withstand him in the field nor to defend those places And not long after Don Sanchio di Luna took Gattinara and other neighbouring places with the men of Millain and block'd up the passage to Vercelli on that side which City being invironed by the Territories of Montferrat and Millain and being streightned by the Garrisons of the new Fort of Sandovalle Trino St. Germano and Gattinara was as it were besieged A Gally was also parted from Genoa toward Monaco with monies for Monsieur di Boglio a Lord of many Castles between the Confines of Nice and Provence who having always formerly adhered to the Dukes of Savoy began upon some new distastes to waver in his former friendship and having at present entertained new intelligence with the Governour promised to infest the Dukes Territories on that side who the affairs of Savoy not being yet composed had his Dominions molested on five sides himself being absolutely routed in the field and having lost most of his men And that these so sad accidents might be accompanied with very sad circumstances the Prince of Conde who was the only prop and stay of the Dukes affairs was some few days before by order fromthe King accused to be guilty of high Treason and imprisoned in Paris so as the Government of that Court being altered wherein the Duke did confide and the Princes of the Kingdom who were his friends being alienated from the King they raised men to provide for their own affairs and filling France with civil wars they could not only not succour the Duke in this his so great distress but many of them who were come from France desired leave to be gone being drawn either by their own interests or for that they hoped for better entertainment there The common opinion was That the Duke being thus prosecuted by Fortune would not be able to bear it and less able to withstâ—…nd so great a violence and that therefore being dejected in mind and out of hope of ever making head again he would lay down Arms and indeavour some kind of peace And yet though over-laid not overcome with such an accumulation of evils and so great adversity he with a couragious mind was not daunted nor dismaid amidst so mâ—…ny misfortunes For relying upon the Forts of Vercelli Asti and Nice the chief Keys of hâ—…s Dukedom he little valued what Mortara Luna or Boglio could do against his lesser Holds which being lost by war would be recoveâ—…ed by peace So as he began forthwith to make new Rampiers and Bulwarks about Crescentino But on the other side holding it necessary to allay that fortune by industry and by cunning to lull those Forces asleep which he could not possibly then withstand he procured Monsieur Lodovisio who of an Archbishop was then made Cardinal and continued in the same Nuntiature and the French Embassadour should go to the Governour and treat of peace He sent along with these some discreet Gentlemen and Officers as followers of the Embassadour to the end that they might pry into the enemies ways and into the Commanders intentions And also that making the Rout to seem greater by their speeches they might cunningly make it be believed that the war was at an end and that the Duke not being able to resist any longer was reduced to such a condition as he could no longer refuse any conditions of peace which he knew the Governour would imbrace more willingly then war But there needed not so much cunning for Don Pietro di Toledo who was already weary of war and heard nothing but the noise of Drums and Trumpets and was therefore desirous of repose wanted not those who either for that they thought it made for the Kings service or as it was afterwards laid to their charge at Court out of secret intelligence held with the Duke advised the Governour to use his victory moderately telling him That the French were overcome and the Duke so weakened as he could no longer hold up his head so as he must be forced to consent to any whatsoever conditions That therefore he ought to proceed very warily in hazzarding the affairs of the Crown in Italy if by unseasonable prosecuting the war he should once more draw the French over and make a change in the minds of the Princes of Italy who though they might be content to see the Duke receive a blow yet not being able to see him totally ruined it was to be believed they would easily resent it That as the Dukes suppression increased the envy hatred and jealousies of other Princes would increase That therefore it was a wise advice To be content with an indifferent Victory and not to lose what was already gotten out of a desire of getting more That he had been sufficiently victorious in so short a time sufficiently triumphant and that now there remained no more for him to do then answerably to the Kings mind to secure peace upon such conditions as might be tolerable to the Duke The Prince of Ascoli was tâ—…e chief nay only Authour of this a fatal Counsellor that the Duke being reduced to great extremities might have opportunity to raise himself up again This Prince being till then much suspected by the Governour for the power and streight intelligence he had formerly had with Inoiosa by these his flattering speeches got into great power with the Governour and his counsel was afterwards the more credited by the Cardinâ—…ls and Embassadours coming to the Camp and by the speecâ—…es spred abroad in the Army by the Dukes Spies Wherefore the Governour being tickled to hear himself stiled Triumphant and Conquerour would no longer listen to Vives his counsel nor that of others who weighing the state of affairs better and the Dukes condition thought it necessary to pursue the victory and not to afford the Enemy time to breathe they told him that a good war was the best way to come by a good peace but all this was to no purpose The Cardinal and the Embassadour came to Don Piedro at Tricerro and desired him that he would let them know his intention touching the composing of the present affairs Don Piedro in a haughty manner like a Conquerer answered that they were to discover what the Duke was minded to do and then to acquaint him with it they therefore returned to Crescentino and from thence to Chivasso whither the Duke having found the Governours inclination to an agreement was come under pretence of well considering the state of affairs he spun out the Treaty at length to the end that he might the mean while find where that storm would fall and that he might have the longer time to discover the proceedings of such Princes as were his friends in whom the remainder of his hopes lay for about this time Monsieur de Verdon was come to him from France being sent by the King and Queen of France to acquaint him with the Prince of Conde's imprisonment and perhaps to keep him their friend in this so
means possible to perswade him not to give over the Treaty which was almost already brought to a conclusion shewing how much the King did not onely study to preserve the Dukes Grandezza but to encrease it Wherefore the Embassadour who was the King his Plenipotentiary ought not nor could not differ in opinion from his Majesty but was bound to observe it all these perswasions could not work upon the Embassadour who knew that the King would not permit that the Princes should have any thing to do in any of the Dukes Towns For this would not be to compose differences but to occasion greater dissentions to fortifie factions which the King thought made against his Nephew the Duke to foment discord and rather to encrease then to appeale War in Piedmont To shun which inconveniencies the King desiâ—…ed that the restitution should be made by himself and by the King of Spain into the Dowagers hands as sovereign Governess and Regent which being the ground-work wherein the Dukes Grandezza and safety did consist admitted of no allay much less of what was propounded by the Princes and held to be diametrically opposite to the safety of his Nephews Dominions Wherefore the Embassadour not thinking that the business would admit of a reply said that since the King of Spain would not restore the Towns into the Dowagers hands according to agreement the Prince was absolutely obliged to joyn with the King of France in the recovery of them He therefore parted from Nizza incens'd and with but little hopes that the agreed capitulations should take effect The Princes were not at all dismaid at his departure but as if they had had the better end of the staff and had justified to the world that the agreement had not been impeded by them they made use of the Embassadours backwardness and departure to justifie their inclination to peace to which purpose they published Manifestoes and endeavoured to lay the fault of breaking the agreement upon the Embassadour alledging that when the Spaniards made no mention of restitution the French were wholly for restitution but that as soon as the Spaniards mentioned restitution the French had nothing to say At last the Princes seeing the State of their Affairs reduced to the condition they desired thinking all Treaties broken with their advantage and to their reputation and all conventions made with the French abolished they agreed on the fifth of May the year 1641. in Nizza with the Embassadour Riviera and drew up in writing what they had spoken of the sum whereof was That the King should keep all the Towns he had in Piedmont till the geâ—…ral peace should be concluded which should not be made without including the Princes That Prince Thomaso should have an Army raised for him of 4000 Foot and 500 Horse whereunto he should be bound to adde 1500 Horse more and 2000 Foot of his own That the Prince should be General of this Army in the Kings name to whom he should take the same Oath that Generals use to do That this Army should be paid by the King by the hands of his Officers That the Prince should be bound with this Army to joyn with the Governour in defence of Piedmont the State of Millain and Montferrat That the Prince Cardinal should have a thousand Spanish Foot given him to defend the County of Nizza and 7000 Crowns a moneth allowed him for the maintenance of another thousand which the Cardinal should raise of his own men That neither of these Princes should treat directly nor indirectly with the French with the Dowager or any others without consent of the King or his Agents Together with many other Heads which concern'd their own private Interests This Agreement being confirm'd by Prince Thomaso with Count Sirvela in Segli a Village five miles from Genoa as the Prince returned from Piedmont was afterwards ratified on the 15th of April in Gaila a Town of the NOvarese by the same Sirvela who was chosen Governour of Millain The first point concerning the restitution of the Towns was moderated in a writing apart in point of the time of retention wherein it was agreed that in case the general peace should not be concluded within six years all the Towns except Vercelles should be delivered up to the Emperour who was to keep Dutch Garrisons therein until the general peace The change of the Governour of Millain did much good in the making of this agreement for whilst it was in treaty the Princes having made several complaints to the King of Spain against the Marquess of Leganes the King sent for him into Spain and had appointed Count Sirvela to succeed him in that Government who was as great a confident of the Princes as Leganes was the contrary and the Princes confidence being much encreased by the change of the Governour they betook themselves more heartily to the Spanish party and the rather for that at the same time Count Harcourt return'd to France and not long after Embassadour Mazzarini and l' Argenson all of them the Princes chiefest Enemies and after them many other Commanders so as the French Army in Piedmont was not onely much lessened in Authority but in Forces so as that fear ceasing in the Prince which had compel'd him to that Capitulation he thought he was now in a better condition of safety and liberty and that he might dispose better of himself and of his affairs he and his Brother being therefore resolved to joyn with the Spaniards who sustain'd them and to part from the agreement made with the French which reduced them to nothing Prince Thomaso gave over holding intelligence with the French about the end of the Truce who sollicited him to go to Paris and declared that he could no longer stand to the Capitulation out of many reasons particularly for that the things agreed upon were not kept secret they themselves having divulged it in the Court of Spain to the which he attributed the detaining of his Wife and Children and to aggravate their omissions the more he complained that that divulging was a trick used by them to the end that he the Prince being the more irritated against the Spaniards for that their denial might adhere the closer to the French but that the King of Spain being contented to restore the Towns notwithstanding the publication of what was to be kept secret as also to the restoring of his Wife and Children so as he would still adhere to him he could not forego such an occasion without offending the Laws of Nature which obliged him more streightly to so dear pledges then any thing else could oblige him to the King of France that it would certainly be too mad a resolution and for which he deserved to be for ever blamed if when he might re-have his Wife and Children and the Towns without any noise or trouble he should chuse to recover them by force of Arms by a thousand dangers and calamities by the tedious dangerous and uncertain delays
Asti for what remains it is not divided from Piedmont either by Rivers or Mountains or secured by any Fort The Boundeurs of particular places do distinguish the Jurisdiction of the two Princes This State was not any way prepared for so sudden an assault for the Duke of Mantua's Officers and all the Inhabitants being comforted in expectation of the Marriage which was in Treaty thought themselves to be in secure peace and looked for nothing less then to be assaulted and so much the less for that to boot with Montferrat having been always in the Kings protection whereby they thought they should not be subject to novelties Duke Ferdinando was also assured by the Governour of Millain that the Duke of Savoy would not move without his knowledge and that howsoever he would be ready to assist him and under colour of not giving the Savoyard further occasion of Arming the Governour had exhorted the Mantuan to casheir many of the Montferrat Militia and to Quarter them elsewhere who were Mustered in that State since his Brothers death whe efore the Duke of Savoy making use of this occasion resolved to invade Montferrat by night in several parts on the Twenty second of April and having ordered the Count de Verrua and Captain Alessandro Guerrino to move at the appointed time the latter from Châ—…arasco whereof he was Governour to fall upon Alba and the other from Asti to possess himself of Montcalvo He himself accompanied by the Princes Victorio and Thomaso his eldest and his youngest Sons by Count Guido St George and other Lords of Piedmont parted from Vercelli with 600 Foot some Troops of Horse and Carirages of Ammunition and marched that very night towards Trino whither beâ—…ng come a little before day break he sent the Commendator della Mâ—…a with some Souldiers to fasten a Petarde after whom he sent 300 Provincials commanded by Captain Rovigliasco and keeping a little behind with the rest of his men he waited till when the Petard should have play'd he might enter together with them The mean while he sent some to take a Castle near the Poe called Gabbiano which yielded without making any resistance The Portcullies of Trino was beaten in two by the Peâ—…ard but Motta advancing further to force the Gate with another Petard which was prepared for that purpose whilst meeting with some hinderance some little delay was made the day began to clear up and these within getting upon the Walls slew the Petardier and hurt some others by Musquet shot amongst which the Commandator della Motta the Barons of Hermansa and Tornone Wherefore the Duke failing in his first design of surprising that Town betook himself to play upon the walls with Artillery which he had caused to be brought from Vercelli and to keep off succour he cut a Trench cross the way which leads from Cassalle placing some Horse in Garison there and some Souldiers to guard the way which leads to Palazzâ—…lo 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 places near to Montferrat The Militia of which places hearing of the Dukes coming marched to get into Trino but were beaten back by the Commandator della Manta The number of the Dukes men multiplied this mean while by the coming in of more and the Battery being begun by Cannon and being by approches advanced to certain Kills from whence they might commodiously play upon the Walls and then give an Assault those of the Town the third day afâ—…er the first assault surrendered the Town of their own accord their Lives Goods and Priviledges being preserved The rewards promised him by the Duke of Savoy and Intelligence held with Count Guido were of moâ—…e force with the Captain of that Place then the Loyalty which he owed to his Prince This Count writ to his friends that these Arms were taken up for the preservation of that State on the behalf of the Princess Mary to whom he said it did of right belong for which he was afterwards banish'd and branded with other aceustomed punishments as guilty of high Treason The same night the City of Alba was assaulted and taken by Guerrini who having fallen upon the Walls on sundry sides by break of day with 600. Foot and a Troop of Horse threw down the Gate towards Tanaro with a Petard by which the Souldiers entering and scaling the Walls in other parts they made themselve Masters thereof without much opposition before the Citizens could put themselves in order to defend the Walls amongst which the Cavalier della Motta the chief man of the City was slain together with some others and Silvio Via Captain of Horse who kept the Castle for Duke Ferdinand being abandoned was quickly forced to surrender it The City was this mean while miserably sack'd by the Dukes Souldiers yet women were kept unviolated and sacred things un-injured otherwise then was done in other parts of Montferrat yet they proceeded severely with the Bishop of that place for being violently drag'd from the sacred Altar where he was upon his knees he was ill beaten and had a Ring pluck'd off which he wore upon his finger and being led Prisoner in shamefull manner through the City he was forc'd to purchase his liberty with his monies which when he had disburs'd he had notwithstanding a Guard put upon him in his own Palace and at last forced to forego the City and to keep in Nivello a place belonging to the Empire It was thought that the Duke of Savoy held Intelligence here also for whom the Prince did suspect were Imprisoned afterwards Alba being taken and sack'd all the Towns and Villages thereabouts came into Guerrini for â—…ear of being plundred and of having their Country laid waste Diano a neighbouring Castle and of some consideration yielded unto him within three days but the assault which was intended to be given that very night to Montcalvo was deferr'd till the next night for the Souldiers who were deputed thereunto did a little delay their coming to Asti from whence Count Verrua parting the next night with a good number both of Foot and Horse he sent the Cavalier Redortiers before to fasten a Petard Some Companies of Montferrians were already gotten into that Town and yet the Town being very weak and abandoned by the Garison it was taken at the first Assault and also sack'd but greater provisions being requisite for taking the Castle which was strongly scituated Verrua returned to Asti from whence he sent more men and Artillery and began diligently to oppugne it The mean while the Duke published a Manifesto in Print wherein relating what had past between him and Duke Ferdinando in relation to the Dowager Dutchess his Daughter the Princess his Grand-child and his pretentions to Montferrat he complained that Duke Ferdinando had not kept his word to the Prince Victorio and replied unto the Reasons alledged to the contrary and by a short Narrative of his right to Montferrat indeavoured to justifie what he had done He therefore supplicated the Pope the Emperour the Catholick King
between the Duke and the French Embassadour who bound himself in his Kings name which King took upon himself the whole business and obliged himself to see whatsoever on his side or by the Spanish Agents abundantly executed For what remained there was no mention of any submission to be made by the Duke only in the preamble amongst the Reasons which moved him to peace he alledged the desire he had to witness to the world the obsequence and particular devotion which he had always profess'd to bear unto the King These Articles were subscrâ—…bed by the Embassadours of France England and Venice expresly obâ—…iging their Princes to defend the Duke if all that was promis'd were not made good to him as long as he should observe what he â—…ad promised When these Capitulations were ingross'd or drawn up The Duke who he ring that the Germane and Holland succours were at hand thought that he should now get absolute victory over the enemy who weâ—…e reduced to great extremity and were not able to keep longer in their quarters by reason of the excessive heats refused to under-writ the Articles But the French Embassador forced by express command from the King did at last let him know that â—…e came to intimate war unto â—…im and the Duke shunning his sight he made the Kings Order and the necessity of putting it in exeâ—…ution known to Prince Victorio and commanded the French Souldâ—…ers and Commanders under pain of grievous punishment in the Kings name that they should immediately forego the Dukes service and return to France whither he would follow them the next day which certainly he would have done if the Nuntio had not opportunely interposed his Authority who going several times between him and the Duke and earnestly intreating them not to let the almost concluded peace be disturbed obtained that the Embassadour should tarry and give leave to the Duke to bethink himself better and to reflect upon the danger and necessity of his affairs which would grow to a bad condition if the French who were the chief sinews of his Army should mutiny as they seemed to be already inclined to do or foregoing his pay should be inforced suddenly and in so ill a crisis of time to abandon him Wherefore â—…aging at the Embassadour he not without much indignation was at last brought to subscribe the Articles of peace but upon condition that the Instrument should be kept in the Nuntio's hands to be by him assigned over to the Embassadour when he should receive another from him wherein the Governour of Millan should sufficiently bind himself in his Kings name to observe what the French Embassadours had promised on the Kings behalf the Duke being desirous that it should be rather covenanted with him on the King of Spains behalf for that he knew he for his reputation sake abhorr'd to do it He was also satisfied herein though contrary to the capitulations of Madrid and to the intentions of the two Kings yielded unto by the Embassadour of France and by the other Embassadours who were desirous that Peace might be concluded the most that might be to his advantage and honour and therefore the Embassadour of France having written to the Governour who was now reduced to a state rather of giving then of receiving conditions of peace and having obtained sufficient assurance from him under his hand the business was at last totally agreed Whilst these things were a concluding or were rather held to be totally concluded the Duke not being yet satisfied with venting nor with resenting himself went out of the City by night with a great number of his valiantest Souldiers and Captaâ—…ns and assaulted the enemies Trenches He hoped to find them unprovided by reason of their great sufferings and negligent out of their hopes of the near conclusion of peace which made him desire to make great slaughter and notably to resent his conceived injuries but he failed in his design for the Governour having notice thereof re-inforced the Trenches with Garrisons and gave the chief care thereof to Gamboloita and Bravo who managed the business so well as they forced the Duke to retreat with the like prejudice which he had plotted against the Enemies The Duke lost in that affault by night above 200 of his best and valiantest Souldiers besides many Commanders and persons of note and had the Governour as some of his men thought sent a good body of men out of the Trenches who might have fallen upon the Assailants on the Flank not any of the Dukes men might have escaped scot-free and the Duke himself who was affirmed by many to be there preâ—…ent would have run â—…anger of his person Wherefore the Governour was for this action also much blamed ill spoken of and detested by the whole Camp The next morning which was Iune the 23d and the 34 day after the Batâ—…l upon the Hills peace was proclaimed and was the very self-same day put in execution for as much as was then requisite wherein the Governour was fain to pass by two things also which though small in themselves yet of no small consideration in point of honour the one that the Dukes Souldiers who went to throw down the abandoned Trenches should kill 200 of the Enemies Souldiers who were found sick there the Spanish Army being in a manner present who were not all of them gone from their quarters the other that the Governour deferring his removal for that day in respect of the scarcity of Carriages as also of the multitude of sick persons and of many other impediments the French Embassadour not admitting of any excuse nor giving way to any one hours delay forced him to dislodge immediately protesting and that resolutely that otherwise he would make the Souldiers return who were gone out of the City and that revoking the command to the contrary he would permit the French to tarry and continue in the Dukes service Thus meerly through their fault who govern'd the Kings Forces not only the enterprise of Asti but those others that proceeded had but bad success and not conformable to the greatness of preparation to the threats and imagined resentments Thus the Governour rather inforc'd then willingly and rather as conquered then conquerour went out of Piedmont sufficiently diminished both in Forces and Reputation who was entred thereinto but forty days before with a flourishing and gallant Army and glorious and triumphant for the Victory he had obtained The End of the third Book THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY BOOK IV. The Contents THe King being but badly satisfied with the peace of Asti makes Don Pietro di Toledo Governour of Millain Between whom and the Duke new differences arise touching the execution of the Articles of peace The Venetians by reason of the Slavonians who molest their Navigation in the Gulf make war in Friuli against the Arch-Duke and in Istria against the Emperour and possessing themselves of many Towns in Friuli come before Gradisca from whence they depart not
many days after by reason of Treaties of Agreement which were introduced The Duke of Savoy complaining still of the not observance of peace fears to be again assaulted by the Governour and therefore prepares for war again He joins under-hand with the Venetians and calls Digueres Marshal of France into Piedmont but is quickly and unexpectedly assaulted in Savoy by the Duke de Nemours who is fomented with monies and promises from the Governour of Millain The King of France to provide against the commencing uproars in Lombardy sends Monsieur di Bettuve thither and the Pope Monsignore Lodovisio Arch-Bishop of Bologna Preparations for a new war are renewed in the State of Millain and in Piedmont which is again begun between the Duke and the Governour who draws neer the Confines of Piedmont with an Army FOrces were more appeased by the Articles of Asti then mens minds and none having met with such satisfaction as was by them expected they were not generally held a sufficient tye for the uniting of wills nor a secure foundation for the performing what was agreed upon As for the Duke though he might have been contented to have made his party good against the Kings so formidable Army and to have defended himself beyond expectation made his agreement upon equal 〈◊〉 and that the peace was for his sake subscribed by so great Poâ—…entates yet he thouâ—…ht it too â—…ard for him to be at last iâ—…forced to receive those Laws wâ—…ich to keep from being imposed 〈◊〉 him he had exposed himself to so much danger and trouble It further troubled him that his men being by these Articles reduced to a set number he was left like a body without Arms and as it were like a Lyon without Teeth oâ—…â—…aws to be laugh'd at by tâ—…e Spaniards with whom â—…e was sure â—…e could never have any secure peace nor sincere intelligence as long as they should remember his past offences So as the past Commotions not having produced effects wholly answerable to his high hopes the vivacity of his Genius and pride of his undaunted Spirit being considered it was more probable that his having escaped unprejudiced out of so great a tempest would incite him to novelâ—…ies and not keep him from putting himself again into new dangers On the other side though the King by this peace had oâ—…tained the châ—…ef intent of the war yet the Duke not being so humbled as at the beginning of the war they firmly believed he should be the Court of Spain thought the King was not lightly wounded in his honour and more then untouched in that veneration and respect which the I alians had wont to bear him The Spaniards were therefore generally much unsatisfied that the fruit of so many threats and of so great preparations should end in a peace so little advantagious for the King and purchased by the Governour with so little reputation and wi h reciprocal promises and obligations and wherein there were not terms befitting the Majesty of that Crown nor suiting with the Authority and Grandezza thereof They were yet more troubled that the French who were formerly laboured to be kept from having any thing to do with the affairs of Italy should upon this occasion prove to have not only maintained an Italian Prince who had made insurrection against the Kings Authority but had taken upon them to be the mediators of peace exercising that arbitriment in the managing and concluding thereof which the Spanish Nation pretended did in Italy belong only to their King They were likewise vex'd to consider that one sole protestation one bare intimation of the French Embassadour whose King had no footing in Italy should be of more consideration to make the Duke accept of conditions of peace then the authority and forces of their King bent with such fervency against Piedmont and as they did inwardly but ill resent the Dukes total alienation so could they hardly well digest that such a separation should be confirmed by a tacite League contract d before their eyes between the Duke and the Princes who had subscribed the Peace amongst the which that the Venetians did not particularly keep from obliging themselves against the King was a thing which had not yet been practised by any Prince of Italy where the Spaniards had so deeply fix'd their roots So as thinking that tâ—…e King suffered too much thereby in his Dignity and Reputaâ—…ion they were very much unsatisfied both with the war so unsuccesfully begun and with the Peace concluded against their Dignity and Preâ—…entions And throwing all the fault publickly upon the Governour and privately upon the Duke of Lerma the name of the Governour as the executor of such scandal and of the Duke of Lerma as the Authour thereof was detested both in Spain and Italy Nor was it thought by any one that the King would ever ratifie the Articles of that Peace All which considerations though they were of power enough with the King and his Council and made them very much doubt what to do chiâ—…fly since they were done by a State-Minister contrary to Orders given him and beyond the appointment made in his Court with the French Embassadour yet whether it were that the Duke of Lerma's authority prevailed that he desired no uproars or the being much press'd by the Pope and by the King of France or peradventure through the consideration of that Councel that all the aâ—…oresaid respects were not to be compared to the good of peace and to the safety of the States of Italy from whence the Authority and Dignity of the Crown take moâ—…e force and vigour then from the events of war It was aâ—… last resolved that setting aside all other considerations peace should be accepted of as it was concluded Wherefore the King delayed not sending the Ratification thereof to the King of France who â—…ad likewise ratified within the prefix'd time by a particulaâ—… Decree but being not a little offended with the Governour the Duke of Lerma not being able to sway against the general sence of the Court nor keep himself from the punishment which was ready to fall upon him and the Governour Don Piedro di Toledo was chosen to succeed him in his place and he was sent for into Spain and in demonstration of greater dissatisfaction Don Piedro to go with all possible speed for Italy Don Piedro had always and upon all occasions been very free in resolving upon publick affairs and very zealous for the publick good and not depending upon any ones authority shew'd very singular 〈◊〉 in what belonged to the publick Dignity Wherefore he had won a general opinion that neither any respect of the Duke of Lerma nor any private Interests which setting aside those of the King had much furthered the Dukes affairs should be able to remove him from this resolution He was therefore thought both by the King and Council to be one who would sute well with the present condition of affairs and such a one who might easily reduce
formerly kept secret grew now to be manifest The King of England and many other Protestant Princes of Cermany who seemed to â—…avour him confirm'd him in his belief that being upheld by so many and so potent Princes he might withstand the violence which was thrâ—…atned him and this opinion was increased in many men by the coming of Embassadours at this time to Turin from the King of England and from some German Princes but that which did out do all other appearings and seemings Marshal Deguieres's coming into Piedmont made all men wonder he having been long held to be one of the best Commanders in France and one who took the Dukes affairs very much to heart and more an enemy to Spain then any other French-man this man though he came in a peaceful posture and unarmed as it were to be a superintendent over the French Embassadour's Negotiations and privately to inform himself whether things were in that dangerous condition as the Duke related them to be yet the good correspondency which was held between him and the Duke and his continual assisting him his being nominated in the Capitulations of Asti to see all things perform'd and much more the great desire which he and the other French-men seemed to have of maintaining and backing the Duke upon this occasion so to lessen the Authority of the Spaniard in Italy made it appear manifestly that if the Governour should persist resolute in not disarming he would call the French Souldiery into Piedmont who were said to be ready at his beck upon the Confines of Italy and prepared for Piedmont His coming therefore did not only much countenance the Duke but all the Embassadours future Negotiation and the Duke being very vigilant and ready witted and accustomed to consort the disposition of his genius with outward demonstrations made much use of this present occasion in bâ—…asting of his own Forces and of the assistance which was promised him and which he hoped for wherefore receiving the Marshal with excessive and unusual honour and with singular magnificence and keeping close at very private Counsel with him â—…e seemed to repose much confidence in him not pretermitting any term of honour and liberality to make to himself propitious particularly such who being intimate with the Marshal might further most his ends and his desires but these so many demonstrations did more prejudice then further the conclusion of the agreement for the Spanish Ministers of State being very much troubled at the King of France and King of England's interposing themselves in the affairs of Italy did very much dislike nor could they tollerate the Capitulation agreed upon in France wherein the King swore unto the Prince of Conde and the other confederates that he would cause the Articles of Asti to be performed and the Embassadours and Marshals coming to see them executed and the new preparations which were said to be made in France for Italy being hereunto added they thought that the French did arrogate that authority to them in Italy by rigour and threats which the occasion and conjuncture of times and much easiness of the preceding Governour of Millain had procured unto their King and that the Venetians and other Princes did by declaring themselves to adhere unto the Duke pretend to have an eye unto their Crowns authority so as if the power and dignity thereof were therein too much concerned they thought themselves the more bound to resist what so great a union of wills did threaten for that the danger was greater that if they should give way it might be esteemed they did it out of fear of the French Forces A respect which if it penetrated deep into any one it must needs make a deeper impression in the Governour as in him who being come into Italy wholly inflamed with exalted thoughts who had put himself in a posture of restoring his Kings authority to its former condition would have been too much failing to himself and to the opinion which he had generally won if he had gone less in any thing then what he had at first so openly profest and it would have been basely done by him it seeing his affairs grow worse and worse he had not indeavoured by all possible means to sustain them and if he had not been the more sollicitous in providing for war by how much his enemies bravadoes were the greater Therefore to boot with the moneys which he had already disburst for raising of men that it might be seen he durst sheâ—… his face and to make them jealous who did almost already openly threaâ—…en him he sent some Forces to the Venetians Confines and to the Confines of Piedmont and as if he would assault the Staâ—…e of Venice for the effects of their League with the Duke appeaâ—…ed daily more and more he gave order for a Bridge to be made over the Adda Whereat though the Commonwealth were much troubled yet having a great scarcity of men at that time the Senators not being able to do more were forc'd to commit the defence of that part of the State to the people of the Country Whilst the Governour was thus busied in making preparations every where the Embassadour after having staid some days at Turin came to Millain the substance of whose Embassie was That the King had by reason of the accidents which hindred the laying down of Arms used many indeavours to the Duke and given him his word to secure him from the extraordinary Militia of the State of Millain but that the Duke not being therewithal satisfied the King out of his great desire to publick peace and by the obligation which was upon him by the Articles of Astiâ—… did desire him that he would prosecute the disarming which was begun by his Predecessors to the end that the restitutions of the Towns might be come to and the execution of other things appointed by the peace To this proposal which was given in in writing the Governour replied in a long discourse given also in in writing wherein by a methodical Narration of all things that had occur'd from the beginning of the war of Montferrat to the peace made at Asti he inferr'd That the King had done all things for the protection and security of that State to which he was much sollicited by the Queen of France That the King was not bound by the Treaty of peace to dismiss no not so much as one man and that the Duke had only at the beginning given satisfaction in this point but that he had afterwards openly countervened it by the many novelties attempted against Montferrat by his new Levies of men and by his League lately concluded with the Venetians against the House of Austria So as the King was in all acceptations free from the Articles of peace That the Duke refused the security offered him by the words of two so great Kings not out of any doubt or distrust but in favour to the Venetians and that therefore the King of France was no
communicated nothing to the rest save sleight and ordinary affairs whereat they thinking themselves injured did the more willingly thwart his Counsels and Resolutions The Embassadour Bettune returned about the end of August from Turin who professing that he had used all his best indeavours to make the Duke bear all due respect to the King and to the house of Austria brought with him in the Kings name a middle way for composure of the present differences Which was that the Treaty of Asti should be made good with the reciprocal restitution of all places taken away that it might be lawful for them both to keep armed with reciprocal word of not offending each other till such time as it should be fully accorded within a certain prefixt time in which interim the whole Treaty might be fully performed and that the Governour should abstain from injuring the Venetians whilst the King should indeavour the composure of those differences by his Embassadours sent to the Emperour to the Archduke and to the Venetians These Proposals were debated in full Council where it fell into consideration 〈◊〉 if the Duke and the Venetians being agreed the Kings Forces should go against one of them and the other should assault the State of Millain whether the war might be diveâ—…ted from the assaulted Dominions and that the Governour not having a sufficient Army for two offensive wars whether it were better to accept of tâ—…e Proposal only so far as regarded the affairs of Piedmont and turn with the Army against the Venetians so to divert them from the war of Friuli or whether if the said Proposals should not be allowed of they should assault Piedmont it was said for the first part that the war against the Venetians was the chief cause of retaining and afterwards of increasing the present Army that it might seem sufficient for the Kings honour to seem to lay down Arms as the Duke had done instead of effectually doing so and the King of France having by the Dukes word secured those of Spain that Montferrat should not be assaulted whether the King especially when the Duke should have past his word again not to innovate any thing to the prejudice of the State of Millain might dissemble and keep still in Arms so to keep from making war upon him which would not be so easily decided because he was daily succoured by men from France that therefore it was more expedient to secure affairs with the Duke to assault the Venetians Towns to bereave them of all defence and so to assist the Archduke by diversion But they were much troubled left the Duke when he should see the Kings Forces go against the Venetians might think himself free and might assault the State of Millain according to the Articles of Confedeâ—…acy and this the rather for that the Marshal being at the same time gone for France with speech that he was to return suddenly armed the Duke was gone to Creseentino where having built a Bridge aâ—… hath been said over the Poe he did not only prepare for defence but drawing neer the Confines of Millain did fortifie at la Motta where having also thrown a Bridge over the Sefia a River which divides his State from that of Millain he gave evident signs that he would be the first who would pass over with his Army which begun already to be numerous To remove these doubts the Embassadour was demanded whether his word past of not offending would serve if the Kings Forces should march to the prejudice of the Venetians and he answering that he had had no speech thereof with the Duke the other opinion prevailed that war should be made upon Piedmont though Don Giovan Vives who was got into great power with the Governour and was commonly thought either the Author or great Fautorer of the renewed war seeing the Court of Spain averse from war and for the aforesaid Reasons the Governour weary or grown cooler therein or peradventure to keep the fault from being imputed to him if any inconvenience should happen by the war which the Duke was advised against giving his opinion openly in writing exhorted the Governour to accept of the Embassadours offer for what concern'd peace with the Duke and that setting in the Frontiers of Piedmont 7000 Swissers and 10000 other Souldiers did exhort him to assault the Venetians State with the remainder of his Army which was 13000 Foot and 2000 Horse molesting it till such time as they should restore to the Archduke what they had taken from him in that war But this advise being neither accepted by the Duke nor allowed of by the rest nor yet the Embassadours new Proposals this answer was given the Embassadour That his Propositions were not answer able to the Capitulations at Asti nor if they were was there any Reasoâ—… to yield thereunto the many things which the Duke had to object against them being understood that the King of France who was interessed in these affairs only for what concerned him in that Capitulation was not allowed to make any new Proposals that in respect of the new alliance and good correspondencâ—… which was contracted bâ—…tween him and the King of Spain he should rather oppose theâ—… intâ—…rpose himself in the so many commotions made by the Duke to the house of Austria and to the Kings Dominions tending to the prejudice of the publick peace and this so much the rather as that the same Proposals would not be a fitting remedy for the present evils for by keeping in Arms the people werâ—… excessively prejudiced Princes were pâ—…t to infiniâ—… expence and nâ—…w unlooked for Tumults were indangered from whencâ—… bloâ—…dy Wars might afterwards 〈◊〉 that it was superfluous to restore that anticipately which differences not being afterwards agreed was necessary to be retaken And in fine the Governour complained that the Embassadour after having a moneths space allowed him to treat of atonement should propound nâ—… terms and new delays when he should have brought the Dukes ultimate resoluâ—…ons touching â—…is accepting or not accepting of the 〈◊〉 which was offer'd him though afterwards laying the fault upon the Duke he added that this was one of that Princes usual pieces of cunning that he might the bettâ—…r prepare himself for the defence and that letting the season for the Field pass over the Kings Forces might become unuseful to offend This answer was followed with extraordinary orders and diligence in putting the resolution which was put on in execution for the Embassadour not ceasing to give them hopes and almost assurances that the Duke should promise not to move no not though they went against the Venetians he did not obtain his chief end which was to keep them from providing for war for the Governour sent Orders to 〈◊〉 that were already upon the Venetian Confines and to the rest of the Souldiery that was in the State that they should speedily march into the Novarese whither he said he would send the Artillery and Ammunition the next day
But whilst he laboured both in body and mind about making these preparations he fell into an Ague whereof before he was wholly free he made himself be carryed upon a Bed on the third of September to Candia where he told the Nuntio and the Embassadour both which he had dismist he would wait the Dukes final resolution he staid some days there paying out moneys to the Souldiery which came unto him from several parts and making a Bridge over at la Villata he intended to pass over there with his Army into Montferrat and from thence to where the Duke should be or whither he should like best He had here in a short time a flourishing Army not only in respect of the number and valour of the Souldiers and Commanders but for Artillery Ammuâ—…tion and all things else necessary there were therein 20000 Foot made up of several Nations to wit 4000 Spaniards divided into five Regiments and led on by the Camp-masters Don Iovanni Don Lewis and Don â—…onsallo di Cordua Don Ioronymo Pimontello and Don Iohn Bravâ—… 9000 Lombards in five Regiments the one consisting wholly of Muskeâ—…eers led on by Prior Sforza the others by Lodovico Gambaloita Ieronymo Rho Giovanni Pietro Serbollone and Giovan Battista Pecchio all of them likewise Camp-masters 3000 Neapolitans led on by the Camp-masters Carlo-Spinelli Carlo di Sanguine and Thomaso Carracciola 13000 Dutch in two Regiments the one Trentinians led on by Count Guadentio Madruzzi the other Hollanders under Luigi Solz to boot with 6000 Swissers who as being Confederates with the Duke were to tarâ—…y in the State of Millain the Horse wherein the Gens Armes were comprehended came to 3000 under their General Don Alphonso Pimontello they were for the most part new men and untrain'd and therefore though superiour in number yet much inferiour in worth to those of the Duke who keeping still at la Motta with no contemptible forces had with him as fame gave out wherewith he used to keep up the reputation of his own forces 25000 Foot and 2500 châ—…ice Horse but in effect between 1500 and 2000 Horse which were held to be the flower and sinews of his Army between 8 and 9 thousand French as many Savoiards Swissers Walloons Piedmonteses and Provencials And though the differences of Savoy were not yet composed and that he knew he was to be faced with a more implacable Enemy yet egg'd on by the fiercenss of his spirit and fed with hopes that neither the French nor Venetians would suffer him to perish and perhaps arguing the Governours future actions from his former did not wholly distrust but that after the first onset the war would not continue in the same fervour as it seemed to begin he seemed little to fear the Enemies threats so as instead of sending back the Embassadour with the acceptation of the conditions of peace he made his Horse go to Langosco a Town within the State of Millain and sent Souldiers to take Villa Franca and to burn Murano and other places in Montferrat upon pretence that provision passage and quarter was there given to the Enemy and sending some Shallops down the Sesia loaded with Powder and artificial fire so ordered as that it should play when it came to the Bridge made by the Governour and break it whilst he being not far off intended when the Bridge should be broken to fall with his Horse upon the Garrison which were upon the head of that Bridge towards Montferrat and cut them in pieces but the Shallops being kept back the design failed so as the Dukes Horse appearing on the River bank there hapned a small skirmish betweâ—…n them and the Kings men wherein but little harm was done Thus the second War of Piedmont began from the drawing neer of two Armies which was not occasioned through any differences or Statepretentions not for any fresh injuries done or received nor by any new commands to the Duke that he should lay down Arms but if the truth were known it proceeded on the Dukes side from his ancient rancour and from his desire thereby contracted of venting himself in any whatsoever manner in abating the Spanish Grandezza and on the Governours behalf from the bad success of the late War from the Capitulations concluded with small satisfaction before Asti and from a desire to abolish them and therewithall the prejudice of the laâ—…e actions and to establish the Kings affairs in Italy in their former condition and honour But if we shall mark the outside of things this war had no other title unless it were that the Duke pretending the Governour should dismiss his Army he not doing it did contrary to the same Capitulation reassume Arms and joyning in League with the Venetians would not abandon his Confederates by whom he was so little assisted in the former war of Piedmont and by whom he was so apparently wrong'd in that of Montferrat nor disarm upon the security of both the Kings words nor yet promise not to molest the Kings Dominions These wars and the ends and motives of these Princes was variously discoursed of some praised the Duke for his faith valour and free spirit and cried him up even to the Stars as if he had been a new Marcellus who had taught that the Spaniards power which was held unconquerable might be resisted he was therefore esteemed a seasonable defender of the Venetian Commonwealth and the generous Protector of the Liberty of Italy and the Governour of Millain was detested as one that studied novelties and was no way zealous of the publick peace others who attributed the Dukes resolution to an over contentious mind to an immoderate hatred conceived against the Spaniards and to a too excessive desire of suppressing the authority of that Crown imputed unto him an unquiet spirit and that he was a greater friend to turmoils then to quiet because to the prejudice of peace and of the security of Italy he had let in forreigners into the bowels thereof to the peoples so great loss to the so great effusion of blood and to the so apparent danger not only of himself but to the contaminating of that little of sound or wholsome which was yet left in Italy But they wonder'd not at the Duke by reason of his warlike humour the wisdom of the Venetian Senate was the more common subject of mens discourse why they who were so profest friends to peace a thing so good for their Commonwealth by means whereof they had so long continued to be thought rich and powerful and for which the safety and grandezza of Italy seemed to be upheld by them why they I say should suffer themselves to be ingaged in war with the Archduke for unnecessary and trivial things in which war to boot that they might be sure the German Princes and King of Spain would interest themselves they should to the prejudice of their reputation make known the utmost bounds of their Forces which proving short of what they were generally thought to be
And as the Proposals made by the Princes were not in reason to be accepted of by the Dowager so neither could the Princes being in so advantagious a condition allow of the Dowagers Proposals though they were more justifiable The Dowager pretended That as the Principality of Savoy was Monarchical so the Regency in her must be Monarchical so as detesting that it should degenerate into an Oligarchical Triumvirate she would be sole and Sovereign in the Regency The considerations wherewith the two Crowns proceeded in these Affairs were such as no cure was to be found for these present evils without a general Peace for the King of France pretending that Piedmont should be absolutely at his disposal his intention therein was to carry the War freely and without any let into the State of Millain On the contrary the King of Spain endeavouring to keep the French Forces as far as possibly he could from his Dominions was necessitated to uphold the Princes pretentions and to use all means to exclude the Dowager and French from Piedmont and so under colour of making War there in the behalf of the Princes to make himself master of all the chief Towns and to keep the French from the State of Millain and this design proceeded so successfully as the King of France distrusting a good end of his designs by reason of the great obstructions he met with forewent the rigour of his proceedings hitherto against the Princes and was induced to make great offers to Prince Thomaso to the end that by his joyning with him he might miss those oppositions which the people of Piedmont and the Spanish Forces made to the progress of his Arms and the King of Spain was forced to consent largely to the will and interest of the Princes and to command his Agents that they should not distaste them lest being distasted they might pass over to the French party and might bring the Arms of that King into the Confines of the State of Millain so as a general peace seemed to be the only means to piece up all these rents but though all treaties of accommodation were in this desperate condition yet the Dowaâ—…er from the profundity of her sad fortune found out so adequate an expedient and so proportionate to the present conditions as if it had succeeded well as it was very likely to do the Civil Wars had been wholly ended and Forreign Wars unfomented by the Civil would have been much ceased if not quite extinguished She was very apprehensive that she should be wholly excluded all administration if Prince Thomaso should accept of the offers made him by the King of France and Cardinal Richlieu and foreseeing that that would be as displeasing to the Prince Cardinal she sought to close with him wherefore telling him that he was the more obliged to endeavour the quenching of Civil Wars which arising from domestick dissention would undoubtedly cease when the others were at an end by his being neerest to succeed in the Principality She therefore exhorted him to give way to her just Regency upon fair and reasonable conditions she offer'd to give him her eldest Daughter the Princess Maria Lodovica for Wife she who it was so much doubted might carry the succession of the Principality to the Blood Royal of France if she should be married to the Dolphine The offer was not mean nor of small consideration for the Prince Cardinal did not only ascertain the succession of the Principality in his own person which in case the Duke should die he feared might receive incumberances thereby but did assure to himself the favour and good will of the Dowager who from being his Brothers Wife becoming his Wives Mother was interessed in a neerer tye of alliance with him so as he might promise himself she would be much govern'd by him and that he should have a great stroak in the Regency and in the administration of the State I is to be observed that the Caâ—…dinal was very deâ—…irous of issue and noâ—… finding any Princess in these times more suitable to his ends he was very well pleased with the offer and did readily entertain it which did much facilitate the Articles of Agreement which being dictated by him veâ—…y conformable to the Dowagers intentions were sent to her from Nice and were for the most part accepted of and those whereof there was any dispute were reduced to so neer a composition as there were great hopes all things would be well agreed for it was not very impossible but that the Prince Cardinal might come over to the King of France his party when by this mâ—…rriage he should be become his Nephew But Prince Thomaso hearing of this Treaty was very much incens'd and endeavoured by all means to discompose it he thought that though in reason he had not equal pretence with his Brother to the Guardianship he was not yet inferiour to him in authority by reason of his Military worth by reason of the good will the people bore him and by what he had done in the present debates they were both likewise comprehended in the Emperours Decree so as he thought it not fit to give way to any accommodation whereby he should be debarred all authority and command it was also thought that he liked not that his Brother should maâ—…ry he and his Children being thereby beâ—…est of soâ—…neer hopes of succession be therefore took it ill that any accommodation should be treated of without his cogâ—…izance and fearing that if it should be concluded he should sall to the ground between two stools he presently sent Marquess Bagnasco and the Commendatore Pasero to Nice to disswade his Brother from making any such agreement by the same reasons by which the Prince Cardinal had disswaded him to accept the offers which the King of France offer'd him and to enter his protestation against it in case he should make it When they came thither they found the Prince Cardinal absolutely resolved to embrace the Dowagers motion the desire of quiet prevailing with him and marriage whereunto he was exceedingly inclined but being put in mind and made to see how fair a course of fortune both to himself and Brother he brake by that resolution how great a prejudice their dis-union would be to the common cause what great offers the Prince had refused generously to keep from abandoning him how little reason he had to confide in the Dowagers promises and how little good he could expect from the marriage though it should succeed they exhorted him to follow his Brothers example and to persevere constant to the Spanish party by whose favour and forces being so far advanced he might hope that when the Citadel of Turin should be gotten as certainly it would be they should be put into such a condition as he should not only obtain the marriage for certain which was now uncertainly promis'd him but much greater things The Cardinal being won upon by these reasons and professing that notwithstanding this he would
And at the same time keeping on the Treaty of the new League and his Sons Marriage in Paris he hoped that each of these Crowns would grow to such jealousie by reason of this double Negotiation as that the one not to lose him and the other to gain him they might both of them vie who should give fairer conditions for this Marriage when it should be hotly negotiated at the same time in both these Courts Chusing theâ—…efore for Agents in these his so great designs Count Verrua a Counsellor who was in great favour with him and Monsieur Iacob he sent them both at the same time the former into Spain the latter into France where both of them negotiated their Commissions The Duke of Lerma greedily imbracing this occasion in the Court of Spain that by assisting to make this Maâ—…ch he might aggrandize his own Family so the Treaty of Marriage between Prince Victorio and the Kings Daughter seemed to proceed on fairly For though the King would not Treat of his eldest Daughter whom he had destined to a much greater Marriage yet not being averse to part with his youngest Daughter this Match though not totally agâ—…eed upon yet was it likely to be speedily concluded And Don Phileberto the Dukes second Son was destined to be made Admiral at Sea and the Dukes third Son the Cardinal was to be furnished with the châ—…ef Church-livings which should be vacant in that Kingdom to a large proportion In pursuit of which Negotiation there were two Gallies already provided by the Duke in Italy to bring the Prince Victorio into Spain together with two of his Sisters that they might be brought up there with the Queen yet many were not fully of an opinion that this would really succeed As if the Duke had juggled in this Marriage with Spain or that he had done it out of cunning to accelerate the Negotiations in France which were carried on with hopes of prosperous success by Iacob For the King having drawn England and the States of Holland into the new League and giving out that he would â—…ut the Princes of Brandenburge and Newburg into full possession of the Dukedoms pretended unto by them had already prepared a powerful Army with which and with the Forces of the Colleagues it was thought that he really intended war against Flanders and those parts of the Low-Countries which were under the King of Spain And at the same time he put a Fleet in order at Marselles with intention to assault Genoa and Millain and offered the Duke of Savoy an Army of 20000 Foot and 3000 Horse to be paid by him the King to the end that the Duke might enter into the 〈◊〉 of Millain with 12000 Foot and 2000 Horse of his own which State he propounded to the Duke of Savoy as a surplus of Portion in respect of the future Marriage These practises were they either true or but reported did no good to the Treaties of Spain which seemed to be as good as already concluded for the King of Spain growing incens'd thereat did not incline any more to the Marriage of his Daughter and the Duke of Lerma who had cordially listened to Verrua's proposals finding that he was not well looked upon by the Court where the practises held between him and Verrua were known to shew himself averse to the Dukes interests and intelligence who was grown odious to the Court for the same respects did all he could to clear himself thereof And the whole Court out of the same reasons being at the same time scandalized with the Duke of Savoy he thinking that he could promise himself no good from that Crown and despairing to make any progress in that Court quite foregoing any thought of further pursuing his Affairs there and betaking himself to the Kingdom of France he indeavoured to joyn in League and to make Alliance with that King Hence it was that we may return to where we gave over that the Duke of Savoy to the end that he might have greater adherences in Italy as also that he might interest other Princes in his ends and designs married forthwith two of his Daughters wherein King Henry had a hand the eldest to Don Francisco then Prince of Mantua and the other to Alphonso Prince of Modena which was not done without much jealousie that the Dukes their Fathers did privately partake in the same ends and designs And at this very time another Marriage coming strangely to light which was very privately treated of in Rome for the Prince of 〈◊〉 the Popes Nephew with a natural Daughter of King Henry it made people very jealous of the Popes Intention This suspicion reached also to many of the Lords of Rome which by many Aâ—…guments drawn from their indeavours and inclinations seemed to follow King Henries party King Henry was then in greater Fortune Authority and Grandezza then peradventure any of the preceding Kings of France had for a long time been he was admired by all Christendom wherefore part of Italy being full of expectation other part full of fear of these so great preparations Italy was partly inclined unto and did tremble at the name and reputation of the French Forces But to the end that the Differences touching Montferrat might not disturb so great hopes as were promised by this Conjunction the Duke of Savoy thought it not good to look too narrowly into them then though they fell into consideration in the conclusion of the Marriage with the Prince of Mantua and therefore he thought it bettâ—… to hasten the conclusion of that Marriage leaving those differences undecided On the contrary the King of Spain finding whether the confederacy or Affinity of the Italian Princes did at that time tend and indeavouring to disturb it I â—…oured though in vain that the same Marriages might be crost but King Henries so unexpected death having either dissipated the ends or allayed the jealousies of that so great Unon and the Duke being afterwards pacified and joined with the King of Spain and the Kingdom of France foregoing the Match with the Duke as having after the Kings death entertained new Negotiations of a double Marriage with Spain whereby Lewis the new King of France was to marry the King of Spains eldest Daughter and King Lewis his Sister she who in her Fathers time was intended for Prince Victorio was also to marry the Prince of Spain to the conclusion of which Marriages there was no leâ—…t at that time but the tender years of those that were to be married Therefore the King and Court of Spain confiding much more in this new Conjunction then they had formerly distrusted the Union of the Italian Princes and their Intelligence with the French did at the same time indeavour that the Marriage might be concluded between the Cardinal and the Dowager Dutchess a thing which made very much for the preservation of peace in Italy and for the new Union which was agreed on with the King of France On the contrary
be compar'd with by Count Guido against their Prince They likewise distrusted the Governour of Millain by reason of his dearness with the Duke of Savoy out of the ordinary ambition of Agents to aâ—…vantage their Masters condition by any whatsoever way and much more finding how little his actions did answer to his preceding promises when either to appease them or to bereave them of necessary provision upon such like occasions he assured them that the Duke of Savoy would not move or if he did that he would oppose him in defence of Montferrat Being uncertain therefore what to do all things were full of terrour tumult and confusion which was made the greater by the miserable Country people and by the inhabitants of weaker Towns either assaulted or exposed to be assaulted by the Enemy who therefore to shun the calamities of War and the excessive cruelty of the Dukes Souldiers ran half naked with their Wives and Children into Casalle and the neighbouring parts of Millain filling some with compassion and some with greaâ—…â—…errour Carlo de Rossi one of Parma did then govern Montferrat who had immediately dispatcht away Manfrinâ—… 〈◊〉 a Gentleman of Millain an experienced Commander in the Wars of Hungary and Lieutenant-General of that part of Montferrat to beyond Tanaro and sent divers other Captains to other places providing where he thought it most necessary to do so And yet seeing the Enemy strong in the State and therefore considering the present mischief before the future evil he resolved though in vain to have recourse for help to the Governour of Millain and being resolved to relieve Trino he indeavour'd to send in 2000 foot thither who might enter in privately by night before it should be surrendered But as they were passing over certain waters being people taken up here and there and unexperienced they were so astonished at the heaâ—…ing of Gun-shot as they shamefully turned back and left the Powder and Ammunition which they brought to relieve the place in the Enemies hands In this so great and sudden perturbation the unexpected coming of Charles Gonsaga Duke of Nevers from France was of no small moment who going at that time upon other occasions to Rome came with two Galleys to Savona where hearing of the Duke of Savoy's March of the taking of Alba and that divers other places were besieged left his journey and went immediately to Casalle It is not to be exprest with what joy and consolation he was there received by people of all ages and conditions His Father Lodowick was son to Frederick Gonsaga by Margaret Paleologa but his elder â—…rother George succeeding by birth-right in the State he went to France where he served that Crown long and married the daughter of the Duke of Nevers one of the Peers of France Who inheriting that State together with other Territories and the honour of Peer of France conveyed them all over to this Charles Who being inâ—…icht with so many Possessions so great Allies and Titles of Honour he is numbred amongst the chiefest Lords of that Kingdom The people did the eâ—…ore rejoyce infinitely seeing a Prince come into their relief who was considerable for his quality for his known valour and for the confidence they had in him by reason of his relation to that State and to the Lord thereof but chiefly for the extraordinary affection he shewed to imploy his life in their service and comforted them with unquestion'd succour which he assured them they should soon receive from France Duke Ferdinando hearing the unexpected news of the taking of his Towns and not being able in so short a time to do much he betook himself for help to his Friends and to the Authority and favour of the chiefest Christian Princes particularly to France from whence both in respect of the Queen and of that Nation to which he had been so kind he had as much reason to expect succour as he thought he might distrust assistance from Spain But having received Letters in the very instant of these ruptures from Spain of the so long desired protection of that Crown though the Duke of Savoys unexpected onset and the Spanish Agents proceedings made him somewhat jealous thereof yet considering how far distant assistance from France was how haâ—…d to get and in several respects how uncertain he indeâ—…vour'd by Letters and by express Messengers sent to Millain to make the Governour thereof secure the eminent danger of that State according as he had promised to do And to the end he might prepare for his defence no less by Reason then by Arms and the favour of his Friends he also published a Manifesto in answer to that made by the Duke of Savoy wherein amongst other things he complained that when he had an Embassadour in that Dukes Court to treat of new alliances with him he had assaulted his State unexpectedly by night contrary to the Laws of God and Nations and that having surprized his principal Towns he had committed Rapine Plunder and all kinds of cruelty against all sorts of people noâ—… pardoning the chastity of Virgins nor sacred ornaments dedicated to the Worship of God and that he had also exercised his savageness upon the lives of poor Priests Then re-assuming the treaties held with Prince Victorio at his parting from Mantua he shewed that he was absolved from his word gainsaying the reasons alledged by the Duke of Savoy touching his pretences to Montferrat by the Authority of the Emperour Charles the fifth's Decree he added he had notwithstanding been ready to do that by the way of friendship which had been awarded him by competent Judges But that the Duke of Savoy contrary to all reason and contrary to the Institutions of his Ancestours who had treated of these differences in a civil manner with the Emperours had by â—…orce of Arms been his own 〈◊〉 That therefore he was not against the Popes the Emperours and all Christian Princes being against him if they should approve of his adversaries actions as just but that on the contrary he did earnestly pray and supplicaâ—…e the said Princes that seeing him so unjustly assaulted in his own Dominions they would appear in his favour against those Arms which had been taken up so scandalously and to the disturbance of the Common peace and quiet to deprive him of that State which had been so lawâ—…ully possâ—…st by him and his predecessors And not seeing the Governour oâ—… â—…illain any ways concerned in so great a novelty nor â—…ving been able to work upon him by Letters or Embassies he resolved to go himself in person to Millain But this as all his other indeavours proved vain for the Governour though he had been injoyn'd the protection of Montferrat in his general Instructions yet he â—…xcused the slowness of his proceedings pretending that he would not give an ocâ—…sion oâ—… War between the King and Duke by taking up Arms without particular order from the Court. And yet that the Duke of Mantua might not depart without
nor the Emperour and that in case of denial he should protest as he in the sight of God and man did protest that all the wrongs that should be done by War and the effusion of Christian bloud should be caused for his not having accepted that which had been with so much reason demanded of him and that then taking his leave and according to the Law of Nations demanding a safe conduct he should come to within the State of Millain For the better justification of the War the Prince of Castiglione went to Turin to do the like in the Emperours name the Dukes Soveraign Lord. But all this did no good for the Duke professing that he was much afraid he should be assaulted in his own Dominions by the Governours neighbouring Army as soon as he should have laid down Arms and that therefore thinking or seeming to think that all caution came short of the danger and that his utmost safety was therein concern'd he could not admit of any offer which was not consonant to his safety and dignity and therefore alledging that the Pope would not accept of his word with an obligation to make it be kept and the Emperour had not Forces in Italy sufficient to over see the observing of it tacitely reproaching the Governour for being faulty in his first word and that therefore he had no reason to confide the ein He therefore concluded that they should joyntly disarm offering to be himself the first who should dismiss some of his men and protesting that he would not have taken up Arms had it not been for the Governours threats accompanied with so great a strength to suppress him and that therefore he was now ready to defend himself to the last In sign whereof drawing off his Collar of the Golden Fleece he gave it to the Embassadour Gaetano who refusing to accept it he sent it after him to his house that he might send it to the King and though these and many other actions were clear evidences that the Dukes will was totally alienated from the King and that he would stand upon resistance yet could they not dis-deceive many Italians nor the Governour and Spanish Ministers in general nor mâ—…ke them alter their opinion for thinking that being so inferiour a Prince and so unable to resist the Forces of the Grown he would not dare to stand the tryal of the threatened War they were of opinion that having shew'd all the demonstrations of courage even to the veâ—…y last he would at the appearance of the Spanish Arms and Standards yield just as he had done the year beâ—…ore before Nice and therefore raâ—…her out of certainty then confidence and thinking that it would much detract from the Majesty and reputation of the Kings Affairs if they should by fortifying themselves seem to doubt that the Duke would assault any of the Towns in the State of Millain they did not care to furnish even the Frontiers towards Piedmont though they abounded in Swissers nor did they fear to be assaulted on any other side Wherefore the Venetians approving as then of the Kings resolutions did nor at all seem to favour the Duke but rather persevering in their former distastes they appeared wholly averse to his ends and interests The Governour resolving to go with his Army to before Vercelles past his men over into Montferrat by a bridge built upon the River Sesia near to Villata and being come to Villa nova he went on the 7th of September with his Troops in good order towards Vercelles nine miles distant from Villa nova La Motta the first Town in Piedmont yielded forthwith unto him and afterwards Carenzana where distributing his Souldiers in those places he quartered that night But the Duke thinking diversion to be a better way of defence then opposition and having what Horse what Foot little less then 10000 in Vercelles of which 5000 French he resolved to march into the State of Millain Having therefore made a bridge of boats over the same Sesia which divides his Dominion from the State of Millain and chusing out 6000 foot and 1000 horse he went with them and with two field-pieces into the Territory of Novara From hence he sent 1500 foot and 3â—…0 horse Commanded by Calusio son to the Count of Verrua along the River towards the Bridge della Villata with order to burn it thereby to bereave the enemies Army of the Victuals and Ammunition which thereby were brought to them from the State of Millain He went with the rest streight towards Novara whither being come about Sun-rising he advanced with Count Guido and some horse and appeared upon an eminent Hill near the City There were not above 500 men in the Garrison yet the Novaresi betaking themselves presently to Arms fired a piece of Cannon upon them But the Duke though he saw the Novaresi astonisht at his coming and the City wholly unprovided of defence so as probably he might have hoped to take the Town he notwithstanding retreated and advanced no further were it either out of the respect which he still bore unto the King as he afterwards freely declared or as others would have it out of fear of being probably assaulted by the Spanish Army which coming upon him nighâ—… at â—…nd and finding him engaged in that enterprize with but a few Forces might easily have supprest him The Kings Commanders nay the whole Camp when they heard that the Duke was gone to Novara knew how rare an occasion this would bee Don Alfonso Pimentello General of the Cavalry and Don Iohn Vives the Kings Embassadour to the State of Genoa who was then in the Camp and Cavaliere Melzi an ancient Captain and very good at Counsel propounded That foording immediately over the Sesia by the advantage of their Cavalry or by their Waggons accommodated like to a Bridge and leaving a reasonable baggage with the Garrison in Carenzana or sending it into Montferrat they should go and cut off the Dukes way in his return for said they one of two things must needs happen that either the Duke being beleaguered in an Enemies Countrey and having no victuals must yield within twenty four hours or that fighting upon great disadvantage he must needs be a loser not without manifest danger to his own person for he would certainly be taken Prisoner by the Horse which were dispersed every where about the Country This Proposition being approved of by the whole Council would assuredly have been followed had not it been opposed by Prince Ascoli who alledging the depth of the water the danger of foording over the Rivers and the doubt lest the Duke falling upon them in their passage might much prejudice them turned the Governour from this resolution He added moreover That it was neither the Kings mind nor the intention of the war that the Duke should be suppress'd but only that he should be infested till such time as he should lay down Arms and prepare to obey the Kings other directions He therefore
by labour and hardship did diminish very much many of them daily dying many running away for the Countrey round about was desolate and not able to feed them and the horse were fain to go daily ten miles for forrage and after so many mile returning were very much weakened The Heads of the Army disagreed in opinion and were not only unsatisfied one with another but all of them were much displeased with the Governour whose authority grew to be as little valued by the Commanders as by the common Souldiers so as all Military Discipline being given over all obedience lost and all respect all was full of disorder and confusion To this was added the want of monies for the Army having been at vast expence none came from Spain where the War was abominaâ—…ed nor were those of the Staâ—…e of Millain who were already exhausted able to furnish sufficient for the daily present need and Don Piedro himself expected nothing more then that the season contrary to the natural course of Winter should alter and becoming less cold might afford him a fair pretence to retreat On the other side the Dukes affairs increased in reputation he received plenty of money from the Venetians and abounded in men for Prince Victorio having at last composed the affairs of Savoy had brought about 5000 Foot into Piedmont and 600 Horse some whereof were his own some belonging to Nemours and Marshal Deguieres was either already come thither or being come out of Dolpheny was ready to come and all the whole people of Piedmont a singular example of the Subjects duty to their natural Prince flocking diligently thither were most ready to succour him so as the Duke raised like another Auteus from his mother Earth was grown more vigorous then at first and being superiour to the Governour in Horse was Master of the Field At last Don Piedro who was better pleased with peace though upon bad conditions then to continue in the danger trouble and expence of War seeing the Dukes obdurancy and thinking he should have done enough if in the conclusion of the Peace he should have excluded the power of France had at last though too laâ—…e and in vain recourse to the Cardinal to whom he profess'd he was ready to compose businesses with the Duke by his means in any whatsoever manner yea even with passing his word for the Venetians security and therefore desired him that he would return to the Duke and bring back with him the final conclusion of Peace A thing which being afterwards known did not a little incense the King and the whole Court of France Wherefore the Embassadour by particular order from the King demanded that the Governour should send an Embassadour in extraordinary to Paris where the Kings aim was that the whole business of Peace might be carried on by his own proper interest But the Duke under pretence that he would not alter a tittle of the Articles of Asti without the consent of the Princes who did intervene therein excused himself and so the Treaty of Peace broke totally off to the small liking of the Cardinal and Embassadour who seeming little pleased with the Governour gave over the Treaty and return'd the one to Turin and the other to the Charter-house at Pavia And the cold coming on and the earth wholly covered with snow the Governour resolved to return to the State of Millain having notwithstanding fortified St. Germano and left Thomaso Caracciola there with his Brigade and distributed part of the Army into Trino Pontestura and other Towns of Montferrat not without the Duke of Mantua's consent who being then come to Casalle could not refuse it He moreover gave order to the Dutch at Santia that they should abandon that Town and burn it to the end that the Enemy might not possess himself of it He returned afterwards about the beginning of Winter with the rest of his Army into the State of Millain and with his Horse which did not amount to 700 worthy to be commended rather for his good inclination to keep up the honour and grandezza of his King than for any happy success which he himself marr'd by his so many irresolutions it being most certain that not being able to behave himself as victorious he afterwards allow'd the Duke field-room enough to treat with him as Conquerour Being retreated he quarter'd the rest of his Army in the Towns of Lomellina and he himself went to Vicenza near the Poe where re-assuming his warlike mind when it was now no longer time to do it he thought the Spring was too long a coming on which he much desired that he might once more as he publickly professed re-assault Piedmont more vigorously and with greater resolution But he forbore not this mean while to streighten Vercelli hoping that by the falling thereof into his hands this Winter it might open the way unto him the next Spring to greater and more important Enterprizes which he had designed The Prince of Messerano was Master of a small State beyond the Sesia between Vercelli and Gattinara even almost in the Duke of Savoys mouth and as the neighbourhood of greater Princes is always if not troublesome at least suspected by those who are lesser the Prince of Messerano out of both these respects was not well satisfied with the Duke Being therefore to free himself from the Dukes continual molestations and to keep from worse he treated with the Governour to put himself into the King of Spains protection and upon certain conditions to receive a Spanish Garrison which conditions together with the desired protection being easily granted him by reason of the great opportunity which was thereby had of approaching nearer and of streightening Vercelli more therefore the agreement being made the Prince was presently required to receive in the Garrison But he proceeding cautiously would not admit of them till such time as the King of Spain had allowed the conditions and whilst expedition from Spain was foreslowed the Duke got a hint of the business so thinking prevention to be the only remedy against so eminent a danger he sent Prince Victorio in the Christmas holy-days with 5000 Foot and 1000 Horse to secure himself of the Principality The Town of Messerano yielded presently to the Prince Victorio for the Princess of the place her husband being absent fearing lest the Town might be burnt and she and her seven children slain surrendered the Town upon certain conditions He went then to Gattinara and having plaid upon it with his Artillery in vain he was forced to quit the Enterprize either out of sickness which besell himself or for that he heard the Governour was gone from Valenza to Romagnano intending to relieve it Being returned to Messerano and forced to tarry there a while by reason of his sickness he sent a French Captain with a great many both Horse and Foot to attempt Creppacuore a place of the same Principality whither the Princess was fled and had received in a
it was presently fortified and furnished with a strong Garrison Lando and Medici being beaten from this enterprise and despairing to be able to work their end which was to pass over the River they hoped to effect it by another un-thought of way The passage over the River was not interdicted underneath Gradisca for the Territories of Monfalcone lying on this side the Bank the Venetians were masters of it as well by antient right as having newly won it by the Sword but the passage though it was easie in this part was to little purpose for he who will pâ—…ss fâ—…om the County of Monfalcone to Goritia must pass over the Mountains antiently called Giapedi and now del Carso which beginning from Lisonzo more below Luciniso and running in a continual Line even to the Sea do wholly divide these two Counties Mountains which are horridly rough and craggy and not esteemed passable by an Army at the bottom whereof towards Goritia runs the Vipao a River which falls into the Lisonzo over against the River Fara which though it be lesser then Lisonzo yet though del Carso should be past over they must meet with the same difficulties and be opposed by the enemy who were incamped not far from thence so as these difficulties being thought not to be overcome it was always held desperate to attempt Goritia by this way But it being found by some conjectures at this time that the Mountains were not so rough and craggy as they were imagined Marquess Oratio dâ—…l Monte was sent to make the discovery who having made all necessary diligence brought word back that there were some places by which they might bring their Artillery and avoid the other difficulties The Commissary and Medici being overjyo'd at so good news out of hopes of good success resolved by all means to pass over the River beneath Gradisca and passing from thence over the Carso to go to the besieging of â—…oritia But necessary preparations for the effecting it were not answerable to their hopes and desires the scarcity of Souldiers still increased partly by death partly by running away and particularly those of the Country who were never in the Camp but upon the pay-days many of the Grisons hearing the command of their Superiors were already gone and many were cashiered for having been too insolent and having caused sedition in the Camp The Hollanders delaied their coming still and a Regiment of 4000 French which the Duke du Mayne should have brought to Friuli at the Common-wealths cost were kept back either by reason of the new troubles in France or by the Grisons Decrees To this was added that being to go beyond the River to attempt an uncertain enterprise which the newer it was was the more difficult and dangerous they could not abandon the Country on this side the River which had cost them so much pains to get and so much money to fortifie So as to divide those few that were in the Camp was to hazzard the loss of what was certain to go with much danger to themselves to get what was uncertain The hopes of new supplies were but few by reason of the times which brought the Common-wealth into great streights for the Duke of Savoys Rout at the Abby of Lucedio happened but a little before which made them not only disburse good store of money to recruit him but also to provide experienced Souldiers and Commanders upon their Confines towards the State of Millain lest they might be probably assaulted on that fide So as the Venetian Army was fain to delay the enterprise of Carso and to expect the coming of the Hollanders which was thought could not be long This new enterprise met also with much difficulty by the coming of new supplies from Germany into Friuli whereby the Austrian Camp was increased and there was a speech of others that would shortly come The Common-wealths troubles were also infinitely multiplied by the new-taken resolution of Pietro di Girona Duke of Ossuna and Viceroy of Naples who either seconding the Kings intention had declared himself to side with the Archduke or out of his particular hatred to the Venetians had rigg'd up Gallies and Gallioons in the Haven at Naples giving out that he would send them into the Adrâ—…atick Sea not only to assist the Archduke by diversion but to hinder the Common-wealth in the possession which they pretend unto of the said Sea and to trouble their Maritine Traffick And though the same courage of mind appeared to be amongst those Conscript Fathers amidst so many troubles and adversities wherewith persisting in their first generous resolution of maintaining the publick honour and of freeing the Gulf from Pyrats they prepared to resist this new tempest and therefore forbare not to provide abundantly for all necessaries in all requisite parts yet naturally considering the little good they were likely to get by the war and the prejudice which might thereby result both to the Commonwealth and to private men and moreover foreseeing the emiment dangers threatned to their Common-wealth by the State of Millain and by the Kingdom of Naples they grew somewhat less obdurate and desired that the formerly broken Treaty of agreement might be reassumed But it was no less hard for them to find the means how then to compass their end with satisfaction for all the Princes being weary with the last Negotiations by reason of the Common-wealths backwardness to restore what had been taken not any of them cared to intermeddle therein And they could get nothing from the Pope who they thought would not be inwardly displeased hereâ—…t but words and generallities nor could they confide much in the King of France by reason of the vast troubles of that Kingdom They therefore thought it the less evil to have recourse to the Court of Spain which they had formerly so much suspected and which by the Declaration made by the King in the behalf of the Archduke and by the men who were paid by him in this war against the Venetians was little less then their declared enemy But by reason of many things formerly done by the Common-wealth which were ill taken by the King and Court of Spain and which made them desireous to lessen the Common-wealths good opinion of her self they oftentimes refused the pressures made by Pietro Gritti Resident in that Court for the Common-wealth who desired in the Common-wealths name that some composition might be come unto But the King and Duke of Lerma having been always against having war in Italy and more particularly now out of many respects the Duke imbracing the present occasion began to close with the proposals made by Gritti in the Common-wealths behalf and very affectionately desired the effecting of them But the Duke of Ossâ—…na forbore not for all this to pursue his enterprise for he abominated the Venetians more then any other Spaniard did and had therefore put seven Gallioons in good order for fight and furnish'd them with all warlike Ammunition
him that for the good of the common peace and for the safety of Italy and of those States which â—…e the King did therein possess he would put the affairs of the Valtoline into so joyful a condition as might give satisfaction to all men The Letter either came not at all to the Kings hands or if it did it was at his very last time of life for he died after Paul the Fiâ—…th about the end of March the year 1621. a King who was more remarkable for his goodness and innocence of life then for any thing else for forgoing almost all business and medling but very little in the administration of affairs he retain'd little of a King more then the title and fortune a thing which did much prejudice the authority and greatness of the Crown which being goverâ—…'d by the interest of Favorites for the space of 22 years wherein he reigned and chiefly in his latter time he left it much faln from that height of reputation wherein he had received it from his Father He was succeeded by Philip the Fourth of that name the eldest of three Sons that he left behind him of about 16 years of age who though he gave some greater shew of a Royal inclination by which it was hoped that he would interest himself more in publick affairs then his Father had done yet his young years and the pastimes of youth not permitting him to partake of the troubles of publick Government the administration of affairs must necessarily fall into the former condition which the Spaniard call di Privanza or of affairs being carried by Court Minions The chief Ministers of Staâ—…e were Don Balâ—…esar di Zuniga and Don Gaspar di Gusman Count d' Olivares but Zâ—…niga who being long versed in weightiest affairs as well within as out of the Kingdom and who was highly esteemed by all men died not long after to the general grief of all so as the whole weight of Government leaned upon Olivares his Shoulders who being made a Duke by the new King and retaining still his former Title of Count would be called Conde Duca The Valtoline was that which the new King took first into his consideration wherein the Pope the Princes of Italy and the King of France had used their indeavours The new King would satisfie the joint desires of so many Princes and give a taste in this the beginning of his Reign of his being content with what was his own not desiring to usurp upon other mens states or upon the Liberty of the Italian Princes But because the interest of Religion was concern'd in this business that he might shew himself to be a no less pious and religious then wise and moderate King he agreed upon certain Articles with the French Embassadour the substance whereof was That the same Religion should be established in the Valtoline which was there used in the year 1617 And that the State should be restored to the same condition that it was in before the Rebellion That the Forts should be demollished and all Garisons removed from thence That all the Valtolinians should be pardoned for their Rebellion That the King of France Switzers and Vallesani should become sureties to the Grisons for the observance of what was agreed upon These Articles came from Madrid into Italy soon after the Capitulation of Millain and as they came unexpected by any for even those who did most desire it could not expect nor hope for such facile proceedings from that Court in so weighty a business and of such importance to that Court so the Duke of Feria and all those who out of a desire to advance the Spanish Grandezza had co-opperated in this business seeing their plots and designs wholly overthrown wherein they had taken so much pains were totally astonished not only for the prejudice which they thought would thereby redound to the State of Millain and to the other affairs of the Crown of Spain but for the loss of that ostentation glory and merit which Feria and the rest hoped to have reaped thereby Yet not being able to withstand the Kings so precise Orders and Commands they were forc'd to be content and not knowing from whence this resolution should proceed some laid the fault upon the new Kings weakness others upon the Orders and Commands of the late King who upon receiving the Popes Letters a little before he died charged his Son to desist from the enterprise of the Valtoline Others argued that the new King being too indulgently affectionate to his Wife who was sollicited by the French Embassadour was desirous to please her at her earnest desire in not coming to a breach with her Brother the King of France upon account of the Valtoline There were not some wanting who affirmed that Don Piedro di Tolledo out of private emulation that his successor should so happily effect this business which nor he nor so many others of his Predecessors could ever do did oppose in the Supream Councel of State to the end that Feria's actions might not be approved but rejected as the original and undoubted cause of great scandal and troubles Howsoever it was by the effects men may easily comprehend either a Repentance in theie Court of the thing capitulated for or according to others for there never wants sinister Interpreters an End rather to quiet the minds of the Italians and French much moved and incensed by tâ—…ese ese Capitulations then to put the thing capitulated for in execution Whilst this was negotiating in Spain the Valtoliniâ—…ns faâ—…ing well in Italy by reason of the Victory at Tirano and the Capitulations of Millain and Feria exclaiming sufficiently in the Court that by this resolution the King had lost so opportune and so important a purchase the execution of the Articles was defer'd but the Valtolinians exclaimed more then Feria as men who were sent thither on purpose by Feria They mingled tears with their perswasions and did infinitely desire the King That he would not abandon them nor force them to return under the antient yoke of Tyrants of Heretick Tyrants who would rise up not only against their lives and fortunes but even against their souls crying down the Catholick Religion in the Valtoline They desired him That he would inform himself fully what the condition of the Valtoline was formerly and what it was now as well in respect of their natural liberty as Religion for by the perfect knowledge of these two Points the cheat would be discern'd by which his Majesty was perswaded to condescend to those Articles And as for the first Point they shewed that the Valtolinians were naturally a free people not Subjects nor Vassals to the Grisons as his Majesty had been informed but their Companions and Confederates to whom neither they nor their fore-Fathers had never sworn fealty nor done homage or shewed any signe of subjection though by reason of the diversity of Religions their liberty after having for many years governed the common Republick jointly
not therewithal contented as not being willing by any means in a business of so great concernment and importance to depend upon anothers will subject to so many casualties and accidents of Variation which might peradventure happen And because the business of the Palatinate grew more difficult the King of Spain keeping himself within the bounds of not promising any effectualy estitution which the Prince of Wales desired and pretended that it was promised affirming that he would use his Authority and best indeavours with the Emperour to whom he said the inteâ—…est of concession did chiefly belong and upon whom the disposal of that State did absolutely depend men began therefore daily to suspect more and more that the Court of Spain having been from the beginning intentionally and inwardly against the Match they had only cunningly held on the Treaty partly out of their own ambition and Grandezza partly for the Honour of the Prince whom they seemed to esteem very highly but chiefly that they might gain time and advance the mean while in the business of the Valtoline Which the Prince percerving he parted from that Court after he had been six Moneths there without having made any conclusion and imbarking in a Fleet which was come from England to re-conduct him he returned to his own Kingdom carrying with him implacable hatred grievous complaints revenge and enmity instead of friendship and a Wife Here I the Translator of this Book must crave leave both of my Author and Reader which if it may not be granted me I will presume to take to insert a passage which then happened and does relate to this Story it being a full and perfect Vindication of a scandalous imputation laid by some black back-biting Dogs nay foul-mouth'd Curs upon this then glorious Prince my since blessed King and now and for ever that undoubtedly happy Saint in Heaven King Charles late Monarch of Great Britain and Ireland they being defirous to make the world believe by their scurrilous speeches and writings that this pious conscientious and religious King was a Papist in his heart and intended to introduce Popery into this Land And truly since it falls out so pat and so aptly here I cannot forbear doing it though I know it be unusual and contrary to custome for Translators to adde any thing of their own and this it was I Who had the honour to be bred up with this hopeful Prince and who account it my greatest happiness to have known him and to have been known by him when he was King having heard a street Report that this Infanta his then Mistress and since Wife to the King of Hungary was turned Lutheran according to the gratious freedom his Majesty was always used to afford me I told him of it one day when he was at Dinner upon the hearing whereof His ever blessed Majesty was pleased to say Harry if this be true I am confident I know who turn'd her which I desiring to know who it might be His Majesty answered Padre Rohose This Padre Rohose said His Majesty when I came to Spain was Confessor to the Infanta and in the absence of the Kings Confessor was also Confessor to the King He was one said His blessed Majesty who gave very diligent attendance upon me when I came first to Spain and for two or three Moneths space never failed to wait upon me when I was at Dinner insomuch as some acquaintance being grown between us he one day moved me that a Disputation might be had in publick between my Chaplains and some of the King of Spains Priests in point of Religion affirming that he knew it would be very pleasing to the Infanta I answered no saying I came not hither to turn nor to be turned in my Religion by any publick Argumentations nor have I any such Commission from the King my Father but rather a Command to the contrary but if you Padre Rohose have any thing to object against the Religion which I profess I will give you the hearing in private Padre Rohose being glad that he had got thus much began to object somewhat against the Religion profess'd in my Fathers Dominions at the beginning whereof said the Prince laying his hand upon the others Arm No Padre Rohose this is not the way this is to Dispute de non concessis But let me give you an account of my Faith and of the Tenents of my Religion first and then if you have any thing to object speak your mind freely Padre Rohose being herewith content as surely he had good reason the Prince began and made him a full and true relation of the Tenents of his Religion which when he had done Rohose replyed Sir do you believe all this Yes said the Prince And will your Highness give me leave said Padre Rohose to affirm this to others from your mouth Yes said the Prince do it boldly for this is the Religion I was born in and bred up in the Religion which is profess'd in my Fathers three Kingdoms and wherein by the Grace of God I am resolved to live and dye Why then said Padre Rohose for ought I know Sir you may be saved as well as I. My blessed King having told me this I asked His Majesty whether Rohose did not object any thing against what His Majesty had said Not at the present replied His Majesty but some few days after he took me aside and began to alledge some trivial things against what he had heard me say to which said the King I gave him such an Answer as I heard no further news of Padre Rohose for a good while whereat marvelling not a little I wonder said the Prince one day in publick why Padre Rohose hath not visited me of late What is become of him To which he was answered by a whisper in the ear That the Priest Rohose was forbidden coming any more to the Prince his Court left instead of his converting the Prince the Prince should convert him I could not omit mentioning this remarkable Passage here since as I said before I had so pat an occasion to do it and since it was to my self that His blessed Majesty was pleased to make this Relation upon the aforesaid occasion And upon the Faith of a Christian and Word of a Gentleman this is the full sence and as near as I can remember the very words His ever blessed Majesty was pleased to do me the honour as to tell me which though they wrought nothing upon me more then what I did formerly know and did confidently believe if they be not able to stop the mouths of those slanderous companions and make them bite out those Tongues wherewith they have indeavoured to throw dirt upon the Memory of His Sacred Majesty yet at least his constant perseverance in the profession and witnessing his Faith at his unpresidented death me thinks should make them do it And now to pursue my Authour again These practises made the French grow cooler as I have
Chamber in defence of the Valtoline which did appertain little or nothing to the Church but spare them for the eminent danger of the State of Urbine which speeches being accompanied with some other favourable Demonstrations to the French did trouble the Spaniards and made them very circumspect in the business of Urbino lest the Pope to make a greater conjunction with the King of France might probably precipitate the business of the Valtoline and yet being naturally very considerate he had two Consultations about the business of the Valtoline of the most conspicuous Theologists of the Court and most exemplary for holiness of life who having discus'd the business were of opinion that the Pope ought not to permit Catholicks to return under the yoke of Hereticks out of the evident danger of their souls which belonging to the Flock of our Saviour Christ it became him according to the Gospel to defend them like a good Shepherd from the Wolves though with the hazard of his own life Thus did the Affairs of the Valtoline alter out of several respects in that Court just like the ebbing and flowing of the Sea and the Pope not being resolved what to do in it that he might hold them both in hand temporized and delai'd his resolution but the French who whilst Gregory lived were quiet when they had a Pope who was their friend began to rouse up and to pretend that the Valtoline the Forts being demolished was to return under the Grisons command nor did they admit of any exception unless that for what concern'd the safety of the Catholick Religion the Pope should be the determiner this they said was dictated by the first Capitulations at Madrid and thus Reason and the King of France his Obligation to Protect the Grifons did require they persisted the more in these pretentions for that they saw their affairs were much altered for in the Spanish Court instead of alliance enmity with the English was increased the Spanish Army in Flanders and all the Forces of those States were busied before Breda a very strong Town of the Hollanders both for Situation Fortification and for its being triple fenced by water the taking of it was held impossible the Siege very long and of uncertain success the Hollanders having raised a strong Army to relieve it The Affairs of that Court had had but bad success in the Indies and in America for Ormuz a very strong Town situated in the mouth of Persia a principal place for Merchandize and of great annual revenue and of greater concernment for the command of the East-Indies was taken by those Barbarians they being assisted by English shipping the Baja de todes santos or All Saints Bay the chiefest staple Town of Brasile being perhaps in pursuance of the League of Avignon assaulted by a Holland Fleet was taken and sack'd which having had booty thâ—…re to the value of above two Millions of Ducates fortified themselves there intending further progress these were two mighty blows to the Crown of Spain which did oblige that King to send a powerful Army as he did to recover them and to boot that the event of these Affairs was uncertain they required great store of shipping multitudes of men and money nor were the wars of Germany yet wholly at an end for many Rebels of the Empire and whose Forces seemed rather to increase then to lessen did molest it in several places for the King of Denmark in conformity to the League at Avignon came into the Field very strong and had made himself head of the Protestant Princes who took up Arms against the Emperour to restore the Palatine to his Patrimonial State and who made great progress in the lower Germany On the contrary the Affairs of France which till now had been full of troubles and civil wars seemed to be brought into a safe Harbour and by several accidents to be in a better condition the King of England having broken the match with Spain had concluded a Marriage between his Son the Prince of Wales and a Sister to the King of France who was yet unmarried and joyning in League with him promised great things against the interest of Spain both by Sea and Land answerable to the League of Avignon and the tumults of France were either totally composed or it was in the Kings power to end them which accidents concurring at the same time were able to incite any Prince to novelties though never so much an enemy thereunto much more the King of France and French Nation who were so far interessed and ingaged in the business of the Valtoline and therefore though after many Consultations had in Rome between the Embassadours of Spain and France of themselves and afterwards with the Pope the Pope put forth at last some Articles touching the security in point of Religion amongst those of the Valtoline whereunto the Embassadour did agree and made others between themselves in their Kings name whereby the Valtoline when the Forts should be demolished was to return to be under the Grisons but with some Articles Conditions and upon pain of Escheat in case of swarving from the agreement and particularly with leave for the King of Spain to pass men thorow it yet the King of France accepting only those that were propounded by the Pope did absolutely refuse those that were agreed upon by the Embassadour and being highly offended with the Commandator Sillery who was his Embassadour he sent Monsieur di Bittune to succeed him and sent for Sillery back to France and did not only deprive him of his favour but removed his Brother who was Lord Chancellor and the Chancellors Son who was Secretary of State together with other of their dependants from their imployments being apprehensive as was said that they held some secret intelligence with the Court of Spain and being incensed against the King of Spain desired the Pope that he would either cause the Forts to be demolished or else restore them to the King of Spain to the end that he might make way to their demolishment without offence to the Apostolick See but the Articles of depositure withstood the demolishing and the restitution was gainsaid for fear of raising new wars between the two Kings so as look with how much more circumspection it became the Pope to proceed in his resolves so much more did the fervency of the French increase who not brooking any delay and seeing things in a way for war furthered the execution of the League and the preparations for all things requisite for what was resolved on But the Marriage which was just at this time in hand between Prince Phileberto of Savoy and Princess Maria Daughter to Francis late Duke of Mantua did either totally hinder or at least retard for the present the effects of so great a combination by which Treaty the Duke of Savoy who if he were not the head was a principal member of this League was diverted from the common Counsels The Spaniards had
purchase without any disturbance The Spanish Agents who were to manage this matrimony and the reconciling of the Duke of Savoy were desirous to please him and that the Commonwealths delay should be granted him lest the purchase of that little Castle might not only be a hindrance to that which was in Treaty but might occasion new rumours and noise of wars in Italy to the prejudice of the publick peace wherefore means being used with the Commonwealth to forbear they also under hand delaied the assignation of Zuccharello some Propositions of accommodation were with the privity of the Cardinal of Savoy offer'd to the Embassadors who were then in the Court of Rome to pay their wonted obedience to the new Pope by which the controverted Fee should be delivered to neâ—…ther of the parties but should be invested in some third person who might be a friend to the other two insinuating Don Carlo Barbarino the Popes Brother but all was in vain for the Commonwealth fearing that the Dukes power would at last prevail over what was right and fearing that they might prejudice the King of Spains reputation if they should put over the business to the Arbitrement of any other Princes or else thinking that to yield to any thing would seem that they were afraid of the Dukes threats persevered constantly not to put that to the Arbitrement of another which was undoubtedly theirs and which they had lawfully purchas'd from the Imperial Chamber so as being resolved to keep it just as they had bought it of the Emperour they complain'd of the delay made by the Governour of Millain but at last all difficulties being oveâ—…come and the Commonwealth being possess'd of the Fee the Duke was necessitated to think of resentment whereâ—…n he found himself much ingaged both by the Letter which he had written and by the Commonwealths refusal the way for his resentment was made more free by Prince Phileberto's death which hapned at this time in Palermo that City being visited with a sore Contagion which did not only put an end to the Treaty of Marriage but cut off all hope of ever piecing it up again for though he left two brothers unmarried yet since the same parts nor circumstances did not concur in them it was impossible to continue it neither of them being acceptable at the Spanish Court they having openly declared themselves for the French party and moreover the Cardinal had appeared openly an enemy to the Duke of Mantua almost upon all occasions A petty accident did also more irritate the Duke which had he not considered too much and published it to be one of the chief incitements to the war would not deserve the reciâ—…al some little boys of the meanest sort of the Genoese Plebeians seeing the Souldiers rendezvouz which were daily made in the City they also put on counterfeit and childish Arms and ran up and down the City meeting and exercising their Arms it hapned tâ—…at at a certain encounter the one side took the Captain of the other side Prisoner who was to represent the person of the Duke of Savoy and led him about as in Triumph which action though the Senate did not leave unpunished yet being given out to be greater then it was it came to the Dukes ears who peradventure desirous to have better justifications for whâ—…t he should do then his buying of Zuccharello made process like wise be made himself but more according to what was reported than to what was true it being said that the Dukes Image was cast into the fire and burnt and sending this Process formed by himself into the Courts of Rome and of other Princes he complained very much theâ—…eof as of an action done by the privity of some Gentlemen of Genoa in scorn and contempt of his person There were besides this some ancient rancours remaining between the Common-wealth and Duke touching a controversie about their Confines and some Castles which they had been long at Law for but more of late for favours privately administred to the Duke of Mantua in the War of Montferrat and afterwards more openly to the King of Spain in the taking in of Oneglia and Marâ—… which hatreds and heart burnings the longeâ—… they were concealed broke forth afterwards into the greater flame when the way was made open for them The French therefore and the other Confederates made use of this occasion to keep the Duke constant to the League to which purpose a Diet was held in â—…sa a Town in Piedmont at the foot of the Alps which divide Piedmont froâ—… Dolpheny wherein met the Duke of Savoy Deguieres who was a little before made Lord High-Constable of France the Marquess of Criccâ—…e Claudio Marini French Embassadour with the Duke the Venetian Embassadour and some other Embassadours of the Confederate Princes Here the Duke of Savoy after having made grievous complaints against the Genoeses for injuries which he pretended to have received from them proposed it as the better and more secure course to turn their Common Arms against the State of Genoa before they should fall upon the State of Millain as was agreed on at the League of Avignon He said the victory would be the more easie and certain by reason of the weakness of the chief City and of the other Towns in that State by reason that that Common-wealth was totally unprovided of forreign Forces and that she could make but little use of her Natives they being imbased by long peace that he himself had many friends and many that would side with him in that City and in that State who being desirous of innovations would be a great help to the Enterprise He represented that when that Common wealth should be subdued the Contract would be at an end whence many inconveniences would result to the Crown of Spain and in particular that the Siege of Breda which was under the eyes of all the Confederates upon the fail of moneys would undoubtedly be raised but he chiefly endeavoured to inform them that when the Valtoline should be taken which was to be assaulted in the first place by their common Arms though thereby the State of Millain would be kept from relieâ—…e by Germany yet the way by Sea being open it might be succoured from Spain Naples and Sicily whereas when Genoa should be taken and the River thereof the State of Millain being block'd up on all sides and debarred succour would become an easie and secure prey to their common Forces These reasons of the Dukes being the more efficacious because the rest saw that unless they would give way thereunto he would not joyn with them in their League they did not only approve of his opinion but contrary to what was agreed upon at Avignon they promised to joyn their Forces with his to the suppressing of Genoa and that the Fleet of Marselles and of England which were destin'd to go against Spain should assist the enterprise of Genoa not only with Arms but with abundance of
need thereof he granted them to the great Duke and denied them to the Commonwealth then whom none could have greater need thereof and he denied them also those Corsicks which were granted to the Pope for the service of the Apostolick See in the time of peace But for all this the Genoeses wanted not Forces to sustain and defend themselves for having always doubted that the clouds of Susa would discharge themselves in a great tempest upon them they had not been sparing nor negligent in making provisions against it they sent into Germany for two levies of Dutch the one of 2000 the other of 3000 Foot they took order for 30 Companies to consist of 200 Foot apiece to be raised by the richest and chiefest Gentlemen they sent for 600 Foot from Corsica they brought in the Prince of Bozolo with 800 Foot and 200 Horse Prince Doria raised 400 more at his own particular charge and finally they had many Commanders and other Citizens who assisted the Commonwealth with men paid by themselves and with ready moneys these Forces being put together and added to those of the preceding year and being secured by the choice Militia of the State they thought they needed not fear the Enemies assaults for though all the aforesaid preparations could not be in a readiness at the appearing of the Enemy yet they would have a strength of between eight and ten thousand Foot and 200 Horse in the State all of them being paid besides as many more of the ordinary Militia and the State of Genoa being begirt by the Apenine toward Piedmont and Lombardy the Enemy must either enter in a gross body or by small numbers if in a gross body the strength of situation the sterility of the Country the difficulty in bringing Victuals and other impediments did secure them from the progress of the Enemy it being impossible for great Armies to continue long in that enterprise without much Victuals if in small numbers the Army of the Commonwealth being assisted by the same difficulties and being accommodated by the Country would be sufficient for defence to this was added that howsoever the Enemies Army entred the Mountains they must needs leave the State of Millain on their backs wherein though there was not very great Force at the present yet the few that were there and the ordinary Militia of so great a State was doubtlesly sufficient to shut up the passes so as neither Victuals nor provisions could be brought them and having them behind they might be inclosed between them and the Forces of Genoa on their Front which might occasion them many troubles and dangers and be such a hinderance to them as they could not long continue in oppugning the City but when the Forces should be augmented in that State according to the orders that were given and provisions that were ordered the ruine of the Confederates Army did plainly appear since it would be shut up between barren Mountains and the Sea without Victuals Provisions or hope of succour they must therefore of necessity be very circumspect in their proceedings in engaging themselves far within the Liguâ—…ian Mountains having considerable Forces on their Front being not safe behind and exposed to the assaults of a powerful Enemy especially since the Commonwealth besides ten Gallies of her own which she had then at Sea being to receive all the King of Spains Gallies for her defence together with the succour of men which were already preparing in Naples and in Sicily the Enemy could hardly be relieved by Sea and yet the Duke of Savoy and the Constable preferring vain and uncertain supposals before so solid and undeniable ground-works doubted not to enter couragiously upon the business for making account that the English Fleet and that of Marcelles should appear strong and powerful in the Ligustick Sea at the same time that their Land Army should draw neer the Sea and that being to be much more in number and Forces then the Gallies of Spain and Genoa they thought they would not only be able to keep those Gallies from them but supply their Army with abundance of Victuals and Ammunition which they should bring along with them so as not only the danger of Famine and the difficulty of bringing Victuals to the Land Army ceased but the expence thereof they thought themselves sufficiently safe from being disturbed by the Millain Forces by the union and good correspondency which continued still between the two Crowns the which they firmly believed their proceeding against Genoa would no way oppugne since that State was not directly comprehended under the Territories of the Crown of Spain nor could they perswade themselves that the Governour of Millain should move for fear of being the author of the breach or that he would commit any hostile act against that Army in which together with the Ensigns Royal of France which he saw therein displaied the Lord high Constable of that Kingdom did wage war in person and the State of Millain being then almost unarmed and unprovided of any manner of warlike provision having the French in the Valtoline and upon the Confines of Como and the Venetians armed upon the Cremonesian Confines they thought their moving would be rather desired then dreaded on that part since their Army in all warlike reason was to be superiour as they were much superiour in numbers of fighting men and in valiant and experienced Commanders for which cause it was likewise probable that the Governour finding himself in such a multitude of business with but a few men and those ill ordered he would not dare to meddle with a fresh gallant and impetuous Army led on by two of the most famous Commanders of the present Age. And to the end that new levies of Dutch might not pass into the State of Millain the King of France held Treaties with the Swissers that they should keep their Passes shut till such time as the enterprise of Genoa should either be perfected or brought neer perfection and of so great authority were the Confederates especially the French at that time with that Nation as all the Cantons the Catholick Cantons being comprehended which are united to the Crown of Spain and confederate with the State of Millain suffer'd the French to pass armed thorow their Country and in order contrary to their ancient customs and institutions and which had never upon any occasion been violated of not allowing passage to Forreigners unless either unarmed or few at once and this for nothing else but out of their great desire of preserving their liberty nor did it seem that so unaccustomed a thing did proceed from ought else but from their firm opinion that the Confederates preparations would devour the State of Millain which they saw was wholly unprovided of defence so as if they adored the French as Victors they durst not anger them Thus the Duke and the Constable taking it for granted that they were sure of the State of Millain by going to Genoa and
grew afterwards somewhat stronger and got a little more field-room in the troubles and dangers which not long after befel the Genoeses at the which being but very little moved it was conceived that being herein also of intelligence with the other Confederates he was not less displeased to see business proceed successfully against Genoa then with those that had proceeded in the Valtoline The Valtoline being taken the Pope hearing the rumours which were spread abroad through Italy and in the Court of his intentions and seeing that all mens eyes were bent upon him he sent Bernardine Nari to Paris who was his Chamberlain and one that he loved very well and who was acceptable to that King as having been formerly a Page in that Court to complain of Coure's actions and shewing himself to be thereat offended he gave order for levying of men and made some other preparations for war which being unseasonable for what was past proved also unuseful for what was to insue for what remained he held very secret Consultations with the Cardinals and Embassadours of Savoy and Venice so as he seemed to continue his former Friendship and good Intelligence with them and that those his preparations were in order to somewhat else then for the recovery of the Valtoline or for the defence of the present state of Italy against the perturbers of her peace A little after the French entred and took the Valtoline under the Marquess Coure the Constable of France falling into Piedmont with about 14000 Foot amongst which were some Veterane Regiments and with 1500 Horse and joyning with the Duke of Savoy who had 14000 Foot and 2500 Horse together with much Artillery and Cannon for Battery they marched towards the State of Genoa the Constable being accompanied by his Son in Law Marquess Crickey and the Duke by his Son the Prince and were not only favoured by the Duke of Mantua who gave them free passage thorow the lower Montferrat but also by the season of the year which though it were in February 1625. yet contrary to the custom of that Country and to the season it self they were not hindred either by by ice or snow there was no title nor reason on the behalf of France for the war against Genoa nor were there any Heralds sent from that Court to demand or pretend unto any satisfaction for any offence done to that Crown by the Commonwealth nor was there any to be alledged nor did any of the French mention any end their King had in that enterprise save only some that vaunted that they went to free Genoa from being oppress'd as they said by the Spanish Tyranny others who were not so close let it sometimes slip out of their mouths that the King assisted the Duke of Savoy in resenting the injuries he received from the Genoeses by reason of the interest of alliance which he had with his family but when they were entred the State of Genoa they minded the making themselves masters of the Towns which they took and put Garrisons into them in the Kings name as belonging as they affirmed to the ancient Patrimony of France The Duke and Constable intended at very first to besiege the City of Genoa the Metropolitan of the whole State which not doubting but that they should easily take they thought they should find little difficulty in the rest of the enterprise news came at the same time that the Duke of Guise prepared a Fleet in Marcelles who having declared himself an enemy before any of the others had taken 150000 Ducates which being sent in small Vessels from Spain to Genoa came into the Ports of Province as into Friends Havens and it was given out that both that and the English Fleet would quickly appear in the Seas of Genoa The Commonwealth did not believe that the enemy would aim so high at the very first but that bending their first violence against the Western Seas and taking some important place they would fix their footing there and making it a Rendezvouz for Arms they would wait upon such occasions as time and condition of war would produce and proceed further afterwards and advance against the City wherefore they had distributed the greatest part of their best and most experienced men into the Towns of Savona Albenga 〈◊〉 Mauritio and Ventimiglia but receiving assured advertisement that the enemy was resolved the first thing they did to fall upon the City of Genoa they vaâ—…ed their form of defence and leaving Savona well Garrisoned which is a chief place of the State neerest the City and neerest the enemies Army they recalled all the rest of their people which were distributed along the River the greatest part whereof were presently sent to defend the Passes there are two ways which lead to Genoa from the lower Montferrat through which the Confederates Army past The one by Rossiglione which passing over the Apenine goes to Voltri a great Town upon the Sea ten miles Westward from the City the other by Gavio which passing also over the fame Apenine falls by the Valley of Poz Zevera to St. Pier d' arena two miles distant from the City towards the same side the latter being the more ordinary way for Carriages is more large and open and made more commodious and plain by Art as far as the situation will permit at the entrance into this way is Gavio a Town indifferently great but weak unless it be for a Castle seated on high and though little of no little consideration it is hard to bring Cannon by either of these ways and almost impossible by that of Rossiglione The Commonwealth therefore resolving to quit the defence of Novia and of Occada two great Towns the first beyond Gavio and the other beyond Rossiglione fell to fortifie Gavio and put 2000 Foot therein to defend it she also caused some Trenches and some Redoubts to be made beyond the straits of Rossiglione for the better security of that Pass for Garrison whereof were sent 2500 Foot by which and by the strength of the situation it appeared by the relation of experienced Commanders who were sent thither so secured as the Pass was thought almost invincible looking therefore 〈◊〉 the enemy would be longer detain'd they gave themselves with much study and industry to Munite the City which though it be walled about with great Walls and flank'd with good Bulwaâ—…ks yet being over-looked by Mountains which incompass it they chose to fortifie the top of those Mountains by a long continued Trench which beginning from the head of the Lanthorn which shuts up the Haven Westward should run upon the back of the Mountains and bending towards the East should descend into the Valley of Bisagno and should terminate there almost upon the point of Carignano which is the furthermost part of the City towards the East and because the Commonwealth knew she wanted a Commander in Chief who might be well experienced in war to whom they might commit the weight thereof
and when this match was made was thought to be conscious of all things that had past wherat the Duke was very angry and held himself to be much injured and complain'd grievously thereof to the same Sanchiamond who was at this time returned from Turin to Mantua and to Monsieur di Guron a Gentleman sent by the King of France to keep him from the new Reconciliation with new offers not only touching his new pretensions but of assured and powerful assistance against the Genoeses for recovery of the Towns upon the River which were allotted to him by the Articles of Susa for the King of France being sufficiently imploy'd and intent about the business of Rochel did not omit any indeavours whereby the Affairs of Montferrat might be friendly compounded between the two Dukes This was the Auge or Vertical point of this Princes Greatness he being at one and the same time sued unto in his own Court and Idolized as a God on Earth by the Agents of two great Kings and tempted by most advantagious conditions to joyn with them as if all their actions did depend upon him and as if the whole Foundation of the safety of the present Affair did in him consist And as it often falls out in humane affairs that when things are come to the highest point they begin to decline so fared it with this Duke for not being able to mount higher and not being able through the volubility of Affairs to continue long in that pitch he was forced afterwards to stoop from that exaltation and was brought to lose a great part of his State and almost to his utter ruine Being amidst so many Proposals and finding himself together with the former offences injured by the French by the duplicity of this Matrimonial Treaty and being conscious to himself of the fresh injuries done to the King and Crown of France he gave no beliefe to his Agents great offers and thinking that he might build more safely upon the favour of the Spaniards by reason of the community of Interests and by the advantagious bargain which he should get from them in the dividing of Montferrat he rather chose to joyn with Spain than with France and afterwards acquainting the French Agents with this his resolution he tacitely pleaded the Peace of Monsone made by their King for his defence without acquainting his Confederates with it nor making any the least account of their concernments and in a gibing manner added That he had learnt of their King to joyn readily with the Crown of Spain which being now so faithfully united to that of France as might be seen by the helps which France received from Spain in the business of Rochel it shew'd that it was not to be doubted but that he being also joyned to the Crown of Spain would never be able to disunite it from that of France nor be any prejudice to it The French Agents being therefore dismist with small satisfaction as also the French Souldiers who were under his pay but keeping Marini the French Resident in Turin till such time as his own Resident should return from Paris his Reconciliation with Spain was perfectly established but unhappily as it proved by the great prejudice which contrary to their supposals befel both him and the King of Spain By the conclusion and exclusion of these practises the new Dukes affairs were brought to a very bad condition both in hopes and opinion for the King of France who was his chief Protector not being able to sustein him either by authority or force he had little help to expect elsewhere against the Emperour King of Spain and Duke of Savoy who joyn'd all together to drive him out of his State the latter two by force of Arms and the first by Judicial Authority and Edicts so as none of his other Friends who wish'd him well could assist him without indangering themselves since he wanted the strong support of France And the Princes of Italy though they were much troubled at this Prince's prosecution for the example and consequence thereof yet were they forced to proceed very circumspectly in declaring themselves and much more in assisting him nay it was to be feared that if required they would have declared against him The Emperours Authority was at this time very great and formidable having gotten the upper hand of the Prince Palatine and of his abettors all the Princes and Hans Towns of Germany rendred him exact obedience not so much for fear of his powerful Army of above 100000 fighting men which being distributed into several parts of Germany were ready at hand as for that by his happy Successes and continued course of Victory he seemed to be miraculously favoured by the Heavens And truly he was in his actions the most formidable of all his Predecessors and undoubtedly had he turned his Forces upon Italy he would have found ready obedience so as the Pope and Venetians in whom all Nevers his hopes did rest were forced to proceed with great caution in these present affairs which did not directly appertain unto them The Venetians that they might keep from provoking him by adding new injuries to the ancient enmities contracted with this very Emperour when upon the Croates account they assaulted Gradisca and endeavoured to deprive him of his Patrimonial Estate in Friuli and the Pope for that Peace between him and the Emperour making much for the good of Christendome it became not him to break it upon the score of the new Dukes succession Cesar's Authority was likewise augmented by the Peace made by him at this time with the Turk and Transilvanians and by the advantagious offers which were made unto him by his Rebels and by the Head of them the King of Denmark who being several times routed by him in Battel and berest of a great part of his Kingdom desired Peace wherefore it was to be doubted that these Commotions being appeased which were those which did only disturbe the Affairs of Germany the Emperour to maintain his Authority and Command in Italy should have made good his threats of passing into Italy with powerful Forces when the Process should be ended which was then begun against Nevers and that War should be publish'd against him in case he obeyed not the Imperial Edicts or Banne Reason was added to these respects which ought to detain the new Dukes friends from declaring themselves to favour him For the Emperour being Supream Lord of these States and of the new Duke none could or ought legitimately to interpose between him and his Vassal nor reprove or correct any Judgment that should pass there being none to whom recourse was to be had in point of grievance And yet Nevers thinking that to quit his possession willingly was the worst of evils resolved to keep it till the last he therefore betook himself to munite Mantua and Cassalle the best he could both of them being very strong places the last by Art the other by Nature and stood prepared
with threats and angry looks that they might alter their minds and perswade the Dowager to grant what the King demanded but his perswasions to her were in vain and his threats and severe looks as vain to the rest for the Dowager not at all astonished or dismayed at her former adversities nor at this present demand which was fuller of horrour then all the rest resented the unjustness of the demand with a more then manlike courage and her Officers and Advisers not daunted with the severe threats of one that was likely to put them in execution kept constant in their Loyalty to the Dowager and to their Duke Moreover the Savoyards who had some inkling of this business being very averse unto it entred the Town with a Garrison resolving to lose their lives rather then it should fall into the hands of the French The Cardinal being more then meanly incensed at this denial began to sit upon the skirts of the Dowager and in revenge desired occasion to ruine her affairs which he was not long in meeting with for Prince Thomaso having sent Count Messerati to the Court of France to treat with the King and Richelieu upon the large offers which were made him he found them at Lions in their return from Grenoble and brought back word from the Cardinal That not only the offers which were made unto the Prince should be confirmed but promised greater things touching his pretentions with the Dowager and that he should be maintained and upheld therein so as he would drive out the Spaniards that were in Turin and that even the Dowager should be excluded from thence for he would order it so as she should keep in Savoy and that she should be forced to all his pretentions except such as the King could not with honour consent unto But all these offers would not prevail with the Prince were it either that he doubted they would not be made good having small reason to expect that more account should be made of his concernments than what he appaâ—…ently saw was made of the Kings own Sisters or were it that he was advised to the contrary by the Prince Cardinal and by Messerati's self who was totally inclined to the Spanish party But resolving not to break off the Treaty altogether the Prince answered That he would not accept of any of those offers unless he might be permitted to remain a friend to the Spaniards or at least be a Neuter between the two Crowns which not being granted him for the King of France his only end in making him so great offers was that together with him he might make War upon the State of Millain the Treaty broke off and yet the greatness of these offers which at the present seemed to effect nothing like seed sown in good ground produced afterwards new and more high pretentions which brought forth at last the fruit of those dissentions and alienations which were at the present expected for the Prince being proud to have such offers made him by the King of France began to be scandalized that though he was a Prince and Child of Spain and had been honoured so in appearance yet in reallity he was treated but as a private Cavalier without any setled allowance whereby he might maitain his Court and menial Servants but was fain to use means daily to the Governour of Millain for his maintaining of them and much more that the had no independent Authority or Command as became a Prince of his condition and though when the Truce was made and wherewith the King of Spain was not well pleased the King had ordered the Governour of Millain that he should do nothing for the future without consultâ—…ng with the Prince yet were it either that the Governour had some private Orders to the contrary or that he was tied by his Order only to consult but not to execute or that he abhorred to have his authority bounded by the Prince his pleasure he acted not according to the Prince his opinion but as he listed best himself from whence dis-satisfaction grew daily The Prince began to demand that he might have an Army depending upon none but himself which he might manage as he would himself and that he might have a certain perfix'd allowance setled for the maintenance of himself and of his Court. These were high demands and such as were not easie to be granted the scarcity of men and moneys in these times being considered and the present condition of affairs but though the passages between the Prince and French had made the Court of Spain jealous of him yet they made him as necessary for them since they saw the French endeavoured so much to draw him over to them so as neither the Agents in Italy nor the Court of Spain durst exasperate him by denials his demands were therefore refer'd by the King to Count Sirvela who going to the Prince assured him of the Kings good opinion and said he was very willing to give him satisfaction but because the Prince when he came out of Savoy and sided with the King of Spain had sent his Wife and Children to the Spanish Court as Hostages of his fidelily and had given her Commission to put him and his whole Family into the protection of that Court and that his Wife in performance thereof by the consent of President Costa whom the Prince had given her for her Counsellour had subscribed a publick writing to that purpose in Madrid which the Prince would never ratifie though he had been often desired to do it therefore the Count who was very willing to give him all satisfaction demanded the ratification of that writing before he would enter into any treaty with him The Prince who when he had nothing to relie upon but the King of Spains favour was slow in ratifying it was now more obdurate therein when he was so sought unto by the King of France so as no treaty was commenced the Count thinking it stood not with the Kings honour to proceed otherwise and perhaps he had received such instructions from the Court to prolong the conclusion of the treaty by propounding such difficulties The Governour of Millains carriage to the Prince cooperated to these proceedings who was more liberal to him in furnishing him with monyes then he had been formerly and did more frequently follow his advice in the managing of War and granted more unto him then he had formerly done especially in things wherein the main business was not concern'd to the end that obtaining that in effect which he could not do by express covenanting he might adhere the more constantly to the Kings party so as what by reason of the better satisfaction which he received what by the progress which the Spanish Forces made in Piedmont and by the yet greater which he hoped they would make he bare the better with it Let us now re-assume the thred of Affairs which ensued from which the Treaties of Peace and the Interests of Parties
as the Spaniards should do the like with those Towns which were in their possession That he would help to make a match between a Son of the Princes and a Daughter of the Duke of Longevile's one of the richest Ladies of France and that he would co-operate in composing the differences between him and the Dowager together with many Pensions to be given to him the Prince to his Wife and Children Upon which account some moneys were disburst unto him in present to prepare him for his journey moreover some promises were made him that he should have some Territories given him out of such Lands as should be gotten in Italy whereby he might have where with to maintain himself and his posterity in a condition becoming their qualities it was agreed out of the same respects that this Convention should be kept secret and the Truce was prorogued for all February next The Prince also promised but not under his hand that he would cause the Castle of Asti to be delivered up to the French and he was not permitted to acquaint the Prince his Brother with any of these agreements so severely did the French press him in this agreement but his aversion to observe this agreement was as great as was their urging him thereunto to witness which the Castle of Asti was not delivered up though 500 Horse with men en Croupe came to it by night to receive it who having told the Sentinels that they brought Letters for Don Emanuel Brother to the Prince and Governour of the Castle were not admitted but were bid to come when it should be clear day when being discovered they were saluted as enemies by Cannon-shot both from the Castle and Citadel and the Garrison of the Castle which were Piedmontese was recruited by the Spaniards The Prince Cardinal having heard how great a blow he had received by the loss of Turin and how little the Governour had done towards the preserving thereof desired to find some way to preserve himself from ruine which he saw was not far off he therefore sent the Abbot Soldato one in whom he did much confide to the Court of France to lay the foundations of an union there which he thought to make with that King offering to joyn with him upon some conditions The chief whereof were three That a Lieutenancy might be permitted him in the County of Nizza and to keep the Towns thereof without any dependency upon the Dowager that the Guard anship and Regency should be absolutely in the Dowager except in matter of Peace and War Confederacies Alienations and the like That his Majesty should be bound to restore all the Towns to the Duke which he held of his within three years space together with any others that he should recover The other conditions were of lesser concernment and such as reflected only upon the Prince Cardinals own occasions The King abhorring that the Princes should hold so principal places whilst he should be prescribed terms of restitution denied both the Articles not without some disdain so the Abbot return'd to Nizza re infecta and the King having quickly notice of the Agreement made in Piedmont not doubting but that they would be made good was very well pleased therewith as was the whole Court and desired very much to see the Prince come who sought nothing more then to evade the performance of those Agreements which he profest he had unwillingly consented unto wherefore the time prefix'd for his going into France being come he did not much mind the taking of that Journey though he was much sollicited thereunto by the Embassadour Mazzarini and by the other French Agents but in lieu thereof he past thorow the States of Millain and Genoa to Nizza where being equally distasted as was his Brother with the negative which was brought from France they treated of the common affairs This so sudden departure of the Prince and so contrary to the late made agreement did and not without reason inâ—…use jealousie into the Embassadour Mazzarini who presaging the sinister influences which that conjunction as an ominous Constellation of so great Planets would cause went to Nizza to see whether he might prevent the imminent influence which he foresaw But all was in vain for the Princes were already almost agreed with the Spaniards so as being press'd by Mazzarini the one of them to persevere in the other to enter into convention with the French they answered that the Spanish Agents were at last perswaded to restore the Towns but that as the King of France offer'd to restore those that he held to the Regency of the Dowager so the King of Spain offer'd to restore what was held by him to the Regency of them the Princes The King of Spain had not really done this nor was there time enough past to have a positive answer in the point come from Spain nay it was at this very time agreed upon between the Princes and the Spanish Agents that the Towns should be garrisoned by the Spaniards in the same manner as they were at the present till the general peace should be made The Proposal was an artificial trick agreed upon between the Princes and the Spanish Agents for that all of them believing that the French would not accept of it the Spaniards might shun the odium which would be laid upon them for desiring to keep what they were possess'd of as also for that the refusal might make the Princes adhere the more constantly to the Spanish party And on the behalf of the Princes to the end that the same refusal might serve the one for a pretence of foregoing the convention which he had entred into and the other from thereinto entring The Embassadour as soon as he was come to Nizza hearing the proposals perceived their ends in it wherefore he immediately answered that it was ridiculous impossible and a thing procured by the Princes themselves Many were the debates hereupon the Princes endeavoured by fair words to perswade the Embassadour to what he could not believe and if the Embassadour should not agree to the restitution out of his mistrust of them they might have occasion not to confide in him who would not trust them but that if the business were rightly weighed it must needs by very advantagious for the Duke for thereby the Towns would be taken out of the hands of Forreigners and put in those of the Natives and would so come to be posses'd by the Duke A chief essential poynt which so it might be done the manner mattered not for means would not be wanting afterwards to accommodate that touching which the form of estitution appeared now strange And therefore if he could think of any middle-way which might satisfie both the Crowns they desired him to propound it for they would be ready to part with any thing that should of due belong to them so as the restitution might be made to the Dukâ—… at last adding intreaties to their reasons they endeavoured by all
irksome to them through solitariness They were honoured only with Titles and exterior demonstrations but were not otherwise in any favour or Authority at Court The eldest Prince died not long after who upon the like occasions had great disputes with the Duke of Lerma and the rest returned into Italy if not displeased with the King at least but badly satisfied wiâ—…h the Court as not finding that countenance and welcome as they thought became their condition These and the like accidents though out of private occasions and proceeding rather from the State-Officers then from the King wounded the Duke to the very soul who was much exasperated by former proceedings and if he had met with any occasion he would peradventure have been willing to have vented his disdain but neither the times nor the condition of his own affairs corresponding with his desire of resentment he was forced to cloâ—…e his passions and to expect a more opportune time whilst thus fought with by inward haâ—…red such occasions at last happened when he least expected them as brought those opportunities home unto him then which if he had sought after them he could not have met with greater William dalle Marche Duke of Iuliers and Cleves died about this time in whose death all his whole Family failing many several German Princes pretended to the Succession of those States Amongst the rest Leopold one of the Arch-Dukes of Austria and the Princes of Brandenburge and Newburg which latter two joining against the Arch-Duke possest themselves of all that appertained to those Dukedoms except Iuliers which fell into his power Leopold's Cauâ—…e was not adhered unto only by the House of Austria and by the King of Spain but by all the Catholick German Princes who thinking it pernitious for the Catholick Religion that those States should fall into the hands of Heretick Princes contracted a League in the behalf of the Arch-Duke and chose the Duke of Bavaria for their Captain-General The two 〈◊〉 finding themselves too weak against such a League had recourse to the King of France whose Kingdom after so many calamities of preceding wars having now injoy'd peace for many years and consequently flourishing more in Arms people and riches then it was ever known to be before himselâ—… being obeyed by all the Orders of this Kingdom and reverenced by all the Princes of Christendom and not thinking it became him that the Crown of Spain and House of Austria should grow to a greater height took upon him the protection of those Princes and with caution to the Catholick Religion of those Inhabitants he promised to assist themin the possession of the controverted States in whose cause the Protestant Princes of Germany did also adhere And the King of France being made their Head they prepared openly to oppose the Arch-Duke the King perceâ—…ving that from hence great combustions were likely to arise applied his mind to much greater designs Betaking himself therefore not only to make stout preparations of Arms throughout his whole Kingdom but also to negotiate new Leagues and Unions with Forâ—…eigners he sollicited many of the Italian Princes to whom he thought the neighbourhood of the Spaniards was either suspitious or troublesome promising them great Rewards and increase of Dominions if by joyning their Forces with him they would take up Arms in Italy against the King of Spains Dominions The chief of these were the Venetians and the Duke of Savoy the former in respect of the great opinion which was held not only of their forces and wealth but of their Counsel and Wisdom The other for the Neighbourhood of his Dominions and for the vivacity of his military Spirit naturally inclined to new Enterprises as also out of the distastes and bad satisfaction which he had often received from the Spanish State-Ministers Count Fuentes who though he was very old and upon the confines of death was yet alive and much feared and reverenced and the Affairs of Spain flourished much as hath been said under his Government The 〈◊〉 notwithstanding either professing to abhor turbulence and novelty or fearing to provoke the Spaniards refusing the first great offers made to them by the King of France would have no hand in a business of such moment which was like to work great Revolutions in the world not without danger to their own Affairs The Duke who on the contrary though strangely scandalized at the Court of Spain would not let slip such an occasion willingly and was therefore willing to listen to the Kings great offers whereof one was to marry the Kings eldest Daughter to Prince Victorio yet calling to mind the long and bitter wars which the Kings of France had made upon his Father and Grandfather by whom they were beaten almost out of all their Dominions And on the contrary his recovery and being kept in long possession of them by the favour and adherence of the Crown of Spain the annual Revenues which he received from thence which would upon any the least occasion be taken from him to boot with the troubles and wars which he was to undergo by incensing the Spaniards in all these respects he began to doubt lest to pass from the one adherence to the other would be too dangerous for him and for his Children who were by so streight interests and by so near alliance joyn'd to the King of Spain wherefore not totally excluding but keeping the Treaty on foot with the French he thought to make use of this occasion as of the means whereby retaining his former friendship with the King of Spain but upon better conditions he might get a greater esteem put upon himself and his affairs Or totally foregoing Union with Spain which he thought would be now reduced to subjection and slavery indeavour to link himself close with France and by the â—…avour and assistance thereof arrive at that Grandezza and Augmentation of State which having long looked for in vain from the Crown of Spain he could never attain unto He therefore demanded one of the Daughters of Spain for Wife to his Son together with a Portion in Land which might serve in recompence for his antient pretences and other annual Revenues and honourable places for his other Children to the end that they might live in Port and Splendour sutatable to the Nephews of so great a King And to remove the obstacles and difficulties which he might meet with in these desires he thought it necessary to win the Duke of Lerma and to interest him in these his demands for when he should have got him he hoped he should succeed the more easily in all the rest Laying aside therefore all former contentions and emulations â—…e loaded him as it is said with hopes and mighty promises which depending absolutely upon his own will might bring unusual greatness and splendour upon his Family and descendants wheâ—…eby to make so powerful a Minister of State give way unto and facilitaâ—…e whatsoever he should demand of the King for his Sons