hath foolish man invented against himself upon easiness of perswasion At S. Bartholomews-day it was resolved at one stroke to cut off the springing Hydras head by an action unworthy of the French name and such as Seyn with all its waters can never wash out The Religion at present check'd burst out again not only in France but over the Suisse German and English Some of the Princes took part whence were battels and slaughters in several parts Calvin set up Rites contrary to the Divine Institution and as a principal Doctrine instilled into his Followers that the sanctifying Wafer the sacred Bread is not turned into Christ by the muttering of the Priest which I tremble to mention the supreme object of their Worship is not kneaded by the Bakers hands nor changeable nor subject to corruption they vilifie the Sacrifice of the Mass and Prayers for the Dead That there is a Heaven and Hell they are perswaded but not at all that there is a Purgatory That the Pope cannot make Saints and as to them that Heaven is never the fuller They give the Virgin but little honour and only such as is far less than her Sons Prayer they say is not to be made to her Reliques and dead Bones of Saints they make a jest of Indulgences for buying of sins at a certain sum of money to be paid they slight and confidently affirm men might imploy their money better The Pope they despise as a meer Phantosm and empty appearance do not dread his Bulls the Vatican Thunder-bolts affirm it to be a Sword whose edge consists in bare imagination To empty the sink of sin into the cars of the Priest they take for a principal argument of a weak understanding The load of Confession they call a Pack of Humane Constitutions To displease ones appetite with fish and dry meats in Lent Phrensie as also empty ones self with
making haste 〈◊〉 midst things uncertain gape after the Present Caâ—â— at money upon all occasions so is Justice less observeâ— and offences they connive at for favour and fâ—â— granting Indulgences The Barberini were entertained in France couâ—teously Mazarine that had found them prouâ— helped them in distress But the Election of Panphilio did so displease him that having grievously censured Antonio Barberini for it out of discontent he fell dangerously sick so as to keep his Bed Wherupon many conceived greedy hopes especially Chavigny Some would obtrude upon the Queen Cardinal Grimaldi The Queen inclined to neither but waited how the Cardinal should do who recovering searched into the designs of his Rivals and kept them close in his memory especially for Chavigny whom for that time he always secretly undermined which when Chavigny perceived it was the occasion of putting him on to precipitate his Plots not fully ripe When the grave Brow of Innocent would not easily endure the presumptuous encroachments of the young Duke of Parma Arms are again taken up But the Forces of Parma were at the first Encounter totally cut off Their General Geoffray a French-man and Doctor of Physick who had insinuated into the late Prince Edwards favour it is uncertain by what practices the Incendiary of the division was put to death at Piacenza and made a State-sacrifice to repair the disgrace The Pacificator was the King of France by Bichi the Senese with Donghi a Genovese the Popes Commissioner for arbitrating the difference Which was Mazarines glory that the French Arms should triumph over Flanders Germany Catalaunia Turin and Piedmont as farther that the interposition of a King but six years old under the Guardianship of a foreign Woman should repress disquiets always working at home and prevail to establish Peace abroad France was if ever prudently governed yet those Secrets of State were taxed and carped at by the whispers and censures of men The truth it we are loth to be under Superiors and let one act never so well and faithfully to the Publick Interest yet this and that is condemned and there is ever somewhat which doth not please every body Thereupon were words thrown out amongst the Vulgar and iâ— Meetings But there is no more certain sign of Gallantry than to despise them when one is placed iâ— Power above the reach of Injury and in Glory above the Eclipse of Infamy Calmness of spirit becomes men in Authority and a patient bearing of reproaches is a great preservative of a Kingdoms Peace Mazarine that took satisfaction in repentance only never in punishment preferred and enriched those that had laid the greatest load of infamy upon him oftentimes using this language to the Queen Madam we have not time enough to busie our selves with these examinations if you once leave this door open you will have no other business and all mens quarrels under this colour will be made matter of information Enguien receiving the Command of Orleans and sent again into Flanders presentlâ— layes cloese Seige to Dunkirk Gassion and Rantzow being his Lieutenants Dunkirk heretofore a Town of Fishermen afterwards of Pirates having ever been an unsafe Road for Ships is become a most famous Harbour from whence Ancors are weighed for all parts of the World The terrour of the Sea moated on the one side by the Ocean on the other by a Moor renowned for Caesars Triumphs and proud of having been the place from whence he took Sh ipping when he went for Britain and at which he landed upon his return The Siege was obstinate by reason of the stout defence and strong situation all which the valour of Conde subdued The Government of the City after it was taken was committed to Rantzow which seemed impolitick Rantzow was by birth a Dane of the Country of Holstein of great personal valour and excellent conduct None could with more Eloquence advance his military Action But intemperate in drink thereupon desperate in fighting we have seen him cut all over no member without its wound When our State fell into Troubles afterwards the Danes faith faultred who was quietly conveyed out of Dunkirk and cast into prison a warning that strangers are not to be trusted Mary Gonzaga the eldest Daughter of Charles of Nevers after Duke of Mantua espoused to the King of Poland parts from the City and is conducted to her Husband through the Low-Countries and Germany in Royal State The King of Polands Ambassadors and their Followers in a long Train made a Cavaleade through Paris upon Horses with stately Trappings One might have seen the people running forth to gaze upon the Getes in Furs with Sable Caps as they passed along the crowded streets great matter for the discourse and vanity of Paris Charles Duke of Lorraine having more than once fallen from us and so often followed the Austrian Eagles and unhappy Standard at last left his Dukedom to our disposal when as Lorraine lying it seems near France was reduced into a Province but one fortified Town held out which was Motteâ— this must be reduced that nothing might remaiâ— unsubdued This Charge after the untimely deathâ— of Magalot was committed to the Marquess Villeroy that so he might grow into Reputation by such a Seige and acquire the Dignity of Mareschal the better to be qualified for the being the young Kings Governour The Prize was easie all hopes of succour being cut off from the Garrison of Motte About the expiring of the year 1646. Henry Bourbon Prince of Conde not yet sixty years old dyed an easie death Lamented by France in such a juncture of Affairs as one who by his Prudence and equal Justice did stay the State running into Confusions He was born at S. Egers in Xantoigne after his Fathers death who was poysoned by ill practices Henry IV. having no Issue had trained him up with all diligence as his future Heir having weaned his Spirit in his tender years from the new Religion which he had sucked in with his milk from his Father and Grandfather in hereditary descent He was so nurtured in the Catholick Rites that afterwards when he was grown up he affected the reputation of being a Capital Enemy to the Innovators in an empty ostentation which would have been useful as he conceived if occasion had served But this is always beneath a great Prince who ought not to love nor yet hate any such thing too much and whom a lofty and gallant Spirit becomes slighting matters of that nature His Marriage with Charlotte Mommorancy had almost been his ruine For to avoid the being rivalled by King Henry he fled into the Low-Countries for a Sanctuary of his Wives chastity From hence through Germany he travels to Millan with a small Retinue to Count Fuentes After that Henry was killed when the impious World did justly fear an eternal night Conde returning into France unhappily took the part of the Mutiners It is an ordinary practice in France thus to disturb the Minority of Kings by Rebellion
was given to Boniface Marquess of Monte Ferrato of whom the Venetians bought it and to this present hold the Dominiâ— of it under the Title of a Kingdom It receives thâ— Name from its principal City called Candy â— Country famous for the Cradle of the fabulous Jupiter the unnatural lust of Pasiphac the inextricable maâ— of the Labyrinth and the presumptuous Wings of Doâ—dalus not allowed mankind The Venetians do yâ— hold it out without any help whilst the Kings of Enâ—rope fight about a little dust What Fate hath â—store for the Venetians or designs upon them I knâ— not No Nation since the Creation of the World hiâ— maintained uprightness besides that and I profess thâ—â— I never saw on earth any thing more just than theâ— Government Rhodes extorted from the Knighâ— of Malta and Cyprus taken from the same Veneâ—â—ans That fortunate Isle that place blessed so sweetness of air for the birth and retirement 〈◊〉 Venus was an invitation of the Ottoman Emperoâ— to the taking of Candy This year Whores and Bawds of all sort weâ— banished out of Town not by Act of Parliamenâ— but by order of the Provost Mareschal The hanâ— somer part of the City judged Some affirm thâ— not a few Priests groaned over such sourness 〈◊〉 was scarce evidenced by any more cruel Law say theâ—â— that the Magistrate hath no regard of the publick â—â—vertisement this is malice and morosity That theâ— can no president be alledged wherein by any publiâ—â— Acts restraint hath been laid upon the affections 〈◊〉 women simple fornication having been in all placâ— tolerated among the Greeks and Romans nay even by the High-Priest And that the Common-wealth never concerned it self what this or that body did with her skin that there is punishment enough in the making such a scandalous profession Thus was pleaded among the idler sort Some more insolent proceeded thus far That therefore were Priests maintained and so many crews of Cordeliers and Capucins to attone God for incurrent sins That such necessary evils were useful to mankind for avoiding worse consequents That a Whore if the question be rightly stated is nothing else but a kind innocent Creature ready to bring men content that long after them at all hours That they think this a more happy life than to work in Shops or toil in the fields But that by Bawds the hearts of mortals were linked that young men are not called off from their business by their interposing but are set forward in a quicker dispatch These and such like speeches were given out in the City and Court especially But as falls out usually amongst us these Laws severely executed at first at the conclusion vanished into neglect through a slack inquisition For Lovers are not cruel nor do men most grievously punish what they most commonly practise I think such to be the most perfect who so pardon others as though themselves did daily offend and so abstain from offending as though thy pardoned no body Therefore it is a good rule to hold through the whole course of our life the being implacable to our selves and exorable to all others He that hates vices hates men The excursions of lust and the like furies are with great watchfulness and special endeavour to be restrained by counsel and perswasion from the breasts of Noble-men and Women Because certainly that House that State that Kingdom will easily be maintained in eternal Honour where the disorderly love of Women bears the least sway Whithersoever that most assured bane of mankind insinuates it self there infamy rings and injury reigns Therefore we must keep at a great distance from these and pursue courses contrary to so dreadful vices It was a shameful thing to stir those matters which having been stirred would have stunk filthily and to be fierce against poor Whores when noble Ladies did prostitute themselves without punishment There was then in proposal whether for the abating the floods caused by the Seyne the neighbouring streams by which that River is swelled should be diverted another way or whether by cutting a Chanel himself should be abated At length either because the difficulty of the work deferred or to avoid charges nothing was altered Nor ever will be altered till the French are out of their Wits Nature the common Mother hath best provided for mans use in laying out the months of Rivers their courses their home and source after a due line Thus doth the Seyne neither streightned in his Chanel nor rob'd of his auxiliary waters not ungloriously flow with his former Pomp. Mazarine that he might not be thought to mind the Wars only furnished a Library in favour of the Studious with Books to be read over in many Ages amongst all which none will be more eminent than that which shall contain the mans own Acts. One might behold shelves raised up to the top of the Roof where through a luxury of Literature was set up a learned Pile not as Ornaments of a Palais but Instruments of Wisdom not ranked for a shew but for use to which the Repositories of so many Volumes set up by the Kings of Pergamus and Alexandria with great emulation may not compare nor that of Pollio who first setting up a Library at Rome made mens Wits a matter of publick Commerce He provided farther all sorts of Horses one might have seen standing at the rich Mangers whatsoever breeds the most generous Studds had produced in a long Race Being sumptuous in Building as in other matters he furnished a Palais with Houshold-stuff incomparably rich with Pictures Images Statues as though he would have transported Rome to Paris In a Royal conversation neatness and Spirit following the Paterns of great Kings But in the procuring and purchasing such things left France should return to its old rudeness he expended those means which others hoard up for their particular uses to the entertainment of the present Age and Posterity But who would have thought that so dismal times would ever have overtaken us as that all these things through ignoble envy should by Act of Parliament be sold at a publick Out-cry Nor are Jewels to be passed over in heaping up of which I know not whether he had more Bravery or Fortune To be sure the Fame of them spread through the remote Countries of the World moved the Grand Mogol who is Lord over all the Northern Indies to give out by his Merchants in this place that he was ready to purchase whatsoever precious stones should be transported from Paris To Agra after that Mazarines occasions were fully satisfied that is the Metropolis of that great Potentate The Mogor envying the celebrated Vineyard of Prester John the Emperor of the farther Aethiopia that is of the Abissines would himself also be glorious in a like Gallantry so that the winding branches of his likewise might twine about beaten massie gold and that not on dwarfed stakes at is the Abissines but high Poles the clusters might shine with Saphirs and Carbuncles the
Walks paved with bright Diamonds and bordered with the Green of Emraulds From the barren Land comes no Vintage but without bearing increase it blesses the Vine-dresser and never fails his hope being content with being gleaned by the eye only There was at this time a Staple so that many of our Merchants went over to Agra and came back in a blessed condition There were also Operas for Comical Scenes splendidly built and Actors fetched from all parts Nothing was happier than Paris at that time It triumphed abroad fearing nothing at home Nomischiefs of Factions no cruelty of Plots the serenity of the Court being clouded by no discontent The Queen-Mother not yet exercised by the Fates through their clemency found by experience that nothing was more delightful than her Government Mazarines Justice appeared in determining of Causes and his singular affability towards those who brought their Complaints and Requests to him Every hour he admitted to Audience without any surly Introducer would never interrupt any one in his Speech till the modesty of the Suitor warned him to be silent His glory was yet unspotted with any slander He healed whatever was wounded not rip'd up nor would examine strictly every trivial matter that he might be thought to have found and not made us good Money flew about him plentifully in the City for Julius was not yet given out to think of the hoarding up of it who though he were naturally tenacious acquired a reputation of bounty by a niggardly way of giving He had not as yet avowedly abandoned himself to a desire after Wealth He seemed to possess not to be possessed As malice and envy afterwards spoke falsely of the man Publick Charges Ecclesiastical and Secular Dignities not dismembred not with a large portion of them intercepted were the rewards of only vertue The faith of the Courtiers was not yet engaged by Bribes Who would think of such a sudden that all should change and this Summer-calm turn into storms more grievous than Winter-tempests First of all the Tribe of the Scholars to whom yet he had founded and dedicated his Library jear and defame Mazarine in divers Pamphlets but such as are not long-lived as most pieces of the French This hath been observed that almost nothing hath proceeded from the Wits of that Nation which promises immortality whereas in other things France is one of the most famous Countries of the whole World and fruitful in so many Commodities it is barren in this only Spirits naturally inclined to Drollery and Jest a faculty of talking extempore with some appearance perhaps of raillery They haunt great mens Tables wander about their Academies trick and trim their native tongue without end and boast of having refined their Language they trot about this way and that way to make Visits do not delight in secret solitude which is the only ferment of studies They contend in most barbarous Emulations whereupon ariseth unhandsom detraction and ridiculous saucines They are the very Ophiogenes and Psilli that 〈◊〉 out only the poyson of Books The Women following Scholars in tongue would use detraction upon their Couches and in their Circles they would curiously unravel the Government watch the words and actions of Mazarine study his Nature and more and more question the mans Honesty Some of them prostitute themselves to search our some State-secret infect their Husbands unawares with the malignancy These were the means that gave birth these that gave growth to the distempeâ— spreading through the Provinces for after our Example the Kingdom is fashioned At that time four not ill-humor'd but such as did more hurt by their life than good by their Wit set all France in a Combustion The far extended ugliness of the scandal should have been redressed by severity and had they been duely punished they would have brought as much credit to the State as by their ill government they wrought shame They afterwards when their designs failed as is usual precondemning themselves turned Nuns by a false dissembling of Religion and a gross superstition the door being shut to their vices grown out of season when rotten old age condemned by the Looking-glass by its own peremptory sentence doth dread it self It is a high task not to fight with but flye from sin nor to moderate but mortifie lusts The Parliament not of Paris only but of Rouen Bourdeaux and Britanny with others even murmured The people watching for Changes and Troubles follow their Examples as is common Openly that Mazarine must be removed by whom the work of Peace was obstructed that the subtle man loved War that so he might conceal his Robberies The Princes under-hand abetted him yet did the like by their Creatures and Emissaries nay even gave out that they would not have Mazarine removed but awed that so they might fish from him kept in fear what they listed that they could not have a more able Minister they must take heed lest banishing away the Italian they should come into the hands of some bold French-man who would restrain their unreasonable Suits which were infinite Mazarine took no notice of all this and by a prudent moderation withstood the storm Scattered all about embers covered with ashes upon which they like blind men and not well versed in Politicks walked as the issue proved I do not think that ever any Insurrection supported by so great preparation and strength did ever so vanish away â—n smoak nor a Faction discussed with such dexerity So many Nobles so many Princes the Parliaments of the whole Kingdom all the Capital Cities a great part of the Armies all not able to â—on-plus a Stranger Either must that man have â—xcelled in the Art of Government or sloth and Cowarâ—ise have reigned in these There were not wanting that took encouragement to enter upon these troubles from the English who prospered although they had revolted from their King Charles I. King of England ruled over three Kingdoms with the affections of his Subjects Not being contented with this happy state of Affairs he would innovate some things in Worship that so Calvinism which is sapless and slovenly might look fine in a handsom dress trimmed up with the Ceremonies Scotland first opposes the new Liturgy which the Parliament of England affirmed was bending towards the Catholick Religion Popery they call it the same way also did the Scotch Parliament lean These were the first beginnings of the Trouble Nothing is more certain then that neither the King nor Archbishop of Canterbury Primate of England had any inclination towards the turning Catholicks but leaving the Doctrine unaltered would have put a Pale of Reverence about the Church of England There had been thoughts perhaps about retaining the solemn Sacrifice as we call it retrenching the multitude of Masses which through the unpreparedness of the people and impurity of the Priests bring Scandal to Religion especially of barring it out of private Houses since it is clearly observed the oftner there is Massing in private the
carried away he falls a crying and roaring and running after the Coach cryeth out to all that he knew His Master is carrying away to all that he did not know Broussel wâ—â— made Prisoner Never did Sedition rage in such menacing terms Never was the Vulgar so cruelly inflamed A Boys crying within a quarter of an hours time put 100000 men in Arms. O frail Mortality frail Mortals what are we A transient Scene a vain shadow without substance With â—how great successes did the French Glory then exalt it self What blessed times did shine How many Gallantries at home and in the field To what purpose are these Commotions of Spirits and so great Discords Great happiness cannot sustain it self but sinks under its own weight Such is the Divine pleasure when it is decreed to overthrow States and Empires to send effectual Causes for humane Errours Charton upon some foreknowledge escaped out of the way Blammeny is carried to Vincennes without any noise Only Broussel is called after It was openly talked That the best Patriots for standing up for their Laws and Liberties were hurried away on a day of Feasting in times of Peace That the time designed for publick mirth was stained the joy of the Townsmen disturbed the serenity of the City clouded Their forwardness to merriment was turned into sadness before any cause heard without legal tryal The King being attended by none of the Princes only a few of the Life-Guards the Parliament incensed the Commons incensed with fresh discontents All the Court-party were accused of Treason The most loose men were most desirous after Stirs in hopes to reap their particular Advantages The factious Tumult carried along with it the compliance of the better-meaning men Those that resisted the Sedition were stoned as they went along The Streets were â—npaved the Houses untiled stones flew about ears fury turning every thing that came next to hand into Weapons It was uncertain which weâ—â— best to tarry and be taken or to disperse and 〈◊〉 away Sometimes courage was pretended anoâ— fear discovered and as it falls out when mind are stir'd up to sedition they did fear and werâ— feared The Nobles in all parts laying aside theâ— rich Habits and forbearing the train of Servants went into remote streets of the Town Feâ— would keep in their own houses but the moâ—â— lodged at their friends or lay incognito in obscurâ— Corners Many scaped out of Town by diverâ— means some in Servants Cloaths others conveyed by those that depended on them Not a few took courage for their concealment Meillerâ—y Mareschal of France rode stoutly through the City most remarkable amongst all On every side weâ—â— Arms and Threats the streets being barricado'd by Hogshead and Iron Chains Their minds enâ—ged with blind fury now against the Nobles whâ— would imagine it anon against the Senate And because they could not design any one in particular to their anger they were bold withal in general The violence of the Commons was scarely restrained by the doors of the Royal Palace from breaking in They demand to have Broussel shewed them fain they would see the face and look of Broussel Lamentable was the face of the City Every man run mad without any Leader receive Warrant from himself to forbid whatever is commanded to command whatever is forbiddeâ— Soon that which falls out in desperate cases every one commands and none executes The Life Guards kept not the use of tongue nor heart no ears The besieged in the Louvre and the Besiegers had their different fears The Citizens threatned by their Arms what the Spaniard durst not have presumed The Spirits of the honest party were overwhelmed with pity and care but what is always wont to fall out in so great Consternation every one would be giving of counsel few would undertake what had danger This menacing night and offering to break out into some horrid outrage the carefulness of Mazarine did allay He walked the Rounds undaunted not in Robes suited to his Dignity but having disguised the gracefulness of his looks in a Perruque Sets Sentinels and Guards at several places here and there giving this charge Neither to fright nor be frighted but watching all motions to restrain violence not provoke it When it was day Peter Seguier Chancellour of France is dispatched to the Parliament to carry them the Kings Orders or in truth to try what was their intention The Common-people did not go forth in duty and respect to meet and wait upon him but received him with sowre menaces and looks that declared more of obstinacy than repentance The Chancellour passed on with a countenance formed to gentleness beckning all the way as he went to the people to keep silence They roared with fierce exclamations Rascals thronged about the Coach sometimes there was a confused murmuring other times a terrible out-cry as their passions varied in height they beset the Coach examining him Whither he was going that he too might cross the peoples interests after his old wont At once they rush upon him and threaten to tear up the stones that the streets are paved with And he was now ready to be crowded to death with the violence of the press when he was sheltred by getting to the Hostel de Luyne which as it was the place of his Birth was his Mother and almost his Grave These being concealed from the fury of the Rout which filled the House with swaggering and menaces he escaped through the goodness of God by the errour of the Searcher How nearly you may judge by this that he had no longer thoughts or coming off with life but how to die decently Thus was that place ennobled by having concealed him who is worthy to be shewed to all posterity Through the singular favour of Fortune which permitted the hope of the Laws over-born by corrupt Manners to lie hid in safety When the Court came to hear of this the Queen was much concerned left the life of such an excellent Person should fall into the hands of base Fellows So Meilleray on Horse-back with Dort break through the seditious Crew and having rescued the Chancellor from that imminent danger convey him back safe to the Queen in a Coach half torn the Guard being frighted and some of them slain The Sedition breaks out farther and the madness of the people rises to higher exasperation F. Paul Gondy designed Archbishop of Paris commonly styled Coadjutor in his Pontifical Robes carrying with him a Veneration as he passed along the streets moderated the people with Language and Gesture He would treat about their Proposals the King was neither without clemency nor yet severity Some there were that taxed Gondy as if his heart he had been somewhat favouring Alterations However the matters were in truth that was the first day of Gondy's withdrawing and the cause of all those evils which that Prelate eminent in mind birth and merits fell into afterwards from this time he shall be ever after called the Archbishop of
Corinth At length the Parliament sent the choicest part of their Body to his Majesty to request the release of their Fellow-members They proceeded marshalled two and two in long Files on foot graciously nodding upon the Commoners as they passed along Mole the prime President of the Parliament who never wanted a dextrous application in managing any business with freedom and gravity thus addrest to her Majesty That those had been evil Counsels to rend out of the Parliament honest men and good Patriots charged only for maintaining the Liberties of their Country and that on a day of most solemn Rejoycing all suspicion of it being blinded by occasion of the publick Festival That nothing is more pernicious nor to the dishonour of the French Nation than to handle violently what with time and gentleness hath always found good success in our State That those who gave such advice were the men that raised the Tumults and continued so to do day after day That here was no need of long deliberation but the Prisoners to be released nor must the Kings Honour or Authority be pretended but that the safety of the Kingdom is the supreme Law That what he says were no illusions or pretences that 100000 men in Arms attended for Monsieur Broussel That when men had Arms in their hands they were allowed anything when before they were denied reason For Allegiance Duty Reverence there was an end of them These were all trodden under foot He trembled to relate the sad courses that he saw taken To this the Queen answered in short the Chancellor somewhat larger That the Privy Council would take care that their Proposals should be satisfied c. As they went back in the same Rank and File as they came the people meets them and asks What was done in the bussinss Then Mole nodding signified all was well When one hot-headed Fellow flying out presents his Sword to his breast and bids him Go back again Is this the setting Broussel at liberty Are our Requests thus disappointed Are you thus returned without obtaining leave to do us any good Some of the Parliament men slipt away for fear Mole not at all affrighted returns back again to the Court and presseth earnestly that the Prisoners must be immediately released or else all given for lost Upon so great a distraction the Queen having summoned her Counsel inquires what Expedient could be found in this so great difficulty It is debated on both sides by violent speeches that it would be a dangerous severity or pernicious clemency if either nothing or if all were granted the people yet Reasons being then weighed one against the other it was resolved to set at liberty Blammeny and Broussel at that time the Darling of the common people and an empty shadow of their liberty The Parliament a thing never before heard of being assembled in the Gallery of the Louvre and giving their Votes Letters are written for the releasing Broussel and Blammeny whereupon the Rings Coaches are instantly lent to bring them thither of so great importance is the safety of the State in extremity Mazarine who had stoutly withstood the former bad proceedings did more stoutly oppose these very low concessions But what could he do when affairs were in a condition rolling down-hill Warily he considers all things and looks forward upon the future Maintains the Honour of his Majesty as much as the irregularity of the times and ill success of business admit The Sedition was a little pacified yet they continue to keep to their Arms out of a proud Bravado secretly giving out as if there were some design in the bottom Oh! how miserable are those that live without the compass of Religion and Law what once they have deserved they always expect That evening Blammeny returned Broussel came home the next morning with joyful acclamations to see his rejoycing Children and dear Friends From that day forward he lived as before in a constant tenour of honest conversation innocent in his carriage that heat of popular affection being somewhat cold one bounded within his rank A person of no ill design over-born by the stream of the Factious through the publick storm to run upon Shelves and Sands To teach posterity how vain and failing a stay it is to lean upon such Props as will always be condemned and continued to the perpetual ruine both of high and low It was a shame for the King in a manner beleaguer'd to tarry any longer in the City Therefore Mazarine took care to have him conveyed to Ruel two miles out of Town upon pretence of taking the air The Ring-leaders of the Sedition fretted and could not digest to have the King rescued from their fury And now there began to be a great alteration in the Rout for after there came certain news that succours were coming which had been drawn out of Condes Army and were on the way marching thither hastily many were frighted into their Wits again Then they began soberly to reflect how presumptuously they had carried themselves against the King An apprehension seized them under this fright that there were now come those who would call them to an account for their high Treason And this consternation of spirit found grievous tokens of ensuing misery in all even those of the meaner sort What increased these fears was a wondrous cheerfulness in Mazarine who had great assurance of his Majesties Forces Here I first begun to be acquainted with divers transactions as being employed in them but having been carried away by the dissenting Party did many things upon which I reflect with grief The more credit ought to be given me who shall offer to Posterity nothing but what I have been an Eye and Ear-Witness of free from inclination to flattery as from ill affection to the Governours Whatever hath been transacted in secret and coloured over with an artificial gloss as far as cometh within the reach of my knowledge I shall expose to the open view of the noon-day light The Ages to come disengaged from hope and fear will applaud the good and hiss out the contrary actions That so great a Body of the Mutineers should be shaken by so very few was the sport of Fortune Blammeny and Violet were then the principal Leaders The injury of their late Imprisonment sunk deep into their spirits and particularly the great fall of their Uncle the Bishop of Beavais What could Fortune have added to Violet He had a plentiful Estate an honourable place in the Parliament although he could not obtain the Office of being the Queens Chancellor Only that restless spirit of his strived to compass by means of the troubles what he could not presume to hope for in peaceable times The first remarkable act of the retirement to Ruel was the imprisonment and banishment of Chavigny He was apprehended at Vincennes and conveyed over through by-Lanes and wild Forests to Havre de Grace There a strict Watch attended upon him when he was asleep This was
Conde For he apprehended that without asking his consent much less in despight of him he might not once aspire to that Match with young Mercoeur nay without Beansorts consent he refused to proceed any farther that so he might curb his youthful spirits apt to flye out and might carry off from the Mutineers one of their great Supporters He had no other design in matching his Nieces but that of the French and did it more to advance the publick Peace than his private Fortunes since he might have had better offers at Rome or in Italy than in France Conde did for some time demur before he would openly declare his Judgment Not a few persons rather imported by their own passions than tender of the Princes Honour did spur him on day and night advising him not to let Fortune which now offered it self so fairly to him slip out of his hands and had rather have all things again thrown into confusion than that he should rest satisfied in an offer of certain quietness nor were there Flatterers wanting who would have pushed his generous mind and spirit raised up in expectation of great preferment but unwary of bad Artifices to pursue fairer hopes The general distant of Mazarine and indignation of being enthralled to a Foreigners Usurpation got him many friends The Duke de Bouillon and Chavigny were the chief the former immensely greedy after a Change that at last he might find some opportunity by our Troubles to recover his Town of Sedan The latter not being able to bear with any patience the loss of his Greatness and his being turned out of Favouâ— Conde having been long divided in his thoughts at length thus resolves to fall upon Mazarine to affront him above board and no longer under-hand to thwart him That was the first day of our calamity that the last of the French concord Glaâ— was the Sling at Condes falling off by the Treachery of which he was afterwards scornfully cast into prison In the mean time the Spaniards assault S. Venant and Ypres whereupon it is resolved that the Court should leave S. Germans and go to Coâ—pingne that so they might at less distance discover the Enemies designs and be nearer to obviate them Paris that is never pleased complains that they had carried away the King From that occasion reproaches are thrown upon Mazarine and Libelâ— without end It was judged fit to dispatch Orleans about the beginning of June to heal the discontents of the people The Provost des Marchandâ— with the assistance of some grave Citizens restrain the licentiousness of so many dangerous Pamphlets Orleans is most instantly requested that his Majesty might be induced to return with all convenient speed to his Capital City that this Article was of indispensable necessity to preserve the publick quiet and the earnest prayer of all the honest party Mazarine could not digest that his Majesty should abide there where at the turning of the tide the waves of the late Sedition did yet roll At that time Mareschal d'Hoquincourt under colour that a Plot had been laid for him in the Camp of a sudden withdraws himself from the imminent danger as he pretended and keeping close within Peronne gave some umbrage as though he had been wavering Mazarine had thoughts of the Government of Picardy but whether he could not agree with d'Elboeuf about the price or whether he were uncertain of gaining himself the fortified Towns in that Country waving that intention he thought upon some others Now such a value he had for Hoquincourt that he declared himself to have an ambition for his friendship Both on a certain day meet at an appointed place and as if they had been to engage in a Duel are both attended with an equal number of Souldiers There were strict Articles agreed on which held for some time but afterwards the agreement broke and they fell into extreme dissensions During this time the Army growing soft by disuse of Action and pillaging the Country where it lay idle it was resolved speedily to put them upon some considerable imployment to the end both of giving the Enemy terrour and getting them reputation amidst the Rebels The Kings Counsel were divided about the matter of the Expedition Some advised Doway others Aviennes Mazarine pressed that Cambray rather than any should be attaqued having at that time but 500 men in Garrison as certain information had been brought It is a Frontier Town upon the Border of France heretofore in a manner a Free-State but Homager to the Empire ruled by its Archbishop under certain Laws standing on the right side of the Scaldy or Escault A City eyed jealously as being of great moment to which side soever it belongs The Generalship is proffered to the Prince of Conde upon his refusal Harcourt accepts it who beleaguers Cambray but without any effect for upon the conveying in of succours one night in a fog by the negligence of the Sentinels the Siege was raised before it was well laid at which the Faction laughed and not a few of the Courtiers were well pleased Mazarine was thought to have taken up that resolution that he might have made the Town his own after it had been taken So had it been heretofore granted Balagny and having been lost by his negligence is at this day held by the Spaniard in right of Conquest Amidst these Affairs the War not being closely pursued Convoys past freely on all parts The Courtiers spend their time in Feasts and entertaining one another And because there is no chear without it be made in Paris thither Jarcey Jerzy San-Megrin and divers others poste up These being at Supper with Candale at Renards were very merry when of a sudden Beaufort comes in upon them as they were in their Jollity and gives Jerzey threatning language nay some say farther that he bastonado'd him The Company dissolves the Board is tumbled down you would have thought it the Fray of the Lapithae It was given out that the matter could no ways be made up but in a fair Duel But after the French wont the beginning of the quarrel is hot but the end flags their tempers being easily wrought upon Much Broth was spilt on the Table-cloth but no blood-shed and after such a sharp bickering all presently were made very good friends Two things did most afflict Mazarine the unhappy attempt upon Cambray and the Borders laid waste by Free-quarters where a general dearth was very sore Then to delude melancholy he goes into the French Camp accompanied with the chief of the Courtiers as though he would treat with Pignoranda at Valenciennes about Peace It is incredible with what Art Eloquence and smoothness of Language he asswaged the most unruly especially the Alemans whom he promised and at length gave leave to make an Incursion into the Enemies Country All parts were there laid waste to no less damage than terrour the Cattel driven the Souldier satisfied Harcourt that he might not be thought to have done
supported the courage of his Followers with small pay but great promises Nor seemed he so much to aim that the King should conquer as that himself might not be conquered resolving to stand to no Articles but with an hereditary pride plotted secret means of revenge There is no doubt but the Peace had been then firm had not he been unstedfast in his promise About this time Argenson and his Son fell into manifest danger from the common People the Archbishop in vain labouring to appease them out of whose house as not being safe he went and secured himself in the Garrison of Ha an old Castle either to avoid violence or to put himself there as an Hostage However the matter were there was he obliged to write a Letter to the Governor of Libourne wherein he was required to demolish that building which gave cause of jealousie Though Argenson knew this would be ineffectual as he had reason to believe having no authority over the Governor of Libourne yet he did it to pacifie the Sedition for a small space stilling with a temporary remedy that anger which would break out more violently The Son of Argenson rides to Libourne carrying with him his Fathers Orders which were not obeyed But Argenson by some means or other getting free prefently waited on Espernon who promised to do his endeavour that the Sconce at Libourme might speedily be razed to the ground The Bourdelois not brooking any delay nor much confiding on the word of Espernon levying fresh Forces draw up again in Arms and lead out of the City all the strength they could draw together to make the greater appearance I find there were 7000 men in Arms set in array in the field They march towards Libourne and encamp not far from the Town without raising any Works Espernon rejoycing that he had a desired opportunity of giving Battel to the Faction no longer shelter'd within Walls but exposed in vast Plain directly leads the Kings Souldiers and his own Followers with the band of the Gentry against the Rebels At first there were light Skirmishes engaged with variety of Fortune The valour of his Souldiers made for Espernon the number for the Mutineers which could not carry it For upon a charge made after the Rules of Martial Discipline the Companies of new-raised Souldiers were routed and put to flight Some slain others swallowed up in the gulf of the Dordonne Their Leader Chambaret sighting stoutly died the Prisoners were brought to Espernon who not rising his Victory with sufficient moderation grew much elevated in his spirit and drawing towards Bourdeaux made a halt at Grave two miles off the Town There the Archbishop and certain Commissioners of the Town treated with him in fair terms of Application about the submission and protection of the Town to which he was invited Espernon through the great perswasions of Argenson resolves to enter the City so he might have a reception suitable to his Dignity The Burgers agree to it not the Parliament which always stood off from any treating with Espernon as unsafe Therefore the Barricadoes of the Streets being taken away and Lusigniac who supplied the place of Chambaret lately slain being turned out of the Town with his Souldiers Espernon finds all things at his disposal No where did ever appear more evident hopes of composing differences They seemed mutually to blame their disaster which had induced such a necessity of misunderstanding Espernon having spent but few days at Bourdeaux with a shew of reconciliation retired to Cadillac meditating rather revenge than to be quiet But had he longer continued in person with them that were froward yet so as they might have been brought over with fair usage they would all have come into their obedience But as much of those mischiefs is to be imputed to the unquiet disposition of the people so more to the arrogancy of Espernon into whose recesses the Faction prying could easily discover a bottom ulcerated with study of revenge Espernon being out of the reach of the storms at Bourdeaux dispatched Argenson the Son to the Court which was then at Amiens that he might at large relate the whole matter to get the people pardoned but the Parliament suspended Whilst this is six months debating in the Privy Council the Faction gathers strength by delay These many past Ages it hath been observed that amongst the French beneficial Counsels are slow but hurtful exceeding quick in their dispatch The Court rejoycing at the successes of Espernon willingly embraces his advice and sends Guitald Cominges with two Pursuivants wearing the Badge of a Chain that in the Kings Name should suspend the Parliament of Bourdeaux from all Jurisdiction Espernon Argenson and Guitald enter the Palace keeping close to themselves the matter about which they came But as the mind of the Faction was watchful they thought that to be which they feared would be and easily perceived the matter Therefore these were denied entrance into the House Espernon attempts by his Followers to break open the door which turned to be unlucky For the common People whether of their own inclination or by the instigation of any other broke out into a sudden rage and gave an Alarm over all the streets Espernon thought it his safer course to go away than stand the dangers that were imminent He quits the Town and gets him to his Seat of Puipaul and afterwards went to Cadillac at last to Agennois where he lingered unhandsomly casting about to work his revenge I can scarcely reach in words with what scorns he was vilified with what reproaches affronted when he left Bourdeaux Finding all the effects of a popular indignation in the most outragious wreaking of their inveterate spleen Some secretly pitied him but their kindness would do no good Then surely appeared evidently the truth of that Maxime That Honour void of merit vanishes in a moment Cominges assaying to make up all breaches lost his labour Argenson politickly got leave to be dismissed not having found any fit opportunity of doing the service he desired The Faction is now no more at variance with it self in diversity of Judgments The Corps of the Parliament and City are united together and make it their whole business to contrive wayâ— whereby the whole Odium may be retorted upon Espernon who residing at Agennois with making Entertainments purchased a reputation among his Trencher-companions that would not long continue Now he would make sumptuous Feasts anon by saving of a little money but all the while prodigal of his fame Word being brought to Court of this so notable a change of Affairs it is resolved by any means to asswage the new Tumult and to release the Commissioners of Bourdeaux that were kept in custody at Senbis sending them home to promise in the Kings behalf all just condescensions to the Parliament and Burgers of their Town provided they would but heartily return to their duty About this time Guinet weary of his Office he was Captain General of the
it After divers essays to procure her Childrens liberties at length broken with affliction never more coming to the fight of them within a few months ended her days with discontent The Dutchess of Longueville transported more with grief for her Brothers than her Husband hearing of the misfortune fell on the ground and did farther with her lamentations defile that night which had been stained with so cruel an action The Mother and Daughter were both perswaded that fatal and extreme danger hung over the Prisoners and that they would not have presumed to go so far as this who had not determined to proceed to the uttermost The Queen commands Condes Mother to depart the Town and confines Madame Longueville to the Palais Royal. The former having obtained leave shuts her self up three days in the Carmelites Cloister from hence she retires to Chantilly with her Daughter in Law and Enguien Condes Son The latter is conveyed away by the artifices of the Keeper of the Palais and with Rochefoucault her Guide escapes into Normandy to her Husbands friends to try their constancy The Mother had resolved that black night to go about Paris to practise her Sons Partisans and raise the City but hearing that all runs cross that Corinth and Beaufort went triumphing about the Town that Bonfires Were kindled in testimony of the publick Joy she could not hold crying Grievously she complained of the Queen but the Queens heart being inflexible and obdurate against all prayers Madam Condes tears were shed in vain A deep Lethargy had possessed so many Nobles that had so often made fair promises to the Prince Never was it evidenced by such clear proofs how unsafe are all Court-confidences while men are in favour they are highly complemented if once fallen under a Cloud all tyes are broken and they tamely forsaken Bouillon slips away from the present danger and buries himself in the retreat of his Territory of Thurenne His Brother Thurenne riding all night through strange ways arrives in safety at Stenay Moussay and the other Retainers on the afflicted Family scatter one one way and another another at length Stenay was the Rendez-vous of all of them and Sanctuary to others that fell off from the King Madame Longuebville tryed many means at Rouen but none offered her their assistance The very Beverons that held the City and old Palace and were Lieutenants in that Province banished her that Country and oblige her to go for Diep from whence how she came forth I shall afterwards relate This was the Posture of the State upon the imprisoning of the three Princes none offering to stir nor so much as to bemoan That Conde si often victorious that had done so many signal sevices should be mewed up in a Dungeon Who would not admire his Fate that after so many Triumphs should fall into such hands a Person then whom few have been more worthy of the chief Command since Charles the Great whether you consider his good successes or his great courage or his Spirit equal to any Fortune The French Nation would have been judged too powerful if these great endowments had not their allay of contrary qualities He had no violence to revenge wrongs nor any care to requite courtesies None was more obliging in expression when his need prompted him after the danger was over and his turn served all kindnesses were utterly forgot The Spirit of Conti was ruled by his Sister Longueville The Duke of Longuevilles humor was full of shifts he would taste superficially of all things There could no Party rise but he would side with them Scarcely could he get in but he would draw his foot back which would fit a thousand shoes He might have sunk several times but he happened by turnings and windings to get off clear He would renounce his former friendships and apply to new ones so he had any hopes of advantage by them Would court men in prosperity abandon them in distress Could never deceive any one twice his cunning was so palpable Covetous after gain to this intent that he might appear to have been a gainer He imbased the endowments of his mind with vain Plots To be sure he might have kept far enough from the disquiet of a Gaol had not he been a Turn-coat and by being true to neither side had gone about to oblige or to delude both Yet was not the Age so wholly barren of vertues as not to produce some instances in that kind too Grammont went to the Queen and not denying his passion frankly avowed to her Majesty that he was afflicted for the sufferings of Conde mixing withal some other expressions worthy of his generous boldness which he afterwards advisedly supprest because of the Oath which he had taken to the King That was to him essential always to act gallantly having a cheerful yet weighty bravery Mole also favouring the Prince spoke words of like nature Cominges that remained at Vincennes being called home Bar is set over the guarding of the Prisoners who discharged his Office as imperiously as unwarily To stop the censures of Fame that were very violent the Queen sends a Remonstrance to the Parliament to this effect that Conde did not demean himself any longer like a Subject but a King that his increasing boldness was no longer tolerable Conti grew high upon his Brothers Greatness there was no end of Longuevilles Suits he must have what he asks and must have it at a day certain farther that no heed was to be given to his word and that he was held in prison left under colour of Conde he should make any Stirs in Normandy To this the Parliament agreed Mazarine brings into sight his Nieces that had been locked up in a Nunnery to pacifie Conde The Wife of Bouillon concealed in an insecure corner is taken and shut up in the Bastille having the liberty of the Garrison and kept there till the Articles concluded with her Husband at Bourdeaux These passages were in the City In the Provinces Mazarine watches strictly having dispatched Vendosme into Burgundy Harcourt into Normandy Hospital into Champaigne S. Aiguan to Bourges to secure the publick Peace Marsein General over the French Forces at Barcellons being of the Princes Dependants is taken and carried to Perpignan a Person experienced in Martial Affairs of great reputation at first making some offer of resistance bore his hand to his Hilt upon suspicion of some rudeness Afterwards having stilled the disorder of his mind he yielded himself with all obedience to Joseph Margarite and John Marcand to whom the Kings Orders were sent All care for the promotion of Riviere is stopped at Rome So he missing the hopes of a Hat goes out of the Town increased in wealth and rich benefices having been at first in favour with Orleans for the pleasantness of his humor he joyns policy with facetiousness so steering the mind of his Lord that he never miscarried through any advice of his He never put the Duke upon any
imprisoned to be demolished By that means restoring to his good Subjects their liberty having overthrown that shelter of Tyranny Madam Conde and Madam Longueville with their Followers forsake Montrond an insecure Harbour and come trembling to Bourdeaux to the Prince Palvausse with a lingring Siege takes or rather obliges to surrender the Castle having been some months held out by Persane For this notable piece of service he obtained the Dignity of Mareschal of France which was given promiscuously in times of confusion and grew cheap The Affairs of the Province of Bourges being duely set in order by Chasteauneuf Villeroy and Bryenne who managed their business with wonderful faithfulness and diligence the whole Court at the beginning of November cometh to Poictou to press upon Conde being in Arms by Harcourt the stout General of the Royal Army Now was all France hotly engaged against it self either as to Affections or Arms with a divided taking of parties Some looked upon the fire made Others run into the flames But to be sure the Spaniards chiefly rejoyced shedding the Poyson of Discord who under the Marquess of Mortara beleaguered Barcellona Don Juan of Austria blocking up the Port with his Fleet. To such an Attempt did the calamity of France invite them but especially the miserable condition of Barcellona where the raging Pestilence laid low innumerable heads and every day Corps of old and young were carried in throngs to the grave But the Revolt of Marsin was more pestilent than the Plague it self who governing Catalaunia with the Kings Commission by a President unheard of till this Age having left that renowned Principality at a prey to the Spaniard wheeled off to Conde according to Covenants already accorded Hereupon the Spaniards privy to the intended Treachery raised up their Spirits so as to think of Barcellona If there were any over-sight committed in the absence of Mazarine it was this the restoring of Marsâ—â— to the Government of Catalaunia engaged to Conde for his Marriage procured with difficulty being a strong bond of Confederacy and that would turn from his trust through an exulceration of Spirit upon memory of his Imprisonment There was nothing that Guyenne did not hope for from a Prince greater than expectation He to answer their desires and his own promises sends a raw Army under a more raw Commander Rochefoucault into Xantogne Siege is laid against the poor Town Cognac and of the sudden raised by the coming of Harcourt The fault was laid upon Charenton a steep River that was then pleased to overflow and pass its Banks bearing the Bridge away by the flood Xantogne thus unluckily entred refused to be the School of that unhappy War Rochel it self heretofore the Sanctuary of Rebellion breaths Allegiance to the King and rescues it self from the service of Dognon rendring themselves and all theirs into the hands of Estissac one who was no Souldier This is Huguenot-like in adversary not to prove unfaithful The like was done at Egerville or S. Angels the stout courage of the Lads of which Town was of great moment to the Relief of Cognac It is a little City upon the Bouton a River or rather obscure Bourne not unpleasant where the Grandfather of this Conde dyed by ill practices and his Father Henry was born There was my Cradle rocked Here I first drew the air This Land I know not how came first to be touched by me that am descended of Venetian Ancestors and those Illustrious ones If the Glories of my Country have been omitted by me perhaps they will be repeated by Posterity and S. Angel in Ages to come will rejoyce to have had me born and bred in her At Bourges was a whisper of Mazarines return all along the way of Poicters a murmuring at Poiction certain News of it Nor had the Cardinal any her Intercessor for his Revocation than Conde and Corinth while both of them bend their designs to the contrary The Queen openly declares she is resolved to re-instate him being unjustly banished in his former Dignity It was for the publick Good and must no longer be delayed One might see persons nurtur'd up in the Court-trade Masters at speaking what they meant not and not speaking what they mean could not keep to themselves their inward thoughts but must over-wisely vent the Secret That the Kingdoms ruine is hastned Condes Forces increased the Faction strengthned and such like politick hints not according to rules of Court-subtility which prying into the future never discloses its thought keeping still close the secret sense of its soul Bryenne is commanded to write Letters of Revocation from his Banishment How uneasie was that to him who a few months before had advised Mazarine with too forward Counsel to return to Rome where he might be more useful to promote the Affairs of France in the Conclave The Cardinal intent upon his future Journey was already got to Bouillon debating with many what should be done but what he would do with very few or alone by himself there being no better Counsels than such as are unknown Hocquincourt with Grancey and Navailles were the principal of Mazarines Counsel all this way stout in personal valour perpetual despiser of life Fabert subtle in his way spyed what was likely to be and watched to make advantage of what was present The gross of the Auxiliaries now coming was 6000 men in Arms of great importance to turn the scale at that time The Cardinal dispatches before him some of his Family with Letters to his firm Friends and others wavering nay to his fierce Enemies making large promises The Parliament of Paris is incensed Orleans frets the Sling after their wonted manner rage Mazarine and his Complices are defamed all about in Paris Forces are hastned to block up the Loyre and cut off the Pass of the Yone under Commanders either Gown-men or cowardly that should so fight as to be beaten The Cardinal having overcome the disadvantage of ways the fierceness of people the violence of Rivers and the scantness of Bridges comes through Hostile Armies safe to Poictou His March was quiet as of one hastning to Peace such as no Townsman no Peasant dreaded Not nice in his Quarters not extorting Reverence by Terrour but obliging Love by Courtesie An humility respectful to all for qualifying mens prejudicate hatred Himself differed from the rest in nothing but Worth nor would he allow himself rest but after all Undaunted amidst so many menacing Acts of Parliament was not slack in allowing admission to his person but exposed to meeting and sight One might see the people every where crowd in at his open door and inviting Threshold He was secure by the watching of a good Conscience and defended by naked Innocence the safest Guard and Integrity an impregnable Garrison The King and Duke of Anjou came to meet him and next to the Kings side entred Mazarine into Poictou received by the Queen with a true and ornate gravity Soon acknowledged to be greater
miscarry in the end The Princes of Europe or their Ministers flocked thither as to consult an Oracle they admired the Island that is a little Spot upon which the whole Globe hung You would have taken it for the Anchor of the floating World The Duke of Lorraine heretofore detained in confinement at Toledo is then enlarged and without waiting upon that King goes with all speed to Haro to know the terms imposed upon him When he came to understand the condition of his Affairs impatient at such a penalty he broke out into speeches which might have given just occasion to have clapt up again in Prison the Duke tired out with miseries This is not a Peace saith he but a slavery by consent The singular goodness of Haro took compassion of afflicted Lorraine who leaving the Castilian Minister at Fuentarabie fled to the French mercy Mazarine receives him honourably Divers discourses past to and fro even about entring Alliance Duke Charles seemed to go away less discontented What was afterwards done shall be related in the end of the Book Charles King of England comes from Flanders for Cromwel whilst he was alive and after his death his Ghost would not let him live at Paris Haro omitted no Ceremony no deference of the humblest submission to him as a Stranger but neither granted him Condes Troops which he desired upon pretence of the Portugal War nor would enter into any other enagagement to act for the restoring of the King of England Mazarine would not so much as vouchsafe to speak with or see the King for fear of Lockhart who was a Spye there in behalf of the Parliament of England It is a thing which posterity will hardly believe Mazarine always hated Cromwell and the growing Common-wealth yet so great an apprehension of that petty Tyrant was imprinted on the Cardinals soul that he dreaded the very Ghost of him when he was buried and whom he had courted with feigned Honour whilst he was alive he followed with a false Veneration after he was dead So true it is that some meaner Spirits have a natural ascendant and predominancy to strike awe into them that are of greater abilities The King of England having lost his labour withdrew himself from the Affront loaded with Complements from the Spaniard and Contempt from the French Ormond who accompanied the King hardly getting to speak with Mazarine to avoid the giving umbrage it seems to Lockhard hinted many things to win upon the Cardinal The assured hopes of the Crown which Charles was near recovering the Plots in favor of him all was safe only that there needed some small assistance Nay proceeded so far as to sound Mazarines mind with an Overture of the Royal Alliance Such is the power of fatal and invincible necessity which the Gods themselves cannot surmount All this was to no purpose the Restauration was to be put upon no other account than his personal Vertues and the providence that attended so great a King who goes away offended at the French rigour Through so many Compliances of Fortune the two Ministers Umpires of the disagreeing World Arbitrate all things at their pleasure and dispense the Fates of Nations depending upon them Portugal fell under debate when Mazarine turned to Haro and said Look me out to the very remotest Indies any Soveraigne Estate for poor Braganza that his head used to a Crown may not again sink into a private Condition The Affairs of Italy Mantua and Savoy and other Princes were left to the decision of the Cardinal and Fuensaldagne Pope Alexander only was neither party nor partaker in the Pacification The Princes of the Conclave admired at Rome that Chighi whom they had chosen principally upon that account because having been trained up in the Treating of Peace he seemed a fit Peace-maker should be so scornfully passed by Mazarine in his Judgment after Chighis Judgment reputed a Fomenter of Discord and Hater of Peace shews That he both could and would conclude Peace Things must be fitly timed The Secrets of Kingdoms should not be divulged It is enough to have one Master in a House No King must usurp Authority over Religion only the Inspection No Bishop must usurp Authority over Kings but paternal Affection At twenty four Sessions the Business of the Peace was compleated and at length on Novem. 7. 1659. The Articles agreed on by the two Ministers were signed which having been published and the Issue of Affairs abundantly shew what they were One might have seen the most straight embraces of both Nations and tokens of Dearness upon account of the old Hatred after so many Inroads made on both sides burning of Towns so many Prisoners carried away so many Cities subdued and demolished so much blood-shed no Anger left In the height of publick Rejoycing each in their proper Language and Manner expressed their Joy the past Battels they accounted as Fictions The Cities of France and Spain shined with Splendour and Beauty So that they seemed truly Objects of pity who were not Subjects of the one Crown or the other The two Ministers after mutual Presents from the one of a rich Suit of Hangings from the other of a gallant Set of Horses depart out of the Island chosen by the Providence of God to clear the Sky and create a right understanding between Nations divided and of an insociable Temper of Spirit THE ELEVENTH BOOK Of THE History of FRANCE The CONTENTS The Contents of the former Book may be the Summary of this which contains nothing but all matter of joy excepting the Death of Mazarine that yet was constant couragious and agreeable to his Life THE Cardinal at Tholouse rendered the the King and Queen an account of the Peace concluded whereat they received much satisfaction From hence the Court made a Progress into Provence till the King of Spain should come with his Daughter to compose the disorders at Marseilles which had broken out about the Priviledges of their Consuls The King the better to secure Peace at home and Reputation abroad was necessitated to build a Cittadel having a plausible occasion to preserve the equal liberties of the Community and especially to be a refuge for such as were of approved fidelity A mighty defence without distaste or charge of which Beringham is made Governour than whom no man in France had a more formal gravity having served two Princes with an even tenour of Prudence At Paris where all things are condemned the match was not believed scarcely the Peace that there were Castilian deceits in the bottom and Mazarine over-reached not so much the Common People in the streets and at clubs as many of the Noblemen did whisper Conde having survived so many Battels being certified of the State of Affairs after he had courteously saluted his Souldiers according to their standing or office spoke to them much after this sort It is the seventh year Fellow-Souldiers since having been tossed by hard Fates after the extreamest instances of Barbarous usage being
released out of a dark Dungeon I left the Kingdom of my Ancestors obliged to secure my life by Arms. All the time my Fates and the Fortune of my Family have been put into your hand Now neither to inflame your affections any further to the love of me nor to excite your Spirits to give new proofs of your Valour for both are abundadtly manifest but I come hither to request of you an allay of your Courage and a moderation of your kindness towards me that is that you would be satisfied with the quiet that is already gotten mankind Nor that we should bandy your and other mens Fortunes restless between hope and fear seeing that we can perform no better service the Fates of France importing us The Peace of Nations and my own safety is secured with your safety and that of Flanders I do quietly possess in France both the Priviledges of my house and the dignities which I formerly possessed and the Fortunes left by my Honoured Father In a word my estate is in such condition that I neither need comfort nor revenge I and Fortune have tryed our strength we have contended a great while I will now shew the example of contending no further Others have been longer engaged in Civil Wars none hath come off more contentedly Should I suffer so many brave Armies so many Commanders to be again beaten down and without cause expose this Valour of yours to dangers Let this frame of spirit continue as though ye would dye for me but survive The more hope you show if I were willing to fight the braver will Peace be But when I see so many maimed Limbs so many Wounds that is it which afflicts my Heart Whether will your old years now when your blood is exhausted go for relief What shall be the settlement for you when past service What Assignments of Land after your fruitless Compagnes Since at the present I am dis-abled from requiting you according to your merits the one thing which I have in this juncture of Affairs I leave you eternal Gratitude and the example of my Life Time will be when perhaps my house may be able to afford a donative in the mean time receive these small monuments indeed but such as testifie our perpetual love Thereupon the remnant of money which he had was divided among the Souldiers in particular After that the Assembly had long murmured in uncertain Senses Marsin the Liegois in behalf of the Troops without any Rhetorical Artifice Souldier-like thus spoke Most Invincible Prince the greatest Commander of the French Nation Military Discipline consists more in obeying then questioning the Orders of our Officers we have Arms and Courage we leave to you Counsel and the conduct of our Valour It belongs not to us to enquire into the Causes of Peace nor to pry into the Breasts of Kings Our Truth and Reputation hath continued to this day unstained towards your Highness We have equally shared the hazards and uncertainties of War You always first beat the path of dangers we following your Colours have learned so often from you to dye The issue of Rebellions cometh upon us the glory of Battels upon you Our service with you hath been Gentle and Courteous You have vouchsafed Pardon to our Errors past by our slips and never called our Torments or Disgraces Discipline Take not care for our Rewards or whither we shall go Fortune will set us in a way We have a great monument of glory that you cannot complain of us Go your way Saint and Merciful Souldier and Invincible We do Eternally Love and pray for you The Immortal Gods grant you this Blessing that you may never have occasion to think of us Thus much said Marsin openly concerning himself these few words to him aside You know at what rate I have purchased you seek a name for the Action advise with the voice of the World if it be Rebellion I did it for your sake The Prince with a pleasing look gave good attention to all this and advised the younger with Authority the elder with entreaty The next day having called the Nobles of the Low-Countries to his House he declared to them the Motives of the Peace and the tetms Of himself he spoke little and cautiously of the Publick largely The Cities earnestly offered him Presents Praises Applause he refused all yet permitted thanks to be given him but nevertheless did not vain-gloriously provoke Fame attending rather till the heat of applauding was over his departure was graced with much Complement At that time he delivered up the Provinces in quiet and safety to Caracene And lest his Entry into great Cities should be remarkable for the Pomp and Multitude of such as came to meet him both in Flanders and especially in France he avoided them and the Attendances of his Friends but went with a small Retinue plain in Garb and courteous in discourse The Duke of Enguien never parted from his Fathers Company needing no stranger to be his Governour Through Vervin and Soissons and then Culmar which is a Town of Brie famous for a Seat of his Brother-in-Law Longueville he came through sharp Frosts and rugged Ways there he made some stay to mend his Tackle and recruit his Health None were admitted to see him but such as were sent for he had in company his Wife and Son with his only Daughter scarce three years old a part only of his Family ragged nasty and smelling of Dutchery Banishment and dreadful Wars It was judged fit for Longueville to go before to break the way for his access to the King The Prince having left his Wife and Enguien behind went after not in a loitering pace lest he might seem to be timerous nor yet hastily but letting the report of him grow by expectation he turns his course to Madam Chastillons for whom he ever had a kindness when he was young being his Kinswoman and handsom which gave him a double title of Love but that was no hinderance to the minding his business At length he comes to Aix which is the principal Town of Provence that was agreed upon to be the place for his waiting upon his Majesty to kiss his Hands They come in multitudes to meet him amongst the rest his brother Conti who having left the Monastery whither he had put himself and Married Mazarines Neice had left some good time since his brothers Army and Party Conde receives him affectionately Mazarine was put into some trouble at the coming of so great a suppliant yet attends him with a chearful countenance which was not usual with him Four miles off they send Coaches Horses and a Guard in show of Honour The Prince is received by Mazarine at the Stair-Head there were streight Embraces words heard by none divers discourses passed to and fro without permitting any to stand by Longueville and Conti himself although he shined with his Brothers image standing in the crowd among the Servants Mazarine went alone into the