Duke of Savoy is much prest by the French and Spaniards at last he resolves to satisfie the French Duke Waymer takes pay of the King of France Oxesterne goes from Germany for Swethland The Austrians make divers proceedings about the Rhyn The Dutchmen come to the succour of the Valteline Great confusion in the state of Milan by reason of the French Hostilitie The Spaniards helpe them Artois is assayled by the French Forces and much of action is had in those parts The Duke of Saxony indeavours to shun breaking with the Swedes but cannot prevaile they declare themselves his Enemies The King of Hungary comes into the Field he passes into Wirtenberg and hath an eye to the proceedings of the French The Austrians indeavour to put distastes betweene France and England but faile in their designe The Duke of Bavaria is married to the Emperours Daughter The Spaniards surprise Sckinck-Sconce The Duke of Crequi passes into Monferrat enters the state of Milan takes many places encamps before Valenza The Milanois are hereat much affraid Rohan proceeds sâ—ccessefully in the Valteline The Hollanders goe to regaine Schinck-Sconce The Forces of Parma and Savoy joyne with the French before Valenza The Spaniards complaine unto the Pope of the Duke of Parma The Duke in a Remonstrance publisheth his Reasons The Spaniards make great preâ—arations for the defence of Milan by a Fleet at Sea they surprise the Island of S. Honore and S. Marguerit WHilst the Imperiall Forces to the wonder of many remained idle in their Quarters at Wirtenberg Lieutenant Colonell Iaspar Baumberger formerly Governour at Filisburg he who before he surrendred that place to the Swedes cunningly and peradventure with intention of making use thereof upon fitting occasion made the Palizadoes to be saw'd on some sides of the Fort and to be so repleated that if at any time any reasonable force should be used against them they might be broken in sunder and throwne downe the season serving for this purpose which was so cold as that all the Ditches were hard frozen over and incouraged by the good correspondency which he held with all the parts thereabouts for whilst he had the government of that place he so behaved himselfe as he had generally wonne the good will of all the neighbouring people not doing as the French who by making continuall inrodes into the neighbouring Townes and by other different wayes of proceeding and Military licentiousnesse had purchased the peoples hatred did secretly acquaint the King of Hungary and some other prime Counsellours and Chiefe Commanders of the Caesarian Army with his designe Who debating hereupon some were of a contrary opinion affirming That the event of a businesse must be maturely fore-seene before the businesse it selfe be undertaken that it was well knowne how that Fort was valued by the French what trouble and paines they had to get it from the Swedes and that therefore it was not to be doubted that as the losse would be more resented so would the distaste they should take thereat be the greater that it was not yet time to come to open enmitie with the French who were at peace within themselves had recovered their Kings Brother and who united within themselves were of themselves alone without any other assistance formidable to all Europe a Nation alwayes desirous of Warre which could not wish for a better occasion then such a conjuncture to breake with the Spaniards being as well their greatest Enemies as their chiefest Rivalls and who by having an Army out of their Kingdome might thereby evacuate those unquiet humours wherewithall they doe abound and which uses to occasion home-troubles amongst them very advantagious to those that feare them and without which all attempts against them are vaine that Flanders was not able at one and the same time to maintaine it selfe against the Hollanders and defend it selfe against the French who might easily fall upon Artois that the Forces of Burgondy were too small to defend it selfe from those much more powerfull of a King of France that Italy which was drained by the continuall evacuation of so many men sent into Germany and Flanders most Princes being at this crisis of time well inclined towards the French might run a great hazard if it should at this time be set upon that it was no doubt that either Flanders or Italy without succour from Germany could make their partie good against the French that it was credible that the Spaniards who were much concerned in the possession of those Provinces were to expect succour from the Emperour whereby the Dutch Army being weakned the Swedes joyning consequently with the French Forces the Warre was likely to be kept on Foot in the Empire to the great prejudice of those people that it was therefore better for them to temporise and persisting in the way they were in before they should breake with France to weaken the Swedes re-assume a good correspondency with the Hanse-Townes and conclude the peace with Saxony without the which it would be dangerous for them to have to doe with the French To these wel-grounded Reasons reply was made by those who knew how advantagious it was to make Achievements without cost That occasions of securing themselves and growing greater were not to be let slip when Fortune proffers the meanes that the proceedings of the French were no longer concealed that the harmes occasioned by them were apparently seene how they indeavoured to oppresse the house of Austria and aggrandise themselves that the blowes of a declared Enemy were lesse to be feared then those of a diffident and feigned friend that it was to be considered the French would alwayes foment the Austrians Enemies and strongly assist them out of hopes of getting somewhat thereby and that keeping themselves in peace whilst others were by the eares as others grew weaker they must consequently grow the stronger that the proceedings of the French out of France was not much to be feared for that the impatiency and eagernesse of that Nation not being long to be tollerated by others of a different genius 't was probably to be hoped they might alter the affections and friendship of their Confederates that it made not for any of the other Protestants that they should get footing out of France that it would be hard for them to make any proceedings in Flanders by reason of the strong holds and situation thereof that it was held the Hollanders would never agree they should grow greater in those parts That Burgundy wanted not Forts upon the Frontiers sufficient to consume whatsoever Army and that the losse of that Countrey would be prejudiciall to Helvetia whereunto it was not expedient to change the Confines of a King whose Territories were dis-joyned with those of a formidable Monarch whose state was united that more might be feared in Italy then elsewhere but since it made not for the advantage of the Princes and Potentates thereof that the state of Milan should be taken from the Spaniards and
what should be most expedient A scrutiny was therefore made of all such as were able to beare Armes from 18 yeares of age till 50. that upon any occurrency they might be pickt out and imployed in the defence of requisite places The Militia of the State and of the men therein fitting to beare Armes being calculated which might amount to neere about 10000 Foot some thousands thereof were chosen out and disposed of in places of most importance Don Carlo Colombo and Serjeant Major Molina were incontinently dispatcht away to the Frontiers of Comasco with ten Companies of Foot Count Serbellone was declared superintendent of those Confines who together with other eleven Companies of Guasco's Brigade and five Troops of Horse forthwith tooke up his quarters on the left side of the Lake over against the Fort Fuentes and fortified himselfe in the way which the French were to passe to hinder the Enemy from invading the Lands of Comasco on that side Moneyes were delivered out to rayse Souldiers in all parts Some store of ready Money was sent to the Embassadour Cassatt Lieger for the King of Spaine at Lucerna to rayse 4000 Switzers Don Antonio de Sermientes Steward was sent to Florence to acquaint the Duke thereof with what had hapened and to demand of him the Brigado which he was obliged to maintaine for the defence of the state of Milan by vertue of the agreement made at Siena The Citie of Milan disbursed readily 50000 crownes upon this occasion And because the Spaniards wisely fore-saw that the French preparing themselves in Daulpheny would certainly fall into Piemont and from thence into Montferrat to set upon the state of Milan on that side also governing themselves with their accustomed undauntednesse together with their continued Provisions of Warre and new Fortifications in Novara Mortara Alexandria and other Forts upon the Frontier they bethought themselves to try Victorio Amadeo Duke of Savoy to see whether he as his Father had done before him was resolved to follow the fortune of Spaine They very well knew that for reason of State it did not well befit his Highnesse that the French should nestle themselves in Lombardy being very sure that he should not from them injoy that authoritie and respect which he as esteemed doore-keeper of Italy had from the one and the other Crowne wherefore they were very urgent with him to this purpose and full of promises and hopes But the Duke who after the businesse of Pinaroll knew he suffered much in those Prerogatives which whilst absolute Master of the Marquisat of Saluzzo he enjoyed not having Forces sufficient to withstand the invasion of the French and being in a condition not to be succoured by the Spaniards whose Armies were much diminished and weakned his answer was ambiguous and such as is usually given by Princes upon such like occasions yet it was thought that keeping secret and wary intelligence with the Spaniards he had promised them that he would yes marry would he satisfie the King of France in his demands but that temporising and as occasion should serve he would put on such resolutions as should most comply with his owne interest and not be unacceptable to the Spaniards His answer was therefore appearingly honested with faire pretences wherewithall the Spaniards were not altogether distasted nor the French throughly satisfied In fine the Spanish Agents were not wanting in such wisedome and vigilancy as was requisite upon such an occasion On the other side Rohan began cautiously to Fortifie he put a Garrison into Riva drew a Trench from Provegio to Coschio two little Townes the one on this side the other on the other side of Ada wherewithall barricadoing up the entrance into the Vallie he thought to secure himselfe on that side from the Spaniards attempts And because the way from Chiavena into the Vateline by Sasso-Corbe which was in sight and under the command of the Cannon of Fort Fuentes did trouble him he resolved to make a way upon the ridge of the Mountaine S. Iulian to which purpose he set 200 Pioniers on worke but could not effect his desire He afterwards going on prosperously made himselfe absolute master of the whole Vallie without any manner of gain-saying where thinking to make some long abode he tooke order for securing of the Fort Feria and of the Castle of Codera In this revolution of affaires Monsieur De Bellieure came to Turin who when he had delivered his Embassy to the Duke his Highnesse and his Ministers of State were not a little staggered for finding the ruine that was to fall upon the state if they should refuse what was propounded by the King they were consequently to be very circūspect in their proceedings with the French on the other side if they should yield to their desires to foment ones owne ruine and draw subjection upon ones selfe was hard of digestion to a good Polititian For when the French should be masters of the State of Milan there was no doubt but that the Duke of Savoyes Authority growing lesse and he being invironed on all sides by the French Forces hee should not keep up that reputation which he held whilest between them and the Spaniard but should be treated as a subject of France The Duke being therefore much perplext and his Councell no lesse confused hee resolved by no meanes to irritate the Forces which hung over him but legitimating his reasons by faire excuses to maintaine friendship with the French and not totally forsake Spaine for time being that which much helpes the weakest in power he might from thence expect some happy occasion of compliance which now to undertake would be dangerous Those of Piemonte did the rather adhere to this Counsell for that they found the winning of the state of Milan would prove a difficult businesse For though the Duke should effectually joyne with the French and openly declare himselfe for them since it did not comply with the Princes of Italy and lesse with the Switzers and Grisons that that state should fall into the hands of the French they found that when the Spaniards should be brought to a very low ebbe they would all joyne in using what meanes they should thinke fittest to keep those Forts from being possest by the French The Dukes answer to the Embassadour was therefore in generals shewing a newtrality though as shall be said hereafter hee fared not the better for it Hee therefore for the more safety of his owne dominions added eight companies to every of his former Regiments Hee resolved to levy 2000 Switzers and applied himselfe to such opportune remedies as the present emergency required And that these negotiations might not passe without the Popes knowledge whom he desired to interest in his protection knowing that he was likely to stand in need of his Holinesse his intercession to moderate the displeasure which his proceedings might cause in the French Hee sent Count Francis Cansciani to Rome to acquaint the Pope with the
to the French Hee had a solid judgement a temperat minde a goodnesse not despicable he was given to Warre worldly enough and desirous of riches knowing at least imagining that he being a Frenchman and esteemed by his Subjects to be the cause of their misfortunes they did not much affect him which made him not confide in them nay his diffidence grew to so great a hight as he writ whatsoever was of most importance with his owne hand he had wont to keep in writing all the faults committed by his Officers that hee might shew when he would make no further use of them hee had reason for what he did Thus did he dismisse Parma and Caffin the two Secretaries of state shewing them their faults registred for what remaines hee was of good example had a good conscience and perfect will his onely fault being his too much love of Mony hee lived ten yeares Duke of Mantua died when hee was 61 yeares old of such a strength of body as naturally hee might have lived longer The Spaniards did above all other things labour to finde out a means whereby to hinder the French from entring into the strong holds of Piemont with which they were as much troubled as were the consequences great which did depend thereon for hardly should they be able to drive them from those holds wherein being to bee imployed without any impediment from Dolpheny which joynes upon Savoy those Townes would be as it were annext to France and consequently in processe of time the Spaniards would no longer confine upon a Duke but upon a puissant King nothing inferiour to them in strength and should thereby receive such prejudice as states doe by having potent neighbours These considerations causing therefore much thought in the Spaniards they at last light upon one of the best and most singular remedies that could be â—â—plied to this malady Which was to send for Prince Thomas into the State of Milan as one who was much beloved by the people of Savoy and Piemont to the end that entring Piemont with the Spanish Forces he should either by force perswade the Duchesse to deliver up unto him the government and drive away the French or else by the adherence of the people and holding good intelligence with the Nobility of Piemont make way for such proceedings as happen usually upon like occasions But many things were requisit before this resolution was to be tane secrecy was chiefely esteemed necessary that the French might not be jealous hereof and then they were to contrive their intelligence with such as sided with them they therefore cloaked this their intention and seemed onely to minde the bringing in of more Souldiers from Germany Swisserland Spaine and Naples which occasioning a beliefe in the French that the Spaniards would rather use their power then wits they kept quiet within their owne stations not moving any whither But Don Francisco de Melo who was already gon as hath been said towards Cullen and then towards Flanders having notice of these designes altered his course and turned towards Vienna to negotiat there not onely concerning these agreements but to get succour for the State of Milan which might be sufficient to effect the businesse intended of bringing Prince Thomas into Piemont To the which the affaires of the Empire being very urgent the Dutch Counsellors did not consent for Caesars necessity was much greater then was the Spaniards and the people who were continually grieved with contribution and free-quarter knew the danger of the approaching evill and murmur'd that those who should be kept for their defence should be sent out of the Empire to assist others complaining not without reason of the Emperours ministers of State Yet the Spaniards desires prevailing alwayes with the Emperour it being they that furnish Gold for the succour of Germany and doe their utmost indeavour to maintaine the Imperiall dignity they got leave to raise other Regiments and were in the same sort be-friended by the Arch-Duchesse of Ispruch who suffered them to raise Forces in her State The agreement being afterwards made with the Emperour concerning Prince Thomas his comming into Italy who was informed that the Emperour would invest him in some such dominion as should give him satisfaction out of what hee should win by the assistance of the Spaniards Melo parted from Vienâ—a and went on his journy towards Flanders This meane while Prince Thomas who had been advertised by the Infante of the Spaniards intentions to give a beginning to the businesse thought it fitting to send the Baron Pallavicino to his brother the Cardinall with whom he might work a perfect understanding so as they might agree secretly upon what would be most advantagious for their Nephews state to the end that it might not be usurped either by the French or Spaniard they thought the occasion fair to send the same Pallavisino to the Duchesse their sister in law to condole the D. death he being fittest for such an imployment and not at all suspected at the Court of Turineâ—00 â—00 the end that whil'st he made that his errand to the Duchesse he might underhand agree things with those that were friends to the Cardinall Prince Leganes not failing likewise on his part did continually solicit the Viceroyes of Naples and Sicely to ship away other Souldiers that were raised in those Kingdoms and sent Don Diego Patigne to Genoa to agree there for monies He visited the Count Montery Viceroy of Naples at Pegi as he was going for Spain in his return from his government that he might inform him of the present affairs of Lombardy and so Montery might punctually inform the King of Spain of all things better by word of mouth then Leganes could do by letters He reformed his weak Companies added their Souldiers to other Companies that were more compleat he sent likewise Count Biglia with some Monies to Coira to keep the Grisons true who were again tampered with by the French to make them breake with the Spaniards he pretermitted not any thing that might make for the safety of the state of Milan which of all other states was most esteemed of by the Spaniards for if they should once have lost it it would be hard for them to recover it again for that the King of Spain had no other Territories joyning upon it wherein to raise necessary succors the honour of their Army would be lost and they should runne hazard of losing all they had in Italy For the Passages being shut up to any succour from Germany and the succours from Spaine being weake and uncertaine the Protestants of Italy might easily drive the Spaniards from out their Countrey and particularly out of the Kingdome of Naples the subsistance whereof as also all the Spanish Grandezza in Italy depended upon the State of Milan At the newes of these preparations the Duchesse of Savoy who was a very couragious Princesse began notwithstanding to be somewhat apprehensive for she very well
fore-saw that Piemont was likely to be the Sceance whereon all the Warre betweene those two Crownes was to be acted She called her Counsell together and advised upon what was fitteâ—â— to be done upon the present and did openly declare That though she were the King of France his Sister yet she was Mother to the Duke of Savoy and that she thought her selfe more concerned in her Sonne then in her Brother The present affaires were had in consultation and very well discust It was generally agreed upon by all that if they might be suffered to be Neuters and not to declare themselves for either partie it would be the wisest course they could take The bringing of the Cardinal into the government was also discoursed of to which some were inclined for if he shold come thither the King of France his Forces might be prejudiced by assistance from Spaine and doubtlesly the French turning their threats into handsome desires and efficacious promises would rather indeavour to divert the Duchesse from siding with the Spaniard and to hold good correspondency with her Brother then exasperate her against them and peradventure this would have beene the best resolution they could have put on But there were in it such difficulties as it behoved them to leave the thought thereof for besides that the government of one so neere of blood to the Heire afforded cause of jealousie the Duchesse as are all other Princes being desirous to be chiefe in the government and not to admit of a Companion would not give way thereunto But that which did chiefly hinder the taking such a resolution was the King of France his protestation who threatned that if the Piemontois should take the Cardinal into the State belonging to the Duke of Savoy he would presently wage Warre with them and the French being already masters of the strongest and most important passages of Savoy and Piemont they would straightwayes have brought that State into evident danger They likewise fore-saw that they were not to ground their hopes upon assistance from Spaine for though the French should be beaten which would not easily be done if they should really intend such a Warre it was not to be doubted but that whilest the Spaniards warred in Piemont those Townes which should have escaped the insolencies of the French would have tasted the Spaniards indiscretion and so much the rather for that they had not as then any hope to carry the Warre on the other side the Mountaines for the French being possest of Casalle and the greatest part of Montferrat it would require some time to drive them from thence and therefore the Warre would be maintained in the bowells of Piemont to the great prejudice of those Inhabitants They being then of two evills to chuse the least resolved to put themselves totally upon the protection of France and to this purpose the Marquis Parelo was sent by the Duchesse to her Brother to desire succour and assistance although this was knowne to be a hazardous resolution for not being able to put themselves into the protection of France without receiving the French into their strong holds they would not be easily got to forgoe them so as either by permitting them to Lord it there the Dukes authoritie must be lost or else the Spanish Forces which most apprehended this neighbour-hood if they should endeavour to drive them out by force the State of Piemont would first be ruin'd by their encamping and if afterwards things should happen successefully and the Spaniards be brought into that State they would have the better pretence to keepe it as the purchase of their Swords Whence it is easily seene what prejudice such States receive as have Infants for their supreme Lords But as the Austrians prepared by all meanes possible to ruine France so were not the French idle in contriving how to countermine the Spaniards cunning which they much apprehended and at the same time that the Spaniards built their designes upon the Prince of Savoy the French who confided very much in Duke Waymers valour began to lay the foundations of their future Fabrick So as Waymers Army being much increased by recruits from France and by moneys he had received from them wherewithall to satisfie the Dutch he thought it no longer time to keepe idle in his quarters but fore-going them in Chapell and the Countrey of Fistemberg he kept the Fields with his united Army in those Territories which caused the Austriâ—â—s to doubt whether he intended to march against Bavaria or else to enter Rhetia to revenge the injuries done to Rohan Divers were their suspitions and their discourses divers but whilst every one not without much feare stood expecting where this blow should fall foreseeing some mischiefe Waymer on the sudden and unexpectedly came before Rinfield which in his absence was againe taken by the Austrians where he planted his Cannon and according to his wonted diligence playd upon the Walls So as though the Towne were well defended by a good Garrison yet it not being a place fit to resist the moderne violences of the Pick-Axe and Mines it was not able to be maintained many dayes without sudden fitting relief The Imperiall Commanders whose Forces were increased by succours sent from Bavaria and Franconia thought it not honourable for their Prince nor that it became their reputation to suffer such a Citie besieged but by a few to be lost whilst they looked on mature deliberation being had in the Councell of Warre concerning what was to be done it was resolved that Duke Savell and Iohn de Wert should goe to the succour of it they therefore marched with their Army which consisted of about 12000 fighting-men in good order to effect their purpose But being advertised that Speureter one of their Colonells was come to about Lindaw and Constance with 4000 Souldiers with command to joyne with them they resolved to expect his comming before they went any further Therefore they haulted in Obercal Schoma and Lomat Villages betweene Friburg and Rinfield and by great fires gave notice to the besieged that they were upon their march to succour them to the end that they might be the more constant in maintaining the Towne They afterwards dispatcht away Posts to Speureter to hasten his comming to them continuing their resolution of succouring the Towne and in Battell Array advanced towards the Swedish quarters Waymer being advertised by his Spies that the Imperialists were not strong enough to effect this designe sent some Troopes of Horse and two Regiments of Foot on this side Rhyn and doubling the Guards on that part continued his Siege no wayes fearing the Enemy The Caesarians seeming as if they would turne toward Laâ—fâ—mburg that by taking that Towne which was not fit to resist the Cannon they might become Masters of the passage over the Rhyn unexpectedly fell upon the stations guarded by the Swedes who surprised by this accident and not being able to withstand the furious assault given by the
Candalle being not long before dead of a Feaver who commanded there in Chiefe Hee by orders from the King made Monseiur de Toures Governour thereof hee who whilst Charles Duke of Mantoa lived was Generall to his Highnesse in Mantoa By this time the actions of the Cardinall of Savoy and of his Brother were generally murmured at for that being exasperated against the State of their innocent Nephew they made it the scean of so bitter and unhappy a warre and because the Nobility and common people being divided some did secretly adhere unto the Princes and did also manifest their resolutions some kept constant to the Dutchesse thinking it absolute fellony to forsake her who was their Dukes Governesse and represented his person so all parts were full of horror and confusion some fearing to be punished by the Dutchesse and the French others being frightned at the Princes threats backt by the Spaniards And the Princes pretending to have law on their side in their laying claime to what could not be denyed them and being therein much more confirmed by a late Declaration made by the Emperor wherin he declared the late Dukes last will and Testament as null invalid and the pretences of the two just Princes they printed a Manifesto in Asti conteyning all the reasons why they were forced to endeavour by force of arms to get the Guardian-ship of the Duke their Nephew answerable to the Lawes of the State and did therein afterwards signifie how that whatsoever the Dutchesse had done as Governesse to her Sonne was invalid as in particular the League she had made with her Brother the King of France And they ordained upon paine of life and the danger of incurring high Treason that no Subject whatsoever should for the time to come take part with the Dutchesse nor obey her They likewise declared the orders of the Annuntiata and of the Crosse of Saint Maurice and Lazarus conferr'd by the Dutchesse upon divers Cavalliers to be null and of no validity unlesse they should come at the same time to have those orders confirmed by them as also that the Governours of all Towns should acknowledge them for their superiours and come and receive the confirmation of their governments from them otherwise if they should remaine in their obedience to the Dutchesse they should be understood as guilty of High Treason forfeite their Honours and their Estates The Sweeds being inhartened by the taking of Zuicka and having thereby secured the passes over the Mulda upon any occasion of retreat they came with part of their army before Freiberg that by the taking thereof they might the easilier enter into Saxony but as this was a place of great moment to the Elector of Saxony so did hee employ all his Forces to the defence thereof and some of his troopes joyning with Marcini they marched thitherward to releive it as they did For Bannier not having made any considerable Works or Trenches about it nor having men enough to fight it behoved him to retreat So to shun the necessity of giving battle having formerly stood a charge upon his reere wherein he suffered some losse and he himselfe was lightly hurt with an Harquebuse But if the Sweeds were not pleased with the businesse of Freiburg they recovered the losse they there received by their good successe at the same time before Demmin which they had besieged some moneths before For the Town being reduced to great extreamity yeilded upon parley to the Sweedes who having hereby made themselves Masters of all Pomerania wherein they had many uselesse Garrisons they drew from thence as many people as they could and marched towards Bannier who being gone from his former quarters was retreated towards Aldemberg to expect those recruits Marcini invited thereunto by his good successe and encouraged the more by this retreate pursued him with more daring then forces to Valtheim For Bannier expecting the succour which was already upon their march towards him did cunningly by his retreate entice the enemie after him that they might be so farre engaged in their pursuit as not to be able to shun battle wherein he might have his deupon them But his expected succour not appearing though he knew they made long marches he intrencht himselfe neere the River Scope which runs between Chimnits and Freyburg not farre from whence Marcini also haulted to expect the arrivall of some Troopes which were comming to his succour from Bohemia and that he might not engage himself any further for the losse of Demmin being of great consequence and all those people marching towards Bohemia he fore-saw he should incurre some mischiefe without a greater strength Letters were therefore with all diligence dispatcht away to Vienna to solicite the hasting away of men that were raised in Morania Hungary and else-where as also to desire that the Emperour would come to Prague by whose presence the people there would not be a little sollaced they being much mastered by fear confusion by reason of the Swâ—eds great preparations Concerning which having had many consultations the Councellors were irresolute in their resolves doubtfull in what they should pitch upon and troubled in their thoughts For this Warre not being to be maintained without money from Spaine nor yet to be mannaged handsomely without the whole Caesarian Forces both these were known to be prejudiciall For the forces of the Empire could not be divided without giving distast and prâ—judice to the Spaniards nor any moneys being to be received from Spaine without imparting some Dutch aide to the King of Spaines Dominions The Dutch therefore complained of being brought to such a condition as they must refer themselves to the pleasure of the Spanish State Ministers who they affirmed had beene the cause of the loss of Brisacke not only by having deteyned Picolomeni and Lamboy in Flanders in a time when they should have made use of their succour and which they joyning with Ghets might have effected but by not consenting to send some Italian Forces into Alsatia to save that important place which was the key of the Empire and the losse whereof was so prejudiciall to all Germany being earâ—estly desired so to doe Some therefore exclaimed bitterly agaâ—nst them and prest that all their Forces might be sent for from Flanders that so they might tend their owne welfare before the wel-fare of others But the Spaniards who knew how prejudiciall it would be to them to be deprived of the Dutch assistance behaved themselves dexterously with those that were of their party And they likewise knowing what loss they were likely to undergoe without the support of moneyes from Spaine the Emperours Coffers being empty no contribution being to be had from the harrassed Country nor so many armies being therein to be maintained the sequell was that the one and the other of them concealing and cloaking their distasts according to exact policy they applyed all their consultations to the common interest Many notwithstanding wondred that the Spaniards who
of Gustavus Horne to take in Dam a place not far from Stettin standing upon a little River called Plana which being manned by five hundred Austrians and wanting moderne Fortifications compounded upon the first sight of the Swedish Cannon and went himselfe in person with the rest before Newgarten a little Towne walled about upon the side of a little Lake derived from the River Hamerbeck and wherein were about foure hundred Souldiers in Garrison he in two dayes made himselfe Master of it then running over that slip of land which lies betweene the aforesaid River of Hamerbeck and the River Meltanne he tooke Criffenburg a Towne watered by Rega and Triptoe seated on the utmost parts of Pomerania towards the sea upon the banks of Meltanne which without any contestation yeilded on the other side Gustavus Horne repassing over the Oder quickly tooke in Costin Freinwalt Anchan and Ockermand all of them walled Townes of Pomerania beyond the Oder towards the West and all of them guarded by Imperiall Garrisons which being only fortified by ancient Rampiers and high Towers suddenly compounded and the greatest part of those Souldiers who amazed at the prosperous successe of the Swedes knew not whether to flye for safety enrolled themselves under the Swedish Colours passing from hence he likewise won Passevalke Barth and Grimmen places which though of small defence yet for the Imperialists to retreat unto Then considering that if the prop of Griffenhaghen should be taken from the Imperialists the rest of the Townes which were held in those parts by the Romanists would be much weakned he came before Honigsberg a Town walled about after the ancient manner and guarded by five hundred Souldiers seated in the furthermost part of Pomerania upon the Confines of Maria nova he took it in three dayes There came in moreover to his obedience Lippin by the side of a little Lake from whence the River Mizaell takes its rise Arsnsnalde a Towne upon the shore of Ina Bernsheine a Towne upon the same River and Bâ—rwalde which lyes betweene Mizell and Ronigsberg all of them weakely walled about after the ancient manner and of small resistance The fame of the Swedes proceedings being this meane while spread abroad in France and England whereat these two Crownes did much rejoyce The King of Great Brittaine whom the restitution of the Palatinate much concerned solicited the promised Levy which being begun by foure thousand Foot destined for the King of Swethlands service and furnishing him with good summes of Money he tyed himselfe in streighter bonds or friendship with him the French likewise who for the interest of State coveted this diversion by the which they might the more easily succour Montferrat and which was the proper way to moderate the Spaniards greatnesse which growing more powerfull did more and more covet the Universall Monarchie and filled all the Potentates of Europe with Jealousie sent Mounsieur de Carnace Embassadour to the King of Swethland as well to congratulate his happy entry as to make good what he had promised him before his marching which Embassadour was by the King received with great alacrity and after some short negotiations a League was concluded betweene these two Crownes the 22. day of January in the yeare 1631. in the Campe at Barwalde the grounds whereof were That the Princes who were oppressed by the Austrian Faction should be restored to their former States Townes and liberty and that for the maintenance of this War his most Christian Majestie would pay every yeare foure hundred thousand Dollars This agreement being of no small support to the Swedish affaires as well for the reall assistance as for the reputation got by the friendship of so puissant a King to the which many German Princes as also Forreners ought to have had respect before they should have undertaken to have assisted the Imperialists was magnificently solemnized with the greatest demonstrations of joy and jubile which by the Swedes could be exprest great Bonfires were made aswell in the Campe as in the Cities and Forts which they had won The Cannon was heard to go off incessantly for three nights together feasts and banquets were celebrated with all expression of joy the generall satisfaction caused by this new amity was every where easily to be discerned The King having likewise at the same time received three hundred thousand Dollars from the King of England and having notice how the people that were raised for his service to the number of two thousand Foot were under saile in the Haven of Dover under the conduct of the Marquesse Hamilton to go for Pomerania and finding his Army much inforced by many Leavies made by his Commanders in the neighbouring Provinces from which many of the Enemies Souldiers fled away he saw he was not now to refuse his good fortune but to march forward with his Forces to new Conquests his Army then being Mustered at Stettin in the presence of the French Embassadour was found to consist of about twenty thousand gallant Souldiers all well Disciplin'd and though the Imperiall Forces in Gratz Greffinhaghen did much oppresse Pomerania insomuch as he was desired by the Inhabitants to ease them of that burthen yet not approving to turne into those parts he held it better to passe with his Army into the Dutchy of Mechelburg and to get footing also in those parts aswell that he might draw neare the Landgrave of Hessen who having declared himselfe for the Swedish Party and made offer of his life and fortune unto the King gave pay unto eight thousand Souldiers as likewise that he might hold intelligence with Lubeck Hamburg and other Haunce towns which having driven the Imperialists from them he might much advantage himselfe by them for they were stored with people and with Money and 〈◊〉 many Protestant Princes had withdrawne themselves thither for shelter from the fury of the Imperialists who had then seized upon their Provinces where together with those helpes he should receive no little advantage by the rising of those Inhabitants who for the publique liberty would not refuse to spend such wealth as they should bring with them which they could not better lay out then for the recovery of their Countrey and the maintenance of the publique quiet Hereunto was added that the Dutchy of Mechelburg coasting upon Pomerania and the Marquessat of Brandenburg the latter was thereby the more secure and the Elector taking pretence from the Armies at hand of the King his Brother in Law thereby to free himselfe from Caesars obedience he sound it would be no hard matter to get him to declare himselfe the King was moreover hereunto moved by the alliance of the Dukes his Nephews of that name for being dispossest by the Imperialists and their States conferred upon Walesteine a private Subject it was a thing that could not be suffered either by the King or by the Princes nor by the Haunce Townes He therefore imbarqued his Army at Stettin the sixth of September
go in person to Gripswould not so much to strengthen Horne as to give Audience to certaine Embassadours and other Ministers of State touching businesses of great importance Tilly beleeving by this retreat that the King was afraid and that he rather intended to looke homewards then to advance further brought his Army before Tangermund forced it to surrender and won diverse other places of no great consideration and judging it not then fitting time to lye before strong holds which would require much time and great expence both of men and money when the Protestants grew stronger in all parts He advised with his Commanders and it was generally agreed upon that they would wage War with the Landsgrave of Hessen as with one who having declared himselfe for the King was busie in raising of Forces to the no little pressure of the Austrians for this Gentleman being a young couragious Prince given to love War Master of a State in the midst of those Provinces which kept their alleageance to the Emperour if his Forces should encrease they ought the more to have an eye upon him for that he held good correspondency with the States of Holland which republique was much encreased in power and reputation of Warre so as that he would not only prove a great diversion to their proceedings but would have still kept the Romane Catholiques in those parts in worke for the greatest part of the Townes which confined upon him appertaining to the Electors of Cullen Mentz and to the Bishops and Princes of Munster Paâ—erborn Fulda and other Fewdatories of the Empire weake of themselves to contend with so Fresh an Army it either behooved the Emperour answerable to his Obligation to assist them with a strength of people in their defence by which the Forces of the other Armies which were in the field against the Swedes would be much dimembered and divided or else it could not be shunned but that these might by some prejudiciall agreement defend themselves from the War wherewith they were then threatned He therefore thought it agreeable to the rules of Command first to secure himselfe on this side rather then by his Armes to make Saxon declare himselfe since that words were of no availement that the Protestants being bereaft of this leaning stocke and of the hopes which they might conceive upon the diversion of so great a Prince he might easily come to fight with the King and drive him from the places he had possest himselfe of The Landsgrave being therefore out of his owne Dominions as gone in person to the Campe before Gripswould to conferre and treate with the King Tilly thought he might do well by a complementing Letter to put the Landsgraves Subjects in mind of their Masters errour who puft up with too much youthfull hear had forgone his alleageance to the Emperour and joyned himselfe with a stranger Prince whose only drift was to bring ruine upon those miserable and innocent people So as they foolishly embracing these unsubsistancies went astray from the good way putting themselves upon narrow and dangerous paths and that therefore they ought no more to receive him backe for that he would send them sufficient ayde to confirme their quiet and establish their liberty But these words working little effect with those people who very well knew they could not withdraw themselves from the subjection of their lawfull Lord and Master without submitting themselves to the Government of another they did but laugh at Tillyes promises and threats and prepared themselves for defence The King this meane while comming himselfe in Person into the Campe at Gripswould he rejoyced the hearts of all the Army as doth a timely shower the scorched up ground and by this time the besieged finding themselves weakened and the Swedes with their Galleries and Traverses advancing even into the Ditch and seeing the generall assault which in the presence of their King they were preparing to give them they yeilded the Towne upon condition that the Garrison might march forth with their Armes Baggage and two Peeces of Cannon after which being advertised how the Dukes of Mechelburg who after the losse of their State usurped from them by the Emperour had retired themselves to Lubeck a Hauns Towne and one of the chiefe Cities of Germany upon the Trave had answerable to the agreement raised a pretty Force of Horse and Foot he thought the occasion fitting to re-place those Princes in their Dominions Whereupon leading his Army on to this purpose he tooke diverse places and Townes which were yet held by the Imperialists opening the way for the said Princes to returne into their owne Countries and totally driving all the Imperiall Forces out of such Cities and Townes as belonged to them which it was easie for the King to do for the greatest part of the Roman Catholiques having withdrawn themselves from that Province knowing how hard it would be for them to maintaine those Townes had betooke themselves to the defence of Rostock and Weismar which being moreover very well fortified their Patrimonies would be by their meanes easily preserved and be afterwards much helped to drive the Swedes away from the places they had taken when the Roman Catholiques Army should by them have received any advantage all the other Townes being then come in unto the King and he knowing that these two Cities whilst they kept themselves for the Emperour did make all undertakings upon that State invalide for that all the rest of the Provinces being an open champion and not furnished with places of safe refuge they should upon any approach of the Imperialists be enforced to forgoe their Quarters in those weake Townes and the Austrians by means of these two places whereunto they might retreate might easily keep the Dominion and possession of them and so not be totally dispossest He resolved to fortifie Anclam a place strongly seated upon the River Pene in the Navell of Pomerania not far from the Lake of Grosse Haff by the which securing unto himselfe the Neighbouring Country this place was of no small moment Having taken such order as he thought convenient for the taking of these before which he left Banniere with about Sixe Thousand Souldiers he re-placed the Dukes his Nephewes in their Dominions and making the Inhabitants sweare fealty to them he thought it not good to tarry longer in those parts but to returne to Pomerania and by the advancement of his Forces to get Saxony to declare himselfe and to endeavour new acquisitions the which he did not only by reason of Tillies absence promise unto himselfe but that by this Invasion he should occasion such diversion as he should force Tilly to forsake his designe upon the Landsgrave Raising thus his Campe from before Gustrow a Towne seated in the Center of that Province defended by no very exact ancient Wals and watered by Nuball upon which great Barkes do sayle even to Rostock he made hast to Berlin and from thence sending his Army towards Borth he
Caesar. The Elector was much troubled at this Embassy and being much amazed he called together his Councell of State before he would give his answer where the Austrian proceedings being narrowly examined and the Elector being found to suffer much in his reputation by such like pretences he being a free Prince and Lord over his owne and finding that this was a very fit occasion to draw from him a manifestation of those injuries which he pretended to have received and an opportune time to free himselfe of those jealousies which the greatnesse of the House of Austria had caused in him he using but few words told Shamburg that he had alwayes been a good Servant to his imperiall Majesty and had alwayes shewed his affection to his dignity and that he did not know any occasion he had given Caesar to complaine that he would alwayes continue the same but that to declare himselfe in this present immergency now that a puissant and numerous Army was incampt so neere his State would be a means to draw the warre upon himselfe which he ought not to doe that therefore he would still keepe himselfe a Newter and that he would not be faulty to his Caesarian Majesty in any duty which he acknowledged to owe him Shamburg returned to Tilly who exceedingly longed to heare what answer he would bring backe and when he had heard it was no wayes pleased with it but thought he had the meanes in his owne hands to bring the Elector to doe what he desired by force if his proffers words and protestations would not prevaile He therefore resolved to rise from Hall and to set upon such townes of the Dukes as were in the circuit of the Sall having to this purpose sent all his Horse into the Saxon Territories He with his foot incamped himself before Naumberg a place watered by the Sall not farre from Lipsick he raised two Batteries against it and the place being but meanly man'd and fortified he in two dayes took it from thence pursuing his victory he possest himselfe of Weisnfeld Neremburg and all the neighbouring Castles and being come neer the gates of Leypzicke he in friendly manner demanded refreshment and contribution monyes of the Citizens and that they would suffer his Souldiers to quarter within their wals This news being come to the Elector did much puzzell him and his Councell he knew no other remedy but either to give way to the Imperialists forces since his owne Army was not sufficient to defend so large a Territory and which wanted necessary strong holds or else to put himselfe into the Swedes protection much discourse being had hereupon it was thought at last that it would be better for the Electour and more for his reputation to defend himselfe against his Enemies then basely as if he were overcome to yield unto their desires yet some that were present at the Consultation wisely ballancing the affaires were of opinion that he should rather yield to Tillyes desires then draw upon him Caesars ill will alleadging the little good the Palatine Denmarke and others had of late got by doing the contrary That the King of Sweden was a stranger Prince who had but few helpes lesse a great deale then those who had formerly undertaken the same that he wanted the Sinnews of money and that he chiefly relyed upon hopes from others that one onely blow would make him make hast backe to Sweden and leave those unwary ones to the pleasure of Caesars Sword who had unluckily beene by him perswaded and had followed his fortune That Ferdinands Forces were big with reputation and by their so many Victories and Conquests had established unto themselves a large foundation that the tree could not be pluckt up which being fast rooted by many adherents and so great Subsistency greater forces then its owne not lesser were requisite to move it That wise Princes ought alwaies to reflect upon the events which were not to suffer any youthfull examination That warre was alwayes to be shund when the entertaining of it could not be but prejudiciall that by the sole forces of the Electorat sufficient resistance could not be made that therefore they must demand helpe from the Swedes to whom they must grant that which they now deny unto the Emperour that it had been wont to be held dangerous to call in Auxiliary forces since what is by them defended from the injuries of others is by them pretended unto as if they had wonne it and therefore 't is seldome seen that they forsake such places as are given to them for Caution Others said that the Emperour was got to too great a height that such greatnesse ought not to be tolerated much lesse fomented by wise Princes That the Austrians were known to be declared Enemies to their Sect and consequently to that Dukedome whereunto under a pious pretence of introducing the Romish faith they would bring their armies and therewithall use such Charity as they had done elsewhere That the greater the Roman Catholicks grew the Protestants went so much the lesse that the comming of the King of Sweden was acknowledged to be miraculous and to be a divine punishment to those who in their victories abusing fortunes-favour cloath'd themselves with too much ambition that nothing else was to be beleived for fortune cannot chuse but smile on the bold adventures of a warlike King that such Commanders were great helpes to their Armies that past examples had shewed them how prejudiciall a thing it is to let go the occasion of keeping those low whom we feare as was proved in the insurrection of Bohemia for if the Palatine keeping himselfe in his regall throne had given bounds to the Austrian power the name of Elector would have been more reverenced that it hath been held a maxime that we should not be unmindefull to assist the weaker to the end that the ballance being kept even the greater weight may not fall upon ones owne weaknesse that the intentions of the Austrians were not now unknowne that now was the time to moderate their designes and to shake off that yoake which if they should resume they would not so easily finde a hand to ease them of it Harnem the Dukes Generall was therefore dispatch'd away to the King who keeping fast in his station did longingly expect what would be the end of Tillyes designe upon the State of Saxony Harnem was received by the King with great demonstrations of love as hee alwayes used to receive those that came unto him for he much coveted to captivate mens good wils by kindnesse and affability being wont to say that the love of Souldiers and other men was thereby more won then by severe gravity Harnem having made known unto him what the Austrians proceedings had been against the Duke his Master and what their vast designes were intreated him in his Masters name that his Majesty would send him assistance and come to the succour of Leypzik the losse whereof would not onely prove
the said Peroni for having brought a vertuous or man of worth to serve him for so small wages saying you Florentines had best exercise those your good husbandries with Italians and not with me who abhor to have the learned at so cheap a rate So great a friend was hee to unaccustomed greatnesse hee gave order hee should have forthwith paid unto him for his journy which was but ten Dutch Leagues 400 Dollers and that he should be furnished with a Coach and six Horses and gave unto him a stipend of 2000 Crownes a year to be paid him before hand his Coach and all other requisites being maintained to his hand He so inamored all men with these his magnanimous actions as it was noted he had got unto him the most famous men in all sciences that our age produced and many a privat Souldier for doing some one remarkable act hath been by him in one day preferred to a Captaines place and they have had monies assigned unto them sufficient to maintaine them in that dignity wherby hee did not onely make those observant of him who were so raised by him but did by their examples attract others out of hopes of faring alike so as all his Souldiers strove who should most please him by their worthes and valours not by flatteries and other indirect meanes whereby the good will of many in these corrupt times are wonne By equall rewarding valour he allayd the pretensions of such as were of great birth wonne the good will of the people and making those his favourites who had particular dependency upon him he made himselfe be the more reverenced and bridled the ambition of great personages for to conferre favours onely upon such as are nobly discended makes the meaner sort dispaire To this purpose he had wont to say that worth and vallour did not consist in a spruce-beard in a well-ordered head of haire nor yet in titles of birth and greatnesse but in a dauntlesse spirit and ready hand Hee perfectly detested Ceremonies and feigned Complements too much used now adayes in Courts and therefore he had wont to laugh at those who would bow too low and cringe unto him and mocking them would say this would do well at Rome where a man may catch a cold with standing an houre bareheaded with his hat in his hand upon Indeed Sir it shall be yours Hee also liked not many words used by Lords or other novices in warre in the proffering of their service insomuch as at last he denyed to give audience to any such letting them know that valiant and faithfull actions were the meanes whereby to please a Prince and that thererefore in their service they shoud testifie their valour which would be the most pleasing visit they could make to him yet failed he not to make his Officers welcome all forreigne Cavaliers with much civillity and to reward their good service Neither did he this so much for the aforesaid reasons as for that he very well knew how great an enemy familiarity is to respect and particularly in his case who having formerly had much acquaintance and many comerades who thought themselves therein now to be happy he could not but say that domestickenesse cancelling respect did detract from the splendor of his place and from such observance as his eminency required and that he had rather his commands should be observed by his Officers as Counsels then as orders of his power He severely punished every least default which though it got him the name of cruell yet he valued it not saying this was the true way not to mischiefe his men for he who saw a small fault punisht would the more apprehend the punishment of a greater and this feare becomming the rudder whereby the ship of their actions was steered kept the course therof streight upon the Haven of obedience and of their Masters favour he caused one that waited on him in his Chamber to be hang'd for waking him contrary to his order he banished a Souldier out of his Army for having no bootes on this his severity seemed to many to be tyrannicall and barbarous cruelty but in the hidden secrets of his maximes 't was found to be a discreet piece of wisedome for such events were the Trumpets which banish't Cowards from his Camp and was so wholsome an electuary to the fearefull as many lest they should meet with death through their owne negligence became hardy and one feare drove out another yet did he moderate this bitternesse of his government by the sweet of his rewards of the which he was as liberall as he was prodigall of punishment The end of the third Book The Warres and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE IV. BOOK The Contents of the Fourth Booke Duke Weymar in Swabenland affrights Tiroll withdrawes and joynes himselfe with the King before Nurenberg Charles Duke of Loraine being environed by the French promises to forbeare taking up Armes for the Austrians His consultation He secretly holds intelligence with the Spaniard adheres to the Duke of Orleance conspiracy against the King his Brother Duke Momerancy is routed tane prisoner and beheaded Ernestus Count Montecuculi is dispatcht away to defend Alsatia is routed by the Swedes The Duke of Wirtenberg not satisfied with the Austrian Ministers of State declares himselfe for the King of Swedes His reasons and resolutions Horne goes to the enterprise of Alsatia His proceedings The Imperialists enter Lusatia their proceedings The Duke of Orleans perswaded by his Favorit Pilleran flyes out againe from the obedience of the King his Brother and retires to Flanders Treveres is taken by the French The Hollanders in the siege of Mastricke defend themselves valiantly against the endeavours of Pappenheims Army and take the Townâ— The proceedings of George Duke of Lunenburg in the Dukedome of Brounswyck The Swedish and Imperialists Armies keep still before Nurenberg fight fiercely in their Trenches Treason discovered in the Roman Catholique Camp The King of Swedes rises from before Nurenberg Walesteine doth the like their proceedings Gustavus Horne from Alsatia enters Bavaria the Duke thereof and Aldringer hasten to the defâ—nce thereof The Country people in the upper Austria make insurrection The King of Swedes at Erfart his counsels conceptions and resolutions he marches towards Walesteine desires battell which is not by the Romanists refused both Armies come to a pitcht field before Letzen the King dyes BOth the Chieftaines of the Armies remained constant in their opinion of confounding their Enemies Walesteine desired to raise the King and to besiege Nurenberg The King resolved to maintaine it and to raise the Romanists Army they each entertaine other dayly with skirmishes and other slight incounters when Duke Weymar having indeavored the taking of Lindaw in Swabenland being come even to the gates of Vbberlingen and Cell Townes seated upon the Bodem Sea in the uttermost easterne parts thereof failing in his intentions which was to surprise the said Fort and thereby
suggestions of the Spanish Ministers of State to keepe quiet within his owne dominions and peacefully to injoy that which hee could not so easily preserve in warre These reasons though very strong and such as the Duke had hee been wise should have followed were neither embraced nor rejected but the greater part of his Councell who were wisely by the Spaniards kept partiall on their side either by pensions hopes or promises thinking it not fit to forgo the friendship and protection of the Austrian party for any pretence or threats of the King of France grounding their hopes upon the event of the secret practice held by the Spaniard by the Duke of Orleans and other Princes of France which was to raise new troubles in France whereby they might inlarge their owne limits said Peace was alwayes good where Warre was harmfull as it was likewise alwayes prejudiciall when by the idlenesse thereof ruine was well-nigh caused that wise men ought to observe the meanes how to secure their dominions which was not to be done by suffering their neighbours to increase in power that Princes were alwayes in suspition either to be treated as vassalls or to lose their estate when they suffered themselves to be brought into the bosome of one greater then themselves That France was no more powerfull then it was daily indeavouring to increase its power that the memory of their pretensions upon Lorayne a faire Jewell for the Crowne was of great efficacy that fit occasions to weaken such Forces as we stand in feare of ought not to be let slip when the permitting of them may cause jealousie that it was better to hazard ones selfe in warre then to be sure to lose all in peace that inferiour Princes thought it a great advantage to have a sanctuary whereunto to fly when they are injured by their superiours that nothing could preserve Lorayne from the ambition of the French but protection from Spaine that it might be said to be lost between the Swedish and the French Forces that reason of State would have Alsatia preserved Burgundie kept flourishing Flanders strengthened and France troubled that the King wanting issue was lesse observed by his subjects that such successours as were most adhered unto by the unstable and wavering multitude had reason to hope well that therefore Orleans ought to be fomented and that it was safer to follow the Austrian party then by fearing the French Forces to grant them that which would be more profitable to deny them Although these reasons prevailed much with the Duke who was sufficiently thereunto inclined and did lively worke upon the affection which he bore the Imperiallists occasioned by the good entertainment he had received from them whilest he was a Voluntier in their Armies against the Count Palatine during the life of his Unckle Duke Anthony yet for that the fiercest spirits are sometimes kept under by the scourge or rod of the more powerfull fearing the inundation of the French upon his State who were already in readinesse and had a good will thereunto he by the advise of his Councell resolved upon a peece of cunning which was to satisfie the King with complements and faire words and with all outward appearance which might make him forbeare his threats and to conceale the ill will he bare him to a fitter occasion And for that the French a Nation of all others of a more nimble spirit boldnesse of minde and unquiet disposition are hardly pleased or contented with the idlenesse of peace but still desiring novelty is oft times prodigall of its wisedome and runs without foundation to graspe at shadowes which to their passion seeme bodies those that had seduced the Queene Mother to absent her selfe from the Court and to put her selfe into the hands of the Spaniard being still distasted with the present condition of affaires and thinking they should be more esteemed of when they were forth of the Kingdome then when in it having likewise wrought upon the Duke of Orleans the Kings only brother to incense him against the Cardinall Richelieu an officer of State to whom the whole government of the Kingdome being committed did faithfully governe it and with so much advantage as France had never before knowne upon pretence that the authority wherewith this man was intrusted belonged better to a Brother then any other subject feeding him with vast hopes kept him still in Lorayne The Spaniards by whose knowledge all this businesse was set on worke considered how much the troubles of France would make for their greatnesse and the profit they might receive by the Civill discords of that Kingdome whose union was their jealousie and was only able to counter-ballance their desired ends and this so much the rather for that by reason of the French Forces falling downe upon the Frontiers of Germany they rationally enough suspected they might have called the Swedes into those parts to frighten the Roman Catholiques and consequently invite them to flye for protection to them whereby fencing themselves from being injured by the Protestants and without unsheathing their sword yea under a religious pretence this was a fitting meanes to possesse themselves of many Forts of great importance But it being foreseene by the wisedome of the Austrian Councell that this was the Center wherein the lines of many circumstances of reflection was to fall for that the getting of the French are such as are much facillitated by the peoples necessity who had no other meanes Spaine being growne too weake to defend themselves against the warre but by their protection and that as this would be a considerable addition to the greatnesse of France so would it be no small trouble to the Austrian power since it was not in good policy of State to be permitted Hence it is that many thinke they upheld the fearefull with hopes fomented the male-contents with Counsell and endeavoured to stirre such as were constant by feigned appearances so as these practises passing from one to another already infected with treachery as the Duke of Momerancy Dukes of Rohan and Delbeaf the Bishops of Vsiers Nismes and Besiers and many other principall subjects the businesse seemed already to have had a good beginning But on the one side they found the Swedes proceedings to be such as neither the German Forces nor yet the Forces of Flanders which were much weakened seemed to be any wayes able openly to second the commotions in France and that the straights whereinto they were by the Swedes reduced did not well comport with the irritating of France and thereby drawing upon them a dangerous warre and on the other side they considered that to passe by such an occasion as this whereby to moderate the greatnesse of France was to lose that wisedome which as the Pilot of the Spanish Counsels brought their resolutions oftentimes to a happy shore since wise Polititians ought never to abandon those undertakings out of feare which may suffocate feare nor embase themselves in those difficulties which
Sittaw and Guben two Townes paâ—ted by the River Neisse with divers other places weake in Defence and Garrisons yielded themselves to the Caesarians But the Duke of Saxony awakened by this invasion assembled all his Army which lay scattered in divers Townes and went against the Austrians who were not strong enough long to withstand him so as after some dayes defence they were necessitated to abandon Gubâ—n to surrender Sittaw and to quit other places they had tane The Saxons likewise possessed themselves of Freiberg watered by Polsnitz Sagan neere Bober and Glogaw watered by the Oder chiefe Cities in Slesia together with many other Townes which were forsaken by the Imperialists who got into Steinaw seated between Glogaw and Breslaw where they fortified themselves but being afterwards set upon by Harnem the Saxon Generall having first by their singular valour supplied the defects of their Bulworkes with the bodies of men they were inforced to yield whose example was followed by Lignitz a walled Town seated upon the Angle made by Ratsbach Schwartzwasser Rivers which taking their head not farre from thence joyne there and a little below fall into the Oder this Towne was taken by Kalchesteim a Saxon Colonell This meane while Maradas being joyned with Schamburg Count Mansfeild and Schaffâ—uts chiefe Commanders of the Emperours Army opposed the Swedes proceedings and Mustering their Forces which came to 14000 Souldiers and 12 piece of Cannon he thought it might make much for them to recover Steinaw hee saluted it with divers Cannon-shot and couragiously assaulted it and with many threates invited the Garrison to surrender the Towne as they basely did having had onely Thirty Great-shot made at them The taking hereof incouraged the Caesarians to undertake the winning of Glossaw a thing very much desired by them aswell for their owne honours as to satisfie Walesteine for it belonged unto him as being Duke thereof being afterwards informed that Tuball one of the Swedish Colonels was intrencht about it with a good body of an Army which would make their designe the harder they deserted the effecting thereof and some little skirmishes passing between the Swedes and them with equall successe they left a fitting garrison in the Fort and withdrew themselves to Breslaw the Metropolitan of Slesia a free Towne as are the other Hauns Townes of Germany rich and given to Merchandise by the traffique it holds with Poland but not much confiding in the Magistrate thereof and suspecting the faith of the Protestant Inhabitants fearing likewise to be set upon by the Swedes who made haste towards them they resolved to go to Neisse a place strongly but irregularly fortified and there to attend succour from Walesteine Their hopes being vanished to aire who built their greatnesse upon the ruines of France by the death of Momerancy by the punishment of the Rebels and by Monsieurs reconciliation and the Imperialists being filled with new fears through the formidable power of that now united and warlike Kingdome wavering in the uncertainty of their resolutions they openly declared themselves when new businesse being set on foot by the Spanish wisedome and a firme resolution taken to sow discord in France that they might thereby secretly enjoy their desired fruite they applyed themselves to the effecting thereof And for that whil'st Monsieur stayed in Lorayne his favourite Pilloran fell in love with the Dawager Princesse of Psalsburg Sister to Duke Charles love being of power sufficient to overcome what ever defence wisedome could make and the Princesse by secret messengers corresponding with him in his desires he gave himselfe so totally over to the hopes of this marriage by which his Condition would be not a little bettered and being much troubled at Momerancy's example thinking his person more considerable when out of France then when in it where he was not wel looked on by those who were faithful to the King making use of the credit he had with Monsieur raising him by new hopes to fresh undertakings troubling his thoughts with Momerancy's death and by putting him in minde that Princes how mercifull soever they be never forget the injurie of high Treason hee brought him againe to resolve of absenting himselfe the which he did by withdrawing himselfe againe into Lorayne where Pilloran hoping to make himselfe worthy of the Princesse Dowager by some service which he might doe to Duke Charles did negotiate and privatly conclude the marriage with the Princesse Margaret which as was very well knowne was yielded unto by the Spaniard that they might have the greater obligation upon the Duke in binding him to effect their desires that they might by this allyance oblige the affection of these Princes reciprocally the one unto the other and by this knot make both their hatreds to the King of France implacable and by the assistance of this State and the Forces thereof make fitting preparations for to trouble France and by the interposition of this State free Alsatia and the Palatinat from the power of that Crown Moreover the most Christan King being without issue and having but small hopes of any his Brother was to succeed unto him so as the making of his brother sure did not meanely import them whereby they might not onely afterwards ransome such Townes and Provinces of theirs as were fallen under the government of the Crowne of France but afford matter of thought to the subjects of that Kingdome who should take up Armes against the Kings onely Brother and Heire as well for the respect which is due to the blood Royall as likewise for feare lest he being afterwards possest of the Scepter of that Kingdome might remember such as had stuck unto the King Many were therefore of opinion that the Spaniards unwilling that he should stay in Lorayne where being so neere he might soone alter his determination and returne to France as by all possible art it was by the King indeavoured he should doe they wrought so with Duke Charles as that he should perswade Monsieur it were better for him to retire himselfe into Flanders for that by his stay in that his Dukedome the King might take occasion to threaten him the Duke of Lorayne and make Warre upon him whose Forces wanting the Austrians assistance were but weake that it was better to see the issue of the Emperours Armies under Walesteine then by buckling thereunto without a good foundation runne upon the like hazard with little hopes of good successe Monsieur being then perswaded by these reasons and much more confirmed therein by the advice of such as were of credit wiâ—h him not minding their policy went to Brussels to the great satisfaction of the Spaniards whose end as was said by some wise men was to keep him as an Hostage and under some specious pretence either of waging war against Languedoc or some such like thing to draw him into Spaine and so secure themselves by their keeping him aloofe from France from being unquieted thereby and that if their mentioned hopes should
the Enemies proceedings and intentions and for that by the good usage of such others may be invited to doe the same Crats who was a man of eminent place and much verst in the affaires of warre was in a small time preferred to be Marshall of that Army This new resolution of Crats who had alwayes been held to be of an uncorrupted faith seemed strange and afforded diversity of thoughts to many who deemed he might easily have delivered up unto the Swedes that City wherein he commanded in Chiefe and it did open the eyes of such and make them better advised who indeavouring to injure a man doe notwithstanding leave him meanes to revenge himselfe This plot not succeeding Holke marched towards Vilsbourg and Waymer that he might hinder him from taking of Neumarch sent Colonell Plat with 4000 Souldiers towards Wolfesteim some whereof met with the Crabats skirmisht with them and after a long fight with equall fortune there perished on both sides about 100 men The besieged in Brisach were not this meane while idle but made divers gallant Sallyes sometimes on this side sometimes on that side the Rhyn wherein they were still more couragious then fortunate The Duke of Lorayne having got together a Body of 8000 fighting men was ill advised by his Officers who had drawne him on with flourishing but fruitlesse hopes and was perswaded by that confidence which makes the greatest designes answerable to desire though hee was advertised by the Spaniards who were preparing in Lombardy to passe over into Alsatia not to take in hand any new designe till such time as they were come with their Forces to the Rhyn which being joyned with the Lorayners they did not onely thinke to drive the Swedes from thence but entering into Lorayne to defend that Dukedome from the Invasion of the French a businesse which tended much to their ends for by bringing their Forces into that state they did not onely thinke to hinder the French from breaking in thereinto which they should alwayes afterwards have feared in Alsatia and Luxemberg but putting Garrisons into Nancy Mota and other the best Townes of that State they should make themselves absolute arbitrators of that Princes will they should open the way to the Dutch Armies thorow this Country into France upon any occasion of breach they should make their journy more safe and short from Germany Italy and Burgundy into Flanders and assuring themselves that the French would not so easily bring their Forces upon the Rhyn nor set footing in Germany whilst Lorayne stood in defence of the Austrians who hardly quit those places they are once possest of and the Swedes being far from receiving assistance from that Crowne and invironed by the Imperialists they would make but small aboad in those Provinces which were slenderly inhabited uncultivated and already consumed by the misfortune of warre The Duke disquieted by the Counsell of those who were ambitious to shew their valour before the Spaniards should partake of their glory was perswaded to make his men advance into Alsatia and raise the Siege of Haghenaw Some are of opinion that the Duke was hereunto perswaded by some who depended upon France to the end that he breaking his promise made unto the King such an occasion might put the French upon the possessing themselves of that State before the Spaniards should come thither at which the French were not a litle troubled for that if the Spaniards should as they easily might nestle themselves here together with the re-inforcements which by the addition from Flanders Germany Burgunies and Italy they might receive and peradventure of some turbulent French these last the nature of whose nation it is to shew their â—icklenesse upon any the least pretence when they should have so secure a sanctuary to fly unto would have lesse respect to the duty they owe unto their King and openly manifest their ill intentions So as that France being on all sides invironed by the Spanish Forces injealousied by the Intelligence of Rebels kept by the Austrians from being succoured by their friends their Forces lessened by the Imperialists vast undertakings and warre being mantained in Lorayne Artois Alsatia and Burgondy might peradventure not be troubled with them Lorayne is oportunely situated upon Germany on the East side Burgondy on the South France on the West and Luxemberg on the North. the Lorayners being savoured by great windes and raine did on the tenth of August so bravely assault the Swedes who were advanced to â—faffen Hoven as at the very first encounter Roffawes Regiment of Horse being worsted by the Lorayne Horse faced about and by their retreat infusing fear into the rest occasioned no small harme unto themselves which might easily have been pursued had the Lorayne Commanders been more sufficient and not the Colonels Ransaw and Viston who were well experienced Gentlemen and commanded the Swedish Forces at this time Berchenfeild who had the charge of the field not being there used their valour and advisednesse for they instantly sent some horse into the Wood whether their Souldiers were fled who gave out that the grosse of the Enemies Body were on that side and that therefore there was no hope of escaping but by facing about to the other side which was made good but by a few of the Enemies those who through feare were formerly imbased being possest with this conceipt as it is usuall for men to believe that which they most desire spurr'd on towards the grosse body of the Loreynes hoping there to finde a more easie escape and comforted hereby did so farre advance as that the feare wherewith these were first possest passing to their adversaries who were amazed to see so strange a resolution and thinking it to proceed from desperation which ought oft-times to be feared they betooke themselves to their heels where being pursued though timerously and in disorder by the Swedes many of them were taken Prisoners amongst which were Monsieur de Fiorville and the Lord Minâ—ourt men of great account In this action that I may not tearm it a Battaile since there was no incounter of Armies but onely retreats there dyed on the one and the other side about 800 men the Loreyners left behinde them 6 pieces of Cannon and 100 Carriages of Baggage and Ammunition to the greater resentment of the Austrians then of the Duke himselfe for hereby they saw how the King of France might take occasion to wage Warre with Lorayne and prevent their comming thither by which their designes being discomposed they could looke but for little advantage from the Forces of that Duke nay rather they were to expect much of mischiefe from this his unadvised resolution for every Atchievement of France is a losse to Spaine The flight of some of Rossawes Horse which got into Strasbourg was so direfull tydings and occasioned such feare in those people as that the newes thereof arriving at the Swedish Campe before Brisach it gave them an allarm and made them
prepare to rayse the Siege that they might succour their Compagnions when hearing the truth of this last gotten Victory whilst the Trumpets with their Sourdets sounded to Horse they were again comforted every mans countenance was cheared the Cannons playd for joy and bowles of Wine went off apace The French perceiving more cleerly the Duke of Loraynes evill intentions by his continuing intelligence with the Austrians his hostile proceedings against the Colleagues his despising the Kings admonitions his violating of his promise made the yeare before unto his Majestie under his hand his complotting with the Enemies of France in businesses much prejudiciall to that Crowne and discovering more particularly how the Marriage was concluded betweene the Duke of Orleans and Princesse Margueret the Dukes Sister contrary to the Fundamentall Lawes of that Kingdome which inhibite Princes of the Blood to marry without the Crownes consent and thinking now that they had just cause to resent the Dukes actions which were altother contrary to his promises and finding moreover that the Duke of Feria was marching from Milan with an Army thitherward with intention when he should have relieved Brisach to come first into the strong holds of that State and by assisting of Flanders Burgondy and Germany to reduce the French affaires into a greater streight The Marshall De la Force with 20000 Souldiers without any further delay threw himselfe on the 20 of August into the midst of that Dukedome and without any contestation made himselfe Master of the Field and of all the neighbouring Towns whereupon the Duke astonished at this newes knowing himself not able to contest with the Forces of so great a King and fore-seeing moreover the ruine of his state if being obstinate to keepe in Nancy he should quit the Campania he resolved by the joynt Counsell of his Subjects since he could not contend with so great Forces to imbrace such courses as might rather tend to appease the King then to irritate him yet more He therefore recommended the care of that place to the Cardinall Nicola Francesco his Brother and he himselfe together with his Wife and Sister in Law withdrew himselfe to Remiremont towards the Confines of Burgondy and for that his Majestie of France was chiefly incenst that his Brother should Marry with the Dukes Sister and the Duke knowing that if the Princesse Marguerit should fall into the Kings hands before the Marriage should be consummated he would break the Match he resolved to send her disguised in Pages apparell attended upon by three of his most intimate Friends to her Husband into Flanders which insued without any interruption He afterwards sent the Cardinall towards the King who on the 19th of August met the King at Ponte Monson by whom he was graciously received The Cardinall humbly desired the King to pardon any thing that his Brother had done amisse or wherin that State was concerned which was rather ready to put it self under his Princely protection then to provoke his anger The King gave gracious eare to what the Cardinall said and replyd How that the Duke without any occasion had given himselfe over to very evill Councell that he had so oft broke promise with him as he could not now any longer trust him that therefore his firme intention was to secure himselfe of all the Dukes Forts and strong holds during the present Commotions in Germany and that he would have the Princesse Marguerit in his custody and that when these things should be willingly yeelded unto by the Duke he should then taste the effects of his Clemency The Cardinall having by these mannerly excuses moderated the Kings anger and saved himselfe from apparent danger was not notwithstanding herewithall satisfied as indeed it made but little for him for the King saw well enough that all this was but cunning to deferre the time till the Spanish Forces should be arrived wherefore the Cardinall seeing himselfe invironed on all sides by the French having no succour nigh and finding the Spanish promises not likely to take effect agreed to surrender up unto his Majestie the New Citie of Nancy to discard forthwith such people as were there in pay to indeavour that the Princesse Marguerit should be put into his Majesties hands and totally to relinquish the Austrian union But the Duke being after this agreement gone from Remiremâ—nt to Bisansor and causing no small jealousie in the French by the slow disbanding of his Forces as also that it appeared not that he would forgoe his addiction to the Emperour and the King being to boot with this much more offended by reason of the Princesse Marguerits escape he caused his Army to advance in sight of Nancy and sent his complaints interlaced with threats to the Duke who thinking he was able by dissembling the machinations of his desires to free the King from his suspition and being imboldned by the Cardinall Richeleius invitation to whom the King had intrusted the government of all these affairs who then was at Charnes upon the Mosell he resolved though not so advised by his Councellors to goe in Person and speake with him that so he might excuse himselfe and by humbling himselfe procure the safetie of his State since there was no hopes of maintaining it by force or by ayde from Spaine But the French who were little advantaged by their having the New Citie of Nancy whilst they wanted the Old the New Citie being so scituated as it was commanded by the other they resolved to secure themselves of the Old Citie likewise without the which they could not maintaine themselves in the New one The Cardinall after having reproached the Duke for his sinister comportments totally averse to the Rules of good State-government he in the Kings name demanded of him the Old Citie expressing an intention that when the Duke should make good his promises the King would courteously restore all unto him whose aimes were not to take what belonged to another but only to secure himselfe of such a ones loyaltie who by failing therein might prejudice the Crowne of France The Duke who very well knew how hard a matter it was to get strong holds out of the hands of powerfull men when they were once possest of them was not well pleased with this proposition but being much vext and troubled thereat indeavoured by reasons palliated with promises and other proffers to be therein excused but the Cardinall replying that his instructions were to secure himselfe likewise of the Old Towne which by all meanes he must have and threatâ—ning the Duke with some sinister successe if he would not willingly surrender it the Duke much confused and being on all sides invironed by the French forces knowing that he could not evade the blow â— likewise apprehending danger of his own life signed the agreement caused the Town to be delivered up into the hands of the Kings Officers but upon these conditions that neither should the Citizens be disarm'd nor the Duke
Brussels his great danger of being totally bereft of his Dukedome and yet resolving not to forgoe his good Intelligence with the Austrians desirous likewise not to see Lorayne fall into the hands of any others then some of his owne family pitcht upon new resolutions which were very considerable and thought to be very opportune had not he through this vizard looked upon another object and higher designe He therefore resolved to renounce his state to the Cardinall Francis Nicholas his Brother for that he being one that had beene no wayes faultie might easily find both pardon and favour from the King The Cardinall desired the Kings consent thereunto who graciously afforded it him Insomuch as it was reported this was done upon promise he should joyne in alliance with some such Prince as the King should approve of whereupon it was jestingly said it was with the Daughter of Charles Duke of Mantua and that he should really quit all intelligence with the Spaniards and with Duke Charles as those who caused jealousies and suspitions in the French But because these pretences were regulated by the Dukes agreement and the Austrians approbation as it was commonly said to delay time till fortune might look favourably upon the affaires of the Empire and the Spaniards not permitting that the Cardinall should marry with a Subject that depended upon France nor yet that submitting himselfe to the will of the French he should unherd himselfe from them and their protection and the streights wherein they found themselves being of moment herein they the more willingly set about it So as that the marriage which the King approved of might not take effect and that the new Duke might not forsake the Austrian partie they betooke themselves to new resolutions But being the resolutions of Princes when they are farre other then what they promise cloath themselves usually with artificiall honesty and goe beautified by some pretencâ— the true meanes to cover all breach of word Duke Charles wrought the matter so as that the Dutchesse his Wife should relinquish all her claime she had to that Dukedome as heire to Duke Anthony her Father and Charles his Uncle to her Sister the Princesse Claudia for that the Cardinall perswaded afterwards by reason that he should not be Duke if the Princesse Claudia as enfeoffed by the Dutchesse were descended out of the house of Lorayne that I say palliating by these excuses which were so advantagious to this so well woven peece of Art he might marry this Princesse and render the French designe vaine The Cardinall suffering himselfe thus unwisely to be governed by his Brothers interessed counsell and the like of his friends unprovidently and without the Kings knowledge or consent resolved upon this match which proving a great concernment to the French Commanders and Governours who very well knew how ill those Princesse and the people of those parts were inclined to them they sent speedy newes hereof to the Court and were advised to increase their guards and to watch more narrowly over the new Dukes proceedings On the other side this Duke judging by the new demeanour of the French and call'd on by his owne consideration to examine his interests found that he was to expect some new accident he judged it was not safe for him to tarry longer at Nancy where he was little better then a prisoner amidst so many guards nor yet to quit the State which by his assistance he hoped to preserve He chose a third way believed by himself and confident to be the most behovefull for the safety of his owne person upon all occasions and not to give jealousies to the French and this was to retire himselfe to Luneville a place begirt onely with bare Walls seated neare the Mosell ten Leagues from Nancy where the Dukes of Lorayne have their places of pleasure and are wont to recreate themselves with Hunting Under pretence of such disportment he went thither and being there answer came from France to the Letters formerly sent wherein was contained as was commonly reported that the French Commanders should have a diligent eye to secure the forth-comming of both their Highnesses that upon the occasioned appearances since the Dukes deeds differed from his words La Motta should be demanded of him a strong place situated upon a Rock that the Princesse Claudia should be sent to Paris and that the French might be permitted to put a Garrison into Luneville whereby they might keepe those Dukes from parting thence To performe this the Marshall Dela Force went to Luneville and in seemly and faire manner delivered his Embassy to the Duke who surprised with this unexpected accident granted Luneville but did immediately refuse to deliver up La Motta or to be deprived of his Wife upon reasons conformable to the agreement a little before made But the Marshall replying that this was his Commission and exhorting his Highnesse to submit unto the Kings will the Duke growing pale and complaining of violence replyed he had no other place to retire unto but La Motta that his Wife was given unto him for a Companion by God and that nothing but death should part him and her that the King might content himselfe with being Master of Nancy and of all the remainder of his State To which in conclusion the Marshall replyed I ought and will obey my King your Highnesse may doe well to aske counsell this night of your pillow I will send one of his Majesties Captaines of the Guard to morrow for your answer The Marshall this meane while taking his leave gave order that such Foot and Horse as were lodged thereabouts should draw neerer Luneville to prevent any thing of noveltie that might ensue if the Duke should escape thence The next morning the Captaine of the Guard came accompanied with good store of Horse and insisted upon the three demands made by the Marshall but got no other answer from the Duke save onely that if he would accept of Luneville he would deliver it over unto him it being a place of no consideration but that he would never forgoe La Motta nor his Wife and with these words making his owne Wife and the Wife of Duke Charles goe into the Coach he himselfe got on Horse-backe and going from Luneville went towards Marienville The Captaine following him came up unto him and desired to know whether hee intended to goe to which the Duke replyed whether it shall please God since I can find safetie in no place the Captaine added your Highnesse will please to excuse me I onely askt it that I might wait upon you 'T is more then needs said the Duke I am commanded so to do said the Captain and then poynting out unto him the way to Nancy he said your Highnesse must goe this way not that way The Duke astonished to see himselfe thus made prisoner galloped to the Coach where the two Duchesses were and crying out aloud that they were betrayed broke out into such expressions against the
time by a French Garrison Having therefore agreed on the manner with Prince Thomas who was then Governour of all the King of Spaines Forces in Flanders and was with the other Austrian Forces in Lucemberg hee made Count Finden march thitherward and by the favour of the season of the Intelligence hee held and of the neglected guards who expected not such an accident the City was suddainly set upon and taken on the 21th of March the Elector made prisoner and brought with a good Convoy to Brussels many of the Garrison slaine and taken This action though it were of some consideration to the House of Austria aswell by the addition of the Towne as for the Electors person who to purchase his liberty would at all times give his voice in the Imperiall Dyet for the crowning of the King of Hungary King of the Romans yet was it thought by some to be no little misfortune for this being a blow wherewithall France being now great in power and Military preparations would bee netled so great ruines were foreseeen as not onely their owne Subjects but their Neighbours yea all Europe should suffer thereby and so it fell out For the King of France to boot with these apparent injuries sufficient to legitimate an occasion of breaking Peace was little satisfied with the proceedings of the Spanish Agents who were publickly peacht by the French for having wrought upon the Duke of Orleans and other subjects of France by many hopes and filled them with vast imaginations thereby to cause civill discords then which they could finde no better diversion and for having done other things prejudiciall to that Kingdome And finding at last the breach might well be retarded but not evaded for the Spaniards would never have suffered the French to make such Achievements without drawing a Sword and not requite them by Armes since it so became them to doe in respect of those who for their sakes were turned out As likewise for that it did not well agree with their government that the French should grow greater and should get neerer to their Confines whereby they should be continually jealous of their neighbourhood and be sure to have them alwayes a counterpoise to their greatnesse whilest under the name of good neighbours they had possest themselves of such Townes as were held by their Forces for the preservation of such as had flowne unto their King for protection They resolved not to permit any longer any such hostility without resentment Having therefore concluded upon Warre the King of France sent an intimation to the Infanta which implyed an open breach unlesse hee would presently restore unto him Triers and set the Elector at liberty the Messenger whereof was not by his Highnesse listned unto Henry Duke of Rohan who was with a great body of men about Ramberviller in Lorayne was commanded to fall downe into Alsatia that he might be ready for the imployment he was put upon Duke Crequi who was returned from his Embassy from Rome and who was made Lieutenant-Generall of all the French Forces in Italy had Commission for the raising of 10000 Foot and 2000 Horse in Dolpheny and Bresse and to be ready to fall into Pâ—emont upon any such order from the King 2000 French Foot were sent to Casalle Much Military Provision was sent to Pinerolle The Inhabitants of Pragelle which is a Vallie on this side the Mountaine of Geneva and from whence issueth the River Chison which having cut through the Vallie of Perosa fals into Poe neer Villefranca were commanded to make certaine places of those Mountaines more easy to be passed that such Souldiers as were to goe from Lyons and Grenoble into Italy might passe that way Monsieur de Bellieure a personage of great esteem was declared Embassadour extraordinary to all the Princes and Potentates of Italy And because the Duke of Parma who was still more and more distasted with the Spanish Agents held good correspondency with the French divers Companies of Horse were sent towards Parma and a good summe of Mony was sent by the King to the Duke thereof to raise new Troopes and for the payment of an Army in his owne state of which together with the assistance of other Princes their friends the French thought to make use to assist them on that other side in the assault they intended to give by the way of Montferrat to the state of Milan And if the effect thereof had been answerable to the wisedome of the plot and his Majesties advice had been readily executed doubtlesse the Spaniards might have run the hazard of losing the state of Milan which did then sufficiently want men for its owne defence Thus the Embassadours being dispatcht away diligent preparations for Warre were made on both sides The newes hereof comming to the Emperours Court which was not yet quite free from the former disorders altered the pulse thereof on this side and did not a little obviat those hopes wherewith they were already much comforted by their late good successe against the Swedes Wherefore fearing some new mischiefe they speedily summoned the wisest of their Councell together and examined such things as most concerned the preservation of the Empire and found that their discords with the Protestant Princes were the repletions which kept it languishing for that the Warre maintained in their owne Territories weakned the Frontiers of Germany and laid low the Spaniards high designes built upon the power of the Emperour 'T was therefore agreed upon that all diligence should be used to finde out an adequat remedy for this malady which they found not to consist in their owne Forces disperst abroad in other places through the hostility of the Princes of the Empire The Elector of Saxony was then againe invited to a new treaty of Peace which was propounded unto him and accompanied with the fairest propositions that necessitie could find out Baron Curts went to Prague to treat with those deputed by the Elector who though at first they were hardly perswaded to come thither they at last agreed upon a meeting wherein the Electors pretensions and the Emperours proffers were made knowne The Duke was found to be already somewhat diffident of the Swedish Agents for the Reasons that have beene said and that he was greatly jealous of the French-mens having declared themselves whose greatnesse was distasted by the Dutch and that he feared lest by the assistance of that King Duke Waymer and the Swedes might grow to such an excessive power as that he himselfe should not dare to answer to Waymers pretensions which might perchance fall upon the Electorate as being formerly the patrimony of his Progenitors Hereunto was added That the Princes of the Empire not being pleased with the depression of the Austrians thereby to exalt Forreiners it was no good Maxime so farre to agrandise their friends as to become afterwards no lesse jealous of their greatnesse then of the Emperours excessive power So as finding himselfe in a condition
falls into the Sea so as it is made almost impregnable had in it at that time not above 200 Foot for the guard thereof that the Ditch might in some parts be easily waded over that one Palizado was weake and which imported most that the Man of Warre which had alwayes wont to lye in the mouth of the said River to keepe it from surprisall by water was retuned to Amsterdam for some disputes betweene Niminghen and the said Amsterdam Niminghen denying to pay such Sessements as those of Amsterdam Niminghen being the Metropolitan of Guelders for the safetie of which Province the said Ship was maintained pretended it should doe he acquainted the Spanish Commanders therewithall and offered them his best assistance whereupon they resolved not to let slip the occasion but to try the enterprise Count Embden a gallant Gentleman and he who not long before surprised Trevers had therefore the charge hereof given him he presently caused some light Boats to be built and tooke his way thitherwards with 400 choice Foot for had he taken greater numbers with him he might have beene discovered by the Hollanders who with their Army were not farre from thence and moreover he made use of two other greater Barques called Shamorouses wherewithall they ordinarily Traffique and carry Victuals from Neutrall places wherein secretly passing the River he placed his Scaling Ladders and bravely set upon the Town which tooke Allarme and the Garrison thereof ranne to defend it and did their utmost but many Austrians being entred the Town who were followed by the rest the Hollanders having stoutly opposed them and being so much the more affrighted by how much they were the more unexpectedly set upon not able to make head against the Enemy who fought upon the Rampiers and within the streetes that they had wonne they were inforced to yeeld the greatest part of them together with their Governour being slaine The losse of this Fort a place of so great importance being understood by the Prince of Orâ—nge who was with his Army about Niminghen did as is usuall in such unexpected cases much amaze him and all the Hollanders for this place being one of the keyes of those Provinces the Spaniards by possessing themselves thereof did not onely much indanger the whole Betaw but hindred the navigation of the Rhyn and cut off some Townes thereupon which were possest by the Hollanders as also if they could keep themselves there when the Austrians were strong in the field they might easily have thereby Ingresse into the heart of those Provinces whereof though they should not make themselves masters yet would it be very prejudiciall to all Holland if they should but fire those wind-mills which are made to empty the Country of water and to throw it into some Channels which afterwards when the Sea flowes fals backe into it of which benefit if that so low a Country should bee but a while deprived it would be wholly drowned it being onely maintained by these Mills which empty the water out of the Ditches and some Bankes which keep backe the Sea and without the which all that Country would be a Lake Whereupon the Prince of Orenge foreseeing the future dammage and knowing how necessary it was to recover it hasted with his Army thitherwards to that purpose But a good Garrison and good store of Victuals being put thereinto the Hollanders though they did their uttermost were stoutly resisted and beaten back Yet did they not like gallant Souldiers dispaire of successe being sure that the Spaniards could not keep it lying so farre from succour and so neer their out-rages and chiefely for that being continually infested by the French they could not imploy those men to the maintenance of that Fort which being to be divided for the preservation of other Cities and Provinces were not able to withstand the Hollanders proceedings in a place whither by reason of the great importancy thereof they had summoned all their Forces But if the Spaniards prevailed here the French failed not to do the like elsewhere Duke Crequi falling from Piemont into Montferrat with 8000 Foot and 2000 Horse past over the Poe and carrying his men on this side Sesia to within the jurisdiction of the State of Milan hee tooke Villata a place which in the former Warres of Montferrat was held by the Spaniards meeting with little or no resistance But the French-mens chiefe aime was to get into the State of Milan and to drive the Spaniards thence which when they should have done they would not onely have secured themselves of the State of Savoy but successefully carry on their Forces to further enterprises the which they might easily have done if they had not given eare to the perswasions of such who openly appearing to believe much in the French Nation spread abroad those Politique reports and which Princes are so well pleased to heare to wit that with little expence and not many men they might effect their desires for they believed that any small number of their men as they were told by others with the assistance of their Colleagues would be sufficient to doe the deed If they had not moreover been made believe that the Milanois being weary of the Spanish subjection and desirous of Novelty would suddainly follow the French Banners as soone as they should see a compleat Army in Piemonte which might be sufficient to keep in the confederates awe the Imperialists and to keep the Field in the Territories of Milan And if the French Commanders instead of passing their time away in making addresses to the Ladies of Montferrat and Piemonte in arguing upon yea and nay and in filling their purses with Gold had directly marched on and set downe before the Walls of Milan which was not furnished with men nor resolution Divers propositions were set on Foot in the Courts of France and Piemonte that the best and most advantagious might be chosen The taking of Valenza a Towne neer the Poe between Tortona and Casalle was propounded as that which would in a good part have hindred such succour as might be sent from the State of Genua to that of Milan it opened the passage to enter into that State and it cut off Alissandria making the passage easie from Montferrat to Piacenza which was the chiefe considerable thing in this affaire for the Duke of Parma not daring openly to declare himselfe in hostile manner against the Spaniards because his state was too farre distant from Montferrat from whence upon occasion hee was to expect succour it was consequently fitting and in all reason approved of that their first enterprise should be such as might give satisfaction to their Colleagues Novara was talked of whose Frontiers joyned upon that State and there was nothing else to withstand them even to the very Gates of Milan But this being a strength which was well-guarged by the Spaniards and which had formerly proved unfortunate to the French it was laid aside Some of the wisest were of
and somewhat of unknowne was agreed upon by the Duke in favour of the King of Spaine Crequi this mean while playd upon Valâ—nza on all sides in so much as those that were wel-wishers to the French gave out a report that Valenza would yeeld or be lost which being got hold of by the common people began to be believed by the great ones and the wisest And this the rather for that the wary Crequi seeing how little good his Forces could doe unassisted by Savoy and Parma from whom as yet he had received nothing but hopes save 10 Companies of Curasses from Savoy under the command of Monsieur Flort a French Gentleman and Marshall of the Field resolved upon some prevalent meanes to perswade the Duke of Parma to declare himselfe openly against the Spaniards for when he should have done so Savoy would have all excuses taken from him why he should not condiscend to the desires incessant pressures made unto him by the French And the more to make Parma as being the further off declare himselfe for the French Crequi by expresse messengers sent him word that the Towne was already so distressed by his assaults as it would doubtlessely suddenly be tane that therefore he desired him to come and honour the Forces of France with his presence for that by so doing he might the more ingratiate himselfe into the favour of the King of France by declaring himselfe when the event of things were yet uncertaine The Duke believing that Crequi spoke like a reall friend being moreover desirous of glory and inheartned by hopes of bettering his condition with the division of the State of Milan suffered himselfe contrary to the opinion of his owne Counsellours to be perswaded by Crequi and to that purpose mustering his men at Saint Iohns Castle where were found to be 4000 Foot and 800 Horse he on the 30th of August sent some Squadrons on this side Poe into the Territories of Coniado the demeanes of Prince Trivullio and on the first of September those of Parma marched very secretly through the Country of Tortona and not meeting with any incounter came before that Town where staying a while and the Duke quartering himselfe neer Poe in Signor Scampa's Palace a Battery was suddainly raised on that side also against the Tenalia which was held by the besieged and moreover hee threw a Bridge of Boates over the River in that part as the Duke of Savoy did likewise on the other side who came thither also soone after with about 5000 men and this was done that they might passe on this side the River and hinder the succour which those of Valenza might receive by the Bridge which was guarded by the Spaniards The Spaniards being very much grieved at the Duke of Parma's hostility and the more for that they had alwayes beene held by the Dukes his predecessors as arbitrators of the affaires of that Dukedome could not tollerate the proceedings of the present Edward they therefore complained bitterly to the Pope to the end that that Dukedome holding of the Church and consequently the Pope being obliged to defend it hee should not afterwards have reason to move them to withdraw their Forces if they should invade that Dukedome since the Duke thereof had first given the occasion The Pope being wrought upon by such perswasions wisht the Duke not to molest the State of Milan lest hee might afterwards give the Spaniards occasion of waging Warre against him the Duke and therein interest the holy Sea The Duke of Parma pretending to have just cause to breake with the Spaniards dispatcht away a Gentleman of his to Genua to advertise that Republicke of his comming into the field and soone after publisht a Manifesto expressing therein what benefits the Crowne of Spaine had recived from his house and how on the contrary that Crowne had evilly requited him how Regent Villani had threatned him for that he had not consented to what had been propounded prejudiciall to his State in respect of sending him into Flanders as hostage of the others faith how instant the Emperours Embassadour had been with him to disburse more Mony then he was able and how he had sent an Embassadour into Spaine to represent unto his Catholicke Majesty how much hee might expect from him which Embassadour was entertained there many Moneths and at last returned backe without any answer The Spaniards knowing very well that the State of Milan was not to be succoured by help from Germany by reason that the passages of the Valteline were stopt by Rohan and that therefore they were to indeavour succour by Sea where it behoved them to have a considerable Fleet to scoure the Seas without danger of the French Vessels had already prepared a good Squadron of Gallies and round-botomb'd Boates in the Mediterranian under the command of Marquis Santa Croâ—â— and thinking it was very fit for their purpose to take the Islands of S. Mâ—rguerit and S. Honore places which would not onely have facilitated their navigation but be a hindrance to the French who passe from Marselles into the Territories of Genua and consequently would be a great trouble to the transportation of such provisions as they should indeavour to send to their Armies in the State of Milan and Montferrat sailed thitherward and landing some of their Foot made themselves easily masters thereof for the French not expecting such an attempt had neglected to put such defence into those Islands as was requisite for them The end of the tenth Book DOCTRINA PARIT VIRTUTEM The Warres and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE XI BOOK The Contents of the Eleventh Book The French continue to oppugne Valenza the Spaniards defend themselves valiantly many men of qualitie are slaine before it Gustavenburg falls into the Imperialists hands The Crabats invade France and are worsted Monsieur De Belieure the French Embassadour goes to many Princes of Italy Valenza is luckily succoured by the Spaniards which causeth the French-men to rayse their Siege being ill satisfied with the Duke of Savoy A great bickering in the Valteline betweene Rohan and Serbellone The Spaniards desire and obtaine passage from the Papists Cantons of Switzers for succour from Germany for Milan The Saxons proceedings against the Swedes Marquis Villa passes with those of Parma into the Countrey of Piacenza Marquis Leganes comes to Milan The Court of France is much troubled at the retreat from Valenza Consultation is had upon what is expâ—dient to continue the Warre in Italy The Duke of Parma goes into France to speake with the King Villa enters in hostile manner upon the Territories of the Duke of Modena and is made retire The King of England indeavours the restitution of the Palatinate but in vaine The Emperour demands helpe from the Princes of Italy for the Warre of Germany New Dutch Forces come to the State of Milan whereupon the Spaniards pursue to invade the Territories of the Duke of Parma The French
indeavour to divert them but lose their labour The differences betweene Parma and Modena are husht by the Popes interposition The Duke of Parma returnes from France to Montferrat and indeavours to succour his Dominions Divers Consultations are had by the French at Casale wherein they meet with many difficulties Duke Waymer takes pay of the King of France The Saxons being recruited by the Imperialists have divers proceedings against the Swedes The Imperialists over-runne some Townes in France are ill handled and Colloredo tane Prisoner The Grisons grow jealous of the French A Diet is called at Ratisbon for the choosing of the King of the Romans The Saxons besiege Magdeburg The Hollanders storme Sckinck-Sconce And the Imperialists pursue the taking of Hannaw AT the same time when the Saxons battered the Castle of Hall the Spaniards scoured the Mediterranean Sea and the Imperialists advanced in the Lower Palatinate and in Alsatia where every day Townes and Castles yeelded to them The French having made their approaching Trenches raysed their batteries and couragiously set upon Valenza made a fierce assault upon some little Forts and out-workes of the Towne which being with no lesse valour sustained by the Spaniards occasioned the death of many brave French-men Soone after some Companies commanded by Don Antonio Lottello and backt by the Marquis Celada and Don Antonio de Chiavari Nephew to Cardinall Albernots sallyed out against the quarters of those of Parma and a great skirmish was had betweene them for the Spaniards fighting stoutly and incouraged by Celadi's gallant behaviour who with his Sword in hand gave testimony of his courage and being no lesse valiantly withstood by those of Parma led on by Signior Richardo Avogardo Generall of the Horse much slaughter was made and much blood shed Avogardo being shot with an Harquebusse was immediately slaine together with six of his Captaines and about 200 Souldiers Chiavari having a faire Chaine which invited his Enemies to get it was likewise â—laine with a Pistoll-shot together with five Reformado-Captaines and stript and Laines a Spanish Captaine of great esteeme whose death was no lesse lamented by the Cardinall his Uncle then by all the Spanish Commanders and Souldiers he being a gallant Young-man well behaved and of great hopes But if the Spaniards were grieved at his losse the Duke of Parma was not a little sadded for the death of Avogardo he was by birth a Brescian of one of the best Families of all Lombardy who to boot with the orders of Chivalry enjoyed the priviledges of the Venetian Nobilitie he came young out of his Country and being trained up in the Emperour Ferdinand the seconds Armies he had not onely by experience worthily purchased the name of valiant but by his bold courage and keene Sword wonne the repute of one of the gallantest Cavaliers of those Armies having after a single combat with Colonell Forcats who was esteemed one the best at his Weapon in the Army and wherein he purchased immortall glory in all actions behaved himselfe with such undaunted animositie as that his Colonell Picolomini inamored of his valour made him his Lieutenant Colonell which office he so worthily discharged in the Battell of Lutzen where the King of Swethland was slaine as that it is truely affirmed that Picolomini and Avogardo saved the Romanists Army from the imminent danger of being routed that it was in and where he was wounded in the thigh with a Musquet-shot which had well-nigh cost him his life He was a Gentleman of a comely presence of a tall stature of a pleasing aspect and graciously spoken In briefe the expectation which his worthy indowments did promise is able to draw teares from any ones eyes that makes account of gallant men Gustavenberg a Towne built by the King of Swethland out of some great designe over against Mentz as hath beene said was this meane while straightly besieged being brought to great extremitie Waymer not being able to succour it who was gon to that purpose with his men to Mentz was at last inforced to yeeld to the Caesarians the Swedish garrison marching out which were 1200 Foot with their Bagge and Baggage Whereupon Waymer fayling in his designe and fearing to be invironed by the Imperialists who having past the Rhyn came even to the gates of Mentz resolved to retreat to Cruntzenach which he did in great hast He was followed notwithstanding by the Imperiall Horse who setting upon his Reare which skirmishing gallantly kept the Caesarians off yet being overtaken by fresh Troops they were inforced in much hast to betake them to their heeles wherein their Squadrons which with much adoe got under the Walls of Cruntzenach did somewhat suffer The taking of Gustavenberg and Waymers retreat from Mentz did so much inhearten the Austrians as they bethought themselves to make some inrodes from Flanders into France The Crabats out of hope of bootie which is the true bait that intices Souldiers on especially those of that Nation and perswaded of good successe went into Picardy and to the no little prejudice of those Townes and Villages many of which they sack't and burnt they past a good way in At which the King of France being highly offended and sending readily many French Foot and Horse towards them who cut downe the bridge of Some betweene Abaville and Amiens they were inforced to face about and to retreat upon a round gallop to their former quarters with no little losse and suffering many of them being slaine by the French and their Baggage lost Mounsieur De Belieure the extraordinary Embassadour of France sent by the King to the Princes of Italy having received his dispatch went to Genua where having agreed with that Re-publique to keepe a perfect good intelligence with the Crowne of France as those Senators seemed to pretend to doe in this Warre and having taken his leave of that Senate with satisfaction to the French and no small jealousie to the Spaniard he came to Parma about the midst of August where he had audience by the Duke and with mightie promises and hopes inheartned him to keepe friendship with his Majestie and to joyne his Forces with Crequi and having received signes from him of probable good inclination to the King he departed well satisfied when he came to Mantua he staid some dayes with Duke Charles discoursing upon the present affaires and exhorting him to continue in his devotion to his King And because one of the French-mens chiefe foundations in this Warre was to divert the Venetian Forces led on under-hand by the Duke of Mantua or publiquely declared by the Re-publique it selfe against the state of Milan out of inlarging their Confines he treated with his Highnesse to rayse men in Italy in his Majesties name to which purpose Mony should be sent him to raise a body of an Army in that Dukedome wherewithall hee might at least make jealous the Spaniards in Cremona if it should not bee thought fitting publiquely to declare himselfe which
Spaniards Therefore they more then ever renewed their hostilitie in the State of Piacenza and making more Dutch Troopes advance they tooke the Castle of Rottofredo betwixt Titon and Trebbia and afwards Valditaro and S. Donino and wasted all those Territories 't was said their intention in doing this was that if the Duke should come with a French Army into his Countrey to invade the State of Milan on that side he should find neither Forrage nor Victualls to maintain himselfe by which meanes they should secure themselves on that side and so much the rather for that the French when they should be brought to that ruined Countrey of narrow Precincts they being a Nation who cannot well endure hunger if at other times and in other places they were accustomed to runne from their Commanders they would much the more doe so here having the commoditie to goe see Mantua and Venice And the Spaniards greatly fearing that the French upon the Duke of Parma's comming and their Commission from the King should rather attempt somewhat in the State of Milan they sent Don Alonso de Quiranes the Lieutenant Generall of the Horse with 24 companies of Horse into Novara to watch over the French-mens wayes and to oppose them in such sort as his experience should bid him till such time as necessary Provisions for defence were had in the State of Milan And because the Spaniards knew of what importance Rottofredo and the Borrough of Valditaro were by reason of their situation for the present Warre they resolved to fortifie them for that maintaining themselves there though the French should come to succour Piacenza they would be able to bring them to great sufferings and to hinder the French from advancing on that side into the States of Milan or of Modena And for that the keeping of good intelligence betweene the Spaniards and the Duke of Modena was very requisite in many respects they sent Don Francisco di Mello to the greater Cassall whither likewise the Duke came and speaking together 't was said that Mello in his Kings name did againe assure his Highnesse of his Majesties perfect good inclinations to what concerned him wishing him to cast away any umbrage of feare he might have that the French passing into the Countrey of Parma were to lay hands on the State of Râ—giâ— or of Modena Others said that Mello let fall some words to invite the Duke to come to the Court of Spaine which was much desired by the Spaniards that they might not goe lesse with France which had beene visited by the Duke of Parma Others said it was to raise more men out of that State and to interest that Prince yet more with the Crowne of Spaine but every man judged as he thought good guessing onely by conjectures for no man knew any word he said The Duke of Alcana came likewise at this time to Milan who was reported should be entertained as Governour thereof and who was much welcomed and in stately manner met without Pavia by Leganes Mello and other Cavaliers The French were as diligent as the Spaniards in examining what would make most for their advantage and of all the rest Crequi was offended that his fame should not now mount as high as it had done in his former actions foreseeing that if by his valour he should not make good those hopes which the Court expected from the comming of the Duke of Parma and the Kings commands he should goe lesse in reputation The French Kings chiefe Commanders and Ministers of State being met in Cassale such Propositions were put to be wisely weighed as were thought fitting by such as were more passionate then others to see the honour of the French Forces lessen the contents whereof were That the Army being brought together it should immediately march towards the State of Parma that when they should have driven the Spaniards from thence made Piâ—cenza their Arsenall of Armes and all necessary Provisions they should couragiously and boldly set upon the State of Milan on this side which as it was more opulent and abounding in plentie then any other part so did it want Forts able to withstand a strong Army and that when they should have ransackt the Countries of Cremona and Lodegian and made themselves Masters of those two Townes which were not very strong they might easily beleaguer the Citie of Milan they fortified these opinions by these reasons That if this were not done the Duke of Parma who had readily without any respect to his owne particular declared himselfe for them might lawfully make his peace with the Spaniard Whereupon together with the losse of so important a friend they were to suffer not onely in their reputation but even in their plighted faith for all other Princes taking example hereby would be careful how they built upon hopes from France That the friendship of the Princes and Potentates of Italy was one of the greatest goods that could befal the Crown of France and contrariwise the greatest prejudice that could happen to Spaine That Charles Duke of Maâ—tua's obligations to France were knowne the affection and intire friendship of the state of Venice That doubtlesse though the state of Parma should prove penurious as not to be able to maintaine an Army it would be supplyed from Mantua Ferara and Venice That the Princes would be glad of such a neighbour-hood for that the Spaniards having thereby recourse unto their Townes their Territories growing consequently more populous and they inriching themselves by their neighbours pillage their Principalities would be thereby advantaged That it was not to be believed that the Spaniards though stronger then they were would resolve upon a generall battell with the French Army since by losing they should lose too much and by winning gaine but little That therefore they were to furnish Brem Cassalle and other neighbouring Forts with all things necessary to send speedy advertisement to the Court to the end that more Forces might with expedition be sent by the King to set upon the State of Mila on the other side that so they might effect the work according to their desire The other Commanders would easily have given way to these reasons as appearing probable and valid but considering the end and scope of the enterprise there were some who openly opposed them alledging That the French had not about 7 or 8 thousand Foot and 2500 Horse wherewithall to keepe the Field that this was a small number in respect of the difficultie of the undertaking and the recruits which the Spaniards had received from divers parts that they were for many miles to passe through the Enemies Countrey having Valenza Alessandria and Tortona upon their Flanks and backs that the Army would be perpetually disturbed that they could not promise themselves any safe retreat if they should have occasion so to doe it was rather to be feared that the Spaniards by possessing themselves of the most advantagious Avenues might crosse them in their march and
reduce them to some dangerous necessitie that the Duke of Mantua's obligations to the King were true but little of hope was to be grounded upon that Prince so impoverished by the late Warres that the wise State of Venice was onely intent upon the maintaining of their own Dominions and the preservation of the peace in Italy that therefore it was not probable they would like the neighbour-hood of the Forces of so great a King who the further distant he was from their Dominions was alwayes the more their friend and that it was an infallible argument that if they would not send their Forces into the Valteline nor yet into the Spaniards Territories at the first entrance of the French who it may be hoped well therein they would lesse suffer the neighbourhood of such Forces to foment them which by how much the neerer they were the more cause of jealousie did they afford That the friendship of Modena and Tuscany with the house of Austria was apparent so as nothing could be expected from them but help to the Spaniards and the contrary to the French In briefe they concluded that as the Princes of Italy were not satisfied that the Spaniard should inlarge his power amongst them so would they not indure that the French should extend themselves beyond Cassalle since their possession of that place was sufficient to keep the Spaniards in perpetuall jealousie and divert them from such thoughts as they would certainly demonstrat could they keep the French lockt up on the other side the Mountaines By these reasons the enterprise was laid aside the danger being foreseen which the Army might run of being destroyed whose numbers was lessened by the running away and death of Souldiers and who would certainly according to custome continue their disbanding and by these objections the mouths of the boldest and most couragious were stopt and they were of the more force for that any such designe without greater strength was onely built upon the aire and meer imagination Whereupon feeding the Duke of Parma with hopes and satisfying the Court with excuses they grew at last to be so negligent as it may truly be believed all the harme they suffered afterwards arose from hence Bannier who was retired to quarter in the Bishoprick of Magdeburg where by reason of sicknesse he staid for about a month having recovered his health and divers Swedish bands being joyned with him he went with his Army from thence where he saw he could not without prejudice tarry any longer And being followed by the Imperialists Saxons about Hall some skirmishes ensued wherein the Swedes had the worst whereupon the Imperialists being egg'd on to further enterprises they marched forwards to ingage Bannier in a Battaile but he wisely knowing it was not now time to hazard the gaines of so many yeares upon the few houres of one day haulted at Ghilberstet between Mansfield and Magdeburg and intrenching himselfe there prepared to fight in that advantagious situation The which when the Saxons perceived fearing that if some other Forces that were not farre off with Agafelt should come up to Bannier they should be too much ingaged and some notable mischiefe might befall them the Swedes being desirous as those who for the peace lately made by Saxony did not a little detest all the Saxon Souldiers to fight and revenge the ingratitude as they termed it used by the Duke to the Crowne of Swethland they retired likewise upon the bankes of Sala there to provide themselves of necessaries for the taking of Magdeburg which they so much thirsted after Which retreat when Bannier saw he likewise rose from Ghilberstet and went to Strasford and Altensleben places in those precincts to provide for the preservation of that City where having viewed the Ammunition Rampiers Fortifications and Garrison hee returned to his quarters at Strasford Duke Waymer who as hath beene said by reason of Gallasse his comming was retired to the Confines of Lorayne knowing that it was not possible to keep any longer in those parts which were wasted and now full of the Emperours Forces and more impossible for him to receive succour from the Swedes who because they saw that after the defeat at Nordlinghen it was behovefull for them to forgoe the Provinces of Franconia Alsatia and the Palatinat as places too farre from succour and wanting such commodities as the Armies had formerly maintained themselves withall raising great Contributions from thence had resolved to quit the warre on this side and to march with all their Forces to defend the Townes upon the Rivers of Vesser Elb and Oder the preservation whereof was necessary for them they being as it were united to the Kingdome of Swethland for having meanes to transport what men and Ammunition they pleased by the Baltick Sea of which the Swedes were Masters they might easily defend those places and by the maintaining thereof inlarge their dominions and keep up their reputations in Germany the Duke I say being thereunto perswaded by the importunacy of the Officers and Souldiers who either demanded pay or leave to depart as likewise by the large offers of the French Agents who daily solicited him to come and serve their King which if he would doe he should be generall of all his Forces though the Imperialists failed not to doe what in them lay to reconcile him to the Emperour and that these indeavours were assisted by the instigations of his brother Duke William who had already accepted of conditions offered by the Emperour yet did the French prevaile with him who indeavoured by all meanes possible to win him over unto them the which they did for that by gaining this Prince to serve them they added to their Forces about the number of 8000 old Dutch Souldiers and who were the valiantest of the present age by reputation whereof they should not onely keep the places possest by them in Alsatia in fealty whose Inhabitants were naturally ill disposed to the French But they might hope for much better advancements in Germany having one of that Nation for their Commander who was generally beloved by many Cities and Princes then if their Generall should be a stranger a French-man not knowne unto them and the name of French-man being by antipathy odious to Germany Waymer was the rather likewise hereunto perswaded by reason of the ill satisfaction he had received from Oxestern and the other Swedish Officers He went therefore to Paris where hee was received by the King and all the Nobles like a Prince with much magnificency and demonstration of joy and had his businesse concluded to his minde the King subscribing to all his known desires and thus hee tooke upon him the service of the Crowne of France And because the French desired the King of England should at this present crisis some-what declare himselfe for the restitution of the Palatinat to the Princes his Nephewes they resolved to send away Serjeant Major-Generall Ruthen a Scotch-man and one of high esteem in War
when that should be over to make them bid adieu to their determinations for being easilier overcome by Famine and unaccommodation then by Armes 't was likely they would returne to their former stations in Montferrat and Piemont as it afterwards fell out The Spaniards hoping well by reason of this their good successe and Leganes having provided for all the Forts and strong-holds of the State by adding unto their garrisons that they might be ready on all sides to set upon the French who over-run the Countrey for Forrage and Provisions and having left a Body of men at Biagras to set upon the Enemy on this side of Tesine hee advanced to the station of Panperduto and to the Sperone which the Colleagues had abandoned and began presently to build a Fort whereby to secure the water of Naviglio and to hinder the French from getting it againe so easily as they had done Don Martine d' Aragoâ—a marcht towards the Countrey of Verselles and assaulted the Castle of Fontane whose defendants willing at first to try some Cannon shot yeelded upon condition to march out with their Bag and Baggage Marching from thence into Allessandria hee likewise surprized Hannone taken not long before by the Collegues and put 100 Foot to the Sword who were obstinat in the defence thereof The French who were in the Fort at Brem perceiving hereby it was not good to be idle they likewise set upon Fumello sackt the Towne and brought away some Cattell Leganes on the other side that he might divert the Enemy from the King of Spaines Territories and inforce them to defend their own quarters marched into the Territories of Verselles where hee made some excursions and having sackt Gatinara upon Sesia he returned to Novara making it be given out that he would besiege Brem which when Crequi heard he feared lest for want of Victuals and the murmuring of the Souldiers who began now to be sensible of their sufferings some evill accident might befall him and not knowing how to effect his designe upon Milan with so few men hee marched towards Verselles and from thence to his first quarters of Brem and Montferrat The Duke of Savoy's behaviour upon this occasion wherein hee shewed much zeale to the interest of France being ballanced with the ill opinion that was had of him before Valenza afforded variety of opinions to the curiously minded for many wondered since hee did not desire Valenza should be taken because he did not approve the French should advance any further why hee should now upon this occasion wherein there was a much greater concernment so to behave himselfe as if the Spaniards had been worsted Milan it selfe had been indangered Divers were therefore the discourses and divers the opinions hereupon some said he did it in respect of his Honour thinking he should suffer too much therein if he should recede from his Colleagues in their time of need others thought hee was perswaded hereunto out of a desire of glory that if hee had beene worsted or put to the rout hee would have been much blamed for the conduct of his affaires and on the contrary hee should purchase much glory by the Victory and that he could not well do lesse lest he should too openly declare himsefe opposite to the intentions of the French But those who better understood the reasons of State by rightly weighing this affaire found that as the Duke of Savoy liked not the French should get â—ooting so far in Italy by gaining the strong holds of the State of Milan and increase their Dominions by having such places to retreat unto so likewise it did not stand with his interest that the Spaniards should extend themselves beyond their bounds and hereupon it was probably judged that that Duke intended to keep the French Army in force and vigour to counterpoise the Spanish power and to preserve the Forts belonging to the Crowne of Spaine so to bound the French designes And that therefore since it made not for him that the French should be beaten by the Spaniard he had really assisted them and that if the Spaniards should have beene beaten it had â—ot beene hard for him through his wit and industry to make the Victory bee neglected and so retard the French-mens further advancement The Duke of Parma hearing of these garboiles in the State of Milan wherein all the Spanish Forces were imployed and being desirous though he had not received that aid promised him from France to doe somewhat and to make use of occasion went from Piacenza with about 2500 Souldiers and came before the Castle of Rotofredo which was held by the Dutch and valiantly defending it selfe did hold the Duke in play till Don Martin of Aragon having time to succour it those of Parma were inforced to retreat with much losse leaving what dead what slaine about 400 after which some fresh Spanish Forces having past the Poe and being entred into the State of Placenza he advanced to Aragona tooke the Castle Campo remoto which without any opposition yeelded as likewise did Fiorenzolo Borgo San Domino and Monticelli from whence the Spaniards got good Contribution On the other side Cardinall Trivulsio who was at Cremona sent some Muskettiers to certaine Mills belonging to the Duke of Parma guarded by 30 Foot which after some short defence the Spaniards tooke and brought much graine to Cremona leaving the place in ashes Wherereupon the Duke not dispairing yet but to be able with the choice Trained Bands of his owne Countrey added to the French Garrison which was at Piacenza to oppose the invasion of the Spaniards who came in aboundantly in all places to the prejudice of his State hee gathered together a Body of 4000 Foot and 400 Horse but afterwards finding the timerousnes of those men accustomed to Mattockes and not to see naked Swords and fearing also an insurrection amongst his subjects as those who were rather inclined to an accommodation with the Spaniards then to follow the Capriccioes of the French who had brought them into a world of miseries he resolved to withdraw himselfe into the Citadell of Piacenza and to send an expresse messenger from thence to Count Fabio Scotti at Paris wishing him to solicit the King of France to send unto him the aid he had promised him and to represent unto his Majesty in what condition he was and how prejudiciall it would be to the Crowne of France if hee should be by them forsaken who had ventured his life fortune and state in the service thereof Leganes going this meane while from the Country of Novara to Allessandria to discover those places and provide for what was requisite not failing in his hostility against the Colleagues hee sent Don Philip de Silvia with 2000 Foot and 800 Horse to the Astigian Territories who over-run much thereof as also some Villages of Montferrat and brought backe good booty spoiling those Towns which joyned upon the State of Milan whereby since the French could not commodiously lodge
and his demonstration of affection to his faithfull servants were so many Trumpets to invite unto his service even those that lived most remote from him Ferdinand was so very good and requisite in the government as that his people they wonderfully loved him out of meere gratitude His government was without contempt his greatnesse without excesse his glory void of ambition he bestowed what was gotten by his Armies in adding greater splendor and glory to the worship of the Church in rewarding such as deserved well and in the relieving of his vassals His Conscience could not tolerate the unseemlinesse of Heresie hee detested ingratitude and his naturall magnificency liked nor the vulgarity of custome In briefe good men lamented his death the Souldier bewailed â—is losse the Church-men were afflicted at this misfortune and the people thought that by his departing the Heavens lost their serenity and the Earth its fruitfulnesse Hee left two Sonnes Ferdinand King of the Romans Leopald Arch-Duke of Austria and two Daughters Anna Maria married to Maximilian Duke of Bavaria and Cicely married to Vladislaus King of Poland The Duke of Rohan kept still in the Valteline greatly desiring orders from his Majesty of France to leave those Mountaines and so attempt somewhat of new upon the State of Milan wherein hee â—oped to doe some good service if the King would give him leave to march with his Forces into those parts for having with him a good strength of old and experienced Foot and excellent Horse he feared not that his Enemies though more in number then hee and who dreaded his name could doe any thing to the prejudice of his warinesse or his Souldies valour But it was feared in the Court of France that if Rohan should leave the Valteline the Grisons who seemed already weary of the French-mens company whose friendship they found to be nothing else but a subjection since that valley which was first taken from them by the Spaniards was now held by the French might easily drive them out and attempt somewhat of new upon those that should remaine there it was not therefore intended that he should depart from thence Others notwithstanding who had an inckling of the Grisons intentions and knowing likewise how disadvantagious it would be for the Forces of France if they should lose those Countries and the friendship of those people who had already sufficient adâ—â—â—tages in Italy and considering that the Grisons could upon the sounding of a bell assemble together 16000 armed Foot stout men and well experienced and jealous of their liberty so as they might easily have forced the French to give them satisfaction or have driven them out of their Country by which meanes the Spaniards would become the stronger in the State of Milan They therefore by forceable arguments advised that the Grisons might have good words given them that their anger might be allaid by Mony and that by departure they might be freed of the conceipt that his Majesty intended any thing else save their liberty and that affording Mony for the maintenance of Garrisons of their owne Nation and of Swissers in such Forts and places as were convenient they might consequently be maintained in their liberty and good correspondency might be held with them and by giving that which they could not keep they should keep them from joyning with the Spaniards and Rohan entring into the State of Milan with his men and Duke Crequi doing the like on the other side they might bring their busines to good effect And when they should prosper in their designes of taking Milan from the Spaniard they might the more freely afterwards throw off their counterfeit Maske with the which wisemen upon occasion ought to cover their actions But as the felicitie of Princes doth by hopes and confidence puzle the fore-sight of the wisely advised these reasons were over-borne by other reasons For those who were of a contrary opinion and who did not believe that Rohan ought to be sent thither as one who was acceptable to the Nation nor that those ought not to be trusted who pretending to governe themselves onely according to their owne interest would as willingly have applyed their mind to the Spanish Pistolls as to the French Crownes And they further added That it being hoped that the State of Venice would at last declare themselves for their King it would be a most considerable point to perfect the enterprise of the State of Milan That the Grisons would never dare to undertake so dangerous a busines against Rohan not only a wel-wisher of theirs but which imports much in great esteem and much feared by every one having the strong holds in his possession and upon such an occasion likely to be assisted by the Venetians who had many Souldiers upon those Confines And it was thought they would not suffer the French to be driven from thence because if the Spaniards should get footing there they should be debarr'd those passages and the Spaniards would grow the greater But thoughts which are built upon bare opinion and raysed onely upon hopes not being established upon the interest of others were of no validitie for the Grison Captaines and Colonells laying claime to much money and others who were destined to have the government claiming the restitution of the Valteline according to promise they mutined and betaking themselves to Armes throughout all Rhetia they secured the Duke of Rohan in the Fort of Maynfelt and behaved themselves so as the French to escape being buried in those Valleyes were inforced to forsake them and to returne to their owne Kings Dominions and thus was this Valley freed in the moneth of March and the Grisons Garrisons entred thereinto and recovered their libertie which was not in their power to doe whilst it leaned upon the protection of France All feares and jealousies caused in the Spaniards by the Armes of France under the command of Rohan seemed to cease and Rohan not being able to escape from Coira whither he was brought from Maynfelt as an hostage there to remaine untill such time as his men were gone out of Rhetia to his great griefe failed in a designe he had by intelligence with a great friend of his one Colonell Smith of Zurick who was then keeper of the said Castle in the behalfe of the Switzers with whom he had secretly wrought that the said Fort should be kept for the French party by which means he might easily again re-enter into Rhetia revenge himself for the injuries he had received by means of Waymers Army which was not farre from the Grisons though the Fort were in the Grisons power and the French already past over the Rhyn The passage of the Valteline being thus freed by which way the Dutch might with most ease passe to the succour of the State of Milan which till then the French had gaine-said The Spainsh Forces were dis-ingaged which were kept there to wait upon the French and might to their great advantage be
indispositions were such as was his for besides the Cough of the Lungs he was of a very weake Complexion The Spaniards likewise much resented the death of this Prince for he being a great Polititian and one who desired to keepe faire with the French to the end that they might permit him quietly to enjoy his owne State but with no intention that they should get further footing in Italy many were of opinion that he held secret intelligence with the Spaniards and that this was a chiefe cause why the State of Milan was no further indammaged for cloaking the secrets of his mind with outward simulation and appearances he dexterously governed the affaires of Warre as they most conduced to his owne end The Spaniards fearing least upon this occasion the French might be brought into the best Forts of Piemont by the Duches meanes in regard of the feare she stood in of her Subjects who were not well inclined to the French and that that State should no more in effect belong to the house of Savoy but onely in outward shew so as they losing the hopes they had therein as the Trench which divides Italy from France they must be inforced to keepe Forces continually on Foot in the State of Milan to defend it from the incursions of the French their contiguous neighbours The Spaniards being much moved for the said reasons sent speedy advertisement of this accident to Spaine Flanders and Germany and did moreover give out That the Duke was poysoned by Crequi his procurement that by such a report they might the more incense his subjects against the French who never departing from those Towns as at first they did began to be very burthensome to the Inhabitants The Marquis Leganes and the other State-Ministers of Spaine advised what they were to doe upon the present emergency at last this being acknowledged to be a wound which if it were suffered to runne on and grow worse all remedies that could be apply'd thereunto hereafter would prove vaine they all agreed in a joynt opinion that they were to doe their utmost as well by force of Armes as cunning and industry in using such meanes as should be most opportune for them without losse of time and whilst by the Dukes death all Piemont was in a confusion and whilst the French had not yet thought of establishing any government there though the French that were in Italy sought rather how they might get into the strong holds of Piemont then into those of Milan By command from Leganes all they that were in Comasco went into the Countrey of Allessandria where the Spaniards hearing that the French Fleet was discovered in the Mediterranian over against Italy and fearing lest landing their men they might attempt some enterprize Don Martin of Aragon and Don Iohn de Garray were sent with some Souldiers into the Lang he to looke to any incursion the French might make on that part but the Spaniards march being discovered by the French who were quartered in Montferrat towards that side they came forth against them and fought with them in the Lang he where the French who were more in number then the Spaniards prevailing Don Martin was necessitated to retreat into the Territories of Allessandria with the losse of 400 of his men The Austrians this meane while understanding that those of Piement being much opprest by the French who treated them as Subjects would willingly imbrace any occasion whereby they might drive them out did cheerfully consent that the Cardinall of Savoy should come into Piemont who was then at Rome conceiving that if he were introduced and admitted to the government of that State who was a friend to Spaine and a very understanding Prince he would have a care to preserve his Nephewes authoritie would have an eye to the sinister proceedings of the French and that being upon all occasions fomented by the Spaniards it would not be hard for him to make them forgoe their quarters in Piemont especially since the Spaniards were growne stronger and the French weaker By nourishing the Warre in Piemont the Spaniards kept the evills thereof from out their owne Territories and which was of greater importance by putting enmitie betweene the Savoyards and French to boot with the increase of Forces of the one and decrease of the others they hoped by driving the French out of Italy to become Masters themselves of the chiefe strengths of Piemont and consequently keepe the Princes thereof at their beck so as if they could have secured themselves from the power of France on this side they certainly would have become very dreadfull to all the rest of Italy To this purpose the Cardinall parted speedily from Rome and came to the State of Genua upon the Confines of Piemont where he found himselfe deceived in his opinion for the French protested to the Duchesse that if she should bring her Brother in law into Piemont they would turne their Forces against her State The Duchesse was therefore inforced to signifie unto him that he should forbeare comming further for she would by no meanes receive him then she her selfe being sufficient to take upon her the government of her Sonne and that so it was her Husbands will she should doe This answer was very bitter to the Cardinall as he witnessed by his sharpe rescenting thereof the rather for that he very well fore-saw the eminent dangers which threatned that State which in other times had beene the Theater of Italies greatnesse in so much as he declared That by the Fundamentall Laws of that State he was to take upon him the administration of the government that his Brothers will was voyd and invalid and that the Statutes of that Dukedome were unalterable which containe that if the Duke dye and leave his Children Orphans the Princes of the Blood be admitted to the government both of the State and them But as no reason is of validitie with those that will not be governed thereby and when there wants sufficient force to compell obedience the Cardinalls pretensions were not allowed of but his Sister in Law sent him word againe willing him to returne to Rome from whence he came And the French fearing that since the Cardinall could not prevaile by his perswasions for admission he would indeavour to effect his desires by the force of Spaine which were all already brought upon those Frontiers and had caused no little suspitions Crequi having now to his no small contentment the sole supreame command of all the Forces in Italy for it is usuall with great men not well to brooke an equall or superior in authoritie thinking that he should now be able to doe some great matter in Italy went with his Army from Montferrat to Poma a Castle betweene Valenza and Casalle neere the River Roaldo guarded by 200 Spaniards who not able to defend themselves forsooke it when they heard of the French mens approach and causing a Bridge to be throwne over the River Poe on the side of Brem
gave out that he would quarter his whole Army that Winter in the State of Milan but these words tooke not effect for Leganes having brought the greatest part of his Army about Valenza the Marshall altered his mind and returned to Winter in his former quarters of Piemont and Montferrat Whereby the Spaniards finding it an easie matter to take Brem they had many reasons to goe about it before they should betake themselves to their Winter quarters and before the French should receive more recruits from France But the season proved afterwards so exceeding wet and the wayes so deepe as they could not without much incommoditie march with their Cannon wherefore upon better advice Leganes resolved to leave garrisons on the Frontiers particularly in Lumello and Carasona whose fortifications were not yet perfected and disperse his Army in the Townes of that state with intention to appeare in the Spring with greater numbers in the field and doe that which though it was deferred was not forgotten The face of affaires was changed in Lombardy by the death of Victorios Amadreo Duke of Savoy as also by the decease of Charles Duke of Mantua who died a little before the other on the 21th of September For Charles having left his Grandchild very young and his sonnes Wife Mary Governesse of her sonne till he should come to bee 18 yeares old 't was foreseen that from hence alteration would proceed for the wiser sort were of opinion that the Princesse was of another genius then was Charles who could not forget his affection to the French and that the greater part of the Mantoans being Leaguniosised and not onely naturally small friends to Forrainers but much exasperated against those whom they termed the cause of their ruine they might easily perswade the young lady to keep faire correspondency with the Spaniard under whom they thought themselves to be bettered when indeed they were by so much more impaired by how much a King of Spaine is greater then a Duke of Mantua at which the French who through Charles his unadvisednesse were now in the best Townes of Montferrat taking offence some adverse accident might fall out Others said the Duchesse being but young and much solicited by her mother Marguerit of Savoy and the Empresse Ellinor she might perhaps listen to a new marriage And that when the Infante of Spaine could get footing in Mantua and in the right of the young Lady lawfully keep what he had gotten in Montferrat hee would willingly yeeld to marry her and that the Princesse would not be unwilling to better her condition in these present emergencies from whence great troubles must needs arise for if the Spaniards should once get into Mantua and the Citadell of Casalle there was no hope though they might intend to restore the state to the lawfull heire that ever they would take their garrisons out of such important places Whereupon every Potentate apprehending the Spaniards greatnesse they would prepare to obviat what might prove prejudiciall to them and so those poore Countries would bee the Scaene of Warre Some notwithstanding replied to the discourse touching this marriage with reasons not improbable to wit that it would hardly be affected for that the Princesse being esteemed to be fruitfull it did not comply with the Spaniards that their Kings brother should have children out of the reason of State of keeping the government in one onely and that therefore when they should thinke upon a match for him they were to provide a Wife that were barren and on the other side they aswell saw that if the Mantuans should keep constant to the French they should not onely be treated by them as subjects and the Duke of Mantua's Authority be assubjected to the pleasure of France but which was of greater consideration if the Spaniards could not beare that the French Forces should bee in Cassalle they would consequently never be contented till they were removed from thence So as the Warre hapning in an Orphans state his subjects were likely to prove the mischiefes thereof although others reflecting hereupon and who were not of opinion that this made for the Duke did probably maintaine that Warre was little or nothing troublesome to those who were therein brought up and that both parties being desirous to keep that warlike people well affected to them they should be gently proceeded with by them both and being well treated they might consequently by making the best of their affaires expect more profit from Warre then from Peace But it was not long ere the effects of such cogitations began to shew themselves For the Princesse taking upon her the government of her sonne and being more addicted to the Italian gravity then to the French freedome seemed little satisfied with the proceedings of the French and in particular she seemed not to be well pleased with Monsieur de Torre who commanded under Charles as generall of all his Forces for he not able to submit the French liberty to the moderation of Italy had by his affability won the good will of many and almost got all the Nobility of Mantua to follow his Capricioes so as basterdizing the customes of Mantua with the mode of France his actions were no wayes pleasing to the Princes nor yet to others who knew it was not fit to introduce such a noveltie So as aswell to free her selfe from such a spectacle as also to injoy that soveraignty which became her and which was by this man through his Kings authority in some sort moderated as also that by so doing she might partly shew the Spaniards her Mother and her Aunt that she was independant as concerning France and for other reasons the Princesse so behaved her selfe as she made Monsieur de Torre depart from Mantua who going to Venice and from thence being sent for into Montferrat the superintendency of Cassalle was committed to his charge and the French by these demonstrations growing jealous of the Princesse and her Ministers of state they fell to such resolutions in Casall as shall hereafter be mentioned But to returne to the Duke he was well enough composed in the parts of his body and no lesse inriched in those of his minde for to boot with a generall knowledge he was easily appeased and governed by reason his being borne and bred up in France was the cause why he as all others who naturally affect their owne Country taken with the courteous behaviour of the French Nobility by the good entertainment he partook of at the Court and by addition of his naturall clymat could not when he was transplanted into Italy overcome his nature by art so as rather then to forgoe his affection to France he incurr'd the anger of Spaine and submitted his state to the discretion of their Forces which peradventure hee might have shunn'd and would have been more advantagious to him then Warre if with the change of soyle hee could have changed that genius which made him beare so great an inclination
eye to the proceedings of the French These preparations grew every day greater for the Spaniards without any regard either to their goods or lives ran to the defence of those Frontiers which served for an out-fence to their Countrey and many souldiers ranne every day from the French Camp who cursing the mountains of Spain knew not how to live out of the pleasant fields of France so as the businesse began to grow more doubtfull Yet did those undaunted Commanders resolve to continue the begun siege till by the arrivall of new Forces which were a raising on all sides in Guien and in Gascony they might the better pursue their desired ends The Cardinall of Valette growing by the losse of Vercelles more jealous of the Spaniards in whom he only feared surprizals and stratagems looked the more narrowly to the safety of Montferrat and having placed his men in the frontier Townes thereof he went to Cassall where he found Montegly his processe made him therein found guilty of holding correspondency with the Spaniards wherefore hee on the suddaine caused his head to be struck off and had a better eye to the Inhabitants of Cassall Yet Emery the Embassadour of France was not well pleased with this sentence who as it seemes had promised Montegly that hee should be pardoned And this piece of Justice was thought the more severe for that Montegly being a servant of the Dutchess of Mantua's and bound to obey her commands 't was reported that he did nothing but by her allowance This execution and this expulsion of the Officers of Mantua out of Cassall as it was no wayes satisfactory to the Inhabitants of Montferrat and of Mantua so was it not a little displeasing to the Dutchesse Mary who could hardly brooke that the French who were brought into the Towne as friends should dispossesse her of that wherein she acknowledged no Superiour but God and which her very enemies by all their treacheries could never bereave her of Various discourses and considerations were had hereupon by those that pretended to se◠further into a Mil-stone then others some said that the Dutchess could have wisht that the businesse had succeeded according to agreement and that agreement was that which hath been mentioned For 't was said that dealing under-hand with the Spaniards she had resolved to drive the French out of Cassall and yet not to receive the Spaniards in with which the Spaniards were well contented as being satisfied that the French should not bee there and that those places should continue in neutrality It was commonly given out that the agreement was that Montegli having brought the Spaniards into the Towne should have dismis◠the French from thence and that putting a Garrison of the Inhabitants of Montferrat into the Cittadell they would afterwards have committed the custody of the Citie and Castle to certain◠Swissers for the payment of which the King of Spain would lend the Dutchesse money So as the Towne being taken out of the hands of the French and yet not fallen unto the possession of the Spaniards the Dutchesse and Duke of Mantua would have enjoyed the Prerogative that belonged unto their Soveraignty and that this State standing in the midst betweene two others each of which was desirous to hold good correspondency wth her they would consequently vye which of them by their fair entreating of the Subject by their respect born unto the Dutchess should reap such advantage as might make most for them Others held that if this should have happened the effect would not so easily have ensued because the French being hereat scandalized would presently have ruinated Montferrat being Masters of the best Towns therein and if the Spaniards would defend it the event must be War and the Spaniards would have done the same thing the French did for if the Town should have fallen into their hands no wise man will believe that ever they would have quit it uncompel'd Wherefore since it was impossible to evade war or to shun the falling into the hands of one of these two great Potentates a mischief was undergone on the one side and a greater mischiefe on the other so as it was best the French should keep possession thereof as those who were not so neare neighbours and were to passe through the State of Millan before they could make any further progresse and that it should not fall into the hands of the Spaniards who when they should have secured themselves on that side would afterwards give the Law in Mantua Others said that the French by doing such publike Justice had deviated from the Laws of good policy because they might have bereft Montegli of his life have secured themselves from any thing the other Officers could have done after another manner that by doing thus they warned other Princes not to introduce the forces of greater Potentates then themselves into their owne homes since it plainly appeares they give away that to the one which they fight for and deny unto their enemies And they further added that the Inhabitants of Montferrat being exasperated it would be hard for the French to keep in that Province if they should fal out with them But those who know the interest of States to be of so nice a nature as every the least jealousie is sufficient to raise suspition conceived that the French had done very wisely affirmed they had learnt this of the Spaniards proved that they had good grounds for the securing of the fort For this being that which upheld the reputation and esteem of their arms in Italy without it all their designes would have miscaried They maintained so great a King ought not expose himself to the injuries of an inferiour that those resolutions are always good whereby a State is enlarged and such negligence blamable as draws on ruine that what is taken away may at all times be restored but that not alwais recovered which is lost That it it is not unlawful to ceaze upon that which not being ceazed upon causes greater mischief to him that ceazeth not on it Whilst these two great Crowns were consulting how they might best provide for the present Emergencies a new accident hapned in the Adriatick Sea which drew the eyes of all Europe no less upon it then did the wars between those two great Kings 17. Turkish Gallies after having piracied all the Mideterranian to the great dammage of Christians blown up with pride by their happy success wherein they met not with any to withstand them grew so adventurous as to enter the Gulf to commit more rapine in so much a◠it was thought they had on intention to rifle our Lady of Loretto's house The illustrious Commō-wealth of Venice Qu◠of the Adriatick which by a dreadful power of shipping hath for many ages peacefully possest the soveraingnty of that sea to the great advantage of all Christendom gave orders to Martin Cappello the Providitor of the Navy to provide against the insolency of
daring to quit his quarters for feare his souldiers should mutiny for want of money Bannier had oportunity to assault Volghast and to take it which hee luckily did He afterwards with his horse which were led on by Tortenson advanced too neer the Imperiallists quarters with whō he had divers skirmishes for it behoved Gallasse much against his will to retreat as far as Volbery towards Elbis for he fore-saw hee was likely to reap but little good by that War since the Sweedes were recruited in all parts the Imperiallists every where lesned To boot with these defaults which hindred him from proceeding on accordingly as he had hoped he was much grieved for the death of Lelio Pompey an Italian Gentleman of Verona by birth who had by many Princes been very wel esteemed of as wel in peace as war The Sweeds being the more encouraged by this retreat of Gallasse came before Dimmin of which after many Cannon-shot and three fierce assaults they made themselves Masters Wherefore Bannier marched cheerfully on toward Landsperg by the winning whereof the way was opened into Saxony and the Country of Magdeburg whether the Sweed did desire to come to take revenge for the injuries they had received from that Elector Whilest nothing but War was heard of on all sides in Montferrat each party being prepared as well for defence as offence the French expecting supplyes from France and the Spanyards the like from Naples Spaine and Germany Francisco Giacintho the young Duke of Savoy seised on by a violent Feaver dyed on the third of October whose death as it bore along with it weighty consequences so were not the effects which were thereby fore-told by our curious newes-mongers late in their arrivall for there being none left of the Issue of Victorio Amedio save one Infant Prince named Charles Emanuel but five years olde of a weake constitution of body and who was at this time sick of the small poxe a disease which raigned much that yeare 't was easily fore-seene that if he should saile great troubles would arise concerning the succession for the government falling upon the Prince Cardinall and hee having of late declared himselfe to adhere to the Spanish faction it would ensue that upon this occasion the French would never tollerate a Prince in this State which should be independant upon them so as keeping the Townes in their own possession and not suffering the lawfull Prince to be introduced it would fall out that the Subjects being well affectionate to their naturall Princes and incensed by the Spaniards against the French the War must needs grow greater which would produce bloody events The Spaniards therefore who as hath beene already said hath formerly laid great foundations upon the comming of the Prince Cardinall and Prince Thomas knowing this to be a fitting occasion sent presently for the Cardinal from Rome for that being by meanes of their Forces brought into Piemont he might the better be prepared to take possession of his right in case his other Nephew should dye The Spaniards invited him hereunto out of greater hopes for that they knew the Inhabitants of Piemont were not very well satisfied with the French after the taking of Vercelles because in steed of defending them and helping them to recover what they had lost they seemed rather desirous to possess themselves of all the rest that belonged to the Duke of Savoy pretending not to confide in the people and to have some caution of their good in their hands The Spaniards who were stil carefull to maintain their Crown in its greatness for they knew what advantage did accrew unto them by the dependency of Forreign Princes and endeavouring all means whereby they might reap any good after their accustomed fashion of civility endeavoured to correspond in gratitude to the satisfaction they had received from Francis Duke of Modena a wise Prince and very affectionat to the Crown of Spain whose good correspondency his Highness out of reason of State thought requisite for besides the great advantage which those of Modena gat by their commerce with the State of Milan it may be added that confining upon the Pope between whom and the Dukes of Modena there was never any great inwardness since the loss of Ferrara To boot then with what was already done for the Emperour had already invested him in Corraggio a Town in the heart of the Country of Modena by al other friendly demonstrations made him know what valuation his most Catholike Majesty put upon him He was under various pretences invited to the Court of Spaine and more particularly for that the Queen being great with child was ready to lye downe the King the more to win his friend-ship would have him to be God-father to his childe yet this was but a pretence to hide the true occasion which was not so easily seene by all men for the emulation being very great betwen the Spanyard and the French they could not disgest that demonstration of obsequiousness of the Duke of Parma to the King of France whilst he went to visite him at Paris without the like comming of another Italian Prince to Madrid that it might be known that if Parma did depend upon France others did side with Spaine The Duke of Modena therefore being a sprightly Prince and well inclined to make this voyage that he might see new Countreys and receive honours and profitable terms for his State which he could not chuse but do from so great a King went to the Court of Spain where he was received with greater magnificency then ever was any Prince of Italy Those who see far into State-affaires affirmed that this the Spaniards civility proceeded from the need they had both of his person and state and therefore they said they had brought him into Spain with an intention of giving him the chief command of his Majesties Forces against the French in those kingdomes the which they did not onely to obleige that Prince unto their pay but that they might have out of his Countrey which was very populous as many souldiers as they could to make use of them in their owne kingdomes It was also reported that the Spanish Ministers of State thought to make a change with this Duke and to give him the Kingdome of Sardinia for his Dukedome of Modena which would have been a very good change for the Spaniard for augmenting the State of Millan by the addition of that of Modena becomming on this side also the Popes neighbours they would have heightned their authority in the Court of Rome and the Duke of Parma bound up between the Country of Cremona and Modena would have beene inforced to depend upon Spaine and by how much the Spanyards power encreased in Italy so much did the power of the Italian Princes lessen and Sardinia being but a barren Island in a clymat almost unknown to the Italians the Spaniards would have lost but little by loosing it But the Duke being wise and no
before CINGIO much diligence was used in the opugning of that place and the more for that Don Antonio Sottello being sent to command the Forces there in the place of Don Martin that he might not at his first entrance come short of the expectation was had of him he behaved himselfe with all industry and valour Upon the newes of the Aragons death the Cardinall de Valette and Marquess Villa with 3000. foote and 2000. horse came to the reliefe of Cingio and set upon the Spanish quarters who valiantly defending themselves for the space of seven hours at last by reason of the narrownesse of the place wherein the French horse could not be so well exercised the Spaniards having great advantage in foot Villa was enforced to retreat with the worst Which when Monseiur de Mason Neuâ—e who was Governor of the Town knew despairing of reliefe and almost all his musquets being broken through continuall shooting and the ill temper of the iron not being able to defend himselfe without them and having stoutly with-stood two assaults he treated and yeilded up the place marching out with his armes baggage and one piece oâ— Cannon This was cause of much content to Leganes for the Lange being better secured hereby and consequently the passage from Finalle to the State of Millan made more commodious hee considered he might the better turne his Forces else-where Chedini being left Governour here those forces marched towards Montferrat Prince Thomas and Leganes understanding that the French were marched towards Cingio the Prince came from Pavia where hee had finished his purgation and arrived at Vercelles where Leganes was and making use of the intelligence which hee held with the Governour of Chinas a place neere the Poe betweene Cressentine and Turin hee on the 26th of March came by breake of day with two thousand horse before the gates of the Towne and without effusion of blood made himselfe Master thereof For the Governour who held correspondedcy with him not endeavouring any defence after the playing of one Petar suffered the Prince his men freely to enter By this meanes the way being opened into the heart of Piemont the Cardinal was presently sent for thither by the Spaniards that by doing so they might honest their no ways gratefull intentions towards those people who seeing their Forts assigned over into the hands of their owne naturall Princes would the easilier be perswaded to side with the Spaniards though the Garrison and Governour which was put thereinto being Spanish it might indeede rather be said that the Cardinall had put himselfe into the hands of the Towne then that the Towne was put into his hands Prince Thomas seconded by some companyes of Foote sent unto him by Leganes went to â—hier and Moncallier places not farre distant from Turin which presently submitted unto him and many of those inhabitants following him hee came before Aglie a Towne belonging to a Count of the same name which standing out he sacked it From thence he marched with his horse within sight of Turim hoping through intelligence which he held with some of the Towne to doe the deed but hee found hee was deceived by reason of the strict guard made by the French and the Dutchesse her people so as after having given the Governour to understand that if hee would receive him in hee should not only purchase his favour but better his own condition much and finding that neither promises nor threats would work upon his loyalty he retreated lest he might give upon the French who prepared to light upon him at unawares Passing from thence to Hivenea a City placed upon Doria Bautia he took it by storme and tooke afterwards the Towne and Castle of Bard which is the key of the valley of Osta by which he likewise reduced the City of Osta and all that valley the people comming in unto his service The French were much terrified thereat For they could not at the same time march forth against their enemies and keep an eye upon their friends fidelity The taking of this valley was thought to be of great consequence for besides the getting from thence a considerable strength of men the possession of this passe made much for the Spaniards for thereby they might the more easily passe into Burgondy Leganes who would not advance before he saw the event as well not to hazard his reputation upon an uncertainty as not to exasperate those people with his presence who as they willingly saw Prince Thomas so was the sight of the Governour of Millan most hatefull to them from whom they expected nothing else but some trick whereby to bring them to his obedience when he heard of this rose with all the forces he then had about Vercelles and speaking with Prince Thomas and his brother the Cardinall betweene Hâ—verea and Vercelles they joyntly agreed upon what was best to be done the present conjunctures considered Those of Piemont were of opinion they should forbeare to sit downe with their Forces before any Forts and only keep in the field and so rather invite the Inhabitants to lay down their arms then to employ them the more in their defence and to effect that by treaty which was hard to doe by arms that by no meanes Leganes who was come hither as it was said to assist the Princes should seem to do so For the people when they should see the Princes endeavoured to captivate the Subjects good will not for themselves but for the Spaniards they would rather keep firm in their loyalty to the Dutches young Duke though in doubt to be mastered by the French then side with the Princes with certainty to bee inslaved by the Spaniard Leganes who saw whether this tended or at least suspected that the Princes would only seeme to depend upon them till they might be brought to have the government of Piemont either by force or faire meanes thought it not good to condiscend to this the rather because it was not likely the Princes would bereave the Duke their Nephew and the Dutchesse their Sister in Law of what was theirs and drive out the French who were the Protectors of that State to ruine together with themselves the whole State and their faithfull Subjects and assubject themselves to the Spaniards to whose proceeding the Dukes of Savoy alwayes had an eye But the Spaniards chiefe ends being that they might get into the best Forts of Piemont particularly into such as might help them to get Montferrat which they so thirsted after he resolved in some sort to satisfie the Princes in their desires with specious words and faire promises he did all that might seeme outwardly faire but at the same time he had an eye to his chiefe aime which was to streighten Cassall by taking Trino and other neighbouring places The meeting being dissolved the Cardinall went to stay at Hiverea to keep those people in their fidelity and to raise some forces in those parts Prince Thomas came before
Rivers as arâ— herein spoken of Tyllies proceedings to oppose the King His Counsells Resolutions and Considerations The Siege Taking and Dissolution of Magdeburg THE desire of glory did more and more encrease in the heart of Gustavus Adolphus King of Swethland a Prince of a vast Spirit after the many yeares Warre which by him was managed against the Crowne of Poland in which he purchased great Fame unto himselfe amongst those People but if his body were then unexercised his minde was not so which busied about high Designes did cheerefully covet to wage Warre against the House of Austria in Germany a Kingdome not onely divided by the dissonancy of Religion but exasperated by the new Government of the Austrian Officers of State who after the Peace made at Lubec though they seemed to have received some sort of reliefe by the Disbanding of Eighteene Thousand of Walestein's Souldiers which was done by the command of Caesar and at the Peoples intreaties yet notwithstanding there being great store of Forces remaining under the said Walestein and those dispersed through every Province with an unwonted forme of Government though feare kept the hatred and suffering of the Subjects concealed yet did not they as likewise the Princes cease to cast about how they might withdraw themselves from that yoake the Cruelties whereof they could not endure But the greater their Conceptions were the greater Consideration did they require which made the King for the present forbeare to act his Resolves and though by Walesteins aforesaid disbanding and the Polachs alike disbanding the German Forces he had furnish't himselfe with the best Souldiers of all those Troops and though he were fully informed of the condition strengths and inclinations of his neighbouring Potentates having himselfe in Person not many yeares before gone unknowne to search out the estate of Germany and other Provinces that he might discover how people stood affected and of what strength the Princes and Haunce Townes were yet he knew it was not yet time to take up those unripe resolutions which being unadvisedly undertaken by the Prince Elector Palatine by the King of Denmarke and others had not brought forth that good effect which doubtlesse was by many expected being made more cautious by the said examples though his desire painted forth these difficulties as slight ones and his hopes upheld by apparent grounds egg'd him on to this enterprise yet not suffering himselfe to be led by these affections out of the road of reason but moderating the ardency of his Genius by the remembrance of past errours he kept his Name and Fame as it were cancell'd out of the Germans memory But if the Fire of this Princes desires lay for some time wrapt up under the ashes of patience and simulation insomuch as there remained not the least suspition of him it is no wonder if afterward unexpectedly breaking forth and laying hold on the fittest occasions it were able to rekindle the inconstancy of those Provinces who under a feigned fidelity lived ill satisfied with the Austrian government for most part of the people remembring the liberty they had enjoyed and not able to tollerate the command and subjection of Roman Catholiques and more particularly of such as were strangers coveted nothing more then such like novelties The King this meane while held good Intelligence with diverse Officers and principall Protestants of Germany by whom hee was not onely faithfully advertised of the chiefe proceedings of the Imperialists but by frequent solicitations much importuned to the undertaking The King was likewise much troubled at any longer delay For his inclination leading him to Warre he could not content himselfe with peace but well weighing afterwards that to carrie his weake Forces into a Kingdome commanded by the Forces of Ferdinand the second which had been in so many actions victorious and which were all united under the Command of Albertus Walestein Duke of Fridland a Subject of high esteem beloved by the Souldiers feared by all the States and Princes of the Empire was almost an evident danger to give against the same Rocks upon which those had suffered ship-wrack which not long before contemning the Austrian Fortune had made the same Voyage banishing therefore from his breast all the incitations of his owne beliefe and laying aside the Cousnells and Invitations of those who were impatient of his delay he forbore to declare himselfe as yet Humane Resolutions varying with the times hee had afterwards this into particular consideration that not onely the Protestant Princes and people but the very Roman Catholiques were exasperated and fill'd with jealousie of the Emperours excessive greatnesse occasioned through Walesteines haughtinesse who thought by the Command at that time of more then a hundred Thousand foot and thirty Thousand Horse of divers Nations dispersed over all Germany he kept the Majesty of Caesar in reverence his Subjects in their obedience his Tributaries in their devotion and Strangers in feare yet treated he the Princes of Germany indifferently not as free Princes but as Subjects whereupon for that the excessive authority of private men and over-much greatnesse of Neighbouring Potentates is never liked by great ones the Electors which pretend to keep the Imperiall Condition within its limits could not suffer either the burthen they lay under upon this so just an occasion nor that so many souldiers should be maintained in Germany in the time of peace to the peoples so great grievance nor that the Throne of Caesar should be raised so high they therefore privately sought out all opportune meanes how they might unarme him take from the Empire such a support which if it had been made good many are of an opinion the King had come no further then Pomerania Walestein certified of these grievances and incens'd thereat gave not over his Imperious manner of treating and threatning But crying out the Emperour was betrayd and that the chiefest Jewell in Caesars Crowne was taken away onely to put him downe he justly fore-told the succeeding Calamities By this meanes discovery was made that this Commander was highly distasted and it was further foreseen that the reputation which those Forces had acquired by the Valour of Walestein being lessened notable prejudice was thereby betokened to the Caesarian Crowne The King likewise saw that by the Counsells of some Italian and Spanish Ministers of State chiefely by the advice of Caesar Duke of Vastella then Embassadour from the King of Spaine to the Emperour assisted to that purpose by Villany the Spanish Resident sent thither to moderate the greatnesse of Walesteines expeditions the Forces were divided part of them being sent into Lombardy under the Command of Count Rambaldo de Colalto who being desirous of such an employment was a meanes to Caesar that Walestein formerly declared Generall in Italy should be invested with the Dukedom of Mechelburg for that if that could be effected Walesteine had promised him hee would refuse the Command in Italy and procure the imployment for him
furiously set upon the Citie Walls commanding their Musketiers who were placed upon the edge of the Counter-scarffe to shoot incessantly to keepe them off that should come to the Parrapits and that the Souldiers appointed thereunto should Scale the Walls which on all sides was punctually observed But no breach being made and it proving very hard for the Souldiers to Scale those high Walls with their Ladders they being likewise so well flanked with opposite Bulwarks they were forced to give over with no little losse Popenhaine notwithstanding who knew by the intelligence he had that the place he was to assault was the weakest and worst man'd egg'd on his Souldiers assuring them of Rich Booties and threatning those that should give back and though many tumbled from off the Ladders into the Ditches yet their places were continually supplied by fresh men who inraged at the difficultie they met withall and the succour not being yet come which sent by Falckenbridge they got unto the top of the Parrapet and raysed up an Ensign whereat their companions much encouraged cryed out Victory Victory and Scaling the Walls a vye by whole Squadrons and covering themselves with earth by the meanes of their Mattocks and Spades they turned the Cannon upon the Citie and at last got further ground For after a long and obstinate resistance they wonne into a street and followed by the other Souldiers who were the more eager for that they had been beaten back they without any mercy slew the Defendants and Citizens and the Citie was in short time sacked and burnt to ashes which hapned by the carelesenesse of a Souldier who throwing aside his Musket with the Match lighted to get up the stairs in a Drugsters house the Match set fire on a barrel of Brimstone and this taking hold of other cumbustable matters the fire did so dilate it selfe as the houses being built of wood all was destroyed The cruelties used by the Souldiers in the sacking of this Citie was such as is fearefull to say or write Let it suffice that good men were of opinion that God was then so incensed against the Roman Catholiques as that he permitted that fire to the end that they might not enjoy the wealth which with more sobrietie and humanitie they might have possessed themselves of The end of the first Book DOCTRINA PARIT VIRTUTEM The Warres and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE II. BOOK The Contents of the Second Booke In the Second Booke is contained what confusion the losse of Magdenburg caused amongst the Protestants The King of Swedes advancing to the succour of Saxony The Protestant Electors declaring of themselves in favour of the King Their joyning of their Forces and their resolutions to fight with the Imperialists The Battell of Lipsick and the Swedes vistory The Damages the Austrians sustained hereby Their condition after the Battell What perplexity the Austrian Councell was in touching the chusing of a new Generall of the Army The differenâ—s in opinion betweene the Germans and the Spaniards The Emperours declaring himselfe for Walesteine to be Generall The meanes used by Walesteine to recruit the Army His great policy The Imperialists negotiation with the Pope and other Princes Vselesse Charles Duke of Lorrayne his declaring of himselfe for the Austrian Party His putting himselfe into Armes prejudiciall to his State The Austrians comming to rayse new troubles in France Their Treaties with the Duke of Orleans Their ends The King of Swedes advancement into the Palatinate and upon the Reine Treaties of Peace moved by Walesteine with Saxony The taking of Mentz THe taking of Magdenburg and the usage there as it was to all men unexpected so was it of great griefe to the Protestants who well weighing this event began to lessen their high pitcht thoughts wherein they had formerly framed unto themselves such vast designes for they argued that if the Romanists had with so little labour taken so strong a City and of such defence they would more easily take others which partooke of much imperfection The Swedes and their King were in particular very much grieved hereat the King himselfe was more vext then any other at the losse of this City that since it did so freely declare it selfe for him he should suffer it to be lost in the sight even as it were of his so victorious an Army he struck his foot against the ground and vowed to revenge and to serve them the same sauce who had used themselves so inhumanly he more particularly resented the behaviour of the Souldiers of the League who had been more barbarous in their usage then the rest And least the other Cities which were ready to side with him might by this successe be deluded so stagger in their resolutions as doubting his assistance he published in Print the reasons causes of this losse and why he had not formerly succoured it That the fault lay in the Citizens themselves who not valuing his Counsell and not seeking to obviate the treachery of their Magistrates had of themselves pulled this ruine upon them that he had played the part of a good friend by the taking of many almost impregnable places that the Electors of Brandenburg and Saxony had denyed him passage that he neither could neither ought he to march foure Leagues in an Enemies Country with so many Cities at his backe and on all sides of him by which his Army might without fighting been utterly lost that the best he could do was to take in Franckfort Landsperg and other places which made for his advancing and that he had spared no labour nor pretermitted any diligence to relieve it Tilly stayed sixe daies after this about Magdeburg where he caused Te deum to be sung and tooke order for the recruiting of his Army and leaving Philip Count Mansfield there in place of Commissary and Governour and for that he was informed that the King of Sweden was come unto Tangermund a Towne not farre from thence watered by the Elbe where he had throwne over a Bridge and provided for his safety by cutting of two strong Trenches on both sides the River he thought it was now time to provoke him to battel upon the Victory whereof the re-establishment of affaires did depend he therefore marched with his Army towards these parts intending to fight with him But the King knew himselfe not to be in case with those few Forces he had to joyne battell with an Army versed in victories and this the rather for that he had sent Gustavus Horne away with part of his Army to the taking in of Gripswould he therefore stayed within his Trenches yet seemed not at all to feare the Enemy but kept in play with frequent skirmishes both of Horse and Foot And being desirous to recrute his Army he arose from before Tangermund and leaving strong Garrisons in Franckfort Landsperg and other parts thereabouts he came to Stettin to raise fresh Troopes and that he himselfe might
and made the King see he would nor refuse to fight with him no nor with Saxony though both joyned together The King likewise seeing himselfe in the head of an Army ready to fight and that at last a Battell must be had he losing no time least Tilly might be by Aldringer re-inforced couragiously advanced towards the Enemy he mustered both his owne men and those of the Elector on the fifteenth of September in the Fields about Dieben and found them to amount to about 40000 Souldiers and having given unto them two payes he with Princely words and courteous expressions full of honour encouraged all his men and tooke from them that feare which they might have received by reason of the Imperialists fortune who had stil bin victors in so many Battels And moreover making it publickly knowne that he intended nothing to himself of what should be gotten but to part it all amongst his fellow souldiers he heartened his men with sure hope of good successe and with a grave and slow march tooke his way towards the Austrian Quarters The Vantgard towards the East between the Villages of Dieben and Lindaw consisted of 14000 Saxon Souldiers rancked into eight Squadrons foure of Foot and foure of Horse and was commanded by the Duke himselfe who in his owne person lead them on accompanied by above a hundred of the prime Gentlemen of his State all Volontiers He had upon him a breastplate lined with gold a blacke Scarfe all imbroidered with silver and was upon a Sorrell Horse all dapled Behind the Elector on the left wing Lieutenant Generall Harnem marched who leading on 2000 Horse well mounted their Riders all armed in black burnisht Armes under the Command of the 2 Colonels Brintauff Corville himself mounted on an yron-gray Steed appeared in a threatning posture to the lookers on the Foot flankt in the midst between the Elector and Harnem were lead on by the Colonels Offchirchem Damniger Marshall Helmendort and Spinghell over whom as Generall of the Foot was the Duke of Iltemberg the Electors Cousin clad in perfumed Turkish leather with a great black feather in his head amidst those Foot were 16 peeces of great Cannon drawne by good Horses and 26 Sachers and after them followed all the Carriages of the Saxon and Swedish Army which were so disposed of by the Kings directions On the right side towards the Village Delicts did the Swedish Squadrons march on the right hand whereof stood the King in a mingled coloured Cloth suite with a Jupe of perfumed leather with a gray Hat on his head and a little green Feather mounted on a Dun Horse behind him followed 2000 Dutch Horse and 2000 Finlanders armed with Curases Pistols and broad Swords Amidst these Squadrons which divided into foure Bodies left between them a vacuitie of about a hundred Foot broad were two hundred choice Musketeers placed ready to salute the Enemies Horse before they came to Pistoll-shot the Battaglions of Foot which were in the Van-guard were led on by Banniers Marshall of the Field a Swede by birth before the which he marched in a sute of Turkish leather with arming points of gold and a skie-coloured Scarfe upon a Flea-bitten pacing Horse with a Truncheon tipped with yron in his hand These Regiments were divided into six Battaglions each of them consisting of 1500 Foot betwixt each of which in the Front five peeces of Cannon was drawne very light and of a moderne invention loaded with bags of Musket-bullets These Companies were under 72 Ensignes of various and lovely Colours upon the which was set the Kings Armes and upon that a great Crowne the Motto was Gustavus Adolphus Rex Fidei Evangelica defensor the greatest part of the souldiers were clad in blew and yellow Jackets upon the left wing did Marshall Gustavus Horne march who had the Command of foure thousand Horse armed with Curasses divided into foure Squadrons under fifty two Standards part blew part Orange colour wherein was read a Motto under an arme which in its hand held a Sword Si Deus pro nobis quis contra nos and under a Scepter over which a Sword lay crosse was another inscription which said Ensem Gradivus Sceptrum Them is ipsa gubernat he was a Swede by Nation and a man of great esteeme he was armed with a Curasse upon a daplegray Horse and clad in Turkish leather The rest of the Foot followed divided into six Battaglions lead in the Battell by the Colonels Wiston Ruthen and Heburne the chiefe Commanders of the Army who marched before upon little naggs and within these Battaglions were placed thirty peeces of Field Cannon at equall distances betwixt the one and the other Squadrons were 87 Ensignes of diverse Colours and with diverse Mottoes amongst these underneath a Sun overshadowed with the Clouds was read this inscription Sero sed serio In this order which bore with it a formidable appearance the Swedish and Saxon Army advanced on the sixteenth day of September too within two leagues of Lipsick Tilly upon the hearing thereof had sent forth certaine Squadrons of Horse to spye out and informe themselves of the Enemies proceedings between which and the Horse of the other side there happened a very hot skirmish and had not the Sun which was then upon the setting parted the fray which was maintained valiantly by the one and the other parties doubtlesse both Armies would then have joyned battell as they did the next day The King who all the night long kept himselfe in the Field going now hither now thither instructing every one what order they ought to keep encouraging his souldiers with this pleasing speech and cheerfull voice and calling unto him all the Commanders of the Army he with a merry looke said unto them That now the occasion was presented which he had so long desired that he might make a triall of his Souldiers valour he told them that past victories and renowne already gotten did vanish into smoake when daring was suffocated with feare that they ought not to value that Enemy who being so oft beaten within his strongest holds does now appeare in the fields lesse strong dismaide and quaking at the rusling of their own Armes that feare was the Harbinger of death for which cowardise did oft provide Quarter that courage was the sonne of Fortune the Father of renowne and the beautifull dispencer of greatnesse honour and riches he acquainted every of them how he would be served by them in this action he shewed the whole Army of what great consequence the winning of this Battell would be what advantage would thereby accrue to the publique and to each private man since great booty was therein to be had much acquisition extraordinary honour the increase of the common safety he with words of efficacy moderated the estimation which such as were fearfull might have of the valour and renowne of the Enemy letting them know that Tillies Forces were not great that his souldiers were
by nourishing the differences between the Princes of the bloud and thereby to affoord fuell to the flames of Ambition to kindle a new intestine warre sufficient to disturbe the Forces of that great King aswell by deviating them from his intentions upon the State of Milan which in this conjuncture was much feared as to withhold from thence that assistance which the Protestants expected To this purpose 't is said they sent some of their trustiest creatures concealedly to treate with the Duke of Orleans and other chiefe men that were discontented with the government of the Ministers of State in France not letting slip any thing that might hurle the French into those straights whereunto they were leaning for many were afraid that if the French had declared themselves in this so calamitous time after a hostile manner all their preparations would doubtlesly have been much perplext if not totally shipwrackt but for that when God extends his hand of protection over a crowned head all the plots and hatreds of their envyers are rendred uselesse many considered that the Emperour Ferdinand the second had not a little merited from Heaven whilest Princes and people jealous of the Austrian greatnesse and conspiring together to suppresse the same in stead of embracing an opportune occasion of laying the Emperour upon his backe betooke themselves to things of uncertainty and which concerned their private interests so those armes which openly joyned together would have ruined the Empire being unresolved and expecting what the event of others would be stayed from declaring themselves till such time as the prevailing Forces of the Swedes growing weaker and the Imperiall power in time gathering force they should finde it a hard matter to abate the edge of that strength which was inheartned by the experience of Armies and was made more stable by being shaked Rome increasing under Romulus had the good fortune that whilest she was fought withall by diverse Nations she was not set upon by all at once And whereas being all united they had overcome her they severally were by her overcome and by their ruine affoorded leisure to lay the foundations of the Roman Monarchy It is a truth not to be doubted of that if the French not inferiour in strength to the Austrians and who knew the Imperiall greatnesse ought to have been suppressed had followed the King of Swedes fortune and openly have drawn their swords as afterwards they were inforced to doe they would either have brought the Imperiall dignity to make peace upon their owne conditions or else have led it to some great exigency That fire that is not quencht by a little water gathering more strength and breaking forth in greater flames will not afterwards give way to greater store of water Whence it may be gathered that when a Prince may by his advancing prejudice his Enemy whilest his Enemy is busied on one side he ought not to stand idle on the other for 't is well knowne that those Forces which have overcome their first withstanders made wiser by experience grow keener and better edged against the second Knowing moreover that the only Austrian Forces was not sufficient in such an emergency as this to withstand the evils threatned by the victories and well conducted Armies of the Swedes and of so many other enemies whose numbers by their greatnesse and command was increased they sent first the Cardinall d' Arach Walesteines kinsman to the Pope and after him Duke Savell who being found innocent was absolved of the faults laid unto his charge by Tilly out of some private ill will that he bore him with pressing and earnest desires of being from his Holinesse assisted with good store of monies and newes was brought that the Pope had voted a considerable summe of money to be sent the Emperour though it were demanded with too much pretensions by the Austrian Ministers of State and advised for the interest of their Countrey by some Cardinals of the Spanish Faction and that they knew his Holinesse to be very carefull of the good of Christendome whilest by continuall exhortations he had endeavoured the safety of Lombardy against the fury which the Forces bent without regard upon the destruction of Mantua threatned by whose example the Christian Princes very well perceived that to foment the greatnesse of puissant Princes was nothing else but to nurse up a Serpent in ones bosome which at last would poison its benefactor as it would have proved in past times if the French and Swedes diversions had not recalled those Forces from Italy which neither the prayets exhortations nor protestations of the Pope could prevaile withall to make them turne backe they also sent to other Potentates and Princes of Italy the Count Rabata then Governour of Gradisca no lesse powerfull with his pen then with his sword a gentleman of singular understanding in any affaire who was very much welcomed by them all with many complements but their expeditions proved unusefull When the Enemy watches we must not be asleep therefore if Walesteine did by these new inventions recruit his Army that he might in the Spring appeare in the Field The King of Sweden growne hardy by his victory and other happy successes sent newes of this his prosperous proceedings to such Princes States and Cities as were his friends and disswading the Hauns Townes and Princes of the Empire from assisting his Enemy he did not sit still in this his prosperity but printing a Declaration wherein was contained that he would take aswell Roman Catholiques as Protestants into his protection that he might not lose time but make use of his fortune he resolved forthwith to march with his Army into Franconia This Province extends it selfe on the West and South side to the Confines of the upper and lower Palatinate on the East to Bohemia and Misnia and on the North side to Thuringia so as it may be called the Center of Germany it is partly plaine and partly adorned with pleasant hills of a fruitfull soile though in some parts sandy 'T is watered by the Rivers Mayne Aisah Ridnits Bints Stray Tawber and others to the no little advantage of the Inhabitants The King agreed with the Elector of Saxony how he should behave himselfe in the Kingdome of Bohemia he left Bannier and Tod Marshals of the Field with other great Officers behinde aswell that they might drive from the Confines of Pomerania such of the Emperours Garrisons as yet remained there as likewise that they might endeavour to win Magdeburg and other Townes held by the Caesarians in the lower Saxony and he himselfe parted from Hall upon the River of Sall towards Erfurt the chiefe City of Thuringia This Province is seated between the Rivers Sall and Wesser by which it is much enriched 't is well peopled abounding in Corne Hay and many sorts of Beasts it bounds on the South side upon Franconia on the West upon the Landsgrave of Hessen his Country on the North it is covered with the Herecinian Wood
those to whom in all respects he ought to have humbled himselfe which shewed that by degrees he would pretend to give Lawes to Caesars selfe and all his Councell The Spaniards not well disgesting these things and much offended with this Generall could not free themselves of the distaste wherewith they were totally possest The news of this mans being made Generall did much rejoyce the common-people who incapable of the high mysteries of policy feed themselves with such hopes as sute best with their desires seeming now almost to have lost all fear of sinister events Thus every one out of their opinion of the witty extravagancies of this Commander built Castles in the aire and prognosticated such events as did better become a better genius in particular many Counsellours and Ministers of state look cheerfully hereupon who had received much Gold from Walesteine thinking that he continuing in his Command they should be advanced to greater honours credit and authority And to say truth Walesteine brought businesses to a good passe in that so narrow and threatening a time wherein fortune would peradventure have beene more sparing to others and if as he was wonderfull ingenious and in all his actions exceeding acute and diligent he had been endued with the vertue wherewith now adayes few men are of knowing himselfe and resisting his owne affections by moderating his extravagancies and suppressing his pride he would not onely have wonne the love of his Lord and Master one of the most magnanimous religious and mercifull Princes that ever governed the Empire but would have brought even his competitors and enemies to have partaken of his service Where Force availes not 't is good to have recourse to policy an many times those things are brought to passe by wit which were dispaired of by power Therefore Walesteine being a great Polititian and a wise negotiator knowing that he wanted such Forces as hee could have desired to encounter with an Army already inheartened by so many victories and inrich't with Souldiers whilest all men flocke to those Colours which are favoured by good successe exercised his wit how he might withdraw the Kings confederates from siding with him good correspondency was held betweene him and the Duke of Saxony whil'st he waged warre against the King of Denmarke and the Elector did in effect shew himselfe mindfull of many favours which he had received from him then when he Commanded in Chiefe the Caesarian Forces for at the taking of Prage he kept Walesteines well furnisht Palace and all things belonging unto him from being injured by the Souldiers yet it was rumor'd that he did not this by the way of friendship but out of Policy to the end that by this way of partiall proceeding the Emperour and his Court might have some jealousie of Walesteine as likewise for that Harnem who was trayned up in warre by Walesteine commanded in Chiefe the Dukes Forces keeping in memory the good discourses that had past between them he was hereunto likewise perswaded by the means of a certain letter written by the King somewhat too sharply to the Elector wherin he blamed him of negligence in not advancing whil'st he was victorious in Bohemia into Moravia yea even to the Danube were it only to hinder the new levies of men which were made by the Emperours Officers in those parts Walesteine laid this for his ground rule that if he could remove this one Prince from his union with the King not onely the Hauns Townes but the greatest part of the chiefe men of the Empire would follow his example a businesse of such importance as it would not onely have made plaine the way to his designes of beating backe the King of establishing his owne greatnesse in Germany and of punishing his competitors but finally he would have reduced the Army to his owne secret intent which Army he wisely indeavoured to make depend on him by conferring places and imployments onely upon such as were affectionate to him He bent his whole indeavours to effect this and though he might first have regained Prage yet went he not about it but persevering in the satisfaction he had received from the Elector he by the meanes of Count Adam Tersica propounded a treaty of peace with Harnem whereunto he by many promises invited him But were it either to winne time and afford the King scope enough to effect his desires in Bavaria and Swabenland or that the Duke was not yet in condition to purchase his peace with the Emperour upon so good tearms as hee desired or else for feare of the Swedes he prolonged the negotiation asking such things as were not to be granted him Walesteine thought himselfe now in the Haven and believed the more therein for that he was more and more aware how the Saxons apprehending the Swedes growing to excessive greatnesse did delay the taking of those places which had they been solicitous they might have gotten which shew'd they might easily be brought to disagreement since Princes are not pleased with their neighbours too much greatnesse as likewise that by judiciall Astrology which he studied very much spending every day some time in it and keeping alwayes some famous Astrologers about him he found out some Starre which shewed to be propitious unto him he therefore bent himselfe wholly hereupon and went about to bribe Harnem and other of the Dukes Ministers of state and Officers by rich gifts The Treaty was by all meanes indeavoured to be brought to a conclusion and Walesteine this meane while kept himselfe in Moravia that he might not by the moving of his Forces give jealousie to the Saxons who having as it may be said forgotten warre enjoyed the delights of peace where they were quartered in Bohemia Many were of opinion that the Electour did this to afford Walesteine time to secure the Emperours patrimoniall estate against the Swedes whose proceedings were by this time growne to an high eminency as the Princes of the Empire ought rather to have desired them moderated then foment them yet to a greater height as also not to disturbe the businesse which was fairly proceeded in with Harnem when at the same time the League was openly ratified in Court between the Duke of Bavaria and the house of Austria the Duke having formerly been some-what doubtfull therein This was attributed to the distaste the Duke tooke to see Walesteine re-assumed to the Generalls place contrary to the good rule of government which teacheth no more to trust in him by whom we have once thought our selves offended fearing perhaps lest he likewise might receive some prejudice by the ambition of Walesteine who did not much affect the Dukes person others would mutter that this was occasioned by the promises of the French who would have brought him to conformity with Swethland and at the same time his highnesse's demand of succour was propounded to Walesteine who after having first suffered himselfe to be much intreated thereunto so very vain-glorious was hee to boot
wanted Munition and other things fitting to defend themselves against so great an Army Walesteines selfe marched towards Letomerits and finding the Saxons removed from thence he passed over the Elb and made a hault about Melnick a walled Towne upon the same River where after many skirmishes had past between his Crabats and the Saxon Horse wherein the Saxons came off alwayes with the worst hee againe propounded the Treaty of agreement with the Duke and seemed much grieved at the delay for that the totall ruine of the Swedes depended upon this peace For the Frontiers of Bohemia being secured on this side and the Souldiers who did defend those Frontiers being joyned to his men and his Army doubled by the Electours Forces he would not onely have exceeded the Swedes in numbers sufficient to drive him out of the field but consequently the greatest part of the Princes of the Empire who were in League with the King following such an example might take such courses as they should thinke fittest for them Hee againe sent Colonell Spor with new donatives and larger offers who though he used his best discretion in mannaging the affaire yet was he as formerly entertained onely with words and complements so as he dispaired of effects for the King being advertised of Walesteines proceedings and how he intended to invade Saxony which he had promised as a reward unto his Souldiers and fearing lest the Elector being pursued by the Austrians might finde some pretence to breake his word and comply with the Emperour which would have beene much to his prejudice was already parted from Bavaria and was come with all his Army neere Nurenberg resolving to set upon the Imperialists both Flanke and Back when they should be engaged in Misna or Saxony The King marched on the eighth of Iune to Dunawert with 8000 Horse and 14000 Foot 60 peece of Cannon and with a well furnished Baggage leaving the Mashall Bannier behinde him who after the taking of Magdeburg being retired into Swabenland waited upon the Bavarians and did all he could to hinder their attempts as likewise the attempts of other Souldiers that were raised in Tirroll and he sent Duke Weimar towards Swabenland to take in Lindow a considerable place upon Lake of Costantz on the Confines of Helvetia and Tiroll which being a Peninsula and invironed with strong Bulwarkes and Wals after the moderne fashion is accounted for one of strongest places in all Germany This might have easily been effected had not the designe been discovered for Weymar having made 2000 of his Foot descend a steep and craggy mountaine with hooks of yron underneath their feet to keep them from tumbling down whilest they thought to have surprised the Towne and have effected their designe they found the Imperialists acquainted with their intentions and with their weapons in their hands by whom they were valiantly and with their no little losse repulsed Weymar perceiving this undertaking to be vaine faced about to Mimmingen the chiefe Towne in Swabenland numbred amongst the Hauns Townes in Germany placed in a fruitfull Countrey and watered by a little streame of Isler and having brought his Army before it and raised his batteries the Garrison and Citizens beleeving that they had done what became their loyalties he got the Towne upon agreement that they should be suffered to goe out with their Armes and baggadge and their liberty of conscience to be preserved to them By the winning of this place though of no great moment the Swedes were to receive great advantage for it being a very fruitfull Countrey and therefore convenient to refresh their Army not only by depriving the Austrians thereof but by thereby accommodating themselves it would be very beneficiall to them and prejudiciall to their enemies and it fell out that by getting footing in these parts Wirtenberg being surrounded the Duke thereof would easily be brought to an agreement with the Swedes when he should see the Caesarians farre from him whereby the profit would be considerable in respect of the taking in of Alsatia contiguous to this State Walesteine understanding the Kings removall and fearing lest if he should advance further into Saxony the King might easily hinder his return or else reduce him upon some disadvantage to be undone by famine or by Battell entertaining himselfe on this side the Elb he marched towards Egra aswell that he might joyne himselfe with the Duke of Bavaria and together with him defend the upper Palatinat and that part of Bohemia from being invaded by the Swedes as to try some other enterprize leaving Don Baltisar de Mafredas with 8000 souldiers at Letomeritz to hinder any alteration which in his absence Harnem might endeavour Whilest these parties floated thus up and downe in Bohemia the Landsgrave of Hessen opposing himselfe to Pappenhaime some of his Troops had ill successe for fighting with some other Caesarian Troops about Wolfembuttell they were ill dealt withall the Landsgrave himself was forced to retire to Gottingen a Town between the two Rivers of Ruma and Verra whereupon Pappenheim making incursions even unto Northeim by the side of the River Helme belonging to the jurisdiction of the County of Hobensteime did without any obstacle make himselfe Master of the Castle putting them that there kept it to the sword whose example taught some Cities thereabouts and amongst the rest Gosâ—ar a Towne standing neare the River Onnare betwixt Halberstat Hedelsein and Lunenburg to demand Garrisons of the Swedish Generals to secure themselves from the said Pappenheim who wholly intent upon the glory of Warre and upon the Emperours service with a great deale of boldnesse though but with small Forces kept about the circuit of the Rivers of Wâ—sser and Elb Provinces of great consideration for the interest of both parties For many Ecclesiasticall Principalities lying therein if for want of being sustained by the Austrians they should fall into the Protestants hands to boote with the losse of a rich and opulent Countrey whereby the way was opened to greater Conquests the enemies party growing stronger and all the adjacent Protestant Princes and great men freed from the feare of the Emperours Forces and discovering their dislike of the Papists it would without doubt redound much to the prejudice of the Popish jurisdictions for the Landsgraves Army being augmented by the forces of that Country he being a spritful Prince inclined to War having in a short space either subdued the Ecclesiastickes of those parts or brought them to a prejudiciall agreement he would without any other impediment have brought his Army into the Emperours owne patrimoniall Territories and those of his confederates Tod Marshall of the Field who had raised the body of an Army in those parts for the Kings service was not now idle for setting upon Boxtchude which is seated upon the banks of that River not farre from the Elb betwixt the State of Bremer and the Dukedome of Lunenburg and playing upon it incessantly with two Batteries he in twelve dayes
vertue which as he did abound in conferring favours on those that did deserve them so was it plentifull in justice towards Delinquents Hee therefore about the latter end of October was brought prisoner to Tholoâ—se his cause was tryed and upon Inquisition made he was found guilty of death and though some thought he might have merited pardon aswell for what he himselfe had done formerly for the Crowne as in respect of his forefathers deserts who had planted the Christian faith in France and had maintained it with their blouds and this a great deale the more for that by this mans death that so noble family did wholly rest extinct yet were not these reasons of force enough since no merits can be so perspicuous but that the least shadow of Treason may cover them with blacke oblivion He was therefore two dayes after brought by the Guard to the Piazza or market place where his sentence of death together with the confiscation of his goods and his title of Rebell was read unto him and the same afternoon being first disroabed of his orders of Knighthood his head was strucke off in a privat house whereby he paid for his infidelity not knowing that the governments of Princes are not alwayes the same but that they alter as doth the understanding and experience of their assisting Officers The death of this so conspicuous prince in whose linage greatnesse flourished in whose name Nobility shone whose valour was famous and in whose person much vertue appeared in his strength of years of a healthfull body begirt with honours and abounding in riches manifested the inconstancy of fortune the uncertainty of humane affaires the slippery footing of greatnesse the fall of glory and the vanity of ambition At the newes hereof those unquiet spirits who only sought means how to produce Novelties not unlike to travellers who seeke to shelter themselves from the aire when great with tempest it threatens stormes so these men with-drawing their bold fancies under the security of feare knew what was the insatiatnesse of desire the deceitfulnesse of passion the feignednesse of presumption and the harme of infidelity France being by this blow terrified the common-people by this example undeceived the Nobility restrained every mans minde was more bent upon their obedience to their Prince then upon their owne particular greatnesse This mean while Montecuculi who then was Generall of the Caesarian Artillery and was in Swabenland was commanded to march with the Forces that were about Lindaw and Constantz to guard Alsatia and particularly Brisach a Fort whose situation was of very great consideration upon the ascent of a hill which having no other hill neer for the space of two Leagues is an Island upon the Rhyn in the midst of a large Champion having a Bridge over the River fortified on the one part and the other with moderne fortifications which make it almost impregnable by Force and renders it aswell beneficiall to all the Townes thereabouts as likewise fitting to assemble together the levies of men which by Walesteines order were made in Burgundie and in Lorayne by the Colonels Cornelius Bentivoglio Marcus Fiston Aracourt Bambaglioni and others And because the Arch-Duke Leopald was much concerned in the preservation of Alsatia and chiefely in that of Brisach the key of that Province the care of seeing this place well Fortified was recommended to Colonell Ascanio Albertini Governour thereof and moreover many other Commanders were sent thither to survey those Bulworks and to be assistant to Montecuculi amongst the which I my selfe being one I forthwith went from the Camp before Nurenberg and came with what speed I could to the said Count of Colmar The Elector of Trevers being this meane while taken into the protection of the French Marshall Horne who had taken Coblentz seated upon the Rhyn in that Angle which the Mosel makes there a River which taking its head in the Mountaines of the valley of Listraye which parts Lorayne from Helvetia and Alsatia falls into the Rheine and is comprehended within the jurisdiction of the Elector of Trevers he by the Command of his King delivered it into the hands of the French as he did likewise Tareber a walled Towne upon the bankes of Mosel between Trevers and the said Coblentz the taking of which places forced the Spaniards who were lodged in the neighbouring Towns to forgoe those parts and retire to Luxenburg Montecuculi and Ossa the Emperours Commissary who watched over the safety of Alsatia being advertised that besides the departure of the French from those parts there were not many Swedes left there the greatest part of them being joyned with the King before Nurenberg so as there remained not there above 500 Horse and 800 Foot thought therefore to make some further advancement whereby if they should get no other benefit it would be some advantage to them to get Contribution from the Townes formerly taken in and satisfy in part their Souldiers who grew impatient of living without pay and it was yet more considerable that the Duke of Wirtenberg who seemed to leane more towards the Swedes then towards the Emrour although he durst not yet make publique shew thereof maintaining two Regiments of Foot in his state as it was thought to assist the Swedes when he should finde the Caesarian Forces neer upon his Confines would be carefull not to doe any thing contrary to the duty he ought to the Imperiall Crowne To this purpose as likewise for other reasons they went from Colmar and Brisack and resolved to enter the territories of Turlach to make the Marquesse thereof who being a Protestant followed the Swedish party aware of the Errors of such Princes who forsaking the faith and loyalty which they owe unto their superiours throw all the goods they doe possesse upon the hopes of getting more and greater by the helpe of others Having therefore mustered 1500 commanded Muskettiers and 1300 Horse with two Companies of Dragoones and two pieces of Cannon under the Command of the Colonells Aracourt Montrecâ— Fiston Bambiglioni and the Marquesse of Baden they took their way thitherward and came happily to Turlach The Inhabitants of that place advertised of the Romanists approach and not having wherewithall to withstand their Artillery sent Commissioners to the Count desiring him that he would keep without the City and that they would provide him with all things necessary and that they would receive him and his domesticke attendants into the Towne but this was to no purpose for the Count resolved to lodge there with all his people that night the which he did without any prejudice to the Inhabitants from thence he advanced to Pretem a little Towne barely walled about and guarded by 400 Foot which hee forced to yield to his discretion Whilest things went thus Montecuculi was advertised that the Duke of Wirtenberg was marching towards him with 6000 Foot and 800 Horse so as commanding me to make the discovery and I finding that they were but Country-people
come out of hotâ—houses and places under ground no accompt was made of them he commanded us to march in Battaile-array resolving to fight with them but the Wirtenbergers coasting along the woods never parted from them for though they were more in Foot then we yet came they short of us in Horse and Discipline wherein the Caesarians were growne prefect by their former warres A businesse of so great importance as is the advantage that old Souldiers have over new ones and in particular Country people for these men taking up Armes against their will not to serve their Prince but to obey him and being bread up in the idlenesse of Peace are not able to indure the hardnesse of warre so as their mindes being alwayes upon their owne families it is impossible to divert them from the thought thereof and their intensivenesse to peace and quiet imbaseth their courage Montecuculi desirous to adde to these his proceedings and being incouraged by information and scouts which assured him that there were no other Forces then what hath been said in those parts came the next morning with his Horse and Dragoones to Knitling a Towne of Wirtenberg weakly walled and situated the Inhabitants whereof prepared for defence refusing to surrender the Towne I know not whither they did this as knowing succour was at hand or for that the Imperialists wanted Foot and Cannon or for that it is naturall to cowardly people to seem valiant when they feare nothing But not being able to withstand a fierce assault made by the Dragoones and Light-horse who upon this occasion were lighted from horseback they fled in such confusion from their stations and foure of the Caesarian Souldiers advanced so couragiously forward as possessing themselves of the wicket of the great gate which was left open and abandoned they let downe the draw-bridge and let in their Companions who being followed by the Horse put as many to the sword as at the first they met withall and angry that they found therein no booty for the Townsmen had conveyed away all the best things they had to Heylburne they revenged themselves by setting the Towne on fire in foure places which being as is usually in Germany for the most part built of wood it was in six houres burnt to the ground Which may serve for an example to such Citizens as never having seen the sword drawne at their gates and thinking to affright and oppugne the enemy with lovely plumes in their Helmets and rich Scarfes about their necks doe not afterwards make good their bravery of speech with gallantry of heart and so lose their Country Honour Substance and lastly their Lives The Emperours Commanders were not delighted with this fiery spectacle occasioned by wicked and distrustfull Souldiers they themselves being Gentlemen full of honour and humanity but soon after some Scouts being returned who were sent abroad to learne the Condition of the enemy brought word backe that the Governour of Heidelberg beeng issued out of the Towne with 800 Foot to surprise Wiseloch a walled Town of those parts was incompassed in a wood by 500 Horse of the Rheingraves for the which he desired assistance protesting that if they would speedily free him froÌ„ that danger the Swedes being easily put to flight the Town would remaine at the good will of the Roman-Catholicks wherein the best things of the Country-people that lived thereabouts was brought Montecuculi though hee listned unwillingly to these hopes yet Ossa who was an old man and experienced in these parts insisting that they should go on the desire of bootie being able to blind-fold the eyes of difficultie resolved to march thither-ward yet did he this onely with his Horse to the end that upon any extremitie he might safely retire and therefore he sent his Foot and Cannon towards Filsburg Mounsieur De Bambaglione a Loraynese and Colonel of the Emperours side was therefore ordered to advance who descrying two Companies of the Enemies Horse which conveyed some Carriages of Baggage believing there were no more there then the aforesaid 500. Horse and no whit feaâ—ing such an number gave on furiously against them who betaking themselves to their heeles retired upon a good gallop till such time as being past a narrow passage in a plaine which led them into another open Country invironed with thick Woods they faced about making Bambaglione believe their trust lay onely in the advantagiousnesse of those Woods Here passed a slight Skirmish the Swedes still retiring towards Wiseloch and Bambaglione pursuing them till such time as he fell upon an Ambush of the Reingraves and of Colonell Bernard Sciavalis Ki one who was well conversant in those parts from whence he was so played on by Musquets and set upon by Curiassiers as after having made what brave defence could be expected from a gallant Souldier he fell downe dead most of his Souldiers being together with him slaine or taken Prisoners Those who were not so farre advanced as the rest and who were better Horst and knew the wayes through the Woods assisted by the night recovered Filsburg from whence Montecuculi soone removed with the rest of his men and came to his former Quarters of Brisack and Colmar This indeavour of the Imperialists wakened those that slept therefore the Duke of Wirtenberg who durst not formerly declare himselfe an Enemy finding himselfe injured by the surprisall of Knitting and other Townes assembled all the men of his state together and marcht into the Field intending to doe by the Austrians as they had done by him But because nothing rayses a Princes mind more to consideration then doth the importance of Warre though the Duke of immature age well inclined to Warre full of vast designes which were fomented by the troubles begun in France and confirmed in him by his Councellours out of the hatred they bore to the Roman Catholiques and the Swedes suggestions and the hopes they had in them minded not what the event might be which a wise man ought alwayes to have like a looking-Glasse before his eyes and though he infinitely desired to enter friendship with the King of Swedes yet not forgetting the Maxime That it is good to have the opinion of others as well that he might have wherewithall to cloake the defects of wisedome as likewise that he might lay to their charge any thing of evill that might befall resolved to send for his Chiefe Councellours and to advise with them upon the injuries he had received from the Caesarians and what revenge he ought to take He with great resentment urged that the Imperiall Officers were insufferable in their demeanour that they thirsted after other mens estates were ungratefull to their friends intending onely their owne interest that they thought they should merit at Gods hands by being cruell unto and by ruinating the Protestants that the pretence of Religion was so esteemed of by the Romanists as they thought their faith was not broken when the occasion being palliated by some invention
Warre was undertaken ought to be considered and the ends thereof which if they were obtained men ought to be satisfied since the fortune of Warre doth oft-times favour when kept within bounds and doth forsake those who transcend them that the Imperiall greatnesse was already sufficiently lessened and consequently the vapours thereof extinguished which the ambition of her Officers had raysed up that the Swedes were borne forward by advantage that it was not good to cherish them any longer in their bosomes that the pleasures of Germany were too much thirsted after by the Ministers of that Crown that they Treated with the Princes of the Empire with restlesse pretensions that one of the chiefest Electors of Germany ought not to comply with the will of men come from forth Woods and Mountaines that he ought to indeavour not to dis-member himselfe from the Empire to preserve himselfe with those that were strangers thereunto who already give proofes of their immense designes and what would they be if they should obtaine their vast ends upon the Empier That an union of many was of no long lasting that every one had his particular Maximes so as it would be hard to find an agreement amongst so many differing opinions geniouses and interests that it was better to accept of an offer made then to pursue it when denyed These Reasons strongly urged by some Spanioliz'd-Officers wrought very much upon the Elector who was exceedingly inclined to Peace and did not a little prevaile with Oxesterne and other Swedish Ministers of State whose intentions were not good yet were they not able to get a resolution so as what had beene formerly alledged was discreetly opposed by others who urged the tye of Religion crying downe the ends of the Imperialists and their by-gon behaviour towards that Elector shewing how hee was rewarded for his friendship by the Invasion made into his State by Tilly declaring the hatred borne by Ecclesiasticks to Protestants and which was of greater moment wounding him with the calling to mind the Emperours late published Edict touching the restitution of the goods taken from the Church and remembring him of the means whereby hee might so conveniently acquit himselfe thereof and free himselfe from those jealousies Though hee was on the one side Counselled by his desire of Peace and his emulation of the Chancellour Oxesterne and affrighted on the other side by suspition of the Austrians behaviour hee resolved notwithstanding by not refusing to treat of an accommodation to keep Walesteine in hopes and by not giving way to the Propositions to put diffidence in the Swedes and to conclude a suspension of Armes as did insue for two moneths all of them retiring themselves to their quarters and re-assuming their former negotiations The Duke of Berchenfelt who was till now left with his men in the parts of Vetterania incouraged by Baudis who still desirous to invade the State of Coln grew impatient of effecting his desires and who had invited him to joyne with him so to re-inforce his Forces as that enterprise was propounded invited by the likelyhood of the designe he patted from those parts with his men which were about 5000 Souldiers and joyning with some other Troopes marched thitherwards Gustavus Horne was during this in Swabenland no whit at all fearing the Imperialists who were now farre from that Country plundring the Country and bringing what he got into Vlm and Biberack when Aldringer went unexpectedly with some Regiments towards Rain making the Governour of that place believe by counterfeit signes and false names that his men were some of the Swedish Troops sent upon some enterprise against the Imperialists and being favoured by a thicke mist which that morning darkened the sky and hindered the Swedes from discovering the Country he without bloudshed entered the City wherein leaving a good Garrison he with the rest of his Army went towards Auspurg imagining to meet with as good fortune in the surprisall of it but Gustavus Horne hearing hereof made all the haste he could thitherward to hinder him Much about this time the arrivall of the most illustrious Ferdinand Infant of Spayne Brother to the most Catholique King was expected in Milan and the Spaniards purposing to send this Prince into Flanders to take upon him the government of those Provinces whereof there was very great need for that the illustrious Infanta Clara Eugenia was now growne very old and those people not being willing to be commanded by any but by some Prince of the Blood-Royall of the house of Austria and it behoving him to have considerable Forces to get into those Provinces not onely to open the way unto him but likewise to re-inforce their Armies and for his greater credit the Duke of Feria a man of great wisedome and understanding who was then Governour of Milan obteyned Authority from the Emperour and Claudia of Inspruch Arch-Duchesse to raise to boot with those levies of men raised in Lombardy and Naples 2000 Souldiers for the service of Spayne in Germany and to joyne thereunto the Regiment of Colonell Altemps and moreover that Fredericke Enriques Embassadour at Brussels for Tiroll Swabenland and the Austrian Countryes of Germany might raise whaâ— men he listed The French likewise who were in Rhetia in defence of the Grisons being carefull of the safety of that Country which might without much difficulty have been taken by the Spaniards through the intelligence of some of their State Ministers and more particularly the chiefest of the lower Agâ—edina they resolved not onely to finish the Fortifications of Steich a Passage by which they goe from Rhetia into Swabenland neere Veldkirch a Towne not farre from the Lake of Constaâ—â—z but designed moreover a Fort-royall of foure Bulworkes upon the Rhyn not farre from Meienfelt and good summes of Mony were sent to Mounsieur Lande the French-Kings Ambassadour who was at Coira to keep those confederates in Loyalty and partly to satisfy the advancements which they pretended unto Waymer who having taken Bamberg and Krâ—nach had all this while kept himselsefe in those quarters doing nothing of moment thinking it was now time to looke about him and hinder the inrodes which were made by the Crabats and other Caesarian Horse quartered about Egra hee reviewed his Troops and having assembled a Body of men to about 8000 he encamped himselfe three daies about Steimach between Egra and Kronach he afterwards sent part of his Horse into the higher Palatinat to scoure the Country and inquire after the Caesarians proceedings who being very much increased in those parts seemed as if they would make some new attempt and hee with the rest of his men stayed behinde to joyne with Horne that so they might passe into Bavaria but the Duke thereof knowing of their designe failed not with all speed to send many Bands of Souldiers to the Confines of Swabenland to have a care of his owne Country Waymer before he should come to the Danube would satisfie the desire which had more then once
been made unto him by the Senat of Mariemberg who were in scarcity both of Victuall and Traffique wherein their greatest meanes did consist not receiving any benefit from the neighboring Countryes possessed by the Austrians who over-run their Country He therefore turned on the left hand and came in person to Mariemberg where he was honourably received and his Horse not having the lucke to meet with any but five Companies of Crabats who as knowing the Country were abroad to listen after this motion of the Enemy whereof the rest being advertised retired neerer Egra they Charged them and slew some fifty of them Horne on the other side being by sundry letters intreated to come to Waymer he presently removed his Army from about Auspurg and marched towards Dunawert to joyne with him but for that it much imported the Swedes to regaine Rain as a place wâ—ll seated and where passing the Leech they might the easier enter from Bavaria into Swabenland he thought in this his march to take it and therefore drawing his Army about it he erected three Batteries against the new little Fort built by the Bavarians upon the River and won it being afterwards re-inforced by some Regiments sent him by Waymer he hastened the taking of the Towne whither the Bavarians not being able to come time enough who made long marches to come in unto their succour and were expected by the defendants their Ammunition fayling them they were constrained to yeeld with no small losse of Souldiers who are usually more grieved when they are strong yet are debarred of meanes of fighting then when they have meanes to fight and are weake Berchenfelt who being gone from Vetterania a Countrey betweene the Maine and Heccar went to foment the designes of Baudis came before Montabeur a walled Towne betweene the Rivers of Steg and Lain which fall into the Rhyn about Coln which was guarded by foure Companies rather that they might therein be lodged then for the defence thereof and making divers shot at it he tooke it Whereat Merodes being startled who was then in the Territories of that Electorate to hasten the raysing of Forces for the service of the Catholique League he passed over the Rhyn with 3000 Horse 5000 Foot and marched towards Siburg a place situated upon the banks of Seidg not farre from Coln not onely to disturbe the designes of Baudis and Berchenfelt but to beat the Swedes out of the quarters which they had usurped in those parts Now was the Dyet at Helbrun ended where by coÌ„mon consent it was concluded agreed upon that the Electors and Princes of the League should keep constantly united together til such time as what was taken from them by the Austrians should be restored unto them their past Lawes should be established as likewise the privileges of the Cities of the Empire till the Crown of Swethland should be satisfied for its service done to the Confederates each of them promising never to Treat or conclude any Agreement severally without the consent of the rest of the Colleagues And because it was requisite that the many numbers of this body should be joyned to one head by which as by an expert Pilot the Ship of their common interest might be guided in the Sea of their present Emergencies it was resolved that a Juncto of twelve Deputies or Commissioners should be chosen to assist Oxenstern nine of which were to be Germans three Swethlanders who was declared to be the Director thereof and Generall of the Army of the Crowne of Swethland and that this Councell or Juncto was to provide for publique occurrences to deliberate upon all expeditions which concerned the common interest and to take upon them the whole Affaires Alsatia having at this time but few Swedes by reason of Hornes being gone from thence Montecuculi who commanded in chiefe the Emperours Forces in that Province having augmented the number of his Forces at Brisach by the remainders of those which he could get from the Garrisons of the neighbouring Cities which Horne had formerly taken he appeared every day to advance in his proceedings sometimes surprising quarters sometimes troubling the neighbour-garrisons sometimes over-running the Countrey and indeavouring to withdraw the residue of that Province into the said strong hould the preservation whereof was much studied by the Caesarians it being the Key and Sanctuary of Alsatia and Swabenland and the most important and considerable passage of the Rhyn So as the Swedes considering how much their interests were concerned in the having the intire possession of that state and the securing themselves on the Rhynes side they resolved to prosecute the enterprise and to doe this whilst Saxony Treated of Peace whilst Walestein prepared to march into the Field and whilst preparations were making at Millan for augmenting Caesars Forces to the end that they might afterwards turne their Forces whether best pleased them Their returne therefore to this Countrey being resolved upon the first thing propounded was the taking of Haghenaw which standing upon the Frontiers of Lorayne incited the Duke to take up Armes in the behalfe of Caesar and hindred the Commerce of Strasbrough a friendly place and worthy to be upheld since in it did consist the safetie and plentie of those parts Oxesterne having very wisely weighed that it behoved not them to lose their men in the taking in of Townes whilst the Enemy grew stronger in the Field whereon the Game that was begun was finally to be ended put the Commanders in mind that they should use all their care and diligence in preserving their men and the Duke of Berchenfelt who by reason of the arrivall of the Emperours Forces commanded by Merodes and Gronsfield could not hope to advance the rather for that the States of Holland did not willingly adheare to such acquisitions being retired to the Teritories of the Electorate of Coln where his first quarters were about Francfurt he received orders to besiege Haghenaw and Fâ—â—burg lying a little lower on the side of the Rhyn one League distant from Spier from the Garrison whereof parties continually sallyed forth which kept the neighbouring Towns of the Palatinate and Wirtenberg in Contribution Colonell Smidburg a Dutch-man had orders at the same time that he with his men and those of Colonell Abell-moda a Hollander should lay siege to it Montecuculi who fore-saw that this cloud must fall upon him threatning a great tempest failed not notwithstanding in his formerly shewen courage nor in the constancy which upon former occasions he had shewed but continuing his valour which was never seen to go lesse in him he went forth of Brisach and supplyed the weakenesse of his Forces by the strength of his mind He plundered divers Townes cut in pieces 100 of the Enemies Horse where they lay in quarter tooke Rutell a Castle standing upon a hill not farre from Basel and faced Friborg in Briscovia with 700 Foot and 500 chosen Horse to the no little terror of the Garrison
experienced Commander and of an acute wit with absolute Command who though it were commonly bruted amongst Souldiers and other people desirous of novelty that he would fall into the Valteline to disturbe the passage of the Spaniards yet had he not order so to doe nor men sufficient for that purpose for these Companyes were so defective as they did not in all conteine 800 Foot though the King paid for above 2000. as likewise the French had not then any such resolution for that they would not be the first that should seem to breake the peace with the Spaniard the Duke of Orleans being in their power a weighty impediment as also not to hinder the severall Provinces of Italy from weakning themselves by sending out their Souldiers and to weaken the State of Milan of their Forces for afterwards upon the first occasion of breaking with the Spaniards they might have the better advantage by setting upon them at unawares and in a time when they should have sent out all their necessary defence barring up the Passages of the Valteline then for so it would be easier for them to undertake it then whilst those of Milan were full of people at every least noyse of the stirring of the French they as being neerer might have first prevented them before they should have been entred amongst the Switzers and would have made themselves masters therof which was indeed their desire and which would have been very prejudicious aswell to the French as to other Princes These were the reasons likewise why they deferred the performance of their promises to the Swedes and Grisons and made it be so noysed about to cloake their desire of not pulling upon them so heavy a warre though some who subscribed to the flattery of their owne desires spread abroad opinions that they would not shut up the Spaniards passage for that the Spaniards going to molest Germany not well tollerated by that Nation which not accustomed to the usuall hardnesse of lying in the field by falling short in their numbers and miscarrying weakned the Spaniards power or by preserving themselves to cause more feare in the Swedes and make them when they should be in great need of their assistance fly unto them for protection and make offer of those places unto them which could not but by necessity be taken that thus whether the Spaniard should be victorious or losers the sending of the Forces out of the State of Milan was very advantagious for the French In this uncertainty of times and present revolutions Heydelberg the Metropolis of the lower Palatinat which some moneths before was besieged by the Swedes was constantly kept by the Imperialists whereupon the old Ringrave who commanded the Forces that were before it finding that every longer delay withdrew much from his reputation and knowing how behovefull it was that that Towne should be taken before the Italian Forces should have past the Mountaines or that the levies in Lorayne were in a readinesse as on the contrary how advantagious it would be for the Austrians to have that place as a safe retreat for their Forces very fitting to lye before Wirtenberg and the Palatinate so as where he perceived force would not availe he applied cunning and resolved to make use of a stratagem he therefore held intelligence with some Inhabitants of the City who were no wayes inclined to the Caesarian party the businesse was luckily carryed by meanes of a Drummer who imployed about the ransome of prisoners past frequently between the Camp and the Towne he therefore made some of his Souldiers by night swim the River who being let in by the aforesaid intelligence possest themselves of that side of the Towne or Suburbs which was next the Champion or open Country and let in the Swedes whereupon the Castle wanting Victuall and supply ere long yeelded and 300 Dutchmen who had the Guard thereof marched out of it on the first of Iune and being desirous to keep the Field inroled themselves under the Swedish Colours But if the Swedes advanced in Alsatia the Imperialists were not idle in Slesia for falling upon one of the Saxons quarters they cut many in pieces tooke many prisoners and brought away good bootie At this time likewise fortie Carriages of Marchandize which went from Auspurg to Vim were taken in Swabenland by 400 Crabats The Duke of Bavaria seeing Waymer and Horne departed from his Territories bethought himselfe to drive the Enemy from Neuburg which lying upon the Danube betweene Dunawart and Ingolstat much affrighted the neighbouring parts by the taking whereof he should not onely bring his Forces to flank upon Dunawert but by his re-inforced Garrison therein would have kept the Swedes in continuall suspition and have made them forbeare their inrodes He therefore raysed his Army from before Monaco and together with Aldringer presented themselves before the Walls thereof from whence they were saluted with divers Cannon-shot for the Garrison being incouraged by Horne who at the newes hereof having quitted his quarters and passed over the Danube at Dunawert hasted for their succour they vigorously persisted to defend their imperfect Walls yet all this would not doe for the Towne being streightly beset by Aldringer who began to be ashamed that he had spent so much time in taking a Towne which was by every one given for lost it was forced to surrender before Horne could bring succour The Prince of Orange was not this meane while lesse diligent before Rimberg for streightning it continually more and more and not suffering it to be succoured by 7000 choice Spaniards who used their best skill to get into it the Towne not able longer to resist the Hollanders yeelded and tooke Lawes from the Enemy the taking hereof was a great detriment to the Spaniards in those Provinces and very available to the Hollanders since thereby they inlarged their bounds towards the Electorate of Coln and opened the way on that side along the Rhyn The Emperors Army and the like of the Duke of Saxons were yet in Slesia facing each other so as Walestein perceiving there was no way to drive Forreiners out of the Empire but by being reconciled to Saxony for he very well understood the Caesarian Forces could not be restor'd to their former splendor nor yet Germany freed from the incursiōs of strangers without good correspondency had with that Prince who with a flourishing state and considerable Army flanked upon Bohemia a Kingdome that lay open on that side so as it behoved Imperialists either to guard it by a great power of men or leave it to the discretion of the Saxon Forces and that the Imperiall Forces being either the one or the other way divided could neither advance further in their conquests nor yet could perfectly defend themselves on all sides hee re-assumed with forged designes the Treatie of Peace by him so much desired and propounded a new suspension of Armes which was entertained by the Elector as making much for his advantage for
this Battell 50 Ensignes and Standards or Horse and Foot Colours thirteene piece of Cannon 800 Carriages of Baggage and Ammunition Merodes his Cancellaria 5000 Souldiers and their Generall Merodes who some dayes after dyed of the wounds he that day received The Battell indured from two houres after Sunne rising till two houres after noone Cronifield though wounded in the thigh retreated with the residue of his men to Minden a strong place upon the same Wesser he was much troubled at this mis-fortune but not at all therewith daunted and dispatching Posts speedily away with news hereof to the Electors and Ecclesiastick Princes he resolved not to give way to Fortune but to recruit himselfe and by revenge recover his losse This was so great a defeat to the Romanists as it did not onely draw teares from the Elector of Coln and Mentz the safetie of the one the remitting of the other into his lost estate consisting in this Army but caus'd strange feare in the hearts of all the Inhabitants thereabouts and more particularly it much dis-heartned the besieged who seeing Merodes his Wife and the wives of many Captaines who were tane prisoners together with the Austrians Baggage sent by the Swedes in honourable equipage towards their Citie thereby to let them know how the succour they expected was utterly routed they resolved to parly and to yeeld up the Towne on condition that they might march forth with their Armes Baggage 14 Coaches and two piece of Cannon and that they should have a safe Convoy to Minden which being agreed unto the Garrison marched forth consisting of 1300 Foot and 240 Horse all brave and gallant men Henry Duke of Rohan was at this time at Zurich a Canton of the Protestant Switzers he was a Prince who favoured and protected the Protestants as much as he did maligne and beare ill will to the Papists and in particular he hated the Spaniards whose preparations in the State of Milan being by speedy messengers certified unto him from Lombardy he failed not to acquaint the Swedish Generalls there withall with whom he held particular good correspondency and for that he was a man of great wisedome and better at machinations then any thing else he considered the the taking of Constantz would be exceeding prejudiciall to the Austrian affaires and that it might be effected if it were not hindred by the Protestant Switzers he therefore applyed himselfe to have this his desire effected by jugling having therefore secretly negotiated the businesse with the principall and chiefe men of the Zurich Councell and being by them confirmed in his hopes that they would never take up Armes against the Swedes he advertised Horne Waymer and the great Councellor Oxesterne hereof by the meanes of a Zurich Captaine named Vlrich who though they knew that in the compassing of such an attempt they were to meet with many difficulties for there was no good to be done therein without bringing their Forces upon the Nelveticke Territories and they knew not how this being an injurous act could be acceptable to those Cantons with whom the Swedes were by all meanes to hold correspondency yet having well weighed the businesse and disputed it pro and contra for a whole moneths space and being againe assured by Vlrich from the Duke of Rohan of the easinesse of the enterprise which he had by excuses honested to the Switzers they resolved to bend thitherward and indeavour the effecting thereof Whereupon the Marshall advanced with 12000 men towards Velinghem and seeming as if he would set downe before that Towne and end the businesse which was begun by the Wirtenbergers hee on the suddain drew neer to Steine upon the Rhyn three Leagues from Constantz and required of the Burgers of the Towne passage for his men over that Bridge who answering that they could not give way thereunto without the leave of their superiours and Horne replying he had no time to lose in consultations but that he needs must passe and if that they would not give way thereunto in a friendly manner he would open his passage with those keyes which he brought with him shewing them his Cannon they inforced by feare gave way to that which they could not withstand Yet it is thought that this happened by former intelligence had and agreed upon and by Commission given to the chiefe Magistrate of the Towne by some of the leading men of Zurich who were suspected to be conscious thereof for else there was no likelihood that Horne should seeke a breach with the Switzers since it did not stand with the Swedes interest to fall foule with those Cantons as likewise for that Steine might have held out it being invironed with good old Wals till it might have been relieved by its Masters which might have been done the next day and though they had been forced to abandon it by breaking the Bridge which crost the Rhyn and was but built of Wood they might have kept that Army from advancing further he then past over all his men by night on the seventh of September and leaving 500 Foot there that upon any occasion he might secure that Passage he came the next day before Constantz but by reason of his haste to passe over the Rhyn at that place before the Papists Switzers or Austrians should have any notice thereof which he doubted might be a difficult matter unlesse he made all the greater diligence that he might make the more haste he left behinde him his great Cannon believing that the Duke of Wirtenberg would furnish him with the like but whither it were through the idlenesse of the Conductors or some other let 't was six dayes before they came so as the besieged had not onely time to communicate this newes to the Governour of Lindaw and prepare for defence but to receive a succour of 800 men which was speedily sent them by the Lake of Vberlinghem and from Lindaw Costantz is a very important situation placed upon the Lake which from thence takes its name which doth not onely serve it for safe-guard but is of a great advantange to it the River Rhyn which comes forth of that Lake passeth by the North-side of it by which meanes and by moderne Fortifications it is on that side impregnable towards the West and South on this side the Rhyn it is onely begiâ—t with single Wals Towers and Ditches after the ancient manner the Austrians not being able to make it more defenceable on that side for confining there upon the Switzers and they being by agreements bound not to have any so important Fort flanking upon them all the indeavours formerly had by the Austrians to fortifie it was hindred by the not consenting thereunto of the Switzers Cantons It is a City of reasonable precincts it hath in it three Boroughs of no small consideration it hath formerly been a Priviledged place and one of the Hauns Townes of Germany but the Citizens thereof having imbraced the Protestant faith and driven out all
the Gates after the Moderne fashion with a dry Ditch but full of short returnes which flanck't upon one another within Musquet shot after the Moderne invention The losse of Ratisbon being much lamented in the Emperours Court and by the Duke of Bavaria by reason of the importancy of the situation for thereby the passage being opened on both sides of the Danube into the bowells of Bavaria the Townes thereof would through continuall suspitio◠〈◊〉 kept in perpetuall motion caused many good Austrians to be very jealous of all Walesteines actions who picking matter of murmur out of every little occasion and laying whatsoever hapned amisse to his charge failed not by degrees to bring him to that height of suspition which afterwards was his overthrow 'T was muttered that he might easily have succoured Ratisbon Weymar not having with him above 9000 men but Walesteine had not digested the injury he conceived was done him by the Duke of Bavaria blaming him as the chiefe author of his being cashiered at the Dyet of Ratisbon yet was it not this which did indeed cause such carelesnesse in Walesteine but to see the Spanish Colours flye in Germany which occasioned varietie of thoughts in him as likewise the comming of the Count D'Ogniate to Vienna who being a faithfull Minister of State and not able to see a servant should have no regard to the Supreme Authoritie of his Master plotted what he could to bridle that boundlesse libertie which he had assumed unto himselfe and which afterwards was his misleading The Duke of Feria being advanced to Brisach and thinking the most difficult things now feacible by reason of his late good successe thought he mought easily take Colmar a chiefe Citie in Alsatia two Leagues distant from Brisach on the other side the Rhyn in that Champion which extends it selfe betweene that and the Mountaines towards Lorayne which had formerly beene a free Towne but by the vicissitude of Occurences fallen into the Austrian subjection begirt with good Ditches Walls and Rampiers though imperfect in the which the Swedes having placed a rich Magazin of Victualls and Ammunition for the supply of their Armies which lay in those parts he hoped by the taking thereof not onely to Victuall Brisach but to refresh his owne Army wherewithall he determined to keep in those parts for some time to maintain those Towns which yet kept free to the Emperour as likewise to endeavour the taking of many others which were under the Swedes power and to get into with Loraine the losse whereof was a great vexation to the Austrians for they being deprived of that Princes assistance whereby they shut up the passage of Burgondy into Flanders Alsatia and the Lower Palatinate were thereby much prejudiced and France much advantaged the neighbour-hood and power whereof as being their just counter-poise they much apprehended for Spaine met with no other considerable opposition but the French who in time might much offend them He planted foure Batteries against it which playd merrily upon it six dayes but finding the sufficiency of the Rampiers and the defendants valour who were provided with all things necessary he thought it not good to waste his men and necessary Victuall which he had brought to relieve Brisach in the winning of a Towne the taking whereof would require time be costly and uncertaine He therefore resolved to send Aldringer into Bavaria being desired so to doe by the Emperour and the Duke thereof who much feared Waymers advancement for he was drawing up into the heart of the State Aldringer did accordingly he re-passed over the Rhyn and set upon Freiburg which was held by the Swedes and which soone yeelded unto him and the Garrison thereof tooke pay of him which Towne though it were of small moment being onely invironed with bare Walls without Rampiers yet being that he and his men were to passe by it it behoved him to secure it Horne who had an eye to the Caesarian proceedings understanding this his march came out against him which when Aldringer understood knowing that his Voyage would be very difficult for he was to passe through a Countrey the Provisions whereof were totally wasted and which was full of Souldiers and desperate Countrey people and the passages prevented by the Enemy he speedily raysed his quarters from Loffing a little Towne in Swabenland in the black Wood where whilst he was he had lost about 400 of his men part slaine part taken prisoners in divers skirmishes made by Hornes Souldiers and so he returned back againe to Brisach Waymer having got Ratisbone and constituted good orders therein as well for the publique as Military government having left there 2000 Foot and 500 Horse in Garrison and made the Citizens sweare fealtie seeing how it made for him to get Chamb a place in the upper Palatinate by the River Rugen he took his way thitherward to further his proceedings in the Palatinate as likewise to facilitate his taking of Passaw a Citie standing upon the Island made by the Danube where that River joynes with Inn begirt with Walls without Rampiers but likely by reason of the situation to hold out for some time and commanded by a Castle upon the top of a Hill The Episcopacy thereof is such as though the Bishop were not the Brother to the Emperour Ferdinand the third he might be tearmed a Prince of no vulgar esteeme 't is seated betweene Bavaria Austria and the upper Palatinate and in a passage of great Navigation upon the Danube He marched with his Army thitherward and met not with any opposition for the Garrison frighted with what had befallen Ratisbone and other places of greater strength then it and fearing lest the like might befall them thought it better for them to yeeld then by vainly standing out to incurre inevitable undoing though by reason of its good Walls it mought have held out a while whereupon they surrendered it to the Swedes 'T was reported that this was done by secret intelligence held with Walesteine who desirous to see the Bavarians ill treated would publiquely say to those that told him of Weymars proceedings in Bavaria that Feria was there to succour it The like did the Garrisons of Strawbing and Dechendorf Aldringer being returned from Laffinghen towards Friburg and the Duke of Feria seeing his men dayly diminish who being brought from Italy were not accustomed to the German Fogs and being thereunto perswaded by Aldrâ—nger and the other Commanders since their hopes of entering into Wirtenberg was already lost nor that they could not without some hazardous encounter passe into Flanders by reason of the opinions which have beene spoken of they joyntly resolved to Winter in Bavaria and there to recruit their Army which was not a little lessened They therefore raysed their Army from Friburg and marched towards Biberach wherein they were so much incommodated for the Autumne beganne to grow very perverse as that to boot with the losse of many Souldiers in divers skirmishes with the Swedes who
indeavour at least the getting of some-what some-where else Hee therefore quitting the Palatinat entred into Bavaria at Landsperg and came before Biberack the which he did furiously set upon for his Souldiers who were accustomed to Conquest being long kept fasting were very forwards so as the Towne not being able to resist such Assaults as the Swedes prepared to make wanting both sufficient Garrison and Walls yeelded on the 12th of Aprill and 400 Foot and 70 Horse were suffered to march out Hornes returne into Swabenland gave Allarme to all the Imperialists thereabouts and awakened the Commanders and this his comming causing many men to wonder who thought it was incredible that he should forsake Bavaria some began to thinke there was some-what more in 't and in particular Ossa who commanded in those precincts was more suspitious then the rest as was soone after seen in Colonell Peter Chinich of Salutorne Governour of Lindaw who was arrested and sent prisoner with a good guard into Tiroll but his reputation suffred in no one particular but only by the false suspition of the said Ossa who bore him little good will occasioned by the great friendship and correspondency which Chinich held with the Switzers and in particular with those of Zurich and Berne two Cantons which confided but indifferently in the Austrians and this much the more because some Spaniards that were of Ossa's party and held not that any one could be faithfull to them who was not a Romanist fearing much lest Chinich might be a Protestant and by reason of the good opinion the Protestants had of him they agreed to ruine him rather to free themselves of this suspition then for that he deserved it which was sufficient to nourish a conceipt that he had held Intelligence with the Duke of Rohan who was then in Rhetia And matters of State being like wax which takes heat and is distemperd upon any the least occasion he was imprisoned before he was accused though his innocency appearing afterwards by his absolution his loyalty shone forth the brighter Filisberg which as we have already said was besieged by the Swedes was now by Famine brought to great extremity insomuch as Bawmbergher and Swarez who had the custody thereof yeelded upon parly and had very honourable conditions the Fort being surrendred up to Colonell Smigberg on the 13th of Ianuary The losse of this place though it were not of so great consideration in respect of the situation yet it being a principall place it was in the present conjuncture thought to import much by reason of the consequences which depended on it for that it was likely it might fall into the Frenchmens hands who when they should have gotten thither they might easily advance further and maintaine themselves in Alsatia and in the lower Palatinat Yet they who seemed to be greater Politicians discoursed alternately hereupon those who opposed the reasons alleaged by the Swedes answered that it was better to leave it in the hands of the Imperialists then to win it for the French to whom when they should not surrender it they should shew little desire of continuing longer friendship with them by which their Interests was to receive no small detriment and by granting it the gaine would appeare to be prejudiciall for besides the depriving of themselves of such a place to retreat unto they would draw a power upon their shoulders which assuming unto it selfe the title of being arbitratour of their affaires the Swedes who should continue in those parts would consequently be brought to reverence the Lawes of France from whence it would insue that their authority being limited and made dependant on the French their atchievements would be unperfect and their greatnesse would not be suffered to exceed the limits which they should allow them And though others said that it was not to be imagined that the French would betake themselves to a businesse of small satisfaction suppose the negative thereunto were granted for that their Interests required good intelligence with friends of so great power who might otherwise wax jealous yet wise men foresaw that no good effect could ensue hereupon since that the desire of rule is blinde and the reasons of preserving it prevaile over whatsoever other respect But the considerations which the Protestants had hereupon were farre short of those held by the Austrians for they thought this to be a greater losse then any they yet had suffered not for that the Swedes or Protestants got much thereby whose power consisting in the Union of many they hoped that in time and by such meanes as they might use they should recover from them what they had lost but for feare lest it should fall into the hands of the French whose greatnesse being upheld by the Crown of their onely Monarch and those Provinces neighbouring upon their Kingdome they well â—oresaw what difficulties they should meet withall in the regaining of it The mindes therefore of the Councellours were confused their judgements uncertaine their resolutions timorous their remedies doubtfull and their hopes inconstant Yet all this notwithstanding the Spaniards who are alwayes undaunted in adversity carefull of their affaires and most faithfull in all their doings failed not with their refined judgements to calme the perplexity of their mindes to secure their feares to advise what was expedient to proportion agreements and to confirme faith in the certainty of hope The end of the seventh Book DOCTRINA PARIT VIRTUTEM The Warres and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE VIII BOOK The Contents of the Eighth Booke Wherein is described what the Austrians condition was in Italy and in Germany The doath and fashions of the Duke of Feria Iealousies in the Austrian Ministers of State touching Walesteines behaviour Meanes used by them to guard themselves against his infidelitie Orders taken therein and how his death ensued The rumours caused hereupon A Compendium of his life and qualities with an opinion upon the efficacy of his fortune and of his Army Ferdinand King of Hungary chosen chiefe Commander of the Imperialists Forces His preparations to march into the Field Divers proceedings of the Swedes in Swabenland and Alsatia Charles Duke of Lorayne his making over his estate to the Cardinall his Brother This mans marriage with the Princesse Claudia Iealousies caused in the French by reason of this Marriage the flight of the Duke and Dutches from Nancy The going of Prince Thomas of Savoy to take upon him the command of the Spanish Forces in Flanders The Swedes undertakings in Swabenland The King of Hungaries entrance into the Field The Swedes Negotiations in Holland and in England The Landgrave of Hessen his proceedings The Siege of Motha and of Bitsch in Lorayne THe Spanish Army was this meane while quartered in Bavaria to recruit themselves and the Spaniards and Italians were very solicitous and diligent in compleating their Companies that they might recover that renowne which was rather lessened by the badnesse of
the season the difference of climats the inhumanitie of the Countrey people and the unexperience of fresh Souldiers then by the Sword of the Enemie The Duke of Bavaria Duke of Feria Aldringer and many other principall men did in their frequent counsels examine the present condition and did in their wisedomes weigh what was fittest and most needfull for the publique good and their owne particular honours The Count D'Ognata a deeply intelligent Minister of state being at Vienna failed not in observing what prejudice might be caused by Walesteines infidelity in taking order how it might be obviated and in soliciting Caesar to take some expedient meanes for the preservation of his owne authority In Lombardy the Infanta was diligent in taking men into pay and in indeavouring Monies and Foot from Spaine whereby to re-inforce the Army and thereby to maintaine the power of Spaine in Germany assistance for the present occasions was indeavoured at Naples the Magazine whereby the Spanish greatnesse is re-inforced by imposing new grievances upon the Subject new impositions upon Salt and upon the incomes of Fines or Amerciaments Customes and the Kingdomes Revennues and to boot with the continuall issues of Souldiers which went from that Kingdom 6000 Foot were entertained by Prince San Severo and other Brigadoes under Don Carlo de Gatta Lucius Boccapivola Iohn Baptista Orsino Caesar Caracciolo and divers others and the Drums beat through all the other Dominions of the King of Spaine and assessements were made for the supply of Men and Monies for the German warre upon the which the Spaniards were as intent as if it had been their own businesse At Rome the Spanish Embassadours prest much upon the Pope to assist the Romanists in Germany and did much exasperate the sinister behaviour of the French Creqiri aboad in the Court to moderate the Spanish conceptions and to interest the Pope in behalfe of his King the Pope by some supply of Monies did wisely satisfie the Spaniards entertained the French in civill manner and consolated Christendome with plenary indulgencies and in fine the eyes of all Europe were fixt upon what would be the event of the Spanish preparations when Feria after having been some few dayes sicke of a Feaver died and for that after he had been in a faire way of recovery he fell into a relapse some suspected his death might be occasioned by poyson and that it was done by Walesteines privacy for he greatly hated and envied the Spaniards who being faithfull to their Prince could not permit that people should live in feare of him who ought to dread his Master nor that the Imperiall Ministers of state should be so foolish as to admit of defence or listen to the justification of one guilty of high Treason Yet was there no appearance of ground for this conceipt The Duke of Feria's death as it was gladsome to Walesteine and some other Dutch Ministers of state who were not pleased that the Spanish authority should get further possession in Germany so was it very much lamented by the Emperour the King of Spaine all the Austrians Spaniards and Italians the Crowne of Spaine having lost in him one of the worthiest servants it for the present had or had had in many yeares before He was none of the famous cryed-up Commanders for being alwayes imployed in state affaires hee was not accustomed to Armes and he was arrived at the hight of perfection in state government as that Spaine did bost it selfe and Italy glorified never to have been in a more flourishing condition then under the fortunate guidance of this Prince He was excellent in all generall knowledge and upon all occasions shewed himselfe worthy of the place he bore his opinions free from flattery and now acknowledged to be void of weaknesse proved that true borne Spaniards are not such as through envy they are divulged to be By the preferring the good of his King before his owne good he taught us that how much the richer a servant is in deserts the nakeder hee is in his owne privat designes his diligence in resolutions his sincerity in opinion his order and judgement in treating made it appeare that though Spaine be not barren in producing men of this science yet had shee few that did surpasse him in having served his King with a more vigorous spirit with more ready parts or with a better appointed judgement he governed Milan many yeares was beloved by the people well esteemed by the Souldiers admired and feared by Forrayners he though streightned in time did dexterously raise an Army did wisely guide it did with much successe succour Alsatia and did with so miraculous constancy indure the injuries of the weather and the sterillity the Countries as his good government and the good orders he took were acceptable to the Souldiers supportable to the Subject and commended by the Enemy Those who possest with an evill opinion of the Spaniards were afraid at his first comming and who more offended by words then deeds eschewed him did by experience prove that his picture was not drawne according to the life that the civillity of Spaniards was tolerable and the behaviour of their Commanders worthy to be reverenced the very Swedes themselves commending his actions said they admired the Spaniards good demeanour the affability of that Nation the modesty of his proceedings and by seeing that these men though so powerfull dealt not like others who as soone as they have got footing in another mans possession make it lawfull to satisfie their desires they knew that the detractions which they suffered under were onely the effects of feare and weapons used by the weakest not merited by their actions and they did further adde that if all Spaniards were so behaved they should rather conforme and joyne themselves with them then with any other Nation To say truth he was a Gentleman of great dexterity full of affability over-flowing in curtesie and most universall in all those indowments which are required in a generous prudent gentile and most-esteemed-of great state Officer to a great King hee left his Wife much afflicted having two Sonnes and one daughter Walesteines actions were now the generall discourse throughout all Vienna yet did the Court for many dayes wisely dissemble their opinion of him dexterously concealing the plot laid against him that they might goe upon sure grounds for such Officers as are grown to too great an authority and have the meanes to be dangerously harmfull to their Masters ought to be seized on with dexterity and to have their wings clipt before they can bethinke themselves or let loose the reines to their infidelitie Walesteine being by his Friends advertised of all that past and fearing lest his designes might perish amidst these stormes he sent for the Colonells Tersica his Cousin and Chinschi his Kinsman and Illo his favourite into his private Closet where he was much agitated with intestine passion which on the one side layd before him his reputation and the infamous
French Ministers of State as the Captaine was inforced to reprehend him and to wish him to be more advised in his speeches The Duke was hush and not able to say a word went to Nancy where new Guards being put into the Castle and all the Avenues being well lookt unto though the French would not owne this as restraint the desires concerning his Wife and Le Motta were againe renewed the which the Duke still denying the French were much perplext what to doe and the Duke fell upon a thousand severall imaginations when newes came from all parts that the King being highly offended with him for his aforesaid actions was resolved to have him forth-comming since his words and actions did not correspond The Duke fearing to incurre further displeasure knowing he could not by any other Treatie withdraw himselfe from the imminent danger which hung over him resolved to save himselfe and his Duchesse and losing his State to enjoy at least that libertie which he held deerer then Kingdomes He therefore acquainted Monsieur Pollion an ancient servant of his and one in whom he much confided with this his intention and discoursing how they might make an escape they at last agreed that the said Pollion under pretence of Hunting should send some Horses Hounds and Hunts-men towards those parts which lead into Burgundy and that these being left in severall places upon the way should wait for their comming but all the difficulty lay in their getting out of the Castle in the which to boot with the other Guards at the Gates a hundred Harguebuziers waited in the outward roomes and lodgings and especially every night and morning the Serjeant Major of the City under pretence of visiting their Highnesses came to see whether they were there or no so as their getting thence would prove a hard matter They therefore did herein imploy their wits and at last they light upon a secret paire of staires which opening from the Duchesses lodging landed upon the ground and from thence the way lay through a little gate into the old City by which they thought to escape but there was at the foot of this stair-case a house wherein some of the French Guard lay and the little gate being chained up with great Irons chaines provided of purpose by the French and no passage being to be had without the breaking thereof Monsieur D'Pollion advised hereupon with a very skilfull Smith with whom he prevailed so farre as to make him desirous his Master might escape So as the appoyntment being made betweene them and the Duke calling for Monsieur D'Morisse a Servant of his in whom he much trusted and to whom he imparted the businesse they consulted together how they might effect their desires They agreed that the Smith being let into the Chamber apparrelled like a Gentleman should breake open the Gate before the time of going to bed that the Duchesse should depart in a Pages habit and that the Duke comming downe the said staires by night should get to Monsieur Pollions house where course should be taken for their getting out of Towne On the last of March the Smith came into the Chamber and hid himselfe underneath the Dukes bed the Serjeant Major had according to his custome given good night unto their Highnesses when Monsieur De Pollion having a Page before him with a Torch lighted in his hand entred the Castle and came into the Duchesses Chamber who was laid in her bed and streightway putting on the Pages apparrell tooke the same Torch in her hand and went before Monsieur Pollion out of the Castle the Guards suspecting nothing the Duke after midnight descended the staires with his shooes off and without any trouble past through the Guards chamber and got also out of the Castle for the Souldiers who suspected nothing were all asleep and when he was come to Monsieur Pollion's house that they might with more safety get out of the City hee and the Duchesse cloathed themselves like two Gardiners who are wont to carry dung out of the City to such Gardens as lye about Nancy and having so besmeared their faces as that they rather looked like Colliers then Princes the next morning at the opening of the Gates with each of them a basket of dung upon their Shoulders they passed freely out of the City Monsieur Pollion who under pretence of hunting as hath been said was to go out got into his Coach with six Horses soone after the Duke and Duches were gone and without giving any the least suspition went out of the City for the Guards having lookt into his Coach suffered him to passe as they had used to doe The Duke and Duchesse this meane while in their counterfeit apparrell walked apace and were got a good way off the City but were so weary by reason of their burthens and their walking on foot which they were not accustomed to doe as that the afflicted Duchesse was ready to fall upon the ground and the Duke stood weeping to see the poore Lady brought to such a condition when the Coach comming up to them they began to take comfort threw away their baskets and got readily into the Coach and made what hast they could to the place appointed where their horses staid for them where immediately getting upon fresh horses they arrived happily in the French Contée and came to Bisanzon where they rested themselves in Monsieur Morisse his house after their wearysome journy The next morning the Serjeant Major came according to his custome to give their Highnesse a good morrow when the doore-keeper stept unto him and desired him to forbeare a little for that his Highnesse was not well the other was content but returned againe some two houres after the doore-keeper would not yet open the doore unto him excusing himselfe that he had received such command from the Duke his Master the Serjeant-Major threatened then to beate open the doore to whom the other answered he had no reason to doe so and said it was a shame that a poore Prince should not be suffered to sleep as long as he would and did thus a while entertain him but not knowing that they were gone out of their beds contrary to their customes at other times hee resolved to knocke at the doore and hearing no answer made he forced it open and being entred into the chamber seeing no body there and finding the staire door broken open he found what the matter was and much incensed sent many Horsemen abroad in pursute of them who rid many Leagues to little purpose These Princes having staid some dayes at Bisanzon where they refresht themselves after their sufferings and laying aside their gardiners weeds they went from thence and tooke their way towards Savoy where by order from that Duke they were feasted presented and entertained like Princes though the Embassadour of France as it was reported desired they might be there detained From thence they went to Milan where they were civilly and honourably
first meet withall Before he came to the Bridge of Lenis he met with a Souldier of Milan who comming from Germany into his owne Countrey and speaking with him concerning the Souldiers craft he resolved to take it upon him he therefore received pay of the Emperour and at first trayled a Pike shortly after he got a Halbert and won the love of his Captaine and all his fellow Souldiers for being good at his Pen the casting up of the accompts of that Company and the answering of such Letters as were sent to his Captaine were recommended to his charge and behaving himselfe still worthily in this place and his Captaine through the assistance he received from Aldringers wisedome being made Serjeant Major and his Lieutenant Captaine in his place Aldringer was made Lieutenant with the applause of all the Officers and Souldiers in which place he continued to give signes of his more then common understanding He had the keeping of a place in the upper Palatinate not farre from Egra committed to his charge by which the Protestant Army was to passe which with bare 50 men by the meanes of barricadoed Trenches and Pallizadoes of great interlaced Trees he so gallantly maintained against the Enemies whole Army without any other succour as that to the fame of his wisedome he purchased the addition of being held greatly valiant Thus in a short space of time he was much desired by many Colonells and had offers made him of divers Companies Being at the instance of his maintainer perswaded to comply with the Arch-Bishop of Salsbergs Nephew a young man who needed such an instructer he by his Souldiery and by his Learning did so much insinuate himselfe into the good will of that Colonell and his associates as that Aldringer making him seeme gray-headed for wisedome who was but greene in yeares he thought he could recompence him with no meaner a reward then in default of his Serjeant Major to conferre that place upon him Being raysed to a place of this imployment and thereby having occasion to be knowne to the Generalls and to negotiate sometimes with one sometimes with another of them he so won upon the good likings of every one as that he got the repute of being a better Souldier then any one that did officiate that charge and being favoured by Fortune and confirmed in every ones good liking he was raysed to the degree of a Lieutenant Colonell and from thence to be a Colonel still refining his judgement by the experience and mannaging of Martiall affaires till he was found worthy to succeed to the command of the Emperours Forces before Mantua where commanding over the body of an Army he executed the authoritie of a Generall though not under that Title Aldringer was of a lively spirit of mature wisedome of a refined understanding and of a valour levelled to enterprises His Councells were accompanied with the freedome of Voyce with past examples and fore-sight of the future in so much as in all Consultations held they were preferred before the advice of any others The informations of his Pen proportionably displayed opened the gates to capacitie inlightned the understanding to make resolves and were most gratifying to the curiositie of his Master and Masters Officers the divers Countries he had beene verst in the divers maximes he had observed the inclinations of many people traced out by him made him so wary in all his actions as no Italianised Spaniard could out doe him He was in â—ine growne to so great a hight of perfection in what belonged to a valiant wise and experienced Commander as there was nothing more to be desired in him had he not beene so much swaide by avarice and severitie He was so great a husband as that he was as much intent to the service of his Prince as to his owne particular interest uncompassionate towards the Subject being excessive in laying on Contributions very straight-handed in letting the Souldier partake thereof or in bearing with them so as he was not much beloved by them his austeritie in this kind particularly at Mantua where 't is reported he got such spoyle and bootie as that none of Caesars Commanders ever parted from thence with greater riches made him hatefull to the people not beloved by the Souldier and contumacious towards God Almightie And this did presage that the promoters of that Warre would make good the proverb That riches ill got are not usually long enjoyed Whilst the Imperialists were busie in besieging of Ratisbon and that with equall constancy and reciprocall offence and fighting the one indeavoured the taking the other the defending of that place the Saxons taking their advantage at the absence of those Forces out of Slesia by which they were formerly held in great feare lest they might all have joyntly bent their course upon their state and Misnia as had beene oft-times discoursed of in the Imperiall Councell made divers advancements in those parts for to boot with having given the Imperialists a great blow neere Lignitz as hath beene said they likewise tooke Crossen and Glogaw the Garrisons whereof were not in condition to defend themselves without present succour nor to maintaine those holds streightned on all sides by the frequent quartering of the Enemy The passage of Iser being opeâ—ed unto the Swedes by the taking of Landshut they accosted Alcka watered by the Par a place of no great consideration begirt onely with bare Walls without Rampiers or defence some Bavarians betaking themselves to defend it thought the Swedes could not keepe long before it the maine body of the Romanists not being farre from thence but not able to resist a faire assault which the Enemy desirous of bootie made the Towne was taken and sackt After which Horne keeping still in Bavaria pursued in making inrodes and taking of such places as could make no resistance and though he was informed by reiterated Letters from Waymer how great the necessitie was that he should come towards Dunawert joyn with him that so both of them might indeavour to succour Ratisbon yet would he not budge a foot but seemed as if he slighted his counsell for Horne being of a contrary opinion and not minding to hazard his men in a battell against the fresh and numerous Army conceived that Waymer was rather to come and joyne with him that they might with a brave and compleat Army proceed on to prejudice Bavaria by which diversion he pretended either to get more then the Imperialists should doe by the getting of Ratisbon or else to necessitate them to come and defend their owne and consequently to abandon the Towne or at least to weaken the Siege thereof the which he conceived feacible since it was likely the Duke of Bavaria for the getting of Ratisbon would not suffer his own state to be lost and his Subjects to be undone and the Towne was so well victualled as if it were not the streightlier besieged it might hold out for six moneths But Waymer who was
the Duke of Savoy from whence some new commotions might have risen were composed hee renewed the League with the Papists Switzers and in courteous manner received Embassies which were sent to him from all the Princes of Italy to congratulate his arrivall Amongst which one must not be forgot which farre exceeded for pompe and glory all others in our memories sent at any time from any King whatsoever not onely to Milan but to any other part and this was the Embassy of Signior Bertucci Valier a noble Senator of the most illustrious state of Venice who appeared in such splendor as he sufficiently proved that the greatnesse and magnificency of that Republique most illustriously represented by those that represented her hath â—one in Europe that can equall her Ninety Companies of Foot and 25 Troopes of Horse being brought into the state of Milan under the command of the Marquis of Liganes the Duke of Nocera Prince of S. Severo Marquis Fiorenza Count de Langia Matteo Rocales Gasparo Baraldi Peter Cardanes Marquis Lonaso Maestro di Campo Guasco and Gambacorto the Infanta resolved upon his departure for Flanders and his going was now thought the more opportune for asmuch as it was not then time to doe any new thing in Italy against the French nor yet to hinder the Imperiall Forces in Germany from such a succour for the warre being mannaged by the Spaniards advice those Ministers of state were resolved to make it appeare that as by their meanes and Counsell Walesteines treachery was cut off together with his life in the very rise thereof so having unfetterd the Caesarian Authority they were able to maintaine the Imperiall Crowne 'T was added that the Swedes being at varience between themselves and thereby their numbers lessened they would be brought to a bad bargaine when they should be pursued by a powerfull Army and though some objected the consideration of the French Forces from whence it was affirmed the Swedes would not faile to be re-inforced yet their owne interest being concerned 't was supposed they would never succour the Swedes to any purpose till they had such places as were possessed by the Swedes upon the Rhyn in their hands but since as yet the Swedes were resolute not to quit them 't was likely they would be unwillinger to doe soe when by the assistance of the French they should be remitted into their former condition of strength whence it was foreseen that the French under pretence of not first breaking with Spaine and by reason of the Duke of Orleans absence out of the Kingdome who was then in the Spaniards hands would rather chuse to reduce the Swedes to such necessity as that they must be inforced to assigne over unto them those Townes so as they might become masters thereof without drawing a Sword then that they would foment their greatnesse The Spaniards then past over the Mountaines in Italy and the Infanta being come to Inspruch hasted to Lints whither the Queen of Hungary was come to meet her Brother whom when he had seen he together with his Brother in Law and chiefe Heads of the Army held a Councell to advise what course was best to be taken in the present conjuncture of time The Dutch-men were of opinion that pursuing what they had begun they should march boldly against the Saxons alledging that the Elector surprised by the imminent danger and wanting the Swedes succour would easily be brought to thinke of Peace without the which since they could not freely keep the field with such advantage as was desired they were to imploy their Counsels their Forces to that purpose they added that though Waymer and Horne should come in to their succour the way into Bavaria being open and all their Forces brought into Saxony the seat of Warre would be in that Electorate without hazarding that the French should be compel'd to come in to the succour of the Swedes so as they might not come to an open breach with them But the Spaniards and the Duke of Bavaria who thought it better and more opportune advice to march with their Forces against the grosse body of the Swedes whose weakning would the better facilitate the accommodation with Saxony and that for the honour of their Armes they were bound to goe into Flaunders where in many respects as well of the Infanta his presence as of the recruiting those parts 't was needâ—â—ll the Forces destin'd for their owne desence should first be imployde before they should be consumed in the service of the Emperour and the Duke of Bavaria adhering in opinion to the Spaniards as that which was best grounded for to boot with the feare he had of the Swedes who lay upon the Frontiers of his State it complyde with his interest that those Forces should be disperst which were intertained in many of his Townes and the one and the other of them being desirous that they should march with their Army thitherward alledging moreover that Saxony would never make any considerable progresse into Bohemia by reason of their Commanders slothfulnesse who were more given to drinke then to fight they prevailed so much by their arguments as they brought the King to resolve upon his returne to the Danube and to goe against such Townes as were possest by the Swedes He therefore presently faced about and came unexpectedly before Dunawert against which he made two gallant assaults which the defendants not being able to resist the Towne was storm'd and the greatest part of the Garrison put to the Sword The Swedish Generalls who lay incampt betweene Dunawert and Auspurg and hearing the newes of Dunawert being taken and foreseeing that their longer abode in Bavaria would be prejudiciall to them they resolved that Waymer should retreat towards Lavingen a place neere the Danube betweene Dunawert and Vlm and should encampe himselfe thereabouts and that Horne that he might have an eye to the proceedings of the Infanta's Army which was quartered about Fussen should goe to betweene the Iser and the Leech with intention to hinder the Spaniards from joyning with the Imperialists and to advance further when the Ringrave should be come up unto him who being with above 7000 good Souldiers in the Dukedome of Wirtenberg he had timely advertisement to advance into Swabenland so as by his assistance Horn might keep the Field with lesse feare of danger But competition betweene Commanders being that which of all other things doth most retarde victory and is the ruine of Armies were it either the will of God or the Swedes misfortune the bad effects thereof were sufficiently shewed upon this occasion For the Ringrave seeming and but seeming as if he would joyne with him that he might not be under anothers command this was one of the chiefe reasons of the ruine of the Swedish Forces By reason of the Treatie at Ratisbon wherein so large and faire conditions were granted by the Austrians who made use of this bait to bring such to be in love with their civill
demeanure who formerly exasperated by the severe usage of former Ministers of State would never be brought to comply with them divers Imperiall Cities and in particular Nurenberg which was then brought to a bad condition their Traffique being hindred wherewithall the greatest part of the Inhabitans did maintaine themselves and a great scarcity of Victualls being amongst them by the devastation of the Countrey and adjacent parts made by the Armies insomuch as that they payd halfe a Florin for a loafe of bread and a Dollar for a pottle of Wine the Citizens thereof began to move a Treatie of agreement with Caesar making use of this pretence to honest and cloake their faultinesse that they had joyned with the Swedish partie to no other end but for the maintenance of their libertie of Conscience Priviledges and Franchises which they had so many yeares enjoyed and that when they should be listened unto in these their pretensions by the Emperour they would balke all other occasions of violating their Oath and doe homage to him and that they had had sufficient experience that to deliver ones selfe up into the protection of another Prince was a totall for-going of their obedience to their chiefe Soveraign and a prejudicial subjection of themselves to a worser as their state had too well made proof of whilst by having recourse unto the King of Swethland a Prince in appearance very affectionate to his Friends they had purchased the destruction of their Territories the consumption of their Arsenalls and the ruine of all their affaires with an undoubted certaintie that when the King should have brought all Germany under him they should be otherwise treated then by the Imperialists For that Princes who are ambitious of greatnesse retaine nothing in memory save onely what in the present may make for their advantage By reason of the resolution taken at the Dyet at Franckfort by the Protestant partie of making Duke Waymer Generall of the Forces of the union 't was said that the Duke of Saxony grew likewise jealous and that moreover he was not well satisfied with Oxesternes government who he thought did not proceed with him in so sincere a manner as he ought and that the Contributions which were had from the Associate Provinces were not divided amongst the Souldiers as they ought to be but converted to the private use of the Swedish Commanders who were suspected to send into Swethland to their owne homes what they got in Germany whereat the Dutch were not a little troubled whilst they saw another remote Countrey clothed with their spoyles These allegations were likewise occasioned by particular envy which usually reigning amongst States-men and Chiefetaines who are ambitious to be thought the only Christalls wherein the actions of other men ought to be seene had at this time given some signes of the Dukes no great good affected intelligency with the Swedes Whereupon the Austrians making use hereof indeavoured againe by new propositions and proffers to draw this Prince to conclude a Peace upon whose example did depend the other Confederate States and Cities of Germany and to this purpose Deputies were sent from both sides to Pern a Citie on the side of Elb above Dresden where though the Imperialists used all the skill they could to overcome whatsoever oppositions yet was it not possible to allay the Electors distrust and diffidence nor to satisfie his pretensions so as this indeavour proving likewise vaine they continued in their hostility Horne was this meane while come with his Army to Myndelheim to watch over the Spaniards proceedings who gave out that they would goe into the upper Swabenland and into Alsatia When Waymer being advertised that the Imperialists after the taking of Dunawert marched towards Norlinghen one of the chiefe Cities in Swabenland situated in a large plaine begirt with Rampired Walls and strong Towers hastened his march to come and joyne with Horne the which he did at Gutemsberg a place neere the Danube betweene Lavingen and Vlm at the same time when the Caesarians appeared first before Norlinghen Where the Swedes suddenly resolved to passe over the Danube at Lipheim a Towne not farre from Gutemsberg and to incampe themselves in the mouth of the Valley of Rems which is a plaine of about two miles in breadth betweene the Mountaines beginning at the end of the Norlinghen Champian and extends it selfe into the Dukedome of Wirtenberg towards Baling that they might the better secure the Dukedome of Wirtenberg the maintaining whereof was of great advantage to them for all other adjacent parts being ransacked they could onely from hence have Victualls and Forrage for their Armies And because they thought this the most convenient seat not onely to succour Norlinghen but other places of consideration in Swabenland and Franconia they tooke their way through the Territories of Haidnhaim which is a Countrey along the River Brents which is a Countrey upon the Confines of Swabenland towards Wirtenberg and went to Aulen a Towne not farre from thence where though they received advertisement the Count Strozz and Iohn De Wert were gone with a good strength of Horse from the Imperiall Campe to set upon Valerspach and other places of Franconia they would notwithstanding lose no time but went the next day towards Bapsinghen upon the Confines of Swabenland towards Wirtenberg that they might there take their readiest advantage and bring reliefe into the Citie in which march they met with some Imperiall Troopes wherewith they skirmished cut many of them in pieces and tooke some prisoners The Swedes being come to Bapsinghen they the next morning possest themselves of the neighbouring Hill where long consultation was had touching what they were for the present to do Waymer was of opinion that they were to set upon the Caesarian Campe and provoke them to battell but Horne and many other chiefe Officers were of another mind and advised contrary to what Waymer had propounded who notwithstanding persisting in his opinion and being seconded therein by Offcherchin Lieutenant Generall of the Horse 't was resolved that the next morning Waymers Horse which made the right wing of the battell should advance to a straight and incommodious passage in face of the Enemies Campe who were already possest of all the most advantagious neighbouring Avenues to discover whether or no they might passe that way without danger the which being effected they presently found the difficultie greater then they had imagined by reason of Iohn De Werts return who was sent for back from the enterprize of Valerspach by which meanes the Imperialists did much exceed them in numbers wherfore they agreed not to try a battell at that time but onely to send some recruits into the Citie to incourage the Governour and Inhabitants thereof and to exhort them to expect the arrivall of the Ringrave and Cratzs upon whose comming they should be sure to be succoured 200 Musquetiers were therefore conveyed into the Towne by Hornes Horse who went himselfe to the very
he resolved to ride streight towards the Frontiers of Picardy and took order to prevent any mischiefe which might insue that upon the day appointed certaine Troopes of French Horse should bee upon those Frontiers Hee went out of Brussels waighted upon by Messieurs de Pilloran de Fargis de Condray Montpensier leaving Monsieur de Candeboune to wait upon the Duchesse his Wife which Candebonne was afterwards sent away by the Spaniards as one they trusted not in And finally he arrived in France to the great contentment of all the Subjects Princes Ministers of state Cardinall and of the King himself which they exprest by Jubilean teares and all outward manifestations of joy and to the as great discontentment of all those who had laid their foundations upon these divisions The Spaniards who if all be true that was said were not very well pleased hereat did notwithstanding wisely cover their inward sorrow giving out how much they were joyed that their Kings Brethren in law were reconciled and that his Highnesse needed not have beene so secret in his departure for as they had courteously received him so would they as willingly have served him and attended him with such decency into France as became so great a Prince The Infanta whom we left after the Battaile of Nordlinghen in the Spanish Army in the Dukedome of Wirtenberg went by Ashaffemburg a City belonging to the Elector of Mentz upon the Main towards Cullen and came happily into the Country of Lucemburg with the great applause of the Inhabitants The King of Hungary having taken Neilburne a City in the Dukedome of Wirtenberg seated upon the Neccar which being onely surrounded with old Wals soone yeelded march't with his Forces towards the Ringrave who kept himselfe with his owne men and those hee had drawne out of Garrisons neer Offemberg to oppose the Caesarians proceedings in those parts not being strong enough to face a great and victorious Army discovering the Imperialists Scouts and having skirmished with them he retired towards Strasburg But being pursued by the Caesarian Horse and not able to get to the Bridge over the Rhyn before they overtooke him whilest hee past over his Foot it behoved him to skirmish with the Imperialists Horse where being overborne by the grosse of the Enemy and not able to passe over the Rhyn by the Bridge which was barricadoed by Carts and Foot he to save his person threw himselfe into the River and by swimming over it escaped the hands of the Enemy but left behinde him at this bout neer 400 Horse and some Carriages After this action the Imperialists fearing lest they might necessitate the Swedes to implore succour from France and to joyne themselves with the Army commanded by the Marshall de la Force who was fallen downe into Alsatia and was then quartered about Lindaw they kept themselves within there quarters for some time in the Dukedome of Wirtenberg not indeavouring any new businesse at which the Swedish Commanders did not a little wonder But this was by politicians interpreted a piece of cunning thus to afford leasure to the Swedes who were totally broken that gathering a little courage they might not give way to the demands made in Mentz by the French Agents concerning those Townes which they held upon the Rhyn and thereabouts and which they had yet refused to surrender But the Elector of Bavaria growing jealous at these delayes by which they seemed rather to seek peace with the Protestant Princes then pursue the warre 't was said that the Austrians foreseeing an almost inevitable rupture with France would first see the businesse of Germany setled that they might the more freely afterwards oppose themselves to the French Forces the which was to be indeavoured before they should declare open Warre against the French for if they should fall foule with them before the other affaire were setled they were likely to meet with greater difficulties then otherwise for inheartned by hopes from France their pretensions would be the loftier The Duke of Bavaria doubted lest the Emperour might conclude this Peace and lest he might remit the Count Palatine into his state so to gaine the friendship of the King of England which it much imported him to have Hee indeavoured therefore by what was gathered from understanding men to thwart this and made Iohn de Wert Commander of the Forces of the Catholicke League of which the said Duke as hath been formerly said was Generalissimo sit downe before Heydelberg the Metropolitan of the lower Palatinat to renew by this hostillity the jealousies between Caesar and the Crowne of England the which Wert did and tooke the Town and shortly after the Castle which wanting succour compounded The losse of this Towne though it opened the way for the Caesarians to advance without any difficulty towards Franckfort and Mentz yet was it not pleasing to the Imperiall Councell For Manheime being garrizon'd by the French a strong hold upon the Rhyn at the mouth of the Neccar formerly possessed by the Spaniards afterwards slighted by them to free themselves of the expence they must be at in maintaining a strong Garrison there which now they needed not and having built a Bridge upon Boates they would not oblige them to passe over the Rhyn and declare Warre They therefore kept themselves within their quarters at Wirtenberg and the Marquisat of Turlach not indeavouring any other enterprise attending the conclusion of Peace with Saxony which at this time was with much fervenvency and almost an assured successe treated of For the distastes which that Elector had taken against Oxesterne for the little respect given by him in his discourses to the Electors actions were growne to a very great height And though the French who were troubled this peace should be concluded sent Monsieur de la Grange to the Elector to disturbe it as it was commonly reported with promise of Monies Armes and assistance yet did they not feare to effect it for the Elector was not greatly well inclined to the greatnesse of Forreigne Protestants in Germany and therefore it was not to be believed hee would nourish the Warre at the desire of the French The end of the ninth Book DOCTRINA PARIT VIRTUTEM The Warres and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE X. BOOK The Contents of the Tenth Booke The Imperialists are invited to the surprisall of Filisburg by the Frenchmens neglected Guards many consultations being had they resolve upon the enterprise which they easily obtaine The French are much incenst at this surprisall and make great Military Provisions Franckfort upon the Mayne compounds with the Emperour The Spaniards surprise Triers and carry the Elector prisoner into Flanders Auspurg and other Cities brought to great extremitie cloze in with the Peace of Prague The French fall unexpectedly upon the Valteline and without any dispute make themselves masters thereof The state of Milan takes up Armes and the Spaniards are carefull to preserve the strong holds The
whole affaire and to desire him that he would interpose that the Duke might be permitted according as he desired to keep newter Duke Waymer by reason of his late bad successes was at this time in no good credit with such German Princes as were confederate with the Crowne of Swethland who did not applaud his too hasty actions Wherefore hee seeing that the Countries Contributions grew daily lesse and lesse that the Duke of Saxony had made his Peace with the Emperour and that many Hauns Townes had changed their Copy so as he knew not how longer to maintain his Army without help and assistance from the great Potentate the States from whence he raised his Monies and Victuals for the maintenance of his Souldiers being the most of them already in the power of the Austrians and the Country wherein he was quartered being totally wasted and consumed and that his Souldiers inforced by their sufferings fled to the Colours which were set up of all Nations for the King of France who foreseeing the insubsistency of the Dutch Companies in the Swedish service aswell for the want of Contribution as of pay which the Swedish Commanders converted to their owne use and fearing lest by the disbanding of these the Caesarian Army might bee augmented which was victorious and composed of the same Nation resolved to make some levies of Forreyners aswell for what hath been said as likewise to winne the affection of the Protestants who comming into his pay together with the aggrandizing of his already dreaded power the weakning of other Armies made not a little for the advantage of the French Waymer being therefore moved out of these considerations resolved to fly for protection to the French by whose Agents hee had been sought unto and perswaded to take pay of that Crowne and to ingage himselfe and his Forces in the service thereof The French foreseeing that unlesse they could divert the Emperours Forces which were numerous and well experienced the Fabricke of their designe was grounded but upon an ill foundation and that this division of the Dutch Forces was the right way to compasse their ends had procured this Princes dependency upon them he being a gallant Gentleman beloved by the Souldiers a greatly experienced Commander and who was at this time in great valew and estimation As also the like of the Landgrave of Hessen who was a sprightly Prince and of no lesse esteem with the Protestant party and the Elector of Saxony and all this was done through great promises which being food onely fit for weake stomacks the using therof was rather prejudiciall then advantagious to the safety of France For this was judged to be one of the chiefe motives which made the Duke of Saxony reconcile himselfe to the Emperour hee having too well found that the protection of more puissant Princes is nothing else but a hook whereby that liberty is fisht for which hath escaped the nets of other mens rule and govenment as he had very well found since his joyning in friendship with the King of Sweden The great Chancellour Oxesterne having likewise wisely weighed that any longer tarrying about the Rhyn would be hurtfull to the need which the Townes upon the Elb and Oder stood in of his assistance which might easily be invaded by the Saxon Forces joyned with the Emperours As likewise for the Dyet which was to be held at Hoband for the new Truce Peace or Warre with the Polachs leaving Mentz resolved to goe into Pomerania to provide for what was needfull for those Provinces which were yet held by the Swedish Forces and which did more import them then the others foreseeing very well it was impossible for the Swedes to keep any longer upon the Rhyn being pursued on one side by the Imperialists Sword and on the other side prest by the desires and perswasions of the French who knowing them to be but weake in Men Mony and Meanes to subsist did much urge them to give themselves up unto their protection that so they might get into their hands such Townes as they were possest of in those parts Hee therefore tooke his was by France where by command from the King he was honourably treated and received with extraordinary civillity and afterwards imbarking himselfe in some Holland Vessels at Callis he lâ—nded safe in Holland and after divers negotiations with those States he parted from thence and came to his journies end Nurenberg which yet stucke to the Evangelicall League for so did the Protestants tearm theirs being reduced to that scarcity of Victuals as that a loafe of bread was sold for a Dollar and decaying much in trade it being a very populous City which lived upon handy-Crafts and Merchandizing seeing their hopes faile them of being succoured by the Swedes and Princes of the League being likewise invited by the examples of Ratisbon Auspurg and other Cities which had found more Clemency from the Conquerour then from the conquered for Caesar finding at last that violent meanes did not worke upon a malady cankered through the peoples obstinacy of not forgoing the liberty of their Conscience had applied the due remedy therunto to wit the permission of their said liberty and privileges which was the true Antidote wherewith to abolish hatred and regaine the peoples love agreed likewise that 't was better for them to reconcile themselves with the Emperour then to persevere in friendship with the Swedes from whom they had yet received but a ruinous preservation which peradventure would not have proved such if they had kept themselves in their due obedience to the Emperour The Swedes were in these confusions when the Imperialists imboldned by their victories and growing stronger in Alsatia and Burgundy thought it expedient to venter upon somewhat whereby they might satisfie the Duke of Lorayne and advantage themselves in those parts Montebelgarde which lies upon the Confines of Alsatia Burgundy Lorayne and Swizzerland and where the French had fortified themselves seemed to them a very convenient place to open their way into Lorayn Gathering therefore together all their Forces towards Brisach and Burgundy they advanced to the taking in thereof against which they planted their Cannon plaid upon the Towne and would doubtlesly have taken it had not the Marshall de la Force suddainly come in to the succour thereof who fortunatly gave the Austrians Battaile neer Luder and after a strong bickering had the upperhand and routed the Regiments of Wert Renoch and Merci the chiefe heads of that Army Whereupon the Imperialists fearing to bee worsted if they should continue the enterprise they had begun suddainly raised their Siege and retreated part into Burgundy part under Wert into Alsatia rather to guard that Province then to indeavour the winning of any Townes garrisoniz'd by the French As these the Austrians proceedings were jointly listned unto in Vienna and throughout the whole Caesarian Territories so was the news of the French-mens falling into the Valteline no lesse displeasing unto them whereby
much of their designes was annihilated and those of the State of Milan not a little troubled for that State wanting men and Provisions requisite for its defence might suddainly have beene set upon by the French who if they had done as they threatned doubtlessely the Dukedome would have beene in some danger of being lost since it failed of succour from Germany which was its principall stay from Naples and Spaine from whence by reason of their farre distance aide could not suddenly be had Signor Antonio Porres was therefore dispatcht away from Milan into Inspruch to solicite the comming of the Dutch to the succour of the Valteline Tiroll though much terrified with this neighbour hood of the French began to beat up her Drummes her Inhabitants ranne to her Confines breaking up the high-wayes and barricadoing them with great Logges of Timber covering themselves with Trenches and betooke themselves to defend their passages with as much diligence as the shortnesse of time would permit The Arch-Dutchesse of Inspruch commanded Fornemont Serjeant Major Generall who was then quartered with his men in Swabenland neere Chempton to passe over S. Maryes Mount and not onely to secure Tiroll but to regaine the places that had beene taken by the French and driving them out of the Valteline to succour the state of Milan and to him were joyned 1000 Foot who were payd by the Spanish Embassadour Fornemont with 4000 Foot and 400 Horse haâ—ted to Mount S. Mary which is a narrow Hill betweene exceeding high Mountaines upon the Confines of Tiroll and the Valteline very hard to be past over From thence he went to the Bathes of Bormio which is another narrow passage where Colonell Pracher was with 1400 Foot and setting couragiously thereupon he made such worke as though he were valiantly withstood by the Grisons and that Monsieur De Landes Regiment and two other Companies of Horse came in to succour yet Pracher knowing the place to be too weake to resist the grosse body of the Dutch which advanced and fearing to be driven out resolved to quit the place and to retreat to Bormio and did so with the losse of about 70 of his men And from thence keeping alwayes on the left hand of Ada he past over Tridolfe a River which issueth out of Valfurba and got to Tirano one of the greatest Townes of the said Valley on this side of the Ada over against the Valley Puschiavo and there refreshing his wearied men Lande not thinking himselfe strong enough to make head against the Imperialists for that the greatest part of the French were in the Countrey of Chiavena with the Duke of Rohan he resolved to get into the Valley of Puschiavo and there to expect succour from Rohan Fornemont making use of the occasion the French-mens retreat afforded him advanced towards Tirano and meeting with no encounter past on to Brus from thence as farre as the little Lake of Puschiavo from whence likewise the French dislodged and withdrew themselves towards the Countie of Chiavena And fearing lest the Duke of Rohan might come in to the succour of the French he writ to Serbellone who was upon the Frontiers of Comasco that making use of this propitious occasion he should set upon the places held by the French on that side that he might divert Rohan from bringing succour to the other side But Fornemont not having given in his Letters his due Titles to Serbellone as it was said and thereupon some distastes growing betweene them Fornemont not well satisfied retired by the Valley of Pedenazza into that of Lenia and leaving his Forces there went to Croren a Towne in the Valley of Venesta Rohan this mean while being advertised by his Spies of the Austrians proceedings went on the 12th of Iuly with the greatest Forces he could on such a sudden get together and not leave the most important places unguarded from the Countie of Chiavena unexpectedly advanced into the Vally of Levin where the Dutch were more then satisfied with their coÌ„modious quarters not fearing any Enemy But being set upon by the wonted fury of the French and not having their Generall with them after having made some confused defence they made use of the benefit which a little Rivolet falling from the Mountaines afforded them and ran away and in this their disordered retreat lost in such as were slain and taken about 700 Foot This businesse being done and Rohan perceiving there was no meanes of subsisting in that Valley for want of Victualls he returned to Puschiavo and for the refreshing of his men as likewise to regaine the places that were lost at Bormio he went to Tirano The Spaniards were no lesse amazed at this rout then at Crequi's passing over the Mountaines with a French Army for they probably fore-saw by the avenues of the Valteline being shut up from receiving any succour from the Dutch by Montferrats and Piemonts being full of Souldiers by the Duke of Parma's diffidency and his high fancies against the state of Milan and by the state of Venice her being armed upon her Frontiers that if they should be set upon in these straights not being above 8000 Foot and 2000 Horse they should runne danger of receiving a great blow Notwithstanding behaving themselves discreetly and having received some recruits from Spaine 700 Neopolitan Horse and some other Foot being landed at Vado they seemed to be a little comforted amidst their pressing troubles But because all their â—opes in these present emergencies lay in the Duke of Savoy who if he should declare himselfe for them they might easily evade the evills that over-hung them the Spaniards did againe renew their negotiations with the Duke of Savoy by the interposition of Duke D'Alvito and others to whom they greatly complained of what had beene lately done by the French contrary to the agreement made at Montsona and Ratisbon That therefore his Catholique Majestie was to take up Armes in his owne defence with whom they desired his Highnesse to joyne in league for the common safetie or that if it stood not with his conveniency to declare himselfe openly their friend he would at least be Neuter without any prejudice to the Territories of their King But the Duke who found himselfe begirt on all sides with the French and who to the instant desires made unto him by the Embassadour Bellieure had new propositions put unto him by Crequi's selfe so as he could not follow the Spaniards advise without provoking the displeasure of the most Christian King and draw the Warre upon himselfe made such an answer as shewed how much he was displeased to find himselfe in such a condition as that he could not adhere to their desires affirming that the reason of State and the experience of past-examples fore-warned him from drawing so great and dangerous a Warre upon himselfe And that therefore he was first to see what resolutions the Pope and other Potentates of Italy would put on each of which was interessed in the
successe of this Warre and that since he was not in a posture of doing what he pleased he could not chuse but ratifie the Articles agreed upon formerly with the King of France at Lusa and Pinarollo yet howsoever he would endeavour so to governe himselfe as should testifie how well he was disposed towards the Crowne of Spaine This meane while Crâ—qui having obteined leave from the Duke of Savoy to passe through Piemont and all necessary Provisions for his Army he advanced to Montferrat so as Armes being taken up in all parts of the state of Milan all the Militia of the Territories of Pavia in Lomellina beyond the Goyna was suddenly put in readinesse Three Companies of Foot were sent as a Garrison into Villata a Town upon the Confines of Montferrat the Spaniards made moreover a bridge upon Boats over the Goyna that upon occasion they might easily passe over men into Montferrat to waite upon the proceedings of the French who entertaining themselves in Treaties and negotiations with Savoy and Parma desiring that they might joyne all their Forces together and set joyntly at one and the same time upon the state of Milan spent so many dayes therein as that the Spaniards got advantage thereby and tooke such breath as afterwards preserved them in greater vigour These so many reports from France being brought to the Court of Spaine did much trouble the King and his whole Councell yet it being the propertie of wisemen to make wisedome their buckler in adversitie they were not slow in applying themselves to such expediencies as were most behofeful for the safetie of their dominions Many Companies of Foot were therefore raysed and entertained with all carefulnesse in all parts and men and moneyes were shipt away for Milan 'T was noysed abroad that the King would goe himselfe in Person to Barcellona that he might be neerer at hand to assist his Dominions and that if need should be he would passe into Italy yet this was given out more to comfort the people then that the King or his Counsellours had any such intention The Fleet which was before Naples consisting of 32 Gallies 13 Galliouns and other armed Barques was commanded to be in a readinesse to goe whether occasion should require and though at the very parting from Naples it met with such a storme as that a good part thereof was broken and scattered yet recovering the Haven at Longone in the Island of Elbe all that was amisse was in a short time repaired and amended And because the government of Milan was no longer thought fitting to be intrusted to a Cardinall but to some good experienced Souldier the Marquis of Leganes had the charge thereof given him he who being with the Infanta in Flanders wonne immortall Fame in the Battell at Nordlinghen and who by new orders from the King was returned to Spaine to acquaint his Majestie with the affaires of Flanders and Germany Though the Emperour in these perplexities by reason of his late Victories and the peace with Saxony had an Army on foot not onely able to defend himselfe but to goe upon any other undertaking yet fore-seeing that the Protestants being back't by the French might easily breake out to new commotions he made his Embassadour at Rome desire the Pope to send him good store of money to bring this Warre with the Heretiques So my Author is pleased to tearme them to an end by the which the holy Church should receive no lesse advantage But the Pope thinking that libertie of conscience granted by the Emperour to the Haunse Townes and to the Elector of Saxony did not correspond with the zeale which Caesar shewed to the Roman Religion bound up his answer in succinct tearmes and excused himselfe in civill manner and yet could not forbeare to say he did not fight directly against Heretiques since he permitted them their libertie of conscience In briefe Drums were beaten up in all parts and convenient Provisions were not omitted to withstand the current of so great a Warre But as the French-men began on this side so were they not unmindfull of what they had to doe towards Flanders for having gotten an Army together in Picardy of 20000 men under the command of Marshall Schatillione and the French themselves weighing well the importancy of their owne interests which consisted chiefely in keeping themselves from being invaded by the Spaniards as they might be in Picardy it being an open Province and fitter for such a purpose then any other bounding upon Artois a Countrey held by the Spaniards wherein are many strong holds from which invasion if they could once socure themselves they might the easier and upon better foundation march with their Forces towards the Rhyn and other places The King went himselfe in Person to Amiens the Metropolitan of Picardy and having first agreed upon the manner how to joyne his Forces with those of the Hollanders which lay in great numbers about Maestricht and which could not be done unlesse passing through Lucemberg and so crossing through the Country of Leige he should joyne with the Prince of Orenge on the other side of the Maze Marshall Schatillione and Marshall Bresse both of them Marshalls of France began to march with their Forces thether-wards The which being understood at Brussels though the Spaniards had not beene idle whilest the French were making such preparations but were provided with all things necessary to withstand so numerous Forces yet the Infanta mustered the old Army of those Provinces one part whereof was about the Fort Philippine which they indeavoured to take but in vaine and divided it into two bodies the one of which consisted of about 8000 Foot and 2000 Horse with 16 piece of Cannon which hee sent under the conduct of Prince Thomas of Savoy to oppose the French Army and hee sent the other in face of the Hollanders who lay about Maestricht thinking therewithall to resist the French Army which was likely to have suffered much of incommodity in Legnoise For 't is likely the people thereof being in Armes for the King of Spaine would not have helped them to any Provisions save what they could get by the Sword and Prince Thomas following them in the Flancke and on the Reere would have inforced them to keep close together and consequently to meet with greater difficulties But the Spaniards were not successefull in their designes for the Prince being arrived with his Army between Namure and Marche two Townes upon the Mesa and that they might not pretermit any occasion of damnifying of the Enemy having made his men advance to surprise the French Vanguard which was in a little Village not farre from thence and who as the Prince was falsly advertised were carelesse in keeping their Guards and the French being by their Spies advertised of the Spanish designe and being all close together in a Body ready to receive them made their Horse advance in the sight of the Austrian Army and to the end the Dutch might not
appearance all things were fairely carryed on 〈◊〉 the English no lesse mindfull of the Spanish actions who under the colour of good neighbour-hood had formerly indeavoured by an Armado at Sea to land their men in that Kingdome and under pretence of comforting the oppressed Romanists to conquer it did very well know that the French could not be held under without promoting the Spaniards whom for many respects they ought more to dread then the Brench and in particular because the English greatnesse consisting at Sea which they must passe over who will set footing in that Kingdome they had more reason to feare the Spaniards that were as well potent by Sea as Land then the French farre inferriour to them in shipping and strength at Sea And for that the King of England was first to have satisfaction given him in his pretences of having the Palatinate restored to his Nephewes which was a businesse the Austrians desired not to heare of their thoughts proved imperfect especially since the Palatinate was conferr'd upon the Duke Bavaria and likewise the Electorall Cap so as it seemed not faire to bereave him of the title of Elector though the Palatinate should be taken from him and as good an estate given him Divers Propositions were therefore propounded hereupon by the wariest Court-Counsellours Some were of opinion That England was by all meanes possible to be satisfied not onely so to winne the love and affection of the King thereof but to interest him in a League which might moderate the excessive power of France already growne to too great an height and to take from the Protestants their pretence of taking up Armes against the Emperour by restoring the Palatinate and Electoricall Dignitie the which was knowne to many to be of great importance since that it little concerned the Emperour and his affaires whether that state were in the hands of the Duke of Bavaria or in the Prince Palatines and yet the not restoring thereof was of great concernment That by reason of this the Austrians became hatefull to the Protestant Princes and 't was a prevalent cause of raysing Warre which being fomented by France and England did much endammage the Empire as experience had already shewen for the expences the Austrians had beene at in the late Warres did twentie times exceed the full value of the Palatinate that notwithstanding not to quit good correspondency with Bavaria nor breake faith with him who was alwayes ready to disburse his owne monyes and indanger his state for Caesars service the Palatinate might be changed for the upper Austria as it had beene formerly done And that the title of Elector might rest in the Duke of Bavaria during his life and afterwards returne to the Palatine for that though they should not intend to doe so they should by this promise winne time to put the affaires of the Empire in order and get to be in a condition of altering their word at their pleasure Others thought it good to feed England with good words but that their actions should onely aime at their owne interests for though the Palatinate should be restored the English would not notwithstanding declare themselves Enemies to France for since it made for the interest of their Kingdome that both these Crownes should be weakened by the Warre they would endeavour to keepe the ballance equally poised betweene them that so by their ruines they might the more secure the peace and accommodation of their owne quiet Kingdome And as for the distaste they might receive by the not restitution of the Palatinate they should not any wayes apprehend that for the English would never joyne with the French to oppresse the Spaniards lest thereby they should augment their already excessive Forces which necessarily they ought to be jealous of but they would rather foment that partie whose declination might make the other more dreadfull Others affirmed It were more convenient to give in Lieu of the Palatinate some Lands in Swabendland and in Wirtenberg to the Duke of Bavaria and that the title of Elector should remaine to him during his life In fine the most voyces were for the restitution of the Palatinate but the putting of it in execution was much hindred through the feare the Imperialists had of distasting the Duke of Bavaria whose assistance was now more necessary for them then formerly And thus was this so weightie resolution retarded and inveloped with other considerations when Maximilian wisely fore-seeing that the Austrian Ministers of State might resolve upon somewhat which might give satisfaction to England and finding there was no better way to crosse it then by obliging the Emperour to have a greater care to the interest of his owne house he bethought himself of marrying the Emperours Daughter as well to winne more upon Caesars good will by this new alliance as to oblige his Imperiall Majestie rather to favour his grand-children then strangers This marriage was therefore managed with reciprocall desire the Duke desired it the more to oblige the Emperour and King of Hungary to continue friendship with him as likewise that he might have issue to succeed him in his Dominions which as yet he had not Caesar listened willingly thereunto as well to shew his affection to Bavaria as likewise to make him by this tye more firme to what concerned Caesar and to keepe him from being wrought upon by the perswasions and promises of France as it was said was mainely indeavoured by vast hopes whereby to withdraw him from his siding with the Emperour and certainly if the Duke should as things then stood have given eare thereunto such a resolution might have tended much to the prejudice of Caesar. The businesse was therefore wholly concluded though some good wits murmured thereat pretending to fore-see that such fruits might proceed from this marriage as might prove bitter to the Emperours house Whilest France and Germany were thus busied each of them making what preparations they could for the present affaires a Hollander named Entholts who being banished his Countrey lived amongst the Spaniards in Flanders and who was very ill satisfied with the states of Holland because they had beheaded his Father for having as it was layd to his charge conspired with other two of his companions to deliver up the Fort of Tiell seated upon the Wall betweene Bonniell and Niminghen unto the Spaniards whilest he lived in a Countrey that profest Neutralitie this Entholts holding intelligence with some kindred and friends of his who often used to advertise him how affaires went in those Provinces thought how he might effect somewhat which might correspond with his desires as it is usuall with men whose passion exciteth them to revenge And being advertised that the Fort of Skinck a very strong place situated upon the poynt of the Island made by the Rhyn which dividing it selfe here into two parts that on the left hand takes the name of the Wall the other on the right hand continuing the name of the Rhyn till it
opinion that they should passe by all the Forts and strong holds and suddainly over-run all the whole State of Milan possesse themselves of the most advantagious passages fortifie themselves there infest the Country continually and so bring the Townes and Cities to compound for the Country being well peopled full of Nobility and Inhabitants that lived commodiously when they should see their grounds wasted and their goods destroyed they would easily be brought rather to thinke upon the preservation of their owne estates and privat interests then upon the King of Spaines Forts and this opinion was assented unto by many as known to be the likelyest to prosper but this resolution requiring more Men and Mony and being by powerfull reasons disswaded by the Duke of Savoy not grounded upon any good intention to the French but upon his owne particular interest with the which it did not well agree that the State of Milan should fall into the King of France his hands the enterprise of Valenza was agreed upon Before the which the French being to spend much time the Spaniards consequently reaped thereby the benefit to provide for the defence of the other places and to succour Valenza likewise and the French losing many of their men before this place 't was easily descryed they would be able to effect little or nothing it being held as a strong reason of State that the French-mens further progresse in that Province made not for the good of any Italian Prince by reason of the good neighbourhood which they finde who confine upon great Potentates particularly upon such who desirous to inlarge their dominions invent pretences to breake their word and to usurpe what belongs unto their neighbours Yet this Counsell was held by wise men not to fit so well with the present interest of the States of Italy who gave for their reason that the State of Milan being a new Carthage which kept all its neighbours in continuall motion and being possest by the Spaniards a powerfull Nation ambitious of glory and which hardly ever parts with what it hath once gotten Italy would alwayes be troubled with their pretensions that the French were on the contrary unquiet impatient of staying long out of France thinking there was no other world but their own Kingdome that it would not be impossible to drive out them when they should have driven out the Spaniards and so redresse that Kingdome under the power of some Italian Prince as it formerly had been They added that to adde to the power of great Princes was to nurse up a Serpent in ones bosome which at last would devour the nourisher for great Potentates remember not their neighbours good turnes but are mindfull how they may commodiat themselves by the ruine of such as border upon them Others more partiall to the French replyed That all the foolish French were dead and all the wise Spaniards All things requisite being in a readinesse they gave order for their march thitherwards which was for a few dayes retarded for their were some who thought it was not good to undertake a businesse wherin any difficulty lay with the French Forces onely since Savoy and Parma had not covenanted openly to declare themselves till they should see some Towne possessed by the French and though some were of opinion that the Duke of Parma who had a strength of about 4000 Foot and 800 Horse was able to have made an Impression in the State of Milan by which the Spanish Forces being in many places cut short the worke would consequently be the easier for the French yet did not this opinion prevaile for the Duke not daring to declare himselfe openly an Enemy to the Spaniard till the French were so farre advanced as that they might easily succour him upon any occasion kept his Forces upon his owne grounds holding the Spaniards onely in jealousie But Crequi incouraged by the hopes hee had of the Duke of Parma's being well-inclined towards his King and by the desire he found in that Prince to breake with Spaine pitcht his Camp before Valenza raised Workes and planted his Cannon and began couragiously to set upon it The Marquis of Calada who was a little before put in there as superintendent Signor Francesco di Cardine who was the governour of the Towne and Captaine Spadino a worthy Gentleman knowing how acceptable the preservation of that place would be to the King of Spaine and how much glory they should thereby gaine unto themselves began to shew as much courage and industry in the defence thereof as the French did in their desire to win it The newes of the French Armies arrivall in the state of Milan being come to the knowledge of the Townes and Cities thereof brought with it no small feare to the Inhabitants and to the Spaniards themselves For those places wanting men sufficient for their defence the whole Countrey was in a confusion for the Souldiers of the Trained Bands by their taking up Armes were rather cause of grief lamentation to their wives and children who quit the Countrey then of comfort or incouragement to defence they being generally known for white-liver'd men Yet amidst these emergencies was not the Cardinall Albernois and the other Spanish Agents wanting in courage but according to their innate undauntednesse began to make such Provisions as they thought necessary and as the shortnesse of time would permit them Expresses were sent by Post into Spaine Naples and Germany to sollicite the amassing of men and moneys a new scrutiny was made of all the people of the state and out of every hundred men eight of the ablest were chosen to place in the Forts and Forreiners were removed from thence to be made use of in the Field Il Maestro de Campo Roma was sent to Mortara a Towne betweene Pavia and Verculles to be super-intendent there Don Carlo Colombo was sent to Alessandria and divers other men of worth to the Fort Sandavall and other places upon the Confines and all those places were re-inforced with men the Drummes beat up every where and Provisions were made for the present occurrences The Spaniards desisted not notwithstanding to negotiate by their Agents with the Pope and Republique of Venice that if they intended not to succour them neither should they assist the French and chiefly they feared lest the Venetians should declare themselves who were instigated by mightie offers from the French to appeare in their behalfes and to bring their Forces on this side Alda the Venetians being very strong having 8000 Foot of sundry Nations and 2000 Horse well in order in Lombardy beyond Mincio under the command of Luigi Zorzi their Generall a valiant man much esteemed and feared who to boot with his refined judgement was couragious and resolute in his Warre-resolves they had moreover more men quartered in Crema and thereabouts under the conduct of Michell Priuli a sonne not unlike his father who had formerly beene Duke of Venice an Heroick Prince who had a
noble heart and was of an experimented wisedome and others in Valcamonica a Valley of Breskiano which joynes upon the Valteline under the command of Martin de Molino a Gentleman of great wit and knowledge and moreover their Forts were all well provided with Men and Ammunition with chiefe Commanders and Senators who if they should have declared themselves for the French the wisest men were firme of opinion and the Spaniards themselves very well knew the state of Milan would be subject to the discretion of the French or to the Republique of the state of Venice Yet were all these suspitions ill-grounded for though the Venetians might easily enough have done this yet the object of the famous Republique and of those most wise Senators aiming onely at the common peace of Italy and the preservation of their owne flourishing Dominion so opportune an occasion was not sufficient to make them alter their worthily propounded end Nay they would have their Ministers of State to indeavour somewhat to divert the breach of those two Crownes and by them to remit Italy into its former quiet whereby all Christendome would be advantaged The Duke of Rohan was this meane while returned to Tirano to refresh his men who were wearied by their being continually kept in action in that Valley where he understood how that the Dutch which he had routed in the Valley of Levin being got together again by the arrivall of some Troopes from Tiroll were very strong in Bormio and that it was given out they would fall lower and try their fortunes with the French againe to which purpose they were come to Mazzo a Village neere the Ada betweene Bormio and Tirano He therefore resolved to encounter them and to make use of Fortune which shewed her selfe favourable unto him Having therefore mustered his men which might amount to 4000 Foot and 300 Horse he marched thitherward in sight of the Enemies Sentinells but the Imperiallists keeping themselves neere a Towne called Grossotto upon the Ada in a place of great advantage and the French not thinking that a fitting place to fall upon the Enemy Rohan that he might draw them off from that advantagious seat seemed as if he feared them and wheeling about made as if he fled to Cologno a little Village above Tirano Here possessing himselfe of the most adequat place he ordered a great ambush in certaine little Woods neere at hand and staid expecting the Enemy who being inheartned by the French-mens retreat and not beleeving them to be in a condition able to resist them they with this confidence passe over the Ada at Mazzo Bridge and flew eagerly upon the French Troopes crying out that now they would revenge themselves for their former rouâ— But Rohan dexterously drawing them neere the ambush did unexpectedly salute them with a thick volley of Musquet-shot and facing about set so furiously upon them with his fresh Battaglions as the Dutch astonished at the accident thought to retreat by the same way they came and so betooke themselves to flight wherein they left above 700 of their men slaine and prisoners and if the two Colonells Pracher and Gianasso whom Rohan had sent on the other side to breake the Bridge over the Ada had made a little more hast few of the Imperiallists would have boasted of safetie Rohan did not much value this happy incounter unlesse he might thereby recover Bormio and the Bathes Therefore calling together his Chiefe Commanders and treating with them how to effect this his desire it was resolved wherein Colonell Montesin a French-man who had then the Van proffered his service to undertake that enterprise and he incouraged by Rohan advanced so boldly towards the Walls of the Town as though the ascent by reason of the Cliffs was difficult and above 300 paces long blockt up by three barricadoes well defended he by maine force entred the Towne putting all he met with at his first entrance to the Sword And from thence advancing towards the Bathes a place guarded by 200 Dutch Foot he likewise tooke it though all industry and military valour was used to keepe him from doing so by a Serjeant Major who commanded there in chiefe a Victory which proved notwithstanding wofull by reason of the death of the said Colonell Montesin wounded unfortunately by a Stone which fell from a woman out of a window and of above 105 other French-men It was of great consequence to the Hollanders that Skinck-Sconce should remaine in the Spaniards hands and wisely sore seeing that if it were not regained it would as affaires now stood be very prejujudiciall to all those Provinces they indeavoured by all art and military industry to win it the defenders whereof fought obstinately and the Hollanders indeavours were desperate insomuch as every day the flower of all the Souldiery was lost on both side The Duke of Saxony who was not onely reconciled to the Emperour but had joyned his Forces with the Caesarian Commanders finding that his Treaties of Peace with the Swedes though held in hand with some hopes by Bannier who did it that he might winne time and fortifie Magdeburg and furnish it with all things necessary it being a place at that time of the greatest importance to the Swedish affaires were in effect deluded resolved to remove his Campe and set upon Hall upon the Sala a place which being wonne would facilitate the taking of Magdeburg he therefore marched against the Towne which wanting Rampiers sufficient to withstand the Cannon Articled and yeelded and the Swedes that were of the Garrison forsooke the Towne and retired to the Castle a place somewhat fitter for resistance that they might preserve themselves there till the succour which they expected from Bannier should come unto them Though Valenza was bravely maintained by the defendants and that the Spaniards did little feare the bare French Forces yet the almost certaine feare they had that the Forces of the Dukes of Savoy and of Parma should joyne with them or that they should set upon the state in some other part had no little reflection upon their thoughts for they plainly saw that when they should declare open enmitie against the Spaniards it would be hard for them in such an emergency to make good all places Therefore to boot with all other Provisions had Marquis Lunatt Master of the Campe was sent into Alessandria to assist Colombo together with the Senator Arios Commissary of the Army Royall Every one was permitted to beare all manner of Armes save Pistolls Prince Trivultio indeavouring to rayse a Brigade of Foot at his owne charges made Colonell Carlo Mariani Campe-Master thereof Colombo readily prevented a Treachery which was discovered in Alessandria and detained the guiltie amongst which was one Don Diego a Spaniard and a servant of his and Ensigne Gagni Alessandrino Nothing was omitted that was thought behoofefull to obviate the imminent danger and in particular the secret intelligence held with the Duke of Savoy was brought to a narrow compasse
offer the Duke would have accepted as it was thought being inclined to Armes and no lesse to monies if he had believed the Mony would have been sent him and that the Venetians and the Pope would have assisted him in procuring of Men Victuals and Ammunition in their flourishing dominions without which he could not possibly undertake such an imployment From thence hee came about the end of August to Venice to move that Republicke to breake with Spaine and assist France upon which the French not without reason built very great hopes for if that State should have declared it selfe the Spaniards would certainly have lost Milan But because that wise and pious Senat intended not the perturbation but preservation of the publicke quiet of Italy the Embassadour had civill audience was magnificently received with such decorum as is usually practized by that splendid Republick to those who represent so great a King but carried no answer away save words full of courtesie and such as tended to the publicke quiet The French this meane while did straightly beset Valenza and plaid upon it on all sides and Crequi who thought he had brought it to an ill passe summoned the Towne threatning fire and Sword if it would not yeeld yet did these words little availe to abate the Spaniards daring who more couragious then ever answered the Trumpeter that brought the summons that the Spaniards used not to surrender any place for threats that they could not give way to bravadoes that the French should doe well instead of words to use deeds wherein they should be answered and should be taught that the Governour of Valenza had learnt from his Ancestors that threats never prevaile with well-borne Gentlemen At the time of this summons the Spaniards who knew it was requisite to bring them speedy and opportune succour before the French should have possest themselves of their out-Workes to the preservation whereof good numbers of men were requisit and that the losse of them would bee very prejudiciall to the Towne and much impede the succouring thereof resolved to advance and resolutely to indeavour the bringing in of men Don Carlo Colombo was therefore commanded to march thitherward and to indeavour to seat himselfe in Frescarolo about two miles from Valenza who comming with 4000 Foot and 10 Companies of Horse on the seventh of October to Pieue del Cairo staid there till the tenth of the same moneth Where hearing that the French having past the Poe advanced both with Horse and Foot with intention to take the said Frescarolo and by the taking thereof which was not possest by the Spanish Army having onely some sicke men and Sutlers in it to fortifie themselves in the Castle which was walled about with good old Wals and so make the Spaniards quit the fields who lay round about every where hoping to relieve the Towne and the Marquis of Terracusa who was then without any command in the Spanish Camp perceiving the French-mens drift and learning moreover that some few files of Foot with two Sakers were already on their march thitherward advertised Colombo thereof by whom hee was held in good esteem as one who had borne great offices in Flanders they immediately tooke counsell how to governe themselves upon this occasion Whereupon the next day the Horse moving from their former station and being backt with some files of Muskettiers hee possest himselfe of the way by which the Enemies Foot advanced where they fell to skirmish and the Neapolitans bravely withstood the Enemies Charge and broke their designe for at the same time the Spaniards that were led by the aforesaid Terracusa to whom for his greater honour the government of that affaire was that day commited set upon a Battaglion of the Savoyards who by order from their Duke hee being in person in the French Camp began to retreat and re-passing over the Poe without fighting as they might have done they returned to their former quarters whether the said Dukes Horse did likewise retreat being pursued by the Spanish Horse which upon this occasion were commanded by the Count de Sora a Spaniard who likewise served as a Voluntier under Colombo So as staying there three dayes on the 15th of the said October they luckily succoured the Towne with all things necessary to the great resentment of Crequi and the French Commanders who though it behoved them at the present not to take notice thereof yet could not Crequi forbeare saying to the Duke of Savoy My Lord Duke if it be your Highnesse pleasure to suffer Valenza to be succoured we need not trouble our selves in keeping any longer before it The French perceiving by the entrance of this reliefe that their hopes of winning the Towne were vaine their men being wearied and much lessened in lying before it and that any longer delay proved much to their disadvantage for whilest they to little purpose entertained themselves in that Siege the Spaniards augmented their numbers in Naples Cesely Germany and other places they with a joynt consent raised their Siege on the 26th of October the French and Duke of Parma retiring to Saint Salvadore and the Duke of Savoy with his men towards Satirana whereupon Colombo who kept in his quarters at Frescarolo to hinder any foraging upon the Kings Land on this side Poe and any further inrodes into the Country as likewise to make use of such occasion as fortune should offer him to incommodiate the confederates finding the French Campretreated went to his former quarters of Pieue del Cairo and watched there over the Enemies proceedings who to colour this their retreat gave out that they were to joyne with some Forces of Dolpheny that were comming towards Piemont and that being so joyned they intended to set upon the Spaniards in the fields for that they knew them to be too good at the defending of Wals. But this was but the opinion of the vulgar who alwayes talke of things not as they are but as they would have them For the French being much cast downe by the miscarrying of their enterprise whereby they suffered much in honour were not yet growne so confident as to venter upon another which was uncertaine and dangerous And the good which they had promised unto themselves appeared much more unlikely for the Duke of Savoy the originall of all their mischiefe not liking that they should get footing in the State of Milan did so craftily behave himselfe and was so well able to cloake his feigned intent as the French who trust more to their Sword then to their judgement not aware of his cunning threatned much but did little 'T was afterwards suspected that the Duke of Parma was contented Valenza should be relieved for hee finding all Crequies formerly said instances quite contrary to what hee expected was not very well pleased but beginning to doubt 't was said he made his complaints to Crequi foreseeing that the Spaniards being victorious in their defence might undertake some-what to his prejudice
likewise who was very affectionate to the house of Austria to boot with the Brigado of Foot which he raysed at his owne costs in Helvetia did upon this occasion likewise assist the state of Milan with 300 Horse under the command of Marquis Cosimo Richardi Whereupon Beliviere leaving Venice came to Florence not out of any intention to make the great Duke side with the Crowne of France but at least to moderate the evill opinion which the Princes of Italy might have taken of that Crowne by reason of the French-mens falling into Italy and to keepe the great Duke as much as possibly he could from assisting the Spaniards And because the opinion grew stronger every day that the Duke of Savoy held secret intelligence with the Spaniards 't is said that to moderate in some sort this report the King of Spaines Agents held it fit to dismisse the Abbot Torre who was the Duke of Savoyes Embassadour from Milan under pretence that considering the breach made by his Master against the King of Spaine it was not fitting a Minister of his should keep with those against whom he had declared himselfe an open Enemy At this time Don Franchesco di Mello a man of great esteeme sent as extraordinary Embassadour from Spaine to the Emperour tooke Milan in his way and staid there it being reported he was to have beene made Governour thereof The Spaniards this meane while building very much upon the Duke of Modena's declaring himselfe for them as well for the assistance they might expect from that Prince of warlike people as for the credit of being reverenced by such an Italian Potentate not respecting the right of discent in the Prince of Correggio mediated with the Emperour therein in the behalfe of the Duke of Modena that the true Prince might be deprived thereof and the other invested thereinto as it insued upon the promise of disbursing 200000 Dollars The Elector of Saxony having after some dayes stout defence made by the Swedes taken the Castle of Hall knew it was requisite for him to joyne with the Imperiall Troopes who were then in good numbers about Franckfort upon the Oder that they might joyntly invade those Townes which were by them pretended unto and were held and gainsaid them by the Swedes He therefore marched towards Berlin a Citie of Brandenberg upon the Hault where the Swedes were who were much grieved at the uniting of those Forces as making much against that which they intended and being hereof advertised Bannier thought it expedient to remove from thence Therefore having brought his Souldiers neere Ratzaw and having quickly taken Verbeâ— which not being in a condition to stand out immediately Articled the small Garrison which guarded it marching out with their Bagge and Baggage he left therein a good guard for it was a place of some moment for him and then marched with his Army towards the Enemy where some Regiments of the Swedish Horse meeting with some Squadrons of the Saxons which scoured the Countrey they so evilly treated them as that they made them runne away to the Electors head-quarters The Elector of Brandenburg was much troubled with this Hostility betweene the Swedes and Saxons who confining upon them both if he should declare himselfe for either side he should bring the Warre home to his owne doores So was likewise the Duke of Mechelberg who could expect nothing but much prejudice from this their falling out Therefore an accommodation betweene the Swedes and Saxons being very much desired by those two Princes they were not wanting in their best indeavours to compose those differences but they could doe no good therein for the Swedish Commanders being particularly offended by the Elector and incited through a deâ—ire of Warre whereon their greatnesse did consist for they thereby much inriched themselves held the businesse in suspence upon very small hopes and at last all the differences consisting in a declaration which contained that before they would proceed further they would be repossessed of all that they did possesse the yeare 1634. the Treaty fell to the ground The French-men fayling in their intentions of taking Valenza which for the reasons formerly alledged they much desired seeing that the numbers of the Spaniards did dayly increase in the state of Milan by the assistance of other Princes their friends for now the Dutch began to march towards them under the command of Prince Borso of Este and Colonell Giledas together with other Switzers to boot with many Foot that were raysed in the state of Modena and in Tuscany and those that every day were landed from Spaine and Naples thought it fitting to ease the quarters of Montferrat which began to be very burthensome to those people by sending backe the Duke of Parma's Forces into their owne Countrey But because their numbers were much lessened in lying before Vabenza and that they could not without evident danger passe through the Territories of Tortona and so enter into Piacenza without being back't with greater Forces and when they should be luckily arrived there they were not able to defend their state from the Spaniards who were expected to invade them they indeavoured all they might to make the Duke of Savoy joyne his Generall the Marquis Villa with those of Parma who with the Savoy Horse might back the Duke of Parma till he should come to his own home where when he should be they would then bethinke themselves of new resolutions to which the Duke gave way though he suspected that the French did this to weaken his Forces that they might have him the more at their beck for by his suffering Valenza to be succoured the French had renewed the former jealousies they had of his actions Villa therefore left his quarters and marching towards Tortona began to doe as was agreed upon but the Spaniards who had heard hereof sent speedily away 3000 Foot and 10 Companies of Horse to Tortona whither they came on the 23th of December and lodged in the Suburbs of the Citie from whence they sent out Scouts to discover the Enemies proceedings and understanding that Villa with his Horse appeared already in very good order upon the Territories of that Town they thought it expedient to foord over the Sâ—rivia a Torrent not far from thence and send some Horse towards the Savoyards seconded by divers Files of Musquets intending to set upon them on the Flanke and by fighting with them to make the Colleagues alter their intentions But the Spaniards finding themselves not strong enough to encounter them though they were somewhat advantaged by the protection of the Citie and the Cannon thereof which playd upon the Enemies Horse being come within their reach they kept their stations forbearing to make any further attempt so as while this was a doing the Foot which marched on the other side came successefully to the new Castle of Scrivia not having so much as one Musquet-shot made at them though there were some Spanish and Neapolitan Foot there and
being thus recruited marched into the field to oppose the inrodes of the Swedes who keeping in the State of Magdeburg did much infest those Towns which joyned upon Saxony and putting some of their Regiments to flight they slew many of them and tooke 7 Ensignes Bannier being hereof advertised who was reinforced about Lunenburg with 4000 Souldiers which were brought to him by Colonell Stalans from Prussia marched with his Army against the Saxons who fearing to meet with desperate men and such as desired to joyne Battaile with them though their numbers were greater their courage appeared to be lesse for they faced about and retreated to their former quarters Hannaw was likewise at this time streightly besieged by the Imperialists a strong hold fortified after the moderne fashion and seated upon the River Brints which taking its head from Franconia fals into the Mayne before Franckfort Colonell Vistum did herein command in Chiefe one of the bravest Commanders the Swedes had who having a stout Garrison made frequent Sallies wherewith he much troubled the Marquis of Grana and Lamboi who were the chiefe leaders of the Caesarian Camp News being come to the Court of France of their countrymens retreat from before Valenza and how little good their Commanders had yet done they took speedy advice about such things as they thought most fitting to continue the Warre in Italy and somewhat to salve their losse of reputation It was therefore foreseen and evidently made appeare by the wiser sort that little was to be hoped for in that Province whilest they were not really and effectually assisted by other Potentates or else unlesse the King himselfe should march thither in person with a powerfull Army For the French have no great desire to make Warre in Italy which they call their Grave insomuch as of 20000 Foot which came from Dolpheny hardly 10000 came into Piemont of which whole Squadrons fled daily away moved thereunto out of the impatiency the French-men have of seeing Rome Venice and other Cities in Italy where they stay lay downe their Armes and betake themselves to such Trades as they formerly used in France whereby the French Companies were so much lessened as that their Captaines not daring to acquaint the King therewithall were it either out of shame or for their privat gaine by the receiving of dead pay excused their delay by invented difficulties Whence it was that thus to set upon an estate full of strong holds and having good Forces in the fields was but a losse of men and time And the King not being able to goe out of his Kingdome by reason of the great interests of the Crowne or rather as it was said by others lest he might hazard that reputation and glory which with the universall applause of Christendome and of the whole World he had wonne when he freed the Duke of Mantua from evident Spanish subjection it behoved either to quit the enterprise or else to indeavour to conclude a friendship and union with some such Potentate as might be able to set upon that State in some other part that by such a diversion the way might be opened to their desired proceedings This Counsell though it were the most proper and that which at their first taking up Armes was imbraced yet was it not thought sufficiently effectuall For those who cleerly saw the reason and relation of States argued by what was past that the Italians more hated the neighbourhood of the French then of the Spaniards they being naturally more inclined to the Spaniards by reason of their sympathizing in language and gravity with them then to the others who much differ from them both in customes and vivacity of spirit Yet building upon the opinion that the Spaniards were ill thought of as those who being potent in Italy doe infinitely desire to inlarge the bounds of their Monarchy That they had beene the cause of so much ruine in Italy as was witnessed by the fresh memory of Mantua and Lombardy they perswaded themselves that particular hatred was able in some sort to obfuscat that wisedome through which Princes regard not the memory of any thing that is past that so they may be the more intent to the present interest of their State The Duke of Parma was in this interim not well satisfied with those chiefe Agents who had the government of the French Forces in Italy who gave little appearance of concurring in advice with his Highnesse keeping their men quartered in Montferrat when both time and occasion required they should have beene imployed about the common interest before such time as further Forces should bee brought into the State of Milan as was expected from Spaine Naples Germany and elsewhere and whereof some Dutch Troopes did already appeare who were received upon the Confines by Signior Alexander Visconti sent thither to that purpose from Milan The Duke foresaw that through the Commanders negligence who minded nothing but their owne profit the Warre was at last to fall wholly upon his Country which lay open for the Spanish invasion But he was also comforted by hopes of receiving fresh aide from the King of France and that hee himselfe should have the chiefe command of the Warre A businesse which if it had succeeded as it was wisely advised the French might have hoped for better successe then they hitherto had For the Duke of Parma being a sprightly Prince and of high thoughts would have carried on the Warre with courage and ingenuity and being sufficiently ill minded towards the Spaniards would not have let slip such occasions as should have opportunely presented themselves keeping his Companies compleat and behaving himselfe like a generous Commander And when the Milanesses should have seene such a Prince in the field who can tell but that believing hee might prove another Lodowick they would not have been so faithfull unto the Spaniards as now they seemed to bee for feare of falling in subjection to the French And this was thought by witty men the best course the French could have taken for when they should have appeared not to have beene any wayes interessed themselves and that their onely end had beene to have driven out the Spaniards and to have reduced that Dukedome under the Scepter of an Italian Prince those who were subjects unto Spaine would have been glad thereof so to have been eased from the government of strangers and the other Princes of Italy hoping to better their condition by expelling the Spaniards and particularly by their dividing the State of Milan amongst them they would have heartily fomented the worke but strangers being to be exchanged for strangers and an united power as was then that of France being to be drawne neere them 't was better for them to continue the State of Milan in the Spaniards hands whose Territories are farre off and disjoyned For to compose an Army fit to defend on one part and to offend the State on another much Mony and time would be required and the
Kingdom of Naples and their other States would be thereby much burthened a businesse of so great consideration as the Spaniards would have very well bethought themselves of the end before they would have undertaken such a Warre and peradventure never have done it till first they should have driven the French from Montferrat and Piemont and so have hindered them from succouring of such Princes of Italy as should be by them opprest wherefore neither did the Souldiers nor any of the adjoyning neighbours like of such a change and the rather for that the Spaniards were more quiet neighbours then the French the Duke of Parma resolved therefore to go to the Court of France where he was received by the King with all beseeming pomp graciously looked upon and better treated Marquis Villa who during the Duke of Parma's absence kept himselfe with the abovesaid Savoy-Horse upon the Piacenzan Territories being advertised that the Duke of Modena did still ingage himselfe in further friendship to the Spaniards and that he furnished them with all things necessary out of his owne State thinking it now no longer time to keep idle in his quarters resolved upon some enterprise and under pretence of remitting the Prince of Correggio into his estate who in the former Warres of Mantua being accused by the Austrian Agents of coyning false Monies and extortion was banished to over-run the Country of Modena and thereby indeavour to withdraw the Duke of Modena from his inwardnesse with Spaine or rather to perswade him to joyne in league with the Duke of Parma and the other Colleagues Which could he have done as he had small reason to imagine for that wise Prince minded not to interest himselfe foolishly in a Warre whereby he could promise nothing to himselfe but the ruine of his State it would have been so usefull a diversion for the French Forces as they might easily have obtained their desired ends Departing from his quarters he so opportunely and so unexpectedly came upon the Territories of Modena as that the Duke thereof and his Commanders dreaming of nothing lesse afforded the Savoyards opportunity to over-run some Townes of Rugio and to â—acke Castle Novo but these proceedings were soone stopt For the Duke and his Uncle Prince Lewis a valiant and experienced Souldier marched into the field with a good strength of Foot and Horse and the Spaniards upon notice hereof did speedily imbarque 800 Horse and 2000 Foot at Casall the greater upon the Poe who landing under Bressell a strong hold in Modena came the first week in Lent to the succour of the Duke by whom they were courteously received and refreshed in the quarters of Castle Novo Gualtieri and other Townes of Regio where hearing that the Enemy advanced the Spaniards made suddainly towards the Bridge over Lenza a River which comming from the Alpes cuts through the Country between Parma and Regio where joyning with those of Modena they advanced to the high-way which leads from Parma to the said Bridge where those of Parma kept themselves in good order marching towards the Country of Modena And being come neere Sorbolo a Towne betweene Bressel and Cassall Novo Miazza's Company which was advanced to observe the Enemies proceedings light upon the Savoy Horse with whom they skirmished in the which skirmish Count Lodovic Aresoes Company being advanced to succour Miazza and these being pursued by those of Parma they could not retreat by reason of their Commanders unadvisednesse who instead of leaving a convenient space open on the said high-way whereby their Horse might have retreated after their bickering had with the remainder of their Forces block't up the passage so as Count Lodovic was defeated with no little losse likewise to the Burgonians led on by Signior Batteville Of the Spaniards Count Lodovic Arse Batteville and Don Vincenzo Gonzaga were wounded and of the Savoyards Don Scipion di Masserano was tane prisoner And Villa knowing he could no more good for that the Enemy was much more in number then he others will have it that he had secret instructions from the Duke of Savoy to seeme outwardly to give all manner of satisfaction to the French but in effect to delay the execution thereof and to let slip such occasions as might be advantagious to them passed over â—â—za and returned to his former quarters in the State of Parma and the Spaniards after having over-runne some Townes of the State of Parma came back to the Territories of Cremona The English thought the present conjuncture of time favourable for them to get the restitution of the Palatinate by reason of the revolutions and ruptures of these two Crownes for many yeares agitated with War and undoubtedly hoping that upon these emergencies the Austrians would be very glad to keepe good intelligence with that Kingdome and rather indeavour their friendship by giving them satisfaction then againe to render them distrustfull Whereupon as it is usuall to grant those things for need upon poore conditions which in times of prosperitie were held in great esteeme the English thinking that now they might easily obtaine the restitution of the Palatinate from the Imperialists which had formerly beene denyed them sent an extraordinary Embassadour to Vienna to obtaine it from the Emperour who being come thither and having made knowne his Commission was by outward appearance more welcomed then formerly as well in respect that it is usuall to make much of such a Princes Ministers of State so farre as good may be hoped from them as likewise to cause the greater jealousie in the French The negotiation hereof was committed to Monsieur Vicario the Counts Mecaw and Trantmistorfe and to the Baron Stralendorph the chiefe Officers of the Imperiall Crowne and after many meetings and consultations had upon the businesse Caesars good inclination thereunto was interrupted by respect of the satisfaction that was to be given to Bavaria England not being to be satisfied without the prejudice of Bavaria they ought to set the greater value upon the Dukes friendship by how much they knew the re-granting of the Palatinate advantagious to the English for it was not now time to make an uncertaine correspondency with a Forraigne and farre distant Prince thereby to abandon the certaine friendship of one who had alwayes deserved well of and beene faithfull to the Emperour and who being Master of a flourishing Countrey a considerable Exchequer and a no despicable Army if he should quit his Confederacy with the Austrians and joyne himselfe with the French who failed not to indeavour it by all the skill they had the ruine was apparent which would thereby have fallen upon the Empire Therefore the Propositions and the Answers were long held in hand with such dexteritie as Princes use in businesses whereunto they wish no good conclusion so as the negotiation proved abortive The Emperour foreseeing the importance of the Warre with France that he might as well preserve the Princes and Potentates of Italy well inclined towards him and keepe them
from holding any prejudiciall correspondency with the French as likewise to procure from them some succour if not of men nor money yet of minds well disposed towards his affaires he gave the charge hereof to Crast one of his Court-Counsellours who parting from Vienna and comming to Venice after having with all tearmes of courtesie and appearing confidence but as was repâ—rted without obtaining one penny of money dispatcht his Embassy with that Republique pursued his journey to the other Princes from whom receiving likewise all such satisfaction as is usually given by excuses and faire words the negotiation proved of little or no effect For the Italian Princes resenting their expences occasioned by the ambition of the Austrian Agents and their numbers being much diminished by the contagion brought into their States by the Imperialists could neither have any appetite to disgest such dangers nor reason sufficient to perswade them to soment a greatnesse which in due time would be exercised against the benefactors thereof But the Spaniards who were now become strong and numerous in the State of Milan for to boot with the Horse and Foot sent to them from the Kingdome of Naples there were likewise arrived 8 of Gileda's his Companies 6 Companies of Foot belonging to Colonell Lunardi 10 of Horse to the Count De Slich and other 10 of Dragoones to Colonell Girone thinking it now time to move some whither resolved to doe somewhat in recompence of the Hostilitie used in the Countrey of Regio against the Duke of Modena by the Savoyards and those of Parma They therefore entred upon the Piacenzan Territories set upon and tooke S. Iohns Castle which suddenly yeelded by reason of the flow advance of succour which came not time enough though it were sent by Marquis Villa Wherefore those of Parma the Towne being lost retreated which they could not so suddenly doe but that being followed by those of Modena they suffered some losse in the skirmish which certainly would have beene greater had not the Spaniards thought this their retreat a stratagem to draw them into an ambush so as they ceased from further pursuing them and retreated to S. Iohns Castle where leaving a Garrison of 700 Dutch Foot Gambaccorta the Governour of the Horse had order to over-run the Piacenzan Territories the which hee did burning some Barkes upon the Poe and bringing good store of Cattell into Cremona Which hostile acts being understood by the French Crequi that he might seem not to neglect the State of Parma thought to make the Spaniards quit the Pâ—acenzan Territories by diversion he therefore sent out some Companies of Horse and Foot who pillaged some Townes and Villages on this side the Poe sackt Palestro Confienza and Robio but got not much thereby for all the best things had been wisely conveyed away from thence before into places of greater strength Wherefore the Governour sent speedily a good Body of men to the Confines of Novara and hee himselfe went in person to Briagras to looke to the preservation of the State and to oppose the Enemies designes who notwithstanding continuing their inrodes did likewise sack Vespola Bannier being inheartned by the Saxons retreat advanced with his Army from Magdeburg towards Henneberg a place neer Sala where meeting with 7 Imperiall Regiments hee fought with them and put them to flight inforcing them to retreat with some losse from thence he came before Leipsick set upon it and would have taken it had not the Elector who was much concerned in the losse thereof in respect of his owne interest and for the reputation of his Forces speedily joyned himselfe with Colonell Maracini who commanded a Body of Caesarians to the number of about 7000 and was advanced thitherward the which when Bannier understood after having gotten some contribution from the neighbouring Townes he retired towards Hall upon the Sala not to hazard the fortune of a Battaile wherein he feared hee should receive some great prejudice being weake in men and the Saxons having about 28000 fighting men the Caesarians being cast into the number The Pope and great Duke of Tuscany who were not a little grieved at the troubles of Italy and in particular at the falling out betweene Modena and Parma from which they saw much of incommodity might in time ensue to their States for this was a businesse wherein they were likely to be interessed both the one for the one the other for the other party resolved to indeavour an agreement between them before businesses should be growne to a greater hight They therefore begun to negotiat to purpose with their Highnesses insomuch as by their interpositions the Forces of Modena retreated from the Territories of Parma and shortly after their differences were quieted through the good indeavours of Monsignior Mellino Bishop of Imola sent to this purpose from the Pope to Modena and Parma On the other side the Spaniards perceived there was no better way to bring the Duke of Parma to their devotion then to reduce him to a necessity of being succoured by the French upon the confidence whereof he had declared himselfe For when he should see that their words and their deeds did not correspond as they were confident they would not he would have just cause to provide for his own safety And they likewise knew that to succour Piacenza and to withstand the Spanish Forces which were about Montferrat it would be requisite for them to have a very great Army of which there was but little likelihood for the French came unwillingly into Italy and the few that were there every day ran away and their Commanders minded more their owne preservation and their making good cheer in Montferrat and Piemont then the winning of another Country which conteined in it so many and so great incommodities difficulties They therefore resolved to appeare more ready to offend him and on the fifth of March made some of their men advance and tooke the Town and Castle of Colorno a place between the Poe and the River Parma which upon the sight of Cannon Articled and yielded as likewise did Merano a place belonging to the jurisdiction of Parma upon the side of Poe towards Casall the greater Advancing further they lodged in the Townes of Count Saint Secundo giving out that they did it to remit the heirs of that Count into their Territories their father having lost his life in the businesse of the Valteline in the King of Spaines service In all which they prospered and met with no lets there being no Souldiers to oppose them for little lesse then their whole Militia was in Parma and Piacenza and retreated into their strong places to keep themselves safe till the arrivall of the promised succour from France And Villa who kept still about Piacenza durst not come forth of his quarters with those few men he had as not able to oppose the Spaniards Crequi hearing of these invasions indeavoured to do somewhat in the State of Milan so to divert the
confused in their following of him he left the Campe full of fires though no body was therein and having put part of his Foot into Magdeburg he with his Horse wasting all the neighbouring Territories retired to Serbest some six houres march from Magdeburg over-running all parts thereabouts and pillaging the Townes even to Brandeburg and from thence to Havell to the end that the Saxons finding neither Victualls nor Forrage might be incommodiated in their Siege and not be able to keepe long before that Citie and meeting with two Regiments of Saxons who were advanced to watch over and oppose his designes being in condition to withstand them for some of Maracinies men were come up to him he ingaged himselfe with them in a gallant fight routed them and tooke from them eleaven Standards flew 200. tooke many prisoners and returned againe to Serbest But the Elector having sent some Barques of Ammunition and instruments of Warre downe the River to Rossemburg a Towne upon the Sala and Elb he himselfe likewise advanc't thether being joyned with Azfelt who brought with him about 9000 fighting-men and having made two Bridges upon Boats over the Elb and Sala he commanded Azfelt to advance towards Magdeburg on the Bishopricke of Halberstats side and he himselfe past with his men on the other side the Elb to set upon Bannier to drive him from Zerbest and to begin the Siege But he found the Swedes parted from thence and quartered betweene Magdeburg and Werben in Tregemonde where they expected Oranghell who was already at Stetin with 8000 Souldiers They therefore halted here and fortified themselves making a Bridge that as time should serve they might succour Magdeburg which being strongly set upon by the Saxons those within the Towne did valiantly defend it and by gallant and continuall sallies did annoy the Enemy in their 〈◊〉 and quarters The Hollanders did now besiege and batter Sckinck-Sconce the former losse whereof as hath beene said did much trouble them in succour whereof Colonell Iohn de Nassaw was come with his men to Cleves a Citie three leagues distance from thence and the Spaniards were likewise advanced who tryed on all sides though in vaine to surprise the Hollanders in their Trenches who were so well fortified with Trenches re-doubts and their men did so desperately behave themselves as the Spaniards holding it impossible to break into them resolved to returne to Cleves and Goch where a little before to the universall sorrow of the Infanta and all the Commanders of that Army the Marquis of Aytona dyed a Gentleman greatly wise and as well courteous in his demeanour as valiant and experienced in Warre At this retreat the Hollanders being much incouraged and not desisting day and night to batter and assault the Fort they at last set upon it with such force and boldnesse as the defendants wanting further meanes to maintaine it and the Hollander being dead therein who had surprised it and who was sent thether by the Spaniards to defend it they Articled on the 26th day of May and on the 30th of the same Moneth about 900 Foot marched out with their Armes Baggage Drums beating Colours flying and 4 pieces of Cannon and marched towards Ghelders and the Hollanders entred to the great applause and ineffable content of all the States and people of those Provinces But if Fortune favoured the Hollanders in assisting them so quickly to compasse their desired enterprise she frown'd upon the Imperialists before Hannaw for though Lamboye was succoured by 3000 Souldiers and that he did more and more streighten the Fort the Swedes and Inhabitants by valiant defending themselves and by unheard of daring and continuall sallies annoying the Caesarian quarters they kept them at distance and in awe and making excursions even to the banks of the Maine they fired the Barques that were sent to Franckfort which caused a great dearth in that Citie the Inhabitants whereof were reduced to that poynt as they durst not for feare of the Garrison of Hannaw goe one mile out of the Citie nor live in the neighbouring Villages The end of the eleventh Book DOCTRINA PARIT VIRTUTEM The Warres and other State Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE XII BOOK The Contents of the Twelfth Book The Spaniards are much troubled to heare of the French-mens passing into the state of Parma They advise about and provide for their affairs Rohan enters into Valsazena and breakes the building wherein Cannon Bullets were made The King of England sends the Earle of Arundell to the Emperour about the Palatinate The Landsgrave of Hessen having surprized Minden succours Hannaw Duke Waymer declared Generall of France and Swethland in Germany prepares for Warre Dole in Burgundy is besieged by the French The Duke of Parma returnes privatly to his own Dominions Crequi with his Army enters into the heart of the state of Milan He cuts off the water from Navillio that goes to Milan Incamps himselfe on the fields of Castane and puts all the neighbouring parts in great feare The Spaniards invade Picardy and by the falshood of some of the Governours take some Forts The Duke of Orleans in head of his Majesties Forces make divers Atchievements France takes Allarme and provides for such inconveniencies The Spaniards publish a manifesto against the government of the King of France his Ministers but get nothing thereby A bloâ—dy Battaile is fought upon the fields of Castane neer Pamperduto between the French and Spaniards The French after a while retire from the places they had tane neer Pamperdueto Divers discourses upon the Duke of Savoys actions Zaverna yeelded to the French The Prince of Conde retires from Dole Magdeburg is yeelded to the Duke of Saxony who doth divers other things The Emperour comes to Ratisbon where the Dyet begins The Spaniards go out of Navar against France They incamp themselves before Bayone The Spaniards thinke upon the taking of Piacenza and to that effect marcht towards it The Duke of Parma makes protestation in France that without aid he can no longer hold out against the Spaniards The King of Hungary is chosen King of the Romans in Ratisbon and what the Austrians joy was WHilest affaires went thus in Germany great preparation for Warre was made in Flanders and all Europe stood as a spectatrix inquisitive what the event of so great provisions made on all sides would bee The Spaniards having sent the Duke of Alcala to the State of Milan to assist in the government of that Dukedome Leganes not being able to be both in Milan and in the field at once made it knowne that the French increasing every day more and more in Montferrat gave out they would by force of Armes march into the State of Parma Whereat they being much troubled for that enterprise being accompanied with the diversion which they might have on the Piacenzan side would very much molest them generall consultations being had in Pavia between the Duke D'Alcala Leganes Mello and
Spinola 't was at last resolved upon that their Forces should retreat from the Territories of Piacenza and advance into the Country of Tortona towards Castellnovo to oppose the French in their passage if they should indeavour to come by the Valley of Rati leaving Garrisons notwithstanding in the Castle of Saint Iohn and Rottofredo and that Gamba Carta should go with the Horse to the Confines and Cannon and other necessary Provisions being sent from Pavia they likewise advanced to Castellnovo and Leganes and Spinola having viewed the fortifications of Valenza and of other parts and munited all advantagious places which might hinder the French in their Passage they sent the remainder of their Forces to the Country of Pavia beyond the Poe and the other into Novara under the command of Don Martine de Aragona Villa and those of Parma taking heart at this departure from the parts about Piacenza resolved to move and make some advantagious inrode aswell to refresh their people as to bereave the Spaniards of Forrage and to win credit Villa therefore advanc'd to la Stadella a place in the Territories of Pavia upon the Confines of Piacenza beyond the Poe and having beaten up some Horse-quarters he marched forwards sackt Arena and Pantelbera neer the Poe and retreated with some booty though but of little valued for all the Inhabitants upon those Confines fearing some such like incounter had already conveyed the best of their Goods and Movables into strong holds or into Townes not subject to such surprisals Crequi on the other side not desirous to stand idle but to comfort at least the Duke of Parma who not brooking any delay prest for his promised succour and willing to acquit himselfe of those rumours which began already to be common discourse against his government by seeming ready to passe into the Piacenzan Country understanding what provisions the Spaniards made to oppose his passage that hee might divert their Forces elsewhere and consequently finde them weake there where he intended to set upon them and so happily compasse his end which differed much from what the Spaniards imagined for the French were rather desirous to enter into the heart of the State of Milan rich in Commodities then into the State of Parma which was ruined He made the Savoyards advance into the Langhe a Countrey lying betweene the State of Genua and the Territories of Alessandria that he might draw the Spaniards thetherward whilst he might set upon them on another part But they warily fore-seeing the French-mens drift kept themselves close in a body and provided for the other side by the Forces that were quartered in Alessandria and the adjacent parts being more troubled with the keeping of the Towns in the State of Milan then at the Duke of Parma's being gone to his owne State The Duke of Rohan who was gone from Gravedone in the Valteline desiring to doe somewhat in prejudice of the Kings of Spaines Dominions acquainted his King how the Spaniards had a building in the Valsazena neere the Towne called Lech wherein they made their Cannon Bullets and that to bereave them of it would be much to their prejudice his answer was he had leave to doe it but not to advance any further nor forsake his holds in the Valteline so as they might be possest by the Austrians or Grisens who began now to seeme little satisfied with the French Having then secretly got his men together and divided into three Bodies the one under Monsieur Fridelliere the other under Monsieur De Leches and keeping the third with himselfe he commanded Fridelliere that as he past by Gergherlla he should storme two holds wherein were but a few Spaniards who being unexpectedly set upon and surprised had not time to prepare for defence Leches past by the Mountaine Barras and storming another hold possest by the Spaniards he advanced as farre as Vestrin and the Duke with the rest of the Foot past over the little Lake and came likewise to Vestrin accompanied notwithstanding by good Vollyes of of Ordnance from Serbellon's quarters where gathering together the other Souldiers he came without any gaine-saying to Ballan and from thence to Introbio in the Valsazena from whence he advanced further and beating downe the aforesaid building he came as farre as the Bridge over the Leech which when he had well viewed and considered he returned to Introbio where not finding whereupon to live and fearing lest he might be intercepted for by this time the A'larme was given every where he retreated to his former quarters in the Valteline He brought back with him much bootie and great store of Cattel for the Inhabitants who slept securely at their owne homes dreamt not of such a surprisall But if the French had good successe in these parts the Imperialists were not idle upon the Rhyn for Gallasse sent Forcats with 1000 Crabats to beat up some of the French quarters about Mentz who charged upon some French Troopes worsted them and chased them even to the Gates of Ments wasting and destroying divers Towâ—es together with the French quarters and bringing backe good store of bootie with him And Gallasse himselfe went with his Army from about Mentz and marched towards Confluenza a Citie possest by the French the Garrison whereof seeing the Imperialists come and knowing themselves not able to defend it robb'd the Towne of what was best in it and retreated to Harmesteime a strong hold not farre off The troubles of the house of Austria increasing every day and Ruthen being arrived at London who as hath beene said was sent expressely to acquaint the King of England how affaires went in Germany and that it was now a fitting time to demand the restitution of the Palatinate from the Emperour and to remit the Princes of that most Noble Family into their patrimony The Earl of Arundell one of the prime and richest Subjects of that Kingdome was sent about that businesse to Caesar which had been granted had not those Countries and that which imported more the Electorall dignitie fallen upon the Duke of Bavaria from whom it was not faire to take it away without good satisfaction it being conferr'd upon him for the expence he had beene at in the Emperours service in which he had alwayes upon all occasions contributed his Counsell Moneyes Forces his expences arising to many millions of Dollars and hazarded his life Neither did it become the Austrians to leave him unsatisfied who had been and continued to be their loyall friend thereby to please a Forreigne Crowne which when it should have obteined all it pretended unto would upon occasion forget the courtesie for the friendship of Princes continues onely so long as their owne interest is therein concerned which they affirme ought to be preferred before all obligation before all alliance And if upon these present emergencies the Emperour should have forgone his good intelligence with Bavaria one of the chiefe Princes of Germany served by a brave and veteran Army he
their Garrisons but weakly mann'd And having mustered together with those of Savoy about 12000 Foot and 3000 Horse they marched into the field about the midst of Iune and having thrown a Bridge over the Tanure they went with some Troopes of Horse towards Fibesan and Castellatzo Townes of Allessandria prejudicing somewhat the people thereabouts for they fired some Townes and Cottages and tooke the Castle of Rodetto which was guarded by 40 men causing such suspition and jealousies as that accordingly as it was cunningly given out 't was believed they would goe into the State of Parma The Duke of Alcana and Leganes together with the other chiefe Commanders went to Tortona and sent a good part of their Souldiers to places of most consequence between the said City and Castlenâ—vo But the French entertaining the Spaniards here with part of their Souldiers indeavoured though in vaine to surprize Valenza for the Governour thereof finding their drift was very vigilant On the other side they speedily past over the Poe and took their ready way to the State of Milan They tooke Oleggio and Castelletto two open Townes and Fontene which after having made three dayes gallant defence yielded before the which as hee was discovering a Battery Monsieur Toiras Marshall of France was slaine with a Musket shot he being then with the Duke of Savoy and without any imployment And not meeting with any incounter they threw two Bridges the one over the Tesine the other over the Navillio so as the Savoyards were quartered in Oleggio and Crequi together with the Marquesse Villeroy taking their quarters at Sperone intrencht themselves upon the fields of Castene neer a great Ditch on the left hand called Panperduto so termed in former times by the French because they had lost their labour there Cassina di Tornavento being on the right hand where cutting off the water from Navillio and over-running the neighbouring Townes and Villages the Country suffered much for want of water and all the people were mightily afraid Allarmes were given throughout the whole State and many fearing that Milan would be lost fled from that City and withdrew themselves to the State of Venice as likewise did many well-accommodated Countrey-People from the Neighbouring Townes and Villages At the news hereof though it were one of the saddest that had yet befaln that State the Spaniards were no whit daunted nor dismaide but with all readinesse prepared to obviat the evill which was likely to prove greater unto them if the French should advance further or could be able long to maintaine what they had gotten for Milan being full of people and wanting water would have been brought to great streights and so much the greater for that she should not have received any reliefe from those Towns from whence she was formerly furnisht with abundance of Provisions they being now sackt and Pillaged by the French Leganes having therefore readily thrown a Bridge over the Tesine just against Vigevano went to that Towne and gave command that all the Neighbouring People should come and joyne with him as they forthwith did The Spaniards ends were to preserve themselves upon this emergency in the strongest holds expecting greater Forces which were preparing every where in the Austrians Countrey and that the French might lessen in their numbers by running away and by the hardnesse they indured in Forrage and Victualls and by a body of men to entertaine them in the Field and to goe whether need should require that by thus doing they might inforce the French to retreaâ— Leganes did therefore send Count Maximillian Montecastello with 800 Horse to cut off the passages which lead from Brem to the French Campe and having taken order for all things requisite for the present occasion and sent to all Townes where any Souldiers were that upon the report of two piece of Cannon they should march towards Biagras he staid there expecting the comming of some people that were on the other side of the Poe that so they might joyntly set upon the French Army which people being departed from the Territories of Tortona afforded Marquis Villa opportunitie to recover the Castle of S. Iohn and to returne that way into Montferrat for he could no longer maintaine his Horse in the State of Parma by reason of the scarcitie of Forrage and he was likewise re-called by his Duke who thought it more advantagious for the common interest to prosecute the businesse in hand then to keepe his Horse to no purpose in the Territories of Piacenza Zaverne in Alsatia was likewise streightly beset by the French whose defendants being to the number of 1500 to boot with the Inhabitants did desperately dispute the businesse and Gallasse having numbred his men about Spire prepared to succour that Towne the losse whereof did more trouble him in point of reputation that such a place should be lost before the face of the Army then that it was a losse of any consequence or reflection The Elector of Saxony and the Imperialists failed not in using all their cunning and industry to compleat the businesse of Magdeburg against which they playd continually with their Cannon and Granadoes and had already reduc'd it to a bad condition for Azfelt cut off the succour which was sent thether from Werben under the command of Colonell Schulman neare Tergemonde routing three Regiments of Swedish horse and taking 9 Cornets Iohn de Wert was all this while before Liedge to force that Citie whose Inhabitants did so behave themselves as the Imperialists came alwayes by the worst The Prince of Conde continued the Siege before Dole the Landsgrave of Hessen after having made divers inrodes in Westphalia and taken some Townes of no great moment was before Statburg and all the rest of the Potentates of Europe stood expecting what the event would be of all the Forces and Provisions which were raysed in France Spaine Germany and all over Christendome When the Infante and Spanish Commanders bethinking themselves how they might make a diversion with most securitie and advantage and knowing there was none more proper to be made to that purpose then on Picardyes side a great Province seated betweene Champania Normandy Artois and Lorayne and nearest to the King of Spaines Countries they tooke it into their coÌ„sideration But in these their Counsels they met with many difficulties which argued against the enterprise unlesse they should first make themselves masters of the strong holds which were upon those Frontiers without which they could not advance but with apparent danger for then they should have no place whereunto to retreat in case they should meet with any hard incounter which they were to expect for France being a warlike Nation and prone to take up Armes they might easily be incompassed and receive some notable rout Therefore seeing no great appearance of good to be done by force the strong holds being well guarded and munited they betooke themselves to cunning and to indeavour how they might winne the good will
his most Catholique Majestie had with just reasons tane up Armes against that Kingdome not out of any intention to bereave the King of what was his since the Spaniards who have enough of the world and abound in charitie never covet what belongs to another but onely thereby to reduce the King to an universall peace which was so much desired by the Austrians for the welfare of the poore people who are those that at the last are onely indammaged by Warre and to get the States restored which were taken from the Duke of Lorayne and others as also to have satisfaction given to the Queene Mother and to have those Nobles restored to their Estates who were banished the Kingdom not for any fault of theirs but onely for that they would not depend upon his Majesties Ministers of State whom they knew to be no friends to France and in particular upon the Cardinall of Richelieu whom they feared most of all the rest having a genious opposite to the Spaniards and one who knew how the affaires of that Crowne went wherein there would be charitie and no little merit at Gods hands and all the world if those people and Princes could perswade the King to punish those as Traytors who were the cause the Kingdome was so much weakened by assisting strangers This Manifesto being published in France and comming to the Court afforded occasion of laughter to the Lords there who were much taken with the expression of the Spaniards charitie in not coveting what belongs to another they found all this to be but an invention to throw seeds of diâ—â—idence betweene the great ones too much inclined to noveltie and to put them in mind how their fore-fathers had strugled with their Kings to doe the like amongst the people who were desirous of quiet and not willing to undergoe new Impositions and in fine that this was but a bait to draw some male-contents over to them by whose meanes they pretended to receive no small benefit Yet was it not of force enough to have any outward operation for the late example of Monmerancy and other great ones of the Conspiracy had sufficiently taught them that the Subject might hope to be borne withall and pardoned for any other fault save that of infidelitie And every one knew very well that if the Crowne of France had consumed sufficient treasure by the government of such Officers yet were they secure from intestine Warres whereby that flourishing Kingdome had so much suffered in former times and which were easie enough to be renewed againe for every little distaste taken by a French Prince was sufficient to subvert whole Provinces so as it was better to indure some Taxations then to be exposed to the insolencies of a friend and violence of an enemy Moreover they saw a Dukedome of Lorayne joyned unto the Crowne the reveneues whereof did farre exceed all the expences they had beene at together with so many other Cities in Alsatia and in Italy where formerly they had not one foot of ground the maintaining whereof did keepe the Enemies of the Crowne in continuall suspition and afforded them meanes of thinking upon other enterprises and of helping upon all occasions such as were friends to France when they should be incombred by their Enemies The French having possest themselves of the seat of Panperduto and made their Trenches there in the open Fields which gave them no small hopes of further advancement and knowing that without any more adoe they should bring Milan into great streights for want of Victualls if carrying their Forces aside the great Lake they should cut from them those Provisions which were thereby brought unto the Citie they resolved upon the taking of Arona a Towne upon the Tessine in the mouth of the said Lake which would make them to perfect their designe They therefore marched with part of their Forces thetherwards but were not proserous in the attempt for all the neighbouring people taking up Armes together with others under the command of Count Iulius Caesar Borromeo they were saluted with many Cannon shot from divers places which were held by the Milanois on those Hills so as it behoved them to retreat that they might not dis-joint their Army which kept about Panperduto expecting the event of that enterprise by the benefit whereof they designed to marke where they might have greatest hopes of advantage But these proceedings were not well interpreted by those of Milan which made them murmur and complaine of the Spaniards for that they had assembled so many men together kept them so long in that State to the so great incommoditie and losse of so many people whom they had not courage to defend now that they stood in need of their helpe At which the Spaniards being much galled who fore-saw the apparent danger that over-hung them if they should make any further delay they resolved to alter their determination of keeping themselves in strong holds so to reduce the French to a scarcitie of Victualls and into a condition of receiving some great overthrow and propounded that content might be given to the Milanois by their undertaking some generous action whereby the others minds which were so farre sunck in dispaire might be somewhat comforted Leganes therefore on the 22th of Iune went from Biagras where he mustred his Army which the Militia of the Countrey being therein comprehended consisted of 15000 Foot and about 4000 Horse he was accompanied by Don Francisco di Melo Marquis Spinola and many other chiefe Commanders and in a grave and sober march he advanced in good order towards the French Army which kept in battell array within their Trenches but it being somewhat late there onely past an ordinary skirmish betweene the Horse of both parties which lasted almost all the night with little losse to either side for the Spaniards went warily to worke that they might not be brought upon disadvantage and the French attended some fitting occasion to charge them upon advantage so as the meane while the night came on which stickled the businesse Leganes notwithstanding knowing very well the Enemies condition and finding in his Souldiers a great desire to fight appeared the next morning at Sun-rising in good order before the French who kept themselves in battell array within their Trenches and going boldly on with the Spaniish and Dutch Foot against the Trenches the French though they did valiantly defend themselves and withstand their Enemies who fought very couragiously yet could they not keep one of their Foot battaglions from being routed which was charged by the Neapolitan Horse for the French Horse which were on the left wing towards the Ditch of Panperduto being playd upon by 3 pieces of the Spaniards Ordnance which were placed upon the edge of the said Ditch and being thereby much indammaged were wheeled about towards La Cassina di Tornavento from whence these Foot receding and others by reason of their feare they retreated towards the River under the shelter of
Foot and 3000 Horse besides Voluntiers and the Nobilitie of Normandy which were to come with him and having declared his Brother the Duke of Orleans to be the Generall of his Forces made all the Army march under his Highnesse conduct towards Picardy to recover the places that were lost to drive the Spaniards thence Who hearing of these great preparations which were made throughout all France and fearing what they might doe had fired the Countrey all about 'T was said they did this to incommodiate the French in Forrage and Victualls and to streighten them so as they might not be able to keepe long in the Field Piccolomini together with Wert retired to Noyon the rest of the Spanish Army intrenched themselves about Corbie the preservation whereof was much endeavoured by the Austrians for this Towne was so situated as that by any reasonable Garrison therein part of France might be kept in continuall jealousies The Duke of Orleans being advanced unto the Frontiers made his first attempt against Roye a Towne between Noion and Corbie against which having planted his Cannon and the defendants having indured some assaults they compounded knowing themselves not able there to resist a Royall Army and the Spaniards and Dutch finding that their longer stay in those Confines would be but a losse of time and men whereof they daily lost many in skirmishes and as they went to fetch Forrage they drew towards Cambrai leaving about 3000 Foot and 300 Horse in Corbie But the French having taken Roye did lose no time but furiously beset Corbie and after having playd upon it many dayes with their Cannon they assaulted it with a battalion of Voluntiers who with their Pikes and Musquets desirous to have the honour of making the first assault as in such cases is usuall with those of that Nation stormed all the Trenches and Fortifications that were about it so as those within the Town being set on on all sides and playd upon by 36 piece of Cannon which without intermission day and night battered their Rampiers and beat downe their houses though with much undauntednesse they tended their defence yet were they in great danger of losing the Towne the losse whereof much grieving the Spaniards they caused Piccolomini and Wert to come from Chapelle whether they were gone from Noyon and to furnish Cambrai with all things necessary with intention to make the French rise from before Corbie by their setting upon Dorlens a place of no lesse importance seated in the Frontier of Artois betweene Amiens and Arras they therefore sate downe before it and began to thunder upon it with their Cannon but this their enterprise lasted not long for the King of France being come himselfe in Person to Amiens where hee was gladsomely received and the Count Soisons going from thence with a good strength of men into Artoise Corbie being in great streights they were inforced to quit Dorlens and to bethinke themselves how they might best relieve Corbie but having sent some Spies into the French Camp that they might be informed in what state the French Army was and these being discovered and punished they saw their designe was vaine and so forwent it Whereupon the besieged seeing their succour vanished and that the French did every day increase in their offending them they capitulated on the 18th of November and surrendred the Fort to the French who with great content with the universall applause of Monsieur the Kings Brother entred the Towne At which it was said the King was not well pleased and that therefore withdrawing him from so great an Authority he became more wary in conferring imployments in the Army upon him for it is not good to make those Princes Commanders of the Militia who are neer in succession to the Crowne since by winning the Souldiers love they prove oft-times harmfull The Spaniards on the contrary side had assembled together an Army of about 10000 Foot and 1500 Horse in Novara under the command of the Admirall of Castile intending to invade France therewithall where if they should finde no insurrection amongst the people as they hoped by reason of the naturall inquietude of that Nation to do the undertaking was notwithstanding advantagious that thereby they might divert the French Forces from their hostility against the States of Austria They therefore entred into the nether Novara took Saint Iohn de Lus and besieged Bayon making many incursions into the King of France his Dominions wherefore many Companies of Foot and Horse were forthwith dispatcht away thitherward to re-inforce Count Gramont the Governour of Bear who already with those Forces he had opposed them Whilest the Spaniards grew every day stronger in the State of Milan by people who continually landed in the Port of Vado from Napells and by the Dutch who came downe by Helvetia and who forbare not their hostility with the Duke of Parma The French who kept themselves quiet not doing any thing afforded matter of thought not onely to the Spaniards but to all Italy every one being desirous to see what the issue would be of the succour which was though requisit for the State of Parma and so much the rather for that a great fleet of theirs being put to Sea from Marseilles with a great many of Foot therein for Land-service was now in the Genuan Seas Some said the reason hereof was their want of Forces others that they expected what the effect of the fleet at Sea would bee and waited to see the men landed that were therein brought which report did much comfort those of Parma who were brought into great streights and which were so much the greater by how much the lesse will they had to Warre and onely hoped in succour from France it being reported that the fleet came to this purpose for there was no appearance that the Country of Piacenza should be succoured by Crequies Souldiers were it either for that they wanted their pay or for that their numbers were lessened or out of their no desire to remove from their quarters wherein they kept complaning rather of their ill-entertainment in Italy then that they were not imployed in the State of Milan as they were by their Commanders fed with hopes they should bee before they came out of France that so they might the easier bring them on this side the Mountaines Leganes this meane while being come from about Pavia to Tortona and having reviewed the neighbouring Townes and places in Allessandria and provided for such passages as might be put for by those Forces which were in the fleet which was said intended to land its Souldiers in the Haven of Specie that from thence they might bee transported into the State of Parma returned into the Piacenzan Territories to attend the businesse of Piacenza and secure himselfe in such sort thereabouts that in case the succour should come which yet was knowne by the best understanding people to be impossible they should not be able to force
part of Christendome THE XIII BOOK The Contents of the Thirteenth Book Peace is concluded betweene Parma and Spaine by the interposition of the great Duke of Tuscany The French goe out of Piacenza and the Spaniards withdraw their Forces from those Territories This accommodation is ill understood by the French Count Fabio Scotti is imprisoned in France What the French-men did hereupon Duke Waymer enters Burgondy and forceth Gallasse to retire He enters Alsatia and takes Rinfield Bannier being recruited with men makes towards the Saxons The Emperour Ferdinand the second dyes and his Son Ferdinand the third succeeds him in the Empire The Grisons drive the French out of the Valteline and Rhetia The Saxons joyne with the Imperialists and oppose the Swedes a great Battell ensues Azfelt is routed the Saxons make head againe and repulse the Swedes The Spaniards proceed on in Lombardy Hermesteine is besieged by the Imperialists and succour'd by the Swedes by Stratagem The French land in Sardinnia but to no purpose They take the Islands of S. Marguerit and S. Honore Expediences used by the new Emperour for the good government of the Empire A League treated on betweene the Grisons and Spaniards The French invade Flanders on one side and the Hollanders on another Breda is besieged by the Prince of Orange Hermesteine is yeelded to the Imperialists John de Wert goes to take in Hannaw Waymer intends to succour it but is denyed passage by those of Strasburg Gallasse comes in to the succour of the Saxons therefore the Swedes retreat Hannaw is taken by intelligence or correspondency The Swedes retreat into the Old Towne and compound with the Imperialists THe good newes of the King of the Romans Creation being speedily brought to Milan as it was cause of extraordinary contentment in the King of Spaines Ministers of State in the Commanders Souldiers and all the people who by all sorts of apparent Iubilies witnessed by their Feasts Justings Ridings and other extraordinary signes of joy no lesse then had been observed in other places and as hath beene said the honour and satisfaction that they received thereby so was it interpreted as an happy augure of the ensuing yeare and pronounced as a favourable presage of good fortune to the Forces of his most Catholique Majestie and it was not long ere the effects proved it to be so For the great Duke of Tuscany wisely fore-seeing the Duke of Parma's ruine if he should continue his union with France from whence succour would prove desperate as well by reason of the farre distance thereof and their want of men as also of the causes which made for the interests of the French whom it became not though they had had a greater strength of men to imploy them in a wasted Countrey in the midst of their Enemies without money or requisite Provisions for Warre the issue whereof would have beene that the greater part of their Souldiers naturally impatient of suffering and desirous of chance would have runne away into the State of Mantua the Churches dominions and into the State of Venice and thus weaken the Ensignes of France and bring them to hard bargaine And his Highnesse seeing the Spaniards continued with great gallantry to strengthen Piacenza which could not hold out much longer without reliefe and being lost would not so easily be redeemed especially the Citadell to keepe the which the Spaniards would not want valide reasons and faire pretences The great Duke being likewise not pleased that his Kinsman should be bereaved of his patrimony nor yet that the Spaniard should inlarge his dominions in Italy he sent more strict Commission to Pandolphini that he should goe againe to Piacenza and make the Duke see how palpable the danger was that over-hung him and exhort him to make an accommodation with the Spaniards with whom if Parma would give him leave he the great Duke would Treat and make an agreement which should be to his advantage The Pope likewise who was troubled that that Citie should be lost for that it held of the Church ordered Count Carpegna to acquaint the Duke how his Holinesse not intending that the fee-Farme-Lands of the Church should be further ruinated wisht him to thinke of compounding the businesse he likewise commanded Carpegna to shew the Duke how little hopes there was succour and of the performance of the Frenchmens promise as he might daily see by the effects for though they promised to doe wonders so to keepe him in league yet their actions did in no wayes correspond with their words They at last made him comply with the counsell given him by the Pope and the great Duke whereupon after many negotiations in the beginning of February the businesse was adjusted wherein the Duke of Parma was much obliged to the great Duke who upon this occasion shewed himselfe to be his very good Friend and Kinsman The French were brought out of the Towne under pretence of being mustered the Duke unexpectedly began to complaine to Monsieur De S. Paule of the negligence of his Kings Officers in sending him his due and promised succour and to shew him how faithfully he had behaved himselfe in the behalfe of France which being done he dismist all the French out of Piacenza as also out of Parma and all other parts of his dominions and sent them to their owne homes at which they very much repined thinking themselves to be abused though the Duke had alwayes behaved himselfe ingenuously and done all that by his new friendship he was bound to doe for it is alwayes lawfull for Princes to change their Copy when their States are at the stake All the Princes of Italy were greatly pleased with this accommodation for by such ruptures great troubles were likely to have risen in Italy and now the Forces withdrawing themselves towards Piemont the other Provinces were at quiet and their peace was the more firmely established by the weakning of the two Crownes it being the opinion of wisemen that other Potentates ought to indeavour the keeping of these two great Kings at oddes with equalitie of successe to the end that being intent to Warre within themselves they may not fall to prejudice lesse powerfull Princes The Spaniards notwithstanding who proceed leisurely and wait patiently for occasions which being by them opportunely layd hold on brings them usually no little advantage did inwardly like well enough of this accommodation for here their jealousies being buried by the laying downe of Armes and consequently by their disbanding their companies increasing and their confining neighbours growing weaker by the want of those Souldiers they with much contentment fore-saw that if Fortune should favour them against the French they should be able to inlarge the limits of the State of Milan and to secure themselves from Forreigne invasion for unarmed Princes not being able on the sudden to poise up the ballance which panched a little downewards in the declination of the French partie they were confident to bring their
such a diversion might easily much advantage themselves and totally confound that State but such considerations proceeding from Rohans passion who impatient to live idlely after so many Victories and so great a renowne was by his valour and animositie incited to the contrary were not approved of For Waymer had occasion enough to imploy himselfe in Alsatia the getting whereof was of greater importance to the French then was the Valteline not engaging himselfe among the unpassable Mountains of Rhetia for if he should once set upon them besides the difficulties of bringing Cannon Ammunition and the streightnesse of passage the Spaniards under pretence of assisting the Grisons might get footing there which would rather be the way to effect the Austrians ends then to satisfie the French-mens aimes But Rohan still continuing his anger against the Grisons having grievously complained of them to the Switzers of Zurick and to every one that he spake withall he gave out that going blindly to work they themselves did hammer out a Chain wherewith afterwards they should find themselves fastened to the Spaniards will To which purpose I will not omit the extract of a Letter written by the said Rohan from Zurick to an Italian Gentleman the contents whereof were I Very well remember what you told me as you went for Coira touching the bent of the discourse which those Grison Colonells held in the poynt of their dexteritie with our Nation I have found the words true by the effects nothing else could be expected from them who having totally given themselves over to their owne interest have beene able by the vizard of publique reason to disguise the monster of unwarinesse and make it appeare wisedome The Grisons shall in time know what it is to distrust those who that they might trust them have vindicated their liberties By how many more the Flowers shall be in the Spring of this Spanish friendship so much lesse shall be the fruit which they shall gather in the Autumne of this their folly Every one desires the King my Masters Forces but none lookes upon them with a sincere eye They might have forborne to have kindled this fire which into how great a flame it will burst out is not yet certaine If my King not well pleased with the contrary events to what he expected in Italy shall with-draw his invincible Forces from thence that he may dispose them elsewhere more for the advantage of his Crowne it will then be seene whether the Spaniards having throwne off their perfumed Gloves with which they temper or stifle the smell of those that side with them or draw neere them have hands of the same odour as they seeme to have Time will be the judge of this affaire and will peradventure give sentence against those who will repent that they have repented their friendship with Francâ— The Spaniards being greatly inheartned by the taking of Ponzone and the certaintie of tâ—e French-mens weake preparations and very much strengthned by new recruits from Naples Spaine and Germany Leganes thought it became not the honour of the Spanish Forces to lye idle whilest they were by their good successe invited to further enterprises Whereupon he resolved to proceed and because Nizza Della Paglia a Towne in Montferrat invironed with no contemptible Walls and Towers was a businesse though of some difficultie yet of no little advantage for that the entrance into Monferrat was thereby opened and thereby way was made for the winning of other Townes at leisure which being had prepared them for the taking of Cassalle a strength of mightie consequence and which being like a thorne in the side of the State of Milan all the designes ends and industry of the Spanish Commanders and State-Ministers were bent against it the Austrians not being able to indure that such a Citie should remaine in the hands of the French they brought their Army before the said Nizza and so fiercely beset it as that those of Piemont who guarded it being at the very first filled with fear and confusion and despairing of being able to maintaine it they chose rather to accept of Articles of agreement then to runne the hazard of defending it The Garrison marched out with their Armes and Baggage and retired to Cassalle to the no little resentment of the French who blaming the Governour thereof for his distrust of succour tooke it ill that the Duke of Savoy did not punish him by way of example to others The Spaniards having left some Souldiers to defend this place divided their Army into two parts with the one of which Leganes came before Alba a Citie of Montferrat and with the other Don Martine d' Aragona went to the taking in of Agliano a Fort by reason of its situation and in respect of the present times of great importance And the Spaniards knowing of what consequence Nizza was in these present emergencies they resolved to keepe it and began to fortifie there and by the taking thereof the Garrisons of Montegrosso and Castiole being of no use they tooke them away And the Passe at Finale in the State of Milan being of mighty consideration the Spaniards that they might the better secure it sent the Regiments of the Princes Reignold and Borso from Este into the Langhe that they might there watch over the proceedings of the French over whom Crequi after his desires thrice to the contrary had his Commission of command renewed He therefore made all possible preparations to drive back the Spaniards into the State of Milan and Leganes rising without any fruit from before Alba went to Annone and on the third of Iuly past back again with his Army on this side Tanare upon a Bridge which he threw over at Croce Bianca two miles distant from Asti with intention to surprise that Towne whereat the Savoyards tooke such an Allarme as fearing what might succeed Marquis Villa came with 4000 Foot and 500 Horse into Asti to defend it in case the Spaniards should attempt the taking thereof and to fortifie Alba the preservation whereof made much for the Duke of Savoy so as the Armies of both sides being so neere continuall skirmishes past betweene the Horse which was all that was done A reciprocall and affectionate correspondency was now more then ever held betweene the Crowne of France and the States of the United Provinces of Holland and in this present conjuncture their closest intelligence tended to the lessening of the Spanish greatnesse wherefore their intentions were that the one of them should set upon Flanders on one part whilest the other did the like in another part that so they might divert the Spanish Forces and consequently make their other resolved on enterprises lesse difficult The Prince of Orenge went therefore unexpectly forth with many Boats which were provided at Dordrech in Holland and having imbarqued many Souldiers therein he made towards Flushing and from thence comming privatly to shore upon the strond of the Marish which lies between Sluce and the
he delayed his march which the Austrians in no wayes dreading seemed not much to care for and this was onely attributed to the small experience of the Souldiers which were but then taken from forth the peacefull quiet of England When the Landsgrave of Hessen who notwithstanding the offers and intreaties of Peace made unto him by the Imperialists kept constant to the Swedes partie seeing Orenghell gone from his State as also the Marquis of Grana who was imployed in the Siege of Hannaw bethought himself to stand no longer idle but mustering together the Army commanded by Melander thinking himself able to relieve HaÌ„naw he marched thitherward over-ran many Townes tooke Victenaw and betooke himselfe boldly to the succour of that Fort but the Elector of Ments hearing of this who was most concerned in the taking of it as flanking upon his Territories he assembled together his Forces together with those of Colonell Meternich who guarded those passages He made them wade over the River Chitzing by the intelligence of the Count D'Hannaw who till then had kept Neutrall and who making use of the correspondency which he held with many of the Swedish Commanders being neerly allyed to the Counts Ringraves the chiefe Captains of the Crowne of Swethland he so wisely behaved himselfe in the behalfe of the Austrians as one Gate of the new Fort being surprised and the Cannon being turned against the old Fort he made Ransaw the Governour thereof resolve to parley and incline to the surrender of the place which ensued with all the advantagious conditions the Swedes could desire and with the disbursement of some moneys by way of advance to the Garrison The end of the thirteenth Book The Warres and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE XIV BOOK The Contents of the Fourteenth Book Iohn de Wert passeth with the Imperiall Army into Alsatia to waite upon Waymer Landresi is yeelded to the French who over-runne some Townes in Flanders The Spaniards enter the Territories of Vercelâ—es take Carosana skirmish with the French Horse and come off with the worst In Spaine 't is resolved to carry the Warre into France The Spaniards come before Lucata but are raised from thence by the French The French proceed on in Flanders Breda is surrendred to the Hollanders Bannier being re-inforced marcheth against the Saxons His proceedings The Landsgrave of Hessen dieth Victorio Amadeo Duke of Savoy dieth His death is the cause of many consequences The Spaniards are routed in the Langhe by the French Cardinall Maurice of Savoy goes from Rome by reason of the Duke his Brothers death Hee thinkes to take upon him the government of the State but is gaine-said therein by the Duchesse so as it behoves him to keep himselfe upon the entrance into Piemont Crequi marcheth into the field but to little purpose Charles Duke of Mantua dies Princesse Mary hath the government of the State and of her Sonne which brings with it various considerations The Spaniards resolve to send for Prince Thomas from Flanders into Italy and their thoughts in so doing Divers things are disputed on in the Councell of Turine and at last it is resolved to keep in union with the King of France Waymer fights with the Imperialists neer Rinfield gets the Vistory and takes the Emperours Generalls prisoners Duke Rohan wounded in the Battaile of Rinfield dieth Waymer advanceth towards Brisack to the great terror of those people The Marquis Leganes goes to the taking in of Brem and gets the Victory Duke Crequi is slaine before Brem by a Cannon shot Mongaiard the Governour of Brem is brought prisoner into Casall and â—ath his head strucken off DUke Waymers appearing in Alsatia made the Austrians very jealous who much apprehended his resolutions he being a Prince addicted to Armes and Glory and backt by the Forces of France it likewise made them looke to the preservation of such Townes as held out yet for the Emperour and chiefely the Duke of Bavaria was jealous thereof as hee who if this Province should fall into the hands of the Enemy was more subject then any other to their incursions and hostilities wherefore warily foreseeing what might fall out hee commanded Wert to march speedily with his Foot into that Province and have an eye unto Waymers proceedings And because Wert had not above 6000 Souldiers too small a number in regard of the Forces against which hee was to goe which consisted of about 12000 old Souldiers besides the inforcements which every day were added thereunto by the French who were not farre off hee haulted in the Palatinat and bethought himselfe that if he should goe into Burgundy and joyne with those Forces which held for the King of Spaine there 't would be a good meanes to divert Waymer from his intended enterprise upon Brisack He therefore past the Rhyn at Filisburg and went with his Army to Remiremont a Town in Lorayn upon the Confines of Burgundy intending to doe somewhat in those Provinces But finding his foundation ill laid for that so many French were upon those Frontiers as that they might easily frustrate his designes without sending for Waymer backe his aboad there proving every day more irkesome then other for want of Victuals and being advertised by the Elector of Ments who was thereof informed by some Friers in France that the French-mens intensions were to send Waymer to the siege of Brisack hee went from Burgundy that hee might looke to the preservation of that place and falling downe towards Brisack came neere to Waymers quarters who not doing any thing kept himselfe about a Village called Cappell on this side Rhyn between Basill and Brisack At the news whereof Waymer went in regulate order from his Trenches being resolved to try whether Wert were come to fight with him or onely to disturbe his designes by stratagem But Wert who very well knew upon what disadvantage he was and who by past examples had learned that it is alwayes good to proceed in Military affaires with wisedome and not to be undone by too much daring grounding his actions upon reason haulted for the advantage of his own quarters in expectation of Duke Savello and Colonell Mercy who were both commanded by the Emperour to joyne with him and jointly to provide for the preservation of Alsatia So as each Army keeping within their quarters the one expecting recruits from the Emperour the other from the King of France they stood looking upon one another and did nothing of moment The besieged within Landresi did this meane while valiantly defend themselves against the French who did with no lesse valour thunder open those Wals aswell to bring that worke to an end as for the honour of their Armes which without the taking thereof would have been much impeached but the besieged languishing through their continuall toyle and labour and being very much lessened in their numbers by their daily fighting wherein many of them perished not being able longer to hold out without
Spinola when hee tooke the same Towne in the yeare 1624. Piccolomini finding it lost labour to indeavour the succouring of La Chappelle went with his Army to before Maubrug a City seated between Landresi and Mons neer the river Sambra that if La Chapelle should be lost somewhat might be had by the taking of Maubrug The Cardinall of Vallette who after he had taken the Castle of Bussegni waited upon the Austrians to see what they would doe seeing what danger the City was in which if it should be lost he looking on would have redounded much to the shame of the French Forces marched speedily towards the Imperialists Camp But Piccolomini who knew himselfe inferiour in force to the French raised his Tents before they came up unto him not judging it now time to grapple with them and this the rather for that it was the Austrians firme advice and the Emperours expresse command who as it was thought would not have willingly dispossest himselfe of so many men though it had been for his owne affaires of the Empire that care should be had to spare the Souldiers as much as might bee since Germany being by reason of so many Warres depopulated recruits must be had from farre and would be hardly come by whereas France on the contrary being united and full of Warlike people who were desirous to see the world the King found no difficulty in recruiting his Armies hee therefore retreated neer Mons. The Imperialists retreat from Pomerania into the State of Brunswick and Alberstat incouraged the Swedes and Orenghell being joyned with Bannier they came both together to Stettin where agreeing that no favourable occasion was to bee pretermitted which might invite them to further advancement they resolved upon the recovery of Garts aswell to free the Villages which were under the command of their Forts from being insulted upon by the Garrison of that place as to open their way to greater Atchievements when the Forces should be come up unto them which were continually taken into pay by the Swedish Officers in Swethland and in Pomerania which place not being able to resist the Swedes and the Inhabitants thereof the greatest part being Protestants desirous to returne to the government of those of the same Religion and publickly to enjoy that liberty of Conscience which they so much valued and the Emperours Souldiers who had the Guard thereof fearing no lesse the injuries of the Inhabitants no well-wishers to the Roman-Catholiques then the Swedes invasion they surrendred the Towne to Bannier who was contented they should march out with their Armes and Baggage though the Citizens thereof complaining that the Imperialists carried away with them many things taken from their houses desired that was taken from them might be restored to them for the Imperialists in lieu of pay which they laid claim unto took away wheresoever they came all they could lay their hands on without any manner of respect The Swedes growing still more bold by these successes they marched without any let to before Verben where planting their Cannon and beating downe their Trenches the Saxons who had the Guard thereof staid not to be Assaulted but surrendred the City and many of them who hoped for little good from the Dukes pay changed colours and inroled themselves under the Swedes which the Elector did much resent who knowing very well that if fortune should prove propitious to the Swedes his mortall Enemies all the mischiefe and all the storme was to fall upon him and his State was likely to prove the seat of Warre he incontinently advertised the Court at Vienna therewithall as also Gallasse who for want of Victuals Mony and Men disbanded through hunger and sufferings durst not stirre from his lodgings into the Army for feare of a generall mutiny and representing the generall ruine which over-hung his estate he required and very earnestly prest the Emperour not to faile in his promised assistance Whereupon the Austrian Counsell knowing how necessary it was to give satisfaction to this Prince from whose friendship Bohemia received great advantage having Saxony for their out Wall without which the Warre would suddainly bee brought into that Kingdome though their Cofers were empty yet the Spanish fleet supplied the want thereof the Spaniards seeming no lesse concern'd herein then the Dutch and furnished 300000 Dollars which were sent to Gallasse with orders to oppose the Swedes with which the Army being a little comforted they went from their quarters in Brunswick and marched towards Bannier who not yet able to withstand the Forces both of the Emperour and Saxony went from Verben and haulted betwen Demitz and Stettin thinking to incommodiat the Imperialâ—sts as formerly and to drive them backe from whence they came rather by Famine then by the Sword so as the Saxons being left about Verben they suddainely retook it and Gallasse comming before Demin tryed though in vaine to take that Fort for not being able to reduce it so speedily as he had thought he was forced for want of Victuals to inlarge his quarters towards Brandenburg where being followed by the Swedes who were much inforced by fresh succour come from Swethland divers skirmishes past daily between them but of no great moment At this time William Landsgrave of Hessen a sprightly Prince and given to the Warres exhorted the King of England all that he could to make use of this opportunity in remitting the Counts Palatine into their State to which purpose many men were raised about Meppen and aswell for this as for other common causes the League between France Swethland and Holland was againe established in which France promised to pay 12000 Souldiers Swethland 5000 and Holland 5000. The Landsgrave being now gone in person to Meppen to consider what course was to be taken for the mannaging of this Warre and from thence to Holland to agree with those States what was best to be done in these present emergencies whilest he returned well-satisfied with his negotions to his owne Country he fell into a malignant Feaver in Leer a City which lies neer the Amasio between Meppen and Embden whereof hee dyed to the great griefe of the Protestants who loved this Prince exceedingly hee being a constant defender of their Religion and very firme in his friendship with his confederates never failing in his promise though unevitable ruine appeared thereby to his Dominions Therefore did the King of Swethland to answer him in affection as when he fell to praâ—se any one hee never forgot the Landsgrave of Hessen and Duke Bernard Waymer affirming that these two young Princes surpassed the gray-headed wits of Germany and that the Kingdome wherein they were had reason to boast The Landsgrave was a comely presence his body well composed hee injoyed a proportionable activity his aspect was pleasing whilest he was young he went into Holland and and lived under the Discipline of that great Maurice Prince of Orenge by obeying he learned how to command as Students get learning from
without a diversion in these parts the taking of Brisack would prove a hard businesse which was gallantly carried on by Waymer Because the Spaniards who were much concerned in the preservation of Alsatia for the afore mentioned reasons would as formerly they had done use their utmost power and indeavours to relieve Brisack and entring afterwards with the Italian Forces joyned to the German into Burgundy would occasion no little trouble to the French in Lorayn and though some were of opinion that the Spaniards though they should not bee troubled with the French would not so easily bee drawne from Italy before they had freed Montferrat yet these considerations being weighed by the King and his Councell 't was resolved that greater care should be taken of the affaires of Lombardy and that to hinder the Spaniards further progresse the Army should bee recruited with Men and Commanders fitting to mannage the Warre To boot therfore with the levies already ordered to this end in Dolpheny and Provence Monsieur d'Argentone was incontinently dismist away with Monies to Turin to view the Souldiers and pay them their Arrears and after him the Regiments of the Count de Guiscia Monsieur D'Alincourt the Count de Saw and Monsieur de Vagelach were sent to Cassall and the Cardinall of Vallette sonne to the Duke of Espernone one not onely wise in politique affaires but very valiant and who very well understood the affaires of Warre was chosen Generall of his Majesties Forces The Count de Guiscia minding the preservation of Cassall provided for all things requisit for that Fort he had an eye to the actions of some of the Princesse of Mantua's Officers who he was jealous might bring some Forces thither hee tooke order throughout all Montferrat that such as were fitting to beare Armes should be ready to be mustered and to joyne upon any occasions with the French to oppose the Spaniards neither was hee negligent in providing all things necessary for that state The intentions of the French in the opinion of many foreseeing men were grounded upon good reason not to indeavour for the present any further advancement in Italy but onely to preserve Montferrat and to injealousise the Spaniards in those parts for the maintenance whereof and out of their desire of making further atchievements they probably might beleeve that the Spaniards would not care what losses they might undergo elsewhere so as they might proceed on there but would keep the greater part of their owne Forces and all their Italian Militia imployed on this side and which was of more importance bereaving the Caesarians of the best Dutch strength that they might preserve Milan and dilate the bounds thereof they little valued the weakning of the Emperour they therefore intended as was held by the speculative to keep the Spaniards onely busied in the state of Milan and in the meane time to indeavour by all possible meanes by winning the strong holds in Artoise to secure the Frontiers of Picardy against the designes and attempts of the Spaniards on that side And to possesse themselves of Alsatia as also of the strong holds seated upon the Rhyn by which meanes Burgundy wanting succour and means how to have it conveyed would not onely fall into their power but by the Rhyn they should secure their peacefull possession of Lorayn against any invasion of the Dutch And then turning all their Forces upon Italy they might not onely make themselves masters of Milan but of all other states that were under the Spaniards To effect these designes Waymers Army being recruited with Men Mony Victuals from France he was charged to attend the perfecting of his workes about Brisack For though this Fort if it should fall into their hands was by establisht agreement to be conferr'd upon Waymer in fee-farme both from the Crowne of France and Swethland which was done to moderate the opinion which those people had taken that the French intended to dilate their dominions in Germany as also to satisfie Waymer and make him the more fierce up on the enterprise yet they thought that when Brisack should bee taken Waymer might be satisfied either by Monies or some other equivalent place So as they applied themselves by their art force and industry to the taking of this place as that which was to bee their owne There were some notwithstanding who thinking they descried the French-mens drift did from thence draw this argument and consequence that they should doe wisely not to minde the affaires of Italy for that the other Italian Princes appearing not to approve the Spaniards increase of greatnesse they would either openly or underhand declare themselves for the declining party and would not for their owne sakes suffer the Spaniards increase of power in Italy so as when the French should begin to fare ill in Italy the Italian Princes would appeare for them and so the Spaniards intentions being by them counterpoysed the French might by the assistance of others maintaine the Warre in Italy and keeping Montferrat in their owne power might the better vex the Austrians elsewhere and bring afterwards their owne Forces in a fitting time into Italy and reduce those Provinces to a bad condition But because the Spaniards who were wholly bent upon the getting of Piemont and driving of the French out of Italy either were not able to succour Brisack or cared not though for want of succour it should fall into the hands of the French The Duke of Bavaria who wisely foresaw the mischiefe that might ensue hereupon and who apprehended much that Waymer might obtain his ends after having exaggerated these particulars at Caesars Court and plainly demonstrated to the Spanish Ministers of state who still persisted in desiring more men for the state of Milan the danger that this Fort was in and the consequencies that depend thereupon 't was resolved that all the Imperiall Forces that were in Swabenland and in Wertemberg should abstaine from going towards Lombardy and march to the succour of Brisack Hee therefore having drawne all the men he could out of the Garrisons of his owne state which came to about 9000 Foot and 4000 Horse mustered them at Nordlinghem and under the command of Ghets sent some of them into the Dukedome of Wertemberg to drive the Swedes from their quarters and the rest of them went towards Friburg intending by keeping between Friburg and Rinfield to streighten the Enemies Camp of Victuals especially since the Emperours Souldiers who were encamped between Offemberg and Brisack pretended to cut off such supplies as might come from Wertemberg But the Swedes hearing of this and not being able by reason of the weaknesse of their stations to resist this Army they rose from their quarters of Sturgart Elinghâ—m Durlarch and other places of that Province before the Imperialists came thither and retreated to before Brisack where Waymer had already taken divers Sconces and fortified himselfe to begin the Siege and to keep it from being relieved by the Austrians The
to deprive Flanders and Italy from being assisted from Spaine whence it proceeded that these being Countreyes much esteemed of the Spaniard and not able to receive usuall succours from them those of Germany must demand aide from the Emperour who if he should grant it the Empire being bereft thereof in such case the Swedes progresse into Bohemia and Duke Weymars in Alsatia would be the more easie so as either in Spaine or else-where the French must needs prevaile To boote therefore with many warlike preparations made in Guien a Province which extends it selfe from the Pirenean mountaines to the Confines of Guascony where all things were prepared fitting for the Warre of Biscay and the Body of an Army assembled consisting of 12000. Foot and 2500. Horse whereof Monsieur de Gramont was by the King made Lieutenant Generall the Prince of Conde was commanded to invade Biscay and to march with his Forces with all possible diligence into that Province And to the end it might not be believed that the beginning of this warre should be the ending or at least the weakning of the rest to boot with the directions and reinforcements sent to Weymar to put an end to the businesse of Brisacke the Marishall Schatillion was charged to march to the Frontiers of Artoise towards Arras with 14000. Foote and 4000. Horse that he might bee ready to take in Saint Omers a strong Fort seated between the River Ley and Graveling by the which the French might the better strengthen the Confines of France and open their way into Flanders where there being no strong holds of any moment a great part thereof would fall into the hands of the French Which the Spaniards wisely discovering and knowing how great a blemish such a losse would be to their splendor they furnisht it with all things requisite for the preservation thereof and the Infante that hee might not bee hindred from sending in succour and that hee might remove the French from those their undertakings sent many troops of souldiers towards Arleax betweene Cambray and Buchaime The Cardinall of Vallette whose assistance in Piemont was very requisite came about this time to Turim and encouraged those who were dismaid to see the sumptuous preparatiōs of the Spaniards and the weake applications of the French And understanding how the Spaniards had sent the Abbot of Vasques to Mantua to treate with the Dutchesse and that Don Diego de Scaivedera was gone thither likewise he imagined their businesse might be concerning the affaires of Montferrat and suspected that the Dutchesse of Mantua who was said to be more inclined to the Spaniards then to the French by reason of her consanguinity and as more approving of their behaviours not being able to endure that the French should appropriate unto themselves the patronage or protection of Montferrat and that she should only have the bare Title thereof without any manner of authority might have plotted some intelligence with the Spaniards to free those parts from being quartered upon by the French where their abode was not well liked of by the Mantuans who pretended that that State should be independant upon any other Prince of Italy and that the French should not patronize themselves thereof under the specious pretence of the Dukes Protectors The Cardinall thereof fore-seeing the prejudice which might ensue unto the French Forces if Cassalle which was the place of refuge for their Armies should bee taken out of the French mens hands and this his suspition being now become a certainty for that the intelligence was discovered by a little note which casually fell from Octavius Montegli Governour of Cassall and came to the hands of the French who had not deserved to bee so rewarded by the Mantuans hee therefore under severall pretences brought many French troopes into the Towne wherewith hee drove all those of Montferrat out of the Citadell took the said Montegli prisoner and set a good guard upon him and immediately dismissed out of the Town the Counts Iacomo and Rolando Nata the Marquess of Langosco and Father Capriato a Capuchin Fryar and looking more narrowly to the Spaniards hee was very carefull of the preservation of that place as of all the rest in Montferrat wherein having only French Garrisons he caused such jealousies in the Spaniards as this was sufficient to keep the assistance of Italy which was so much dreaded in Alsatia and Flanders within the State of Milan But all these provisions of the French for the maintaining of Montferrat and Piemont were greater in appearance then in substance For the Cardinall came into Piemont with an intention to vindicate the credite of the French Forces but with so small a Militia as that it was plainely seene the French either wanted Forces to manage the war in Italy to their advantage or that they cared not then for the affaires of Lombardy having greater businesse in hand elsewhere The Spaniards who above all things else were troubled with the neighbour-hood of the French by which the authority they pretended to have in Italy was much lessened knew it was not now time to loose oportunity but to betake themselves to such things as might make most for the State of Milan Thus Leganes having mustered his Army about Valenza under pretence of feare of the French who were come along with the Cardinall he resolved to betake himselfe to the taking in of Vercelles as a place flanking too much upon the State of Milan and by the winning whereof he should not only bereave the French of a place of retreat who being hereby backt might the easilier make Warre against the Millanoise and did the better secure themselves from being invaded in Montferrat or Piemont but the Spaniards should enlarge their Territories and open their way into the heart of Piemont and place themselves neare Montferrat against which they might with more oportunity take fitting resolutions And that which imported most was that by the taking hereof the French would be ill thought of by those of Piemont for not having succoured them and by opening their way into Piemont it would be no difficult businesse upon Prince Thomas his arrivall totally to alter that State and to bring many of the Inhabitants to side with the Princes of Savoy But the Spaniards fearing lest by the moving of their Army their intentions might be discovered and that consequently a stronger Garrison might be put into Vercelles and greater provisions made for the defence thereof so as they should meete with greater difficulties in the attempt that they might make the French believe their intentions were to invade Montferrat Leganes sent Don Vincensa Gonsaga with some companies of horse towards Trino and Don Ferante de Monti with other troops of horse towards Cassall and he himselfe by night on the seventh of May taking his Army from out their Quarters came before Vercelles where dividing immediately their Quarters Leganes placed himselfe at Saint Bartholmeo a mile without the City he placed the Spaniards
of men to be raised in the State with whom to incompasse the French who when they should see themselveâ— invironed on all sides by the Spanyards would either be forced to fight upon disadvantage or to forsake their station Hee therefore acquainted Cardinall Triuulsio herewithall who in hiâ— absence was governour of Milan and hee being a wise man caused Proclamation to bee made that all the Militia of the neighbouring parts should be mustered and that 4000. Foot should bee chosen out of them part of which were in lieu of the Forreyners which were taken from the Forts and left in their placesâ— that these should joyn with the other Militia's of the parts about Lodeggian Cremona and Mount-Brianza and the Governour of Allessandria having gathered together other troops of souldiers on the other side to which 800. Swissers being added which were just then come into the State of Millan and to all those five hundred Horse which which were sent from the siege of Vercelles another bodie of an Armie was framed whereof though the greatest part were unexperienced men yet were they sufficient to effect the thing desired With these the Cardinall and Don Martin Gallicano Master of the Campe accompanied with a great many of the Gentry of Millan came to Vigerano and from thence by orders from Leganes they advanced towards the Fort Sandavall with intention that if the French should keepe their station in the Sesia they should set upon them on their backes whilst Leganes should charge them on the Front and so force them from thence with much losse But the French fore-seeing what might ensue with-drew their Cannon from the said Island and returned towards their former Quarters about Saint Germans intending to waite a better oportunity to relieve the Towne The Spaniards being by this retreate the more encouraged and encreasing their offensives against the Towne the Governour seeing the French were retreated and thereby finding how hard a matter it would bee for the Towne to bee relieved agreed by the joynt consent of all the chiefe Officers of the Garrison to come to a Treaty before they were reduced to a greater necessity For the number of of the Defendants were much lessened by their continuall sallyes and they much feared the Mynes made by the Spanyards underneath their wals He therefore sent out a Gentleman called Ogliacy to treate with Leganes Hostages were given on both sides and it was agreed upon that they should march out with their Armes and Baggage and with three pieces of Cannon and with the body of the late Duke Victorio Amedio All this was performed on the fifth of Iuly to the great rescentment of the Dutchesse who greatly complaining against the Spanyards for their using such Hostility whilest during the Duke her Husbands life they rather seemed desirous of neutrality and good correspondency with him then to come to profest enmity They by their Printed Manifestoes moderated the exclamations of the Inhabitants of Piemont and endeavoured by colourable appearances to cure the Jealousies which the other Italian Princes might receive by this who are greatly endammaged by every new acquisition made by the Spanyards in Italy The contents were That the Duke of Savoy had not only joyned with the French to the prejudice of the Crowne of SPAINE but the French being every day brought in great numbers by the Dutchesse into the Townes of PIEMONT they were come so neare to the King of SPAINES Territories that in all reasons the SPANYARDS were to secure themselves from the incursions of their enemies That Vercelles was taken not to bereave the Duke of Savoy of what was his though all things gotten by armes in faire War is lawfull but to prevent the French from getting thereinto under pretence of friendship which would bee very dis-advantagious to the State of Milan That the King of Spaine who was so great a Monarch of so many Kingdomes was contented with his own vast Dominions and needed not to care for a little Farme of the Prince of Piemonts and that they would at all times be ready to restore what they had taken when the French would doe the like for what they had usurped from the Princes of the House of Austria These excuses availed but a little to pacifye those of Piemont who mightily afraid knew not whether to turne themselves for on the one side they were displeased with the Spaniards as expecting to have their Countrey ruinated and themselves opprest by them on the other side they were but ill satisfied with the French for being the Authors of the Warre and not being able to defend them they saw that all their mischiefe had its rise from them so at it was easily seene they shewed not such affection towards them as at the first But you may give loosers leave to talke These mens laments were little valued by the Spaniards and lesse by the French for each of them minded onely what made most for their owne Interest Some notwithstanding who will not let any thing passe uncensured by them said that if the Spaniards actions were mysterious the French had likewise their ends in their designes and were not lesse deepe therein For though the Spaniards by taking of Vercelles had opened their way into Piemont and had made the French-men lose the good will of the Piemontesians and by the comming of Prince Thomas were likely to effect their desires of getting into the best Towne of Piemont and by bereaving the French thereof to strengthen Montferrat the more 't was notwithstanding seene that this might prove but a baite to draw them into some dangerous precipice For by the addition of so many Conquests causing Jealousie in the other Princes of Italy they might easily draw on a League against them from which if nothing else should have ensued the very taking up of Armes by those Princes was of Notable consequence for it would occasion the disbanding of the Spanish Army and make it a more difficult matter for them to raise men for the service of the Crowne of Spaine Since the souldiers partly weary with the sufferings of War partly allured by the desire to change fortune and to get new advance of pay partly through the feare which they brought with them from Naples into Lombardy and others being called for backe by their naturall Princes would have much lessened their Companies by their flight So as what by those who were run away and what by those that were slaine in service the State of Milan would be reduced to such a scarcity of defenders as the French might easily have flown in upon those parts The Hollanders going into the Fields and the newes which was spread abroad in France by their partakers and such as desired it should bee so that they were before Antwerpe which caused no little confusion in the people of those Provinces encouraged the French to undertake the siege of Saint Omers which though it were an enterprize of great difficulty yet was it the
ways wrought upon by these the Spaniards fetches but answering their Civilities with as much courtesie thanked his Majestie for the honours he had received and took his leave of the Court the King having notwithstanding declared him to be his General of his Navy at Sea that by that title he might keep him as a servant to that Crown The Duke came by gally to Genoa to the great contentment of his Subjects who by his absence and because of the report that hee was to change his State for Sardinia were much sadded And his Councell not thinking it fit for him to deny the raising of 2000. men out of his Dukedome to the King of Spaine who had shown so much affection to his Highness it was concluded it should be done that he might thereby witness his gratitude to his Majesty of Spain for the honours he had received from him yet were not the Spaniards suffered to carry away full 2000. men for that the reason of State shews that Principalities may be termed poor which are poore in Subjects The French all this time continued their siege of Fonterabbia which as it made much for their affaires so was it very prejudiciall to the Spaniards since great consequences arising from the loss of this place all the neighboring parts would have run hazard of falling under the dominion of the French Therefore the Admirall of Castile with an army that he had got together prepared to assail the enemies Camp The which he did on the 7. of September and obteyned his ends For the French who were before the Town being much lessened in their numbers and who were desirous to tarry no longer where they suffered so much did not behave themselves according to their accustomed valour And though the Prince of Conde and other chief Commanders behaved themselves with such courage as becomes men that are ambitious of glory and did endeavour to withstand the Spanyards yet were they not able to doe it for the souldiers villified rather with their being there inclosed then by their enemies valour were so confused and fought so coldly as they were fain to raise the siege which was joyfull news to the Spaniards and as unpleasing to the French and in particular to the King who not thinking that Conde had behaved himselfe answerable to the expectation that was had of him the Prince began to be ill thought of at Court though when the businesse was maturely scand those lost their first impressions who immediately surprized at the appearance of evill stop their eares and will not let in truth But if the French were sad for their no better successe before Fonterabbia the Dolphins birth which was on the fifth of September caused such joy among them and gave such generall contentment throughout all France as they every where exprest such Jubilies and rejoycings as it very well became them to do for so great a blessing from God They who by reason of their Queenes barrennesse for the space of 22. years had given over all hopes of seeing any Issue by their King and who therefore much feared the mischief that might befall the Crown by change of Successor in an instant cleared up their countenances and were greatly consolated at this so great mercy from Heaven The King being piously given threw himselfe upon his knees before a Crucifix humbly returned thanks and acknowledgments to God Almighty for his so great goodnesse towards him The Duke of Orleans who till now was in nature of the Kings Eldest Son next heir unto the Crown came in all hast and with great respect unto the King and humbly acknowledging the Dolphin beg'd of his Majestie that as he had hitherto held him for his son his Majesty would now love him as his Cadet The King taking him up in his armes and imbracing him witnessed his neernesse of blood and the tendernesse of his affection All France was full of jollity as they expressed by their voyces gestures and actions bon-fires abounded every where In briefe as Marriners are comforted by the change of a crosse winde into a favourable gale so did this sterrility being turned to fruitfulnesse make the French rejoyce wherein such as depended on them did share but their enemies were hereat displeased The Count Palatine of Rhene whom my Author must give me leave to call Prince Elector had at this time what with 4000. Foot from England and other forces which by moneyes from the King of England he had raised Collonel Kings men being likewise therein comprehended who was Serjeant Major Generall of the Sweedish army and who had orders to joyne with the Prince Elector about Munster got together a body of men amounting to about 10000. wherewith he was advised by his Captaints friends to joyn with Melander Generall of the Hassian Forces which after the Lansgraves death continued still in service of the Crowne of Swethland that so during the Emperours being held in play by the Sweeds French he might by way of arms enter into the Palatinate and recover that which being so oft put for and desired of the Emperour was still denyed or at least fruitlesly deferr'd But before their undertaking any greater business 't was adjudged fit by men of understanding not to leave any Towns behind their backs which were possest by those of the League since thereby they might easily bring the Imperiallists to great scarcity of victuals if their Army should unadvisedly engage it selfe The Prince Elector therefore by the disbursment of some moneyes got Asnapruch and Mindell to be assigned over to him by the said King to the end he might have places to retreat unto when hee should lye with his army in the fields in those Provinces so as it seemed hee began to proceed on fortunately in those parts But Azfelt being solicited from Vienna to have an eye to the proceedings of these new Forces and the rather for that the Elector of Mens and other Ecclesiasticall Princes had very earnestly desired and accompanied these their desires with protestations that the War might not be suffered to be made upon their Territories hee came thither made towards these new souldiers with about 8000. good men drawn out of Garrisons whose places he supplyed with new men taken out of the Arch-bishopricke of Cullen The Prince Elector being therefore brought to great scarcity of victuals and not able to endure that his men should perish as they daily did through discommodiousness which was very prejudicial to the English who taken from the commodiousness of their own country are usually at their first entrance more sensible of sufferings in the field then are other Nations resolved to fight whereunto he was also inticed by his Captains who troubled that they should find their hopes fail them desired rather to hazard their lives in atchieving an honourable victory then poorely to die through sufferings Both the armies joyned therefore together in battle betweene the Vesser and the County of Osnapruch on the
18. of October where the Prince Electors souldiers being new professors of War and their Commanders no less unexperienced they retreated so confusedly at the first going off of the Canon as being pursued by the Imperiallists horse and on all sides invironed by the enemie who helped their victory by the seeming appearances of more Colours those who saved themselves not by flight were either slaine or taken prisoners amongst which Prince Rupert Count Palatine of Rhene and brâ—ther to the Elector was one who was with a good guard carried prisoner to the Castle of Lynts there died in this action about 4000. of the Prince Electors men and 800. Imperiallists Sergeant-Major-generall King and the Elector saved themselves by swimming and got into Mindem many prime Gentlemen of England were slaine and some taken prisoners This victory though it were not of much moment as some would have it to be for by this the nests were not destroyed from whence new troubles were to be expected and it would rather serve for a further incitement to the King of great Brittan to proceed against the Austrians yet howsoever who shall consider the business and knows what advantage the States of the Roman Catholikes received by the securing of those Forts the reputation of their arms will finde it to be greater then it appeared to be For besides the freeing of the Ecclesiasticall Provinces from the feare they stood in of those forces great was the consequence of the recovery of those places which whilst possest by the Protestants kept the neighbouring Inhabitants in continuall agitation and made the widow of the late Landsgrave strong in her adherence to the Sweedish party The Austrians and Ecclesiasticks did therefore by publike thanksgiving witnesse the content they received hereby The King of Poland was likewise hereat well pleased for his brother Prince Casamire being some moneths before taken prisoner by the French at Bucary upon the Coast of Provence as he was going in a Galley from Genoa to the Court of Spain about some business and from thence carried to the Boys St. Vincent he thought this Count Palatine would be a fitting change for the said Prince Casamire Azfelt after having taken Vecht went to the taking in of Osnapruch which in a few dayes accepted of Lawes from the Conquerour To thwart the succesfull proceedings in these parts Duke Weymar who gallantly surrounded Brisacke did in part recover what those of his faction had lost in the Prince Electors business for receiving advertisement how that 7. Imperiall Regiments led on by Charles Duke of Loreine Bossompier and Mercy being come from Burgondy were upon their march towards Tan that they might fall down from thence and joyne with the other Austrians on this side the Rhene so joyntly endeavour that succour which Ghetz failed in he presently parted from his Camp before Brisack with 6000. commanded men six pieces of Cannon and 4. Cariages of Ammunition and went to meet with the Lorreyners between Vsfholph and Senhaim where he in person boldly set upon a squadron of horse led on by Mercy after an obstinate fight wherein Mercy with his sword in hand did no less gallantly behave himselfe then did Weymar Mercyes horse was killed under him in his retreat the courage of the Caesarians seemed also somewhat to give backe Weymar pursued them closely and though he had received a slight hurt for which his men desired him to withdraw he by no means would give backe but growing more incensed by the sight of his own blood he charged upon the Front of the enemies horse and made them turn back and then pursuing them behind did great execution upon them Greater peradventure would the mischief have been had not a great battaglion of foot commanded by Bossompiere and placed in a convenient place stayed the Sweedes in their pursuit by hailing down musquet shot amongst them for it behoving Weymar to hault here lest he might be engaged in some dangerous encounter the Imperiallists had time to retreat and assembling together againe under the shelter of those musquetiers to fight vigorously but this availed them but a little For Colonell Rose advancing with the rest of the horse and 1500 choise foot whilst the Imperiall foot and the Sweeds foot were here fighting Weymar with his horse charged furiously upon the Duke of Lorreyns Squadrons and routed them putting many of them to the sword so as the Imperiall foot being invironed on all sides they were all either slain or taken prisoners save some few of the reer who saved themselves by flight they lost their baggage their Cannon Bossompier and some other Commanders of account and about 1500. souldiers To second this happy encounter Smitbery hearing thereof who commanded the Camp on the other side of the Rhene before Brisacke he valiantly assaulted the little Fort before the bridg and after a long dispute took it by storm So as the Town being besieged on all sides and brought to great streits and not being to be relieved on any side the Spanish Ministers of State were earnestly desired from those of Caesars Court to send suddainly a flying squadron of betweene sixe and 8000. souldiers from the State of Millan into Alsatia thereby to relieve this place wherein their common interests were so much concerned but these their entreaties could not prevaile with the Spaniards For though they were very much grieved that Brisacke should be lost they more valued the State of Millan then all Alsatia neither did they think it fitting to remove in a season so near winter For besides that they were likely to lose many men in their march by hardnesse and by flight for the Italians being made wary by former examples do not willingly pass the mountains they greatly feared to loose that reputation which the Spaniards do with such punctuality cherish if the businesse should not succeed according to their desires as they much doubted it would not Their answer therefore was faire in words and appearances but short in effects The end of the fifteenth Booke The Warres and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE XVI BOOK The Contents of the Sixteenth Book The Cardinall of Savoy comes to the confines of Piemont that by the assistance of Spaine he may enter into that state Hee indeavours to surprise Asti but in vaine the Dutchesse and the French are very jealous and suspect the Inhabitants Brisack after a long seidge being brought to extreamity is yealded to Weymar The Sweeds being reinforced advance make divers atcheevements Prince Thomas of Savoy comes from Flanders is received by the Spaniards and after many consultations hee enters Piemont with the Spanish forces and atcheeves many things The Spaniards under the command of Don Martine d' Aragona goe to before Chengio they take it and Don Martine is slaine The Dutchesse of Savoy much troubled at the proceedings of the Princes her bretheren in Law taketh in the French to guard Turine and the Cittadel there and
imprisoneth divers confederates of the said Princes By meanes of these forces the people of Piemont are much confused many jealousies arise betweene the Spanish Ministers of State and those of the Emperour but they are covertly husâ—t up The King of France makes exceeding great preparations towards Artoise beseidgeth Theonuille Hesden and Salsa in Spaine and Salins in Burgondy Marcini with the Caesarians opposeth Bannier but is routed The Spaniards march to before Turin and and luckly take it by storme The French retake Chinas their other proceedings in Italy Duke Longeville comes into Piemont to assist the Cardinall De Vallette Picolomeni succors Theonuille and routes the French taking Monseiur de Fischieres prisoner Hesden Salsa and Salins yeild unto the King of France Duke Weymar dyeth at Newrenberg upon the Rhâ—ne Turin is surprised through intelligence by Prince Thomas The Frenchmen from the Cittadell offend the City very much great mortallity ensues on both sides A truce is concluded for fourescore dayes THE Cardinall of Savoy parting from Rome upon the hopes and great promises made unto him by the Spaniards returnes to the Frontiers of Piemont thinking that being now neerer to the succession the subjects would the easiler be brought to desire him to be neere them so to shun in case the young Duke should dye those dangerous occurrences which use to happen through such confusions particularly the state being betweene the forces of two great Potentates upon these informations Leganes who at this very time was confirmed in the government of Millan Don Francisco di Melo who as it was thought should have the charge thereof committed unto him being destined to be Vice-roy of Cicely Thinking it now time to try occasions and to make experience of the offers that those made who depended upon the Cardiâ—all went with his forces towards the parts of Allessandria and being come together with Melo Spinola the Lord high Chancellor Aragon and Vasques into Icqui not farr from Alessanâ—ria many councells were there held with the Cardinall of Savoy the result whereof was that his highnesse making use of the Spanish forces should indeavour to enter into some part of Piemont wherby he might the easiler afterwards advance further And because Asti was nearest them and not hard to be taken by reason of the good intelligence which they held therein they applyed themselves thereunto The Army being therefore removed from where it was on the Sixteenth of November and assigned over unto the Cardinall great was the expectation which was had thereof But the Embassadour of Savoy who was resident at Rome gessing by the Cardinales hasty departure that he had some secret designe upon Piemont gave speedy advertisment thereof unto the Dutchesse And the French being no lesse vigilent so great was the suspition caused thereby in the Dutchesse and her faithfull servants as not knowing whom to trust nor what to promise unto herselfe under pretence of mustering the Militia of Turin she brought in thither 1000. French-foote and securing thereby the Citty and her owne person she began to provide against the secret and treacherous machinations of her officers And because the Spanish forces which were brought to the territories of Allessandria though their outward appearance was to winter in those parts made those Frontiers feare they had some other end by order from the Cardinall de Vallette the Duke de Candalle made many companyes of French advance to those confines and having an eye to the proceedings of the Dutchesse of Mantoa's officers he dismist the Marquis Vallis and Count Gabionetto who was president of that Magestracy from Cassalle and made it be knowne by publique Proclamation that under paine of incurring his Kings indignation none should dare to hould any practice or intelligences with the Marquis Alfonso Guerriere Governour of the Port of Mantoa it being thought that by his meanes all the affaires of such like intelligence was continued The guarrison of Asty was strengthened and all things provided for that might prove harmefull they likewise sent back for some men who were already on their way to assist Weymar before Brisack And the Dutchesse beleiving more and more that she was betrayed imprisoned many of her subjects in Turin amongst which Colonell Renso the Secretary Clareois the Cardinalls favorit Don Silvio the Governour of Carmagneola Valerio Rossio and every other body of whom there was the least shaddow of suspition that they should be adheerers unto or depend upon her Brother in Law She moreover brought into the Cittadell a brigade of French called the Dutchesse Regiment and suspecting the Governours loyalty she suddainly removed him from thence and in his stead gave the custody of the Cittadell to the Marquis of St. Iermane whereupon the Cardinall finding his plot discovered seeming as if he had no such intention went to Nizza della Paglia and within a few dayes after came from thence to Certosa di Pavia that he might speake with Melo with whom after many consultations it was agreed upon that Prince Thomas should in all hast be sent from Flanders because he being trained up in Warre well liked of by the people of Piemont vallued and feared by the Nobility and being well reputed of in Warre might peradventure doe more by his owne experience and assist more by his credit then the Cardinall For those who thought not the Cardinall able to defend them with the sword would peradventure have liked well enough of Prince Thomas who was thought capable of taking upon him the weight of a Principality and to governe it by Armes By reason of Ghets his aforesaid defeate the Austrean affaires were not onely frown'd on by fortune in Alsatia but which imported more they ran to ruin by reason of the contention emulation of the cheefe Commanders for such as were enemyes to Ghets and rejoyced at his restraint laid all the blame of what had happened amisse upon him and his friends and such as would patiently give eare to sound reasons were grieved at and complained upon the actions of his evill wishers yet did they this but covertly and under hand since there are but few that will publiquely take upon them the defence of such faults as have no other protector but God and truth So as the actions of Ghets being publiquely declaimed against by some and other some privatly insinuating into the mindes of many their evill opinions of his accusers the more his enemies did outwardly expresse the rancor against him the more did they inwardly burne with anger that did defend him whereupon the desire of doing well and gallantly being supprest their own strength decreased and the enemies power increased the time was wholly spent in councells in hopes and in laying of badly sustained foundations for Brisack languishing every day more then other was now brought to her last will and Testament Duke Savell notwithstanding upon these great emergencyes seemed though with small hopes of any good effects willing to extrinsicate his desire in a business
which so much conceirned his Prince He therefore marched towards Burgondy to joyne with some of the Duke of Loreynes troopes that yet remained in that Province and then joyntly with the remainder of the Caesarian Army to indeavour the recovery of that reputation which if it were not altogether lost was little better But whilest he indeavoured to execute his intention with 1000. horse and 1500 foote Monseiur de Ficchiers being advertised thereof who with part of the French army kept upon the Frontiers of Loreyne which lay towards Germany that he might be ready to march wheither occasion should require went forthwith to encounter Savell as fortune doth not so easily turne to favour those whom shee hath once turned her back upon when they were come to Blowes the Imperialists being on all sides invironed by the French who were many more in number then they Savell with much adoe saved him selfe and his horse leaving the Foote to the discretion of the Enemy who tooke many of them prisoners and got about 80. Carriages of Victualls and Baggadge which when Reynock who was Governour of Brisack understood knowing that his last hopes were vanisht away in smoake and seeing it was decreed by the Fates that that place should be lost which was brought to its last gaspe and there being neither force nor industy that can fight against hunger he condiscended to yeild the Towne up to Weymar and to receive those honourable conditions that were offered him he therefore on the eighteenth of December marched out with Banners flying with Armes and baggadg and other such accustomed ceremonyes Thus were the Austerians deprived of this so important a place to the great displeasure of the Caesarian Court and very great resentment of the Duke of Bavaria who having long before foreseene the businesse and the ruine that was likely to ensue had given exact information thereof to the Emperour and his Ministers of state and thought the Emperours officers had failed much in their duty in taking no greater care for the preservation of a place which was the very soule of all those Provinces for they might easily have victualled and munitioned it for a longer time And the Spaniards leaving sufficient forces for their Warre in Itally and Flanders might easily have succord it and have kept afflicted Germany from those new wounds which that they might heale their owne they suffered her without compassion to receive Bavaria was moreover greived at this losse because it being the key of Alsatia a Province which serves for an out Bull-worke to his states more perticularly to the Palatinat his Enemies being got in thither would keep his dominions in perpetuall feare and agitation And though some saw that this place being to remaine free in Weymars possession it might easily hereafter be either made to have no dependency upon France or else returne againe into the Austreans hands either by composition or stratagem yet the feare least before this should happen the French might get footing there which when they should have done they would not so easily be driven out was a thing infinitly considerable in reason of State By how much therefore the Imperialists were hereat afflicted the French were as much pleased and Weymar who blowne up with glory in having wonne a place of such importance before the face of so many forces conspired against him 't was feared he might inlarge his thoughts and afflict the remainder of those states noe lesse then the King of Sweden had done whereof he was debar'd by his suddaine death as in its proper place shall be said Weymar having placed a Guarrison in this Towne and all things necessary or requisite for the defence thereof he left Collonell Erlack for the Governour thereof a Swise by nation and marched with his Army into Burgondy that he might winter there and be at the King of France his disposall whereat his first entrance he tooke many places amongst the rest the Castle of Ioux and Collonell Rosa staied to take in Tan that he might deprive the Enemy of that place of retreate and the better secure the passage from Burgondy into Flanders Passing forwards from Ioux Weymar made himselfe Master of Ponterlin which was no strong place of Nosaret another weake place towards the River Daime and being tould that some of the Enemyes troopes were quartered about Ornans a Towne upon the River Lonne he over run all those neighbouring Townes but to little purpose for upon the newes of his coming the Burgonians had forsaken them and were got into Bisansonne Banniers forces being now increased by the accesse of the people which the Swedish Ministers of State sent him in from all sides and Gallasse on the contray being inforced to retreate through the want of victualls and of money and by reason of his Armies being much diminished by sufferings and by the plague did without any manner of feare keep the feilds in those parts where finding he was dreaded and knowing the power of daring when the adversary gives back he advanced to make further acheevements and continued firme in his opinion of bringing all the Warre upon the Enemyes Country and of easing those Provinces which being quartered upon now by the one now by the other side the people which yet remained therein were brought into great want He therefore rose from his winter quarters in the one and the other Marca and in Brunswick and having mustered his Army which he found to be about 26000. fightingmen he in good order marched towards Turingia a bould undertaking but rendred feasible by reason of the confusion and paucety of the Imperiall forces in those parts The newes whereof coming to Dresden and to Prage and this neighbour-hood being very prejudiciall to that Duke and to the Bohemians convenient provisions were earnestly demanded of the Emperour who no lesse fearing these proceedings held daily Councels touching the present Emergencies Orders were sent to Azfelt who was yet about Westfalia having an eye to the proceedings of King and the Prince Elector who endeavoured all they might to rally their Forces to march with part of his souldiers towards Fulda and to discover what the Sweeds intentions were The people who were quartered in the Bishopprick of Munster and others in those Provinces were sent towards the Wesser that they might come to Gallasse in Bohemia who being indisposed in body but much more in minde by reason of Azfelts prosperous fortune who began publiquely to say hee would no longer be subordinate or subservient to him desired to withdraw himselfe to a private life At which the Caesarian Councell being not a little troubled he was comforted with good words and had leave given him to tend the recovery of his health but not to quit his charge obliging him as soone as hee should be recovered to reassume the employment which in his absence was committed to Colonell Slich But Gallasse thinking that these appearances proceeded not from the heart because he saw that together
the affections of the Subjects and to dispose of them as they desired for when they should see that on one side or other They were to commit Treason against their Prince by receiving in of Strangers and submitting themselves unto them the Spaniards being much more hatefull to the Inhabitants of Piemont then are the French they would be more wary in falling upon any such resolution But though these reasons were very strong yet did they not prevaile with Leganes for he pretending hee could not alter his directions he had received from Spaine declared he intended not to make War for any others then for his King nor that he had any other directions then to prosecute the French and those who should assist them hee said hee would acquaint the Court of Spain with their desires and endeavour that they might be satisfied therein But all this was an outward shew for it was plainely seene the Spaniards would not engage themselves in any thing whereout they could reape no profit For they considered that when the Princes of Savoy should by meanes of the Spanish Forces have possest themselves of the strong holds of Piemont or by some other way come to an accord with the Dutchesse or by the young Dukes death the Cardinall should become Duke there was no doubt but when any of these should happen they would so behave themselves as that neither the Spaniards nor French should be suffered to nesle themselves there in such sort as to become arbitrators of their wil. Moreover since it complied not with the Duke of Savoyes interest that Montferrat should fall into the hands of Spaniards 't was apparant that the business of Cassalle would either openly or under-hand be impeeded nor would they suffer that the Spaniards should keep in Vercelles nor in the other Towns of that State So as it seemed more probable if it should so fall out that they would joyne with the French to recover what they had lost to better their condition by some new atchievement and to keep the Spaniards within their own limits then obliege themselves to depend upon them and upon their pleasure And though there were some that said these things would not easily happen since Prince Thomas his Wife and Children were in Spaine as Hostages of his Loyalty and greater then which none can be given yet were these reasons rejected by those that knew that the Dukedome fell not upon Prince Thomas but upon the Cardinall The Spanyards therefore who maturely considered all these particulars persisted in their resolution of not entering into Piemont in any other manner then hath beene said For when their Garrisons should be in the Dukes Forts the Conquest would be the Spaniards not the Savoyards and keeping themselves therein the businesse of Cassalle would be the more easie and the French fore-going Italy would at the same time easily be driven out of Piemont which otherwise would hardly be effected And if Piemont should fall into the hands of the Spaniards and that the French should be shut up on the other side the mountains the Spaniards having no further reason to feare the ficklenesse of the Savoyards there is no doubt but that being secured from the incursions of the French they would by their armies endeavour to possess themselves of the rest of Italy These were the hidden ends and the ambitious desires of the Spaniards though these endeavours were by some thought to be ill undertaken as likely to prove harmfull to the undertaker For the bundle they grasped at was too great and the Princes of Italy growing hereat jealous and the French better advised the one and the other of them would put on such resolves as yet they kept secret within their owne breasts Yet the Spaniards enamoured of their owne vast hopes herein fixed their mindes here and used all the art they could how to erect so great a building 'T was therefore knowne the Savoy Princes were not inwardly pleased with these proceedings who clearely saw the Spaniards ruinous ends Notwithstanding since what is once famed abroad doth oft times draw after it the repugnant will and the desire of glory blinding the wisdome of the intellect these Princes not being able to disingage themselves without failing in their enterprize covering the bitternesse of their soule with the sweete of simulation they seemed outwardly as if they would wholly depend upon the Spaniard and disposed themselves to follow their advice till they should have compast that which once had they would afterwards appear in such colours as should make most for their purpose And therefore having at the same time more clearely learned what good will the people of Piemont bore them and the forwardnesse of those that sided with them by the arrivall of Il Patremoniale Molletta who was receiver of the Rents of Piemont which belonged to these Princes The Princes went to Pavia to purge themselves a little and Leganes retâ—rning immediately to Millan went on the 19 of March towards Novar accompanied by Don Antonio di Sermiento the Abbas Vasques Marquess Lonati and Don Gonsales d' Olivara to expect the comming of Prince Thomas thither having all things in a readines speedily to compasse their desired ends Don Martin d' Aragona being at this time encamped before Cingio and having to facilitate the businesse shut up all the passes of those mountaines by which reliefe might be brought and thinking it no lesse requisite to take the Towne and Castle of Salicetto not farre distant from the said Cingio wherein there was a Garrison of about 300. French he sent Don Lewis de Lancastro with some troops to make himself Master thereof Where having planted his Cannon begun the siege which seemed not to promise to good successe the souldiers therein defending themselves with extraordinary valour Don Martin who much desired hast in this affaire and that it might be expedited before succour could come from the French who by placing themselves there might disturb the siege of Cingio he went thither himselfe in person and as he was discovering the Scituation viewing the Trenches of approach he was slain with a musquet bullet which hit him on the head on the 13. of March to the great griefe of Lancastro and the whole Armie for besides that he was a Gentleman very well acquainted in the managing of werlike and poletique affaires he was so courteous in all his actions as that he wonne the affection of as many as knew him Amongst other good things that were observable in him he was very sincere and faithful in all his words and actions whereupon if any one at any time should seeme not much to rely or to confide in he was wont to say believe it and feare not because I am a Spaniard I promise it thee as a Dutch Cavallier Don Lewis notwithstanding not abasht for this misfortune but rather setting more hotly upon Salicetta hee enforced it to surrender before the succour came So as all the Forces being brought
if it should be needfull Some horse were sent abroad to discover the enemie and the order of his march to the end that the FRENCH Armie might put themselves in the most behovefull order to give them Battell and being informed by these that they advanced in a close body and in a threatning manner and by what was affirmed by some prisoners taken by the said Horse-men with a resolution to fight The Frenchmen put themselves in Battel-array betweene the Mossell and a deep ditch which is there in the Champion towards the West and stood firme expecting the Germans Whereupon Picolomeni advancing immediately set upon divers Sconces from whence being couragiously repulsed the Germanes having at last got to a place which commanded the Flanke of the Enemies Armie and placed some Cannon there they made so good use thereof as the French that they might be no longer subject to the mischiefe of those Cannon which went through their Battaglions from one end to another as they were retreating to make a stand elsewhere Picolomeni gave in furiously upon them with his horse and after having found some resistance though not such as hee expected hee wrought himselfe into the FRENCH Squadrons and made them turne their backes Then Monsieur de Fichiers comming boldly on with squadron of French horse did with unheard of bravery make head against the Schock of Picolomeni and encouraging his men that they might second him the action was likely to be much more fierce and bitter had his entreaties been of force enough to detaine those that gave backe but his speeches avayling nothing and being still pursued by Picolomeni Fichers being at last wounded with a Musquet and surrounded by the Enemie hee was taken Prisoner as were likewise the Marquesse De la Force and Count De Pas the Foote remaining at the discretion of the Germans who breaking their rankes did great execution upon them tooke all their Baggage tenne pieces of Cannon slew sixe thousand Souldiers and relieved the Fort to Picolomenies great glory whose actions had afterwards as they well deserved a great value put upon them The King who was then at Abeville not farre from Hesdin was much troubled at the newes of this defeate yet not appearing any wayes moved but taking it as a mutuall blow of fortune he commanded his Captaines to prepare to make a generall assault upon Hesdin in which he himselfe in person would assist For since he could not get Theonuille he was absolutely resolved to have Hesdin But the besieged who had already endured seven assaults and were reduced to a small number would contend no longer and not hoping in any succour for the Infanta was removed further off from his former quarters they upon capitulation surrendred the Towne on the 29th of Iune the Garrison marching out upon honourable Conditions The Prince of Conde and Schamburg continued still to oppugn Salsa towards which though men were sent from all parts of Spaine and 2500. Foote raised in the State of Modena Luka and other places holding of the Emperour to goe to the succour thereof were embarqued at Genua yet the new levyes of the Spanyards taken from the commodiousnesse of their owne houses not being able to buckle with the French who were accustomed to Warre and experienced upon other occasions and the Towne not being able longer to resist without reliefe it was enforced to yeild as it did about the latter end of Iune to the Spaniards great griefe who fore-seeing that if the French should likewise take Perpegnian they would cause great feare in the Inhabitants of those parts they used the best meanes they could to prepare for their defence They therefore promised great rewards to whosoever would upon this occasion raise men which the Kingdome of Spaine wanted more then any thing else neither were they negligent in preparing to shelter themselves from the tempest which threatned them from the County of Rossiglione But if the French had made a good amends by these two victories for their defeate at Theonuille they were also much sollaced at the newes that Duke Weymar proceeding successefully in Burgondy had likewise taken Salins by which the passage being inlarged into the heart of that Province they feared not but that Weymar would in a short time adde it to their Crowne But these ends built upon uncertaine futurity shewed by the sequell how unstable mens thoughts are and their designes deceitfull For the Duke of Bavaria being againe come into the field after the route given to Ghetz and keeping about Vertemberg with powerfull Forces Weymar was taken from the designed enterprize of Burgondy and appointed to march towards the Bavarians Therefore rising from about Salins hee sodainely fell into Alsatia and whilst having thrown a bridge over the Rhene at Newburg he prepared to goe with his army against Bavaria struck with a sodain sicknesse he dyed within three dayes to the unexpressible griefe of his Commanders souldiers and of all the Sweeds Duke Weymar was of a gracious aspect a brown complexion a proportionable stature very active of a strong and wel disposed body of the Auncient and Noble Family of Iohn Frederick Elector of Saxony who being overcome by Charls the Fifth had his State taken from him From his tender yeares being thereunto prompted by his naturall disposition he applyed himselfe to the Warres wherein as nothing is hard to him whose wit and spirit doth accompany the genius thereof so he being all life and full of ingenuity became so capable of instruction bold in the execution as that he with honour past from one employment or place unto another not for that his condition needed to take this way to bring him to greater employments but that hee might by degrees come to the height of that experience which above all things else is requisite for him who girts a sword about him under the command of Drum and Trumpet He past his youth amongst the Protestant forces and entered his mans estate in the King of Sweedes warres where he wonn such credit as desired nothing to highten the splendor thereof save the beames of that Kings worth which reflecting upon merit made the Disciples of his great Schoole good Masters in other Academies being imployed in the most principall charges of the chiefest armies he so punctually observed orders did with such courage performe what was injoyned him did with such eagernesse mannage what he tooke in hand as deservedly purchast him that applause which brought him to the hight of praise passing unoffended by backbyting or emulation whether men hardly arrive unlesse sustained by worth and guided by fortune his affability and sincerity intreating did worke upon the good will and obedience of his souldiers as giving themselves wholy over to be disposed off by him they strove who through their actions should shew themselves most affectionate to him He dispised the haughtinesse of Pompe and pride of gravity as things misbecoming a Souldier wherewith he was wont to say ignorance doth
The raising of the Siege from before Valenza caused much murmure between the French chiefe Commanders and the other Colleagues in their argumentations what had inforced them thereunto Some openly complained of the Duke of Savoy as the authour and abettor thereof others blamed Crequi saying he cared not to end the worke but onely that the Warre should bee prolonged for his owne interest and others accused the French Commanders in generall for that not caring how their Companies diminished they little minded the preservation of their Souldiers so as their Army lessening and the Spaniaâ—ds increasing in their Forces they were necessitated to forgo the enterprise which if it had been wisely handled there were very strong arguments to prove that the Towne could not have been maintained By this confusion of the Colleagues the Spaniards hopes began to bud againe which were well-nigh withered out of feare of losing that Towne Though Celada's death who died within the Town of a malignant Feaver much lessened the contentment which every one had in the victory for this young Gentleman had upon this occasion given such proofe of his worth as had filled all men with much expectation from him After having returned thankes to God with great demonstration of joy they thought that since the French had failed in their taking of Valenza they should be prosperous in their intended purpose of driving Rohan out of the Valteline Egg'd on therefore by this desire which usually accompanies hope they resolved thereupon The enterprise was therefore agreed upon with Serbellone and Robustelli one of the chiefe men of that valley and who depended upon Spaine both which being ambitious to have their share in so great glory were too lavish in their counsells and reasons and coveted by whatsoever meanes to free the afflicted valley and drive out the French who were already dejected by their compagnions retreat from Valenza All such Souldiers and Provisions as were thought requisite for such a businesse were sent therfore away towards Fort Fuentes But because Rohan was then at Tirano about the building of a Fort there for his keeping of that valley Serbellone wisely as became a good and experienced Souldier would first be informed in what condition the French Army was in and what they did before he would advance further Hee therefore sent a friend of Robustelli's from Morbegno thitherward that hee might discover and accordingly advertise them what the Enemy did that so they might governe themselves as they should see occasion This man when he came to Tirano at his entrance in at the Gate were it either by his pale lookes or by the uncertaine answers he gave unto the Guard who according to the Military fashion asked him whence he came and whether hee went was laid hand of and brought to Rohan who like a wise man after having very curteously received him said unto him My friend I know wherfore you are come hither conceale therefore nothing but tell the truth which if you doe I promise you not onely to save your life but to send you safe backe whence you came He not knowing how to answer to such questions as one convinc'd kneeling downe acquainted him with all the affaire and with the Spaniards designe Whereupon imbracing the present occasion which he thought very opportune and not to lose time he called his Commanders and chiefe Officers together and acquainting them with the Spaniards designe incouraged them all by calling to minde their past victories and putting them in hopes of more which seemed like a flash of fire that had made its way through some inclosed place for all doubt and fear of the enemy vanishing immediately from out the hearts of those CoÌ„manders he speedily marched towards Sondrio a Town in the midst of that valley whether he came before the Spaniards knew that hee was gone from Tirano where having refresht his men who lay all night in the fields for he would not suffer them to come into the Towne for the gaining of time and being advertised that the Spaniards Cannon was not yet parted from Delibio a place between the Lake and the River Lesina beneath Fort Fuentes nor yet the Souldiers who were there to guard them hee advised with his Councell of Warre what was best to be done who all joyned in opinion to advance forward and without any delay to set upon the Spaniards that were about Morbegno Serbellone hearing of the French-mens approach would not give one foot backe but in all haste made the Count S. Secondo advance with his Horse on the right hand unto the foot of a Mountaine behinde a little Church dedicated to S. Peter Trivultio's Brigado placed it self towards the Ada having the advantage of a little Fenne not farre from the said Church and the Spaniards staid in the Reere upon the plaine of the Parish of Morbegno Rohan advancing by the Champian of Talemona made Monsieur de Vandy's Regiment march forward to possesse himselfe of Bit Bridge but not comming time enough he found the Spaniards had prevented him Rohan finding these difficulties resolved to make his Horse advance wherin he trusted most but the straightnesse of the place and narrow wayes would not suffer him so to doe wherefore fearing lest they might fall upon some Ambush he coÌ„manded them to retreat made Monsieur de Lecas his men to advance which was composed of new men He was notwithstanding fought withall by the Italians and with no little losse to the French repulsed Rohan being hereat mightily incenst marcht himselfe in person in the head of Frideliera's Regiment and gave upon the Spaniards who with equall valour withstood their fury after an houres very hot service and wherein they fought Sword to Sword the French-men charging with great obstinacy at whose head stood 100 Souldiers lighted from off their Horses Trivulsio's Regiment was at last forc't to forgoe the Fenne and consequently to retreat which being confusedly done by those Souldiers the greatest part of them being new men who had never seene the face of an Enemy before as the other Spaniards had usually done they fled from the French and lost many of their Souldiers and Officers of importance and amongst others the Count S. Secondo This losse made the Austrians perceive how the difficultie of getting the Valteline grew every day greater and greater Yea after Serbellone was routed a body of Dutch advancing towards the Bathes of Bormio so to enter the Valley was likewise routed and driven backe Hereupon they bethought themselves how they might bring the Emperours aide into the state of Milan And lastly knowing no other way but by the Switzers they communicated their desires to the Canton of Lucerna and other Papists Cantons with promise of good store of money who allured by profit suffered them to passe through their Townes Thus by their dexterious behaviour did the Spaniards overcome those difficulties by their moneys which they could not so easily have done by their Sword The great Duke of Tuskany
Spaniards from injuring the Piacenzan State Hee therefore sent the Body of his Army to Vespola upon the Goyna between Mortare and Novara and hee with his Horse went towards Vigevan to the end that taking that Towne hee might concentrate himselfe in the heart of that State The Territories and Townes thereabouts were sackt without any obstacle for the Spaniards not being yet joyned came not time enough to succour them Gamba Corta was therefore sent against them with a good party of Horse and a considerable strength of Foot who meeting with the French skirmished some houres with them where at last it behoved the French to retreat with some losse of Horse by which good incounter the grosse Body of the Spaniards who were assembled together about Biagras advanced and made the French abandon Vespola where the most part of their Forces were and to retreat on the other side the Goyna to Satirano and Bremo Whereupon the French failing in their hopes to remove the Warre from Parma the Dutch and Spaniards continued the taking of Townes and Castles in that State to the great prejudice of the Inhabitants who were forced to fly and forsake their houses by reason of out-rages committed by the Dutch the which the Dutch affirmed they did to retaliate the barbarismes committed by the Country-people against some of their Souldiers who were found nailed to Trees Miserable was the condition of this Province and the behaviour of those of Regio unexcusable yet when it came to the knowledge of the prime Officers who were desirous to remedy such abuses the Governour of Milan by publick edicts and threats forbad the Souldiers to commit any insolencies or extortions upon the Country-people The Swedes Forces were at this time quiet for Bannier having retired his Army to Magdeburg and quartered it in that Bishopricke attended the recruiting and refreshing thereof that afterwards hee might undertake some action and the Elector kept likewise in his quarters to prepare for the taking of Magdeburg a place of great concernment for him being seated in the very middle of his dominions and an important Passage when on this side in Alsatia the Imperialists knowing how little good they could doe in Lorayne which was well guarded by the French and their want of Forrage and Victuals increasing daily resolved to make Wert goe with his Forces from about Ramberviller and to passe into Flanders which Province was greatly threatned by a powerfull French Army that was in Picardy and no lesse by the Hollanders who instigated and fomented by the French made considerable preparations to appeare in the field and to doe some famous act Wert comming into Lucemburg and desirous to quarter his Souldiers in the Territories of Leidge hee was forbidden to doe so by order from the Magistrate thereof At which he being scandalized and having caused some Country-people to be put to death who would oppose him with weapons in their hand those Citizens mightily incenst thereat and becomming the bolder for that the French Forces were not farre off from whom they might hope for assistance and protection they presently tooke up Armes and sent 5000 Souldiers with some Cannon against Wert declaring themselves for the French protesting much and making great complaints to the Court of Brussells But this breach though it held for some dayes was afterwards accommodated for the Imperialists having past the Mosa and joyned with Picolominy who was likewise in Luxemburg ready to succour Flanders it behoved them to retire into their City which seeing it selfe beset on all sides its Territories ruined and having little hope of succour from the French as they earnestly had requested willingly could have wisht it had not been so forward in the demonstration it had made Yet did it not seem any wayes to recede for the Citizens thereof knew very well that Princes who stand in need of other mens friendships in their affaires know how to use such meanes as may preserve their friendships and not exasperat them but for Sallies and providing for Defence they did not a little perplex the Caesarians in their indeavouring to offend the City which injoying freedome and being seated upon the Mosa in a Country very considerable between Maestrickt which was possest by the Hollanders and Mamure not far distant from the Frontiers of France being likewise full of warre-like people it would have been very prejudiciall for the Spaniards interest in Flanders if laying neutralitie aside it should by the assistance of the French and Hollanders have declared it selfe an Enemy to Spaine which had received much of emolument from thence and in particular in their levies of the Walloons who are esteemed the best Souldiers in their Army Orders were therefore sent to the Dutch Commanders from Brussells that they should proceed more gently with those war-like people there being no likelihood of any other event but the making of them desperate which would be prejudiciall to the Austrian affaires But those Imperiall Commanders who were accustomed to the quarters of Germany where all licentiousnesse is used and who as Caesars Souldiers pretended they were to be entertained in all States comprehended within the Empire would notwithstanding use violence by which they did so incense those people as that preparing more and more for Warre they by their fierce sallyes did much indammage the Austrian quarters who being at last inforc't to goe against the French Forces and dispairing to effect their desires nor well seeing how they could effect them they accorded and left all differences to be reconciled by the Elector of Cobn. While affaires went thus the Duke of Parma was in Paris with the French King by whom he was courteously and affectionately received and being informed how the Spaniards continued upon his Territories and that they persisted to use hostilitie therein he earnestly begg'd assistance from his Majestie and having got a favourable answer and sure promise of ayde he tooke his leave of the King the Duke of Orelans the Cardinall Richelieu and all the other Princes and returned post to Montferrat that he might prepare to passe into his owne Countrey with such French Forces as were in Piemont who were commanded by the King to accompany him till such time as a reall succour should arrive from France as had beene promised or that the French should make such a diversion as might cause the Spaniards looke to defend themselves and not to offend others But the Spaniards although they were advertised of all this lingred not knowing that if it were believed in the Court of France that the people for the King payd for so many was sufficient to doe the worke yet were they not such nor so many as â—â—re sufficient So as they probably fore-saw that Crequi not having so great a strength nor desirous to appeare needfull of more helpe would feed Parma with hopes propound difficulties to the Court of France and keeping himselfe in his quarters at Montferrat would leave the Duke to the mercy of the