and Predestination in the Vnited Provinces A new Contest in Holland about the manner of chusing Pastors The Differences in the Vnited Provinces encrease A Conference at Delft between the Remonstrants and Contra-remonstrants The Prejudice of James King of England against the Arminians is abated Sibrund a Frieseland Minister publishes a Libel on the States of Holland Grotius is ordered to reply An Edict of the States of Holland to compose the Differences about the Questions of Predestination and Grace BOOK V. A New Party form'd at Court by the Marechal of Bouillon Artifices of the Duke of Savoy to raise a Civil War in France Different Measures propos'd to the Council of Franco for dispersing the Prince of Conde's Faction The Regent's Circular Letter upon the Retreat of the Prince of Conde and some Lords of his Faction The Duke of Nevers seizes the Citadel of Mezieres in Champagne The Prince of Conde writes a Letter to the Regent in form of a Manifesto The Weakness of the Parlement of Paris on this Occasion Reflections on the Answer the Cardinal of Perron made the Prince of Conde The Reply of Mary de Medicis to the Prince of Conde Mary de Medicis raises Six Thousand Swisses Bassompierre is made Colonel General of the Swisses in the Duke of Rohan's Place The Conduct of the Reformed in France in the Prince of Conde's Business The Wisdom of Du Plessis The Prince of Conde solicits the Reformed The wise Reply of du Plessis Mornay to the Regent and the Prince of Conde The Duke of Rohan seems to hear the Prince of Conde's Propositions The Duke of Vendome's Evasion He writes into Britany The Death of the Constable of Montmorency The Duke of Savoy shuns meeting the Marquess de Coeuvres Ambassador from France into Italy The Jealousie of the Princes and States of Italy occasioned by the Correspondence of the Two Crowns about the Affairs of that Country The Spaniards secretly traverse the Treaty carried on by the Marquess de Coeuvres The cardinal-Cardinal-Duke of Mantua accepts the Conditions proposed by the Marquiss de Coeuvres The Duke of Savoy seems likewise to accept them Troops are raised at Turin The Treaty of the Duke of Ventadour and the other Commissioners of the King with the Prince of Conde and those of his Party The Prince retires to Soissons and goes into Champagne A Division in the Regent's Council on the Demands which the Prince of Conde and the Malecontents make with respect to their private Interests Intrigues of the Marshal of Ancre to divert the Regent from making War on the Prince of Conde The Pope's Nuncio's reasoning on the Resolution taken to make Peace with the Prince of Conde An Examen of the Political Reflexion of a Venetian Author of the Treaty made with the Prince of Conde A Treaty concluded at St. Menehoud between the Regent and the Prince of Conde The Sentiments of the Parlement of Paris against a Book of Suarez the Jesuit Paul V. complains of the Proceedings of Parlement against Suarez's Book A Discourse of the Pope to the French Ambassador upon the Parlements Sentence The Conduct of the Court of France to satisfie the Pope The Jesuits stir to have the Parlement's Sentence burnt The King's Declaration in his Council concerning the Parlement's Sentence The Pope will not be satisfied with the King's Declaration The King at last is obliged to suspend the Execution of the Parlements Sentence Differences in the Court of France The Duke of Vendome refuses to accept the Treaty of Menehoud The Ability and Prudence of du Plessis Mornay Mary de Medicis sends the Marquiss de Coeuvres to the Duke of Vendome to dispose him to an Accommodation A new Disturbance of the Prince of Conde An Interview of the Prince of Conde and the Duke of Rohan The Prince of Conde thinks to make himself Master of Poitiers A great Tumult at Poitiers The Gates of the City are shut against the Prince He retreats to Chateouroux in Berry A Remonstrance of du Plessis Mornay to the Regent The King and Queen Mother go to Poitiers The Queen goes to Nants in Brettany to hold a Meeting of the States The Prince of Conti's Death New Differences between the Princes of Brandenburgh and Newburgh about the Administration of the Countries of Cleves and Juliers The Town of Aix la Chapelle is put under the Ban of the Empire The Marquess of Spinola reduces the Town of Aix la Chapelle and seizes divers Places in the Countries of Cleves and Juliers Maurice Prince of Orange takes divers Places in the same Country A Conference at Santheim about the Succession of Cleves and Juliers The Duke of Savoy is more embroyl'd with Spain than ever He seeks to gain the Venetians into his Interests The Marquiss of Rambouillet is sent Ambassador Extraordinary into Italy An open War between Spain and Savoy Several Things writ on both sides The Pope's Nuncio and French Ambassador labour for an Accommodation between them The Duke of Savoy accepts the Conditions proposed and Spain refuses them The King of Spain is not satisfied with the Governour of Milan's Conduct The Majority of Lewis XIII His first Act. Sits in his Seat of Justice Education of Lewis XIII THE HISTORY OF THE REIGN OF LEWIS XIII King of France and Navarre BOOK I. THE Reign whose History I am about to write The Plan of the Work abounds in Great Events Here is a Scene of Civil and Foreign Wars Bloody Battles Towns attack'd and defended with great Conduct and Courage The Protestants oppress'd in France and supported in Hungary Germany and the Vnited Provinces The Nobility Clergy Parlements and People reduced to Slavery A King unable to extricate himself from those Difficulties in which some were still busie to involve him leaves the Care of Affairs to his Favourites and Ministers Alike averse to his Mother his Wife his Brother he treats the one ill and obliges the rest to form Leagues at Home and Abroad and at last to throw themselves into the Hands of the ancient Enemies of France The Princes of the Blood and the Great Lords disgusted sometimes at the ill Administration of a Regent at other times with the excessive Power of a Favourite or Minister rise under the specious Pretence of a Concern for the Publick Good The Protestants driven to Extremity by the frequent Infractions of the most inviolable Edict that ever was at last take Arms to defend the Liberty of their Consciences and preserve those Securities which had been so justly granted them in the preceding Reign The Enterprizes of the House of Austria on the Princes of Italy force them to have recourse to the Protection of France and make an Alliance with her These Sovereigns jealous of their Repose and Liberty see without concern the Duke of Savoy give up to the King of France a Place which opens a way into Italy whenever he shall think fit to send any Aid thither A great Conqueror coming from the
Peace Represented that before they were Engaged in a War which â—…ight be a long and Bloody one it was fit to try if the Quarrel could not â—…e adjusted by way of Negociation The Princes and Great Men who thought that War would tend most to their Adâ—…ancement and Reputation did not utterly reject the Experiment of a Negociation but to make this Negociation â—…ow Effectual that they should have an â—…rmy ready to March in case the Duk of Savoy and King of Spain should refuse reasonable Terms When the latter had learnt by his Ambassador in France that they spoke in earnest of sending Troops into Italy his Majesty and the Duke of Lerma his Favourite who had no mind to go to War The Q. Regent sends the Marquis de Coeuvres into Italy for to negociate an Agreement between the D. of Savoy and Mantua began to speak with more humility They declar'd themselves inclin'd to terminate the Affair of Mantua by way of Negociation Philip coldly desires the Prince of Piedmont to write to Turin that his Majesty would not fall out with France and that he would not give occasion to others to break with Spain for the Duke of Savoy's Fancy's who had every day new Chimaera's in his Head Siri Memo. recondite p 165.172.173.175 Let your Father added the King think of nothing but lying still unless he find himself able to Cope alone with the Two Crowns and all Italy A certain Author relates upon this occasion a Circumstance which if True Hist du Connetable de Lesdiguieres Liv. VIII Ch. 6. proves Charles Emanuel to be the most fantastical Man in the World at least Villeroy told it for certain to the Nuncio Vbaldini The Cardinal Aldobrandin an Enemy to the Borgheses being at Turin perswaded the Duke of Savoy to become a Cardinal It would be very easie for you afterwards said Aldobrandin to be Elected Pope in the first Conclave I will undertake for all my Vncles Creatures In the mean time we will stick to one another and make the Pope and Court of Rome do what we please The Count de Verue a Confident of Savoy approv'd of this Project and thought it one of the finest in the World Let us return now to see what became of the Affair of Mantua His Catholick Majesty sent Orders again to his Ambassador in France to Declare that he would withdraw his Troops from Monferrat provided the Cardinal Duke would grant an Amnesty to his Subjects which had Sided with the Duke of Savoy and desist from demanding reparation of Damages The Marriage of Ferdinand with his Brother's Widow was proposed at the same time And as for the young Princess of Mantua Philip consented that she should be disposed of in a Third hand by the Agreement of the Two Crowns These Offers were tendr'd in the most Civil Language imaginable All this seem'd to give an opportunity to the Cardinal Duke to Extricate himself with Honour The Court of France was intent upon the Method of Negociaton and sent one for that purpose into Italy in Quality of Ambassador Extraordinary The unreasonable Ambition of Conchini now Mareschal of France and of Galigai his Wife The Marquiss de Coeuvres who was fixed upon for this Imploy set out from Paris at the End of this Year took the Road of Turin that he might Confer with the Duke of Savoy in the first place Coeuvres informs us himself that he had secret Orders to Treat with the Cardinal Duke about surrendring his Cap to Galigai the Mareschalless of Anchre's Brother These People set no Bounds to their Ambition Conchini obtained the Staff of Mareschal of France in the room of Fervacques lately dead And now Galigai not being content that her Husband was raised to the Second Military Honour in France Memoires de la Regence de Maria de Medics Siri Memo. recondite Tom. III. p. 36.160 proposes to obtain for her Brother the Second Dignity in the Church of Rome This Creature so far forgot her self that she did not observe the Rules of Decency with the Princesses of the Blood A little while before she had spoke in the Queen's Closet to the Princess of Conde in such a Proud and Imperious manner that her Highness was extremely Affronted All the World was offended at the Insolence of Conchini's Wife whofe behaviour did not a little provoke the Princes and Great Men against her Husband whose new Dignity of Mareschall of France did yet more expose him to the jealousie and hatred of the Courtiers Continuation of the Disputes about Questions concerning Grace and Praedestination in the United-Provinces There was not less Confusion in the Vnited Provinces about Questions concerning Grace and Predestination than in Italy about the Interests of the Dukes of Savoy and Mantua James King of Great-Britain interpos'd in the Disputes of the Divines of Holland with as much Heat and Zeal as the Kings of France and Spain did in the Quarrel occasioned by the Pretensions of Charles Emanuel upon Monferrat Winwood the English Ambassador to the States General of the Vnited Provinces was very much in the Interest of the Divines which adhered to Gomarus They did say that it was a Point of great Concern to the Crown of of the King his Master Nevertheless Prèface dee actes du Synode de Dordrecht Brand. Hist de la Rèformation Liv. XX XXI Grotius Apologeticus eorum qui Hollandiae praefuerunt Cap. VI. alibi passim the Question was only to know whether Vorstius should be excluded the Universiâ—…y of Leiden which had Invited him thither â—…r at most to determine whether the Five Articles of Arminians were contrary to the Fundamental Doctrines of the Reformed Churches The Ambassador pubâ—…ickly Declared that Barnevelt Pentionaâ—…y of Holland was Govern'd by Vytenboâ—…ard Minister of the Church of the Hague and that the States of Holland led by Barnavelt did all that he Suggested to them The Gomarists which now began to be call'd Contra-Remonstrants by Reason of the Contra-Remonstrances which they oppos'd to the Requests and Writings of the Arminians their adversaries the Gomarists I say did continually offer new Memorials to their Winwood someâ—…imes against Vorstius sometimes against the States of Holland whom they accus'd as â—…oo favourable to the Remonstrants and Socinians themselves The Ambassador Communicated every thing to the King or to the Archbishop of Canterbury and publickly disallowed Vorstius and the Arminians The Support which the Contra-Remonstrants Received from his Majesty did strangely perplex the States of Holland They tryed all possible ways to stifle these Disputes which might have unhappy Consequences And the Contra-Remonstrants which always reckon'd upon the Protection of King James would not be at Rest After the famous Conference held at the Hague in 1611. the States of Holland Ordered the Divines of each Side to draw up their Thoughts in Writing concerning the Five Articles in Controversie And to give their Opinion concerning the Means which
been Fiefs of the Dutchy of Milan The Emperor was much more respectfully dealt withal Charles Emmanuel writ to him a long Letter by way of Apology and Manifesto The Duke gives therein the reason of his Conduct Complains mightily of the Haughtiness and Enterprises of the Spanish King and his Ministers in Italy and accuseth the Prince of Castiglione of being devoted to the Humour of the Spaniards against the true Interest of his Imperial Majesty 'T was said that the Spaniards were not over-satisfied with Castiglione's proceedings They would have had the Principality of Piedmont put under the Ban of the Empire and the execution of this committed to the Governor of Milan The Imperial Court did not think it convenient to go with so much precipitation They were not so blind but they could perceive that the Spaniards were too powerful in Italy The Pope's Nuncio and the Ambassador of F. endeavour an accommodation betwixt Spain and Savoy Whilst the Spaniards and the Savoyards Fight one the other sometimes with their Swords and at other times with their Pens the Marquiss of Rambovillet and the Nuncio Savolli proposed different Projects for an Accommodation of the Duke of Savoy with the Governor of Milan The Regent of France who otherwise was not well pleased with the Duke of Savoy Nani Hist Veneta Lib. I. 1614. and would deal tenderly with the Court of Spain had given Orders to her Ambassador to endeavour for the Peace of Italy without much troubling her self to satisfie the nice Pride of Charles Emmanuel who aspired to Treat with Crowned Heads as if they were his equals Therefore Rambovillet Siri Memo. Recondite Tom. III. p. 287 288 289. c. press'd the Duke of Savoy to Disband his Army the first upon the Governor of Milan's word which he should give as coming from his Master to the Pope and King of France that neither Piedmont nor any other of the States belonging to the House of Savoy should be attackt Mercure Francois 1614. and that his Catholick Majesty should Disband his Troops Fifteen or Twenty days after The Pope and the King of France offered to be Guarrantees of the Treaty and Rambovillet protested to Charles Emmanuel that the Mareschal Lesdiguieres should come to his Succour with all the Forces of France in case Spain should break the Treaty The Duke was a long time shuffling hereupon He did not believe that he ought to put too great a Confidence in the words of France at a time when France had greater Engagements with the Crown of Spain than ever Besides he considered that the Governor of Milan not disbanding till after him he should lie at the discretion of the Spaniards who might chase him out of Piedmont before the Succours of France could get over the Alps But on the other Side reflecting that if he provok't the Pope and France in refusing with too much stubbornness the Conditions which their Agents offered him he should be forsaken of all the World Charles Emmanuel found himself in so great a perplexity as he did not know what Resolution to take A League with the Republick of Venice was his only Remedy he sollicited the Senate as much as he was able to join with him to drive away the Spaniards from the Milanese Spain said he to Zeno the Venetian Ambassador is nothing like what it was heretofore The Country of Milan lies on all Sides open and may be over-run in the space of one or two Campaigns If France doth not Declare for us she won't be against us Her best Officers and Soldiers who are most Experienc'd will come over to us and take our part even by the King's consent The Princes of Italy who are mostly depending upon Spain will make an Insurrection against her as soon as they see her Power shaken in our Principality Every one will be glad to share a Part in the Spoil The Duke had to no purpose exhausted all his Eloquence and Policy upon the Senate This prudent Assembly was not disposed to follow the impetuous and revengful Humour of Charles Emmanuel A too long Experience had taught them that his Highness sought for nothing but to Embroil Italy and set it all in Fire in hopes of making himself Great or at least be talkt of His Remonstrances and Proposals were not better hearken'd to in England nor by the States General of the Vnited-Provinces nor the Protestant Princes of Germany He proposed Leagues in all the Courts that were Jealous of the Grandeur of Spain and he could not find so much as one of these who would be drawn into his vast and Chimerical Projects Only the King of England did him some kindness with the Venetians But the Issue of this was to let the Senate see that it was not convenient to suffer Spain to oppress the Duke of Savoy and that a way ought to be found out of making an Agreement which might be Honest Firm and as Advantageous as possibly might be to a Prince who held so considerable a Rank in Italy The D. of Savoy accepts of the Conditions proposed Spain refuses them Charles Emmanuel after he had seriously reflected on the Posture of his Affairs took such a Resolution as he had been observ'd to take upon the like Occurrences and this was to accept of the Conditions which the Nuncio and the Ambassador of France had proposed to him The fear of having all the World upon his back and the hopes of getting the Mediators to be on his Side in case the Spaniards should make any difficulty of consenting to the Project of an Accommodation contributed much to the sudden alteration which appeared to be in the Duke of Savoy's mind Savelli upon this and Rambovillet prepared at Verceil a provisional Treaty till such time as a difinitive Judgment was pass'd upon the Difference rais'd betwixt the Houses of Savoy and Mantua Charles Emmanuel fairly offered to Sign it The Marquiss Inojosa would not do the like As he had at that time been for the Interests of the Cardinal Duke of Mantua with as much zeal as he at first had favoured the Duke of Savoy so he rejected the Article which contained in it that a certain dependance of Montferrat called Canavese should remain in Sequestration till the Controversie upon the Duke of Savoy's Pretensions against the House of Mantua was determined by Arbitrators chosen on both Sides The Mediators prepared in the City of Ast another Project of a Treaty in presence of Charles Emmanuel The Article touching Canavese in this was left out and they put into the Room of it That the Cardinal Duke should pay the Dowry give up the Jewels of Maragarite of Savoy his Sister-in-Law at a certain prefixt time and besides this should pay in Two years space the Portion of Blanche of Montferrat for which the Dukes of Savoy and Mantua had Contested so long a time The other Articles Decreed That the Prisoners and Places taken on both Sides should be Restored
Regency of Mary de Medicis The Tryal and Execution of Ravillac The Condemnation of Mariana's Book and Doctrines The Funeral of Henry IV. The Good and Ill Qualities of that Prince The Regents Council resolve to send Aid to Juliers Edicts revoked to ease the People A Declaration in Favour of the Protestants The Prince of Conde's Return His Arrival at Paris Two Powerful Factions at Court The Prince of Conde Head of the one the Count of Soissons of the other The Mareschal de Bouillon attempts to unite the two Parties The Queen Traverses this Reunion The Rise of Conchini the new Marquess of Ancre The King of Spain's Prospect in renewing the Treaty of the double Marriage Differences between the Emperor Rodolphus and the Arch-Duke Matthias his Brother A Treaty of Peace between the two Brothers Matthias is Elected and Crowned King of Hungary The Discontent of the Protestants of Austria appeased Quarrels about Religion in Bohemia The Pacification of the Troubles in Bohemia The Diet of Prague in 1610. The Emperor gives the Elector of Saxony the Countries of Cleves and Juliers The Siege and taking of Juliers by Maurice Prince of Orange The Meeting at Cologne to determine the Affairs of Cleves and Juliers Reflections on the Coronation Oath The Oath that James I. King of England required of his Popish Subjects occasions a Dispute of the Independance of Sovereigns in Temporal Matters Paul V. forbids the English of his Communion to take the Oaths King James prints an Apology for his Oath without putting his Name to it He declares himself Author of the Apology He Addresses this to all the Princes and States of Christendom Coeffeteau writes against the Apology Cardinal Bellarmine addresses to the Emperor and all the Kings of the Papal Communion his Answer to the King of Englands Apology The Sentence of the Parlement of Paris against Cardinal Bellarmine's Discourse of the Authority of the Pope The King of Spain's Edict against the XI Volume of Cardinal Baronius his Ecclesiastical Annals Differences of the Marquess of Ancre with the Count of Soissons and the Duke of Epernon Their Reconciliation a Party made at Court against the Duke of Sully BOOK II. A Quarrel between Bellegarde and Conchini The Count of Soissons falls out with the Cardinal of Joyeuse and the Duke of Epernon A Difference of the Count of Soissons with the Prince of Conde his Brother The two Princes Reconciled Another great difference of the Count of Soissons and the Duke of Guise The Duke of Guise is Reconciled to the Count of Soissons The Duke of Sully's Disgrace The first President de Harlay lays down his Place A Cabal to hinder Mr. de Thou from succeeding him La d' Escouman charges the Marquess de Vernueil and the Duke of Epernon with being concerned in the Murther of Henry IV. She is Condemned Reflections on her Sentence The State of the House of Austria in Germany The Ambitious Designs of Leopold of Austria Bishop of Strasburgh and Passaw on the Kingdom of Bohemia The Troops of Leopold advance into Bohemia Matthias King of Hungary Marches to the Assistance of Bohemia He is Crowned King of Bohemia A Cabal at the Court of France against the Duke of Epernon The Cardinal of Joyeuse and the Duke of Epernon resolve to leave the Court. The Marquess of Ancre designs to Marry his Son to the Princess of Soissons The Count of Soissons accepts the Proposition The Duke of Epernon's Generosity The Cardinal of Joyeuse's Instructions upon his going to Rome The Regent justifies her self to Paul the V. upon what she did in Favour of the Protetestants Complaints of the Court of France against the Duke of Savoy The Perplexity of the Duke of Savoy upon the Death of Henry IV. The other Princes of Italy not less Embarassed than the Duke of Savoy The Prudent Conduct of the Senate of Venice The ill Designs of the Court of Spain against the Duke of Savoy Divers Treaties to oblige the King of Spain and the Duke of Savoy to Disarm in Italy The King of Spain demands the Duke of Savoy to make him Satisfaction by way of Preliminary France lays down her Arms in Dauphine She has some Jealousie of the Spaniards remaining in Arms in Italy The Voyage of Philibert Prince of Savoy into Spain The Form of the Satisfaction which the Prince of Savoy gave the King of Spain for his Father The Reconcilement of the Duke of Savoy to Spain Velasco Constable of Castile and Governor of Milan receives Order to lay down his Arms. Divers Projects of the Duke of Savoy The Duke of Savoy resolves to Attack Geneva and the Country of Vaux The Council of France resolves to protect them At length they force the Duke of Savoy to lay down his Arms. The Civil Meeting of the Protestants of France The Protestants preparation to hold a General Meeting The Mareschal of Bouillon suffers himself to be won by the Court The Meeting of the Reformed is Transferr'd from Chatelleraut to Saumur The Reconciliation of the Mareschal of Bouillon and the Duke of Sully The Protestants renew their Oath of Vnion The Duke of Sully's Affair proposed in the Meeting at Saumur The Duke of Sully's Remonstrance to the Assembly A Discourse between the Mareschal of Bouillon and the Duke of Rohan about the Duke of Sully's Affair The Assembly declares for the Duke of Sully The Court undertakes to break up the Meeting at Saumur A Division in the Meeting at Saumur The Wisdom of Du Plessis Mornay on that occasion The Book of Du Plessis Mornay against the Papacy The Book of Du Plessis Mornay is censured by the Faculty of Paris Reflections on this Censure The Troubles of Aix la Chapelle The Meeting of several Protestant Princes of Germany about the Affairs of Cleves and Juliers The Princes of the Protestant League meet at Rottenburgh in Bavaria The Death of the Elector of Saxony The Electoral Diet at Neurembergh The Elector's Requests to the Emperor The Emperor's Answer The Death of the Queen of Spain The Death of the Duke and Dutchess of Mayenne The Dutchess of Lorrain and the Cardinal of Gonzaga come to the Court of France The Count of Soissons discontented The Faculty of Paris Censures the three Panegyricks of Ignatius Loyola Reflections on the Miracles ascribed to Saint Ignatius and the Character given him Disturbances at Troies in Champagne about the Settlement of the Jesuits in that City The Process of the Vniversity of Paris against the Jesuits upon the opening their College there Disputes on the Questions of Grace and Predestination The Rise of Arminianism in Holland Vorstius is chosen to succeed Arminius James the I. King of England opposes the Election of Vorstius The King of England's Apology for his Conduct in the Business of Vorstius Revolutions in Sweden after the Death of Gustavus Ericson John King of Sweden Attempts to change the Religion Established by his Father Sigismund King of Sweden is chosen King of
Poland He succeeds to the Kingdom of Sweden Differences between King Sigismund and Charles Duke of Sudermannia The States of Sweden give the Regency of the Kingdom in the absence of King Sigismund to the Duke of Sudermannia The Duke of Sudermannia and the Senate of Sweden are divided King Sigismund Attempts in vain to reduce the Duke of Sudermannia by Force The States of Sweden depose King Sigismund Charles Duke of Sudermannia is chosen King of Sweden The King of Sweden sends the Challenge to the King of Denmark The Death of Charles King of Sweden BOOK III. THE State of France since the Regency of Mary de Medicis The Treaty of the double Marriage between France and Spain The double Marriage is concluded between the two Kings Intrigues in the Court of France when the Treaty of the double Marriage was known there The double Marriage at last passes in the Council of France The Popes Nuncio complains of the Sentence of Parlement on the Process of the Vniversity of Paris against the Jesuits The Nuncio's Invectives against the Advocate-General Servin The Nuncio's Advances to the Parlement to procure a Modification of the Sentence The Nuncio's Intrigues with the Clergy The Difficulties of the Jesuits to keep even in their Conduct to the Court of Rome and Parlement of Paris A Book of Doctor Richer Syndic of the Faculty of Paris makes a great Noise there The Cardinal du Perron and the Bishops of the Province of Sens assembled together to Condemn Richers Book Richer has the Syndicat of the Faculty of Paris taken from him Publick Rejoycings for the double Marriage New Disturbances in the Court of France The Duke of Mayenne is sent into Spain to demand the Infanta for the King Matthias King of Hungary and Bohemia is Elected Emperor after the Death of Rodolphus II. Antonio Memmi is chosen Doge of Venice after the Death of Leonard Donato The Embassy of the Mareschal of Bouillon into England The Discontent of the Mareschal Lesdiguieres Mary de Medicis depresses â—…e Factions of the Duke of Guise and Epernon The Count of Soissons undertakes to ruine the Ministers and engages outragiously to Attack the Chancellor de Sillery The Marquess de Coeuvres diverts the Count of Soissons from this Enterprize The Impostures of the Marquess of Ancres Some Persons suborned to accuse him of Magick The Affair of the Duke of Rohan at St. John of Angeli The Reconciliation of the French Protestant Lords The Protestation of the National Synod of Privas in the Name of all the Reformed Churches of France against the King's New Declaration The Entry of the Duke of Pastrane into Paris The Signing of the Marriage Articles between the Prince of Spain and the Eldest Daughter of France The Duke of Mayenne's Entry into Madrid The Signing the Marriage Articles between Lewis XIII and the Infanta of Spain A Conspiracy against the Duke of Parma A Discourse of Marrying Christina second Daughter of France to Henry Prince of Wales The Death of Henry Prince of Wales The Fortunes of Robert Carr in England The Death of the Count of Soissons A New Face of the Court of France The Condemnation of a Book of the Jesuit Becanus The Sentence of the Parlement of Paris against a Book of Schioppius Peace between the Crowns of Sweden and Denmark Revolutions in Muscovy A False Demetrius in Poland Demetrius enters Muscovy and causes himself to be Crowned there Demetrius and a great number of Poles are Massacred at Moscow Susky is made Czar of Muscovy and after lays down Ladislaus Prince of Poland is proclaimed Czar of Muscovy The Polanders are driven out of Muscovy and Michael Federovitz is elected Czar BOOK IV. THE Baron de Luz is killed by the Chevalier of Guise The Regents Anger against the Guises The Duke of Guise desires to combine with the Prince of Conde The Queen becomes jealous of the Prince of Conde The Violence and Mercenary Temper of the Duke of Guise The generous Sense of the Duke of Epernon The Regent is Reconciled to the Dukes of Guise and Epernon The Ancient Ministers are recalled The Confusion and Perplexity of the Prince of Conde The young Baron de Luz is killed again by the Chevalier of Guise The Death of Francis Duke of Mantua New Projects of the Duke of Savoy upon this occasion Artifices of the Duke of Savoy The Governor of Milan demands the Dutchess Dowager of Mantua and her Daughter The Regent of France opposes the Duke of Savoy's designs The Pope's Conduct in the Affair of Mantua The Republick of Venice supports the Cardinal of Mantua Ferdinand Cardinal de Gonzaga takes the Character of Duke of Mantua New Efforts of the Duke of Savoy to fetch away from Mantua the Princess Mary his Grand-daughter Ambitious Projects of the Duke of Savoy The Duke of Savoy carries Montserrat This Enterprize is the cause of New Metions in Italy Manifesto's of the Duke of Savoy and the Cardinal Duke of Mantua Artifices and Bravades of the Duke of Savoy His Intrigues at the Court of France are discovered The Marquess of Ancre being found Intriguing with the Duke of Savoy is exceedingly Embarassed The Ministers are reconciled to the Marquess of Ancre The Court resolves to send a powerful Aid to the House of Mantua The Queen is diverted from sending Aid so soon to the Cardinal Duke The King of Spain declares against the Duke of Savoy The Emperor requires the Duke of Savoy to desist from his Enterprize on Montferrat The Governor of Milan constrains the Duke of Savoy to submit to the King of Spain's pleasure A difference between the Duke of Nevers and the Governour of Milan The Marriage of the Elector Palatin to a Daughter of the King of England A Discourse concerning the Marriage of Charles Prince of Wales with Christina of France The Emperor Matthias comes to the Diet at Ratisbon The Catholicks and Protestants reciprocally complain of each other The ill success of the Diet at Ratisbon The Fortune of Bethlem Gabor Prince of Transilvania A difference between the Houses of Brandenburgh and Neuburgh about the Government of Cleves and Juliers Prince Wolfgang of Neuburgh Marries the Sister of the Duke of Bavaria and changes his Religion Difficulties to make the Peace concluded between the Dukes of Savoy and Mantua lasting The Governor of Milan presses the Duke of Savoy to Disarm The Dukes Evasion The Governor of Milan demands the Princess of Mantua on the King of Spains part The King of Spains Views in this demand The Republick of Venice traverses the King of Spain's Designs The Perplexity of Mary de Medicis in the Business of Mantua A Proposition made to the Council of France to cause Troops to march into Italy The Regent sends the Marquiss de Coeuvres into Italy to treat an Accommodation between the Dukes of Savoy and Mantua The vast Ambition of Conchini made a Mareschal of France and Galigai his Wife A Continuation of the Disputes about Grace
to take his Advantage of this when he should be in that Neighbourhood The Duke of Epernon's going to his Governments of Limosin Angoumois and Xaintonge bordering on Guienne gave great Satisfaction The Queen gave him a thousand Caresses and recommended earnestly to him to observe Conde's steps This Precaution was not necessary the good Prince thought no harm he was too well satisfied with his feigned Greatness and acting the part of an Imaginary King on the Stage at Bourdeaux and elsewhere he was charmed to see himself received with so much Ceremony took his Place in the Parliament made his Progress thrô the several Towns and heard with great Gravity the Harangues and Complements of the Magistrates and Gascon Gentlemen The Marquess of Ancre designs to marry his Son to the Princess of Soissons The Count of Soissons was now the only Person who managed the Queen The Marquess of Ancre whose Favour encreased every day shew'd an extreme Devotion to him Soissons Transported with bringing so potent a Favourite into the interests of his House did him all the good Offices he could He Assisted him in obtaining the Government of the Town and Citadel of Amiens in Spight of the Opposition and Discontent which the Count of St. Paul shewed at it This Lord being a younger Brother of the House of Longueville pretended to this Employ But Soissons who had an entire Ascendent over him made him desist Farther he engaged St. Paul to return out of Picardy where he Commanded during the Minority of the Duke of Longueville Memoires de la regence de Marie de Medicis to prevent any Difference that might happen between him and the New Governour of Amiens if they should meet Conchini was now risen to such a height nothing seemed to be above him There was a Discourse of Marrying his Son to one of the Princesses of Soissons You have a mind to flatter me said the Favourite to a Gentleman who made the Offer but I confess this Flattery do's not displease me He did not long continue in this Modesty he affected at that time The Count of Soissons accepts the Proposition The Generosity of the Duke of Epernon Conchini had the boldness to say to the Marquess of Coeuvres a Confident of the Count of Soissons that the Marriage talked of must be concluded that a Prince of the Blood would find great Advantages in it that the Queen had already given her consent Soissons meanly complyed with this shameful Match He was punished for it as he deserved The Ministers laid before the Queen Consequences of a Marriage which would sooner or later draw on it the Indignation of the King the Princes of the Blood and all sensible Men. Vie du Duc d'Epernon L. VI. Thus the Count of Soissons by this Treaty only obtained the Scandal and Reproaches of consenting to prostitute his Daughter to a young Italian whose Father and Mother soon became the Horror of Mankind not so Wise and Generous as the Duke of Epernon inferior in Birth to a Prince of the Blood Conchini caused a Marriage to be proposed for his Daughter with the Marquess de la Valette second Son of the Duke Besides the Great Wealth he would have given with his Daughter he promised to obtain the Sword of Constable of France for Epernon as soon as the King should be a Major Far from hearing his Friends and Servants who advised him to accept this Proposition the Duke rejected it with a Noble Scorn Nay he was Angry with those who pressed him to make an Alliance which if rewarded by the first Dignity of the State would be still the more Scandalous The Cardinal of Joyeuse took for the pretence of his Journey the Obligation he had to go to Rome to perform the Functions of his Dignity of Protector of France a Pompous and Ridiculous Title which the Pride of the Court of Rome has invented and the mean Complaisance of Sovereigns has Authorised These like Monks have each their Cardinal Protector with the Pope A Subject who is Agent for his Prince becomes his Protector at Rome The Regent Diverted her self at that time at Fontainbleau There on the 12th of April she drew up a long Instruction for Joyeuse No one can read these Pieces without complaining of or to speak better contemning Crowned Heads who suffer such a strange Slavery to be imposed on them A King must give the Holy Father an account of what he do's at home Siri Memorie recondite Tom II. pag. 502 503 c. for the good of his Dominions and what Alliances he contracts abroad for their Security Has he done any thing which is not well relished at Rome then see him humbly making his Excuses and taking all ways imaginable to extenuate his Fault He is very Submissive he promises to do great and mighty wonders on some other Occasion for the Holy See What a Pother's here about the Instruction of the Cardinal of Joyeuse The Regent justifies to Paul V. what she had done in favour of the Protestants Mary de Medicis will have him to inform Paul V. exactly of what has been done since the beginning of the Regency without omitting the least Particular To justifie her confirming the Edict of Nantes he must represent to his Holiness this was extorted from her to prevent the Jealousies of the Protestants and disappoint some busie Turbulent Men. The Protestants having Permission granted them to meet for the Regulating other Civil Matters she pretended it was impossible to do otherwise in a Minority Endeavours are used to pacifie the Disquiet which that Assembly gave the Pope promising to allow the Hugonots nothing that could be dispensed with The Regent had given several Employs and bestowed her Favours on some Protestant Lords for fear the Court of Rome should be alarmed at this it was said this was to gain the Heads of the Party over Paul the V. took it ill that the Parlement of Paris had made a Decree for the Suppression of Cardinal Bellarmine's Book against Barclay Her Majesty is a little Embarassed upon this Article she is troubled the Defamatory and Scandalous Books of the Gardinal should give occasion to the Magistrates to concern themselves But the Queen in Recompence has interposed her Authority to hinder the Sorbonne from vigorous Censure which she intended against the Propositions of Bellarmine It was not thought fit to give the Hugonots so great Advantages what Baseness what Trickings are here but this is not all The Renewing the Alliances with the Protestant Princes and States were coloured with the common good of Christendom and the Example of the King of Spain was alledged who made a League with the Vnited Provinces all good Offices were promised with the Electors and Protestant Princes of Germany in favour of Matthias King of Hungary whom the Courts of Rome and Madrid wished to have Elected King of the Romans In the last place the Court would make the Old
in Appearance When the Mareschal had Reproached the Duke that in the late Kings time he had drawn the Canon out of the Arsenal to destroy the Town and Church of Sedan Let us forget what is past says he I will become your Friend and Servant If you aâ—â— attacked in Sully upon account of Religion I will as readily bring down the Canon of Sedan to defend you as you drew out that of the Arsenal to destroy me at Sedan Let us agree for the benefit of our Religion Conscience and our Common Interest require it We cannot subsist without an Union The Party we follow cannot procure us great Advantages but it is capable of supporting a moderate Fortune That which is commonly called Greatness of Soul is most commonly Vanity and Ostentation The Mareschal would appear generous by feigning to Sacrifice a private Injury to the publick Good And perhaps he was sincere in what he did The Sense of Religion and Probity sometimes awakes in Noble Minds but Passion in its turn rising again stifles every thing that opposes it Bouillon sought an Advantage from the Reformed he gave Proofs of it in this Meeting He discovered Vigour in some weighty Affairs in others blinded by his Hatred and Ambition he could not see that by serving the Court he scattered the Seeds of fatal Division amongst his Brethren The Protestants renew their Oath of Vnion To prevent the ill effects of Differences amongst them the Protestants thought fit to renew the Oath of Union they had formerly taken on divers Occasions This Oath was first used amongst them when they had a Prince of the Blood and the late King at their Head Mercure Francois 1611. After he had changed his Religion he did not shew his Dislike of his Protestant Subjects renewing their Union at Mante under his Eyes and swearing publickly before the Catholicks of his Party that they would die in defence of their Confession of Faith A Just Prince should never complain of an Oath made under his Obedience In it they protested they would ever continue Loyal to the King But Henry being now in peaceable Possession of France he was much offended at an Act which the King of Navarr had approved off The Renewing this at Chatelleraut put him into an ill Humour He resented it highly that Lesdiguieres had Signed what himself had done under preceding Kings Sully gave him good Reasons for this proceeding The Reformed would not be afraid of any thing that could happen Sir said he to him if the Crown could make you Immortal But the Memory of St. Bartholomew will strike a Terror into them We are not ignorant the Catholicks press you only to give a Toleration for a Time See then what Reasons the Protestants have to take care for Futurity When the Reformed had so many just Grounds to distrust the Regent and her Council could it seem strange they should renew their Union at Saumur but the cry was against them They were ever Reproached with this Oath in the Reign whose History I am now writing To make a thing which was Innocent and Necessary in the Opinion of Henry Criminal was not this plainly to declare to the poor People their Ruine was absolutely resolved on The Affairs of the Duke of Sully proposeâ—… in the Meeling at Saumur Boissise and Bullion Counsellors of State and Commissioners sent by the King to the Assembly at Saumur having brought with them hopes of the Favour of the Court there was a serious design to draw up the Complaints and Requests of the Reformed Party Whilst this was managing by Persons appointed for that purpose there arose a Debate about the Duke of Sully's Concerns He feared the Consequences of the Threats made him to appoint Commissioners to enquire into his past Actions and proceed against him if he persisted to refuse to lay down his place of Great Master of the Artillery and his Government of Poitou To bring him to do this with the better Grace the Court offered him the choice of two sorts of Recompences a Dignity as that of Mareschal of France or a considerable Sum of Money The Duke desired to keep his Places and Government and convey both to the Marquess of Rony his Son He could find no way besides to baffle the Potent Enemies he had at Court but by engaging all the Hugonot Party to support him and declare loudly their cause was concerned in his Preservation He took Measures to succeed in this Project and the Mareschal was no less busie in Traversing it reckoning the Government of Poitou his own by Virtue of the Regents Promise when Sully should be deprived of it The Duke of Sully's Remonstrance to the Meeting Sully made a Remonstrance to the Meeting Under Colour of desiring their Advice he dextrously insinuated that his Religion was the only cause of Disgrace and the Association Oath which he had just now taken would expose him still farther to the Displeasure of the Court This was at least true in part Mercure Francois 1611. the Deputies were convinced it was so and the most Disinterested amongst them declared for Sully The Consideration all Men had for the Duke of Rohan a Lord already very Eminent for his great Courage his rare Probity A Discourse between the Mareschal of Bouillon and the Duke of Rohan concerning the Duke of Sully's Affair his Discernment and capacity still encreased the Friends of Sully whose Daughter he had Married This was an Invincible Obstacle to Bouillon's designs and embarassed him exceedingly He thought to surmount this by perswading Rohan to abandon his Father-in-Law pretending his Cause was desperate However Vpright and Careful a Man be who has the Administration of the Finances and Artillery says the Mareschal to the Duke of Rohan in a Visit he made him when he was ill It is hard for him to avoid committing some fault which deserves to be punished if it be enquired rigorously into A Superintendent of the Finances and a Great Master of the Artillery are not only answerable for what they do themselves but for the Management of their Commissioners and Inferior Officers If the Court should appoint Commissioners to enquire into the Duke of Sully's Administration do you think they would not find some plausible Pretence to take away his Places The Assembly and the Reformed will have no colour of Complaint nay though wrong be done to the Duke of Sully The Matter will be Determined in the usual Forms of Law For you My Lord you make such a Profession of exact Probity You are so great a Lover of good Order in a Word you have so Loyal a French Heart you will not be able to stir when the Matter shall be determined Judicially The Duke of Rohan took this Complement very ill What replyed he with some Disturbance after the Great Services the Duke of Sully has done to the late King shall he become a Prey to those who were always doing Mischief to the State His
Religion They abolished the Liturgy and Ceremonies introduced by the late King and reassumed those of the Protestants of the Ausburgh Confession They elected an Archbishop who was well affected and deprived those of the Clergy who had devoted themselves to serve the late King in his Innovations The Swedes and the Goths only assisted aâ—… this Assembly The other Provinces weâ—â— afraid of displeasing King Sigismond iâ—… they engaged without his Consent Thâ—… Decrees of the Council were confirmed by the Duke of Sudermannia by the Senate the Clergy the Nobility the Ministers of State and the Burgo-Masterâ—… who were present Those who were noâ—… there subscribed after Sigismond and his Uncle Charles observed each other The Nephew's Distrust was encreased by Charles his demanding that before he left Sweden his Majesty would give him a Promise under his Hand that he would confirm the Liberties and Priviledges of the States of the Kingdom and suffer them to enjoy the same Freedom of Religion they had done under the Reign of Gustavus Ericson and in the beginning of the late King 's The Duke of Sudermannia farther represented to the King that the ill Condition of his Country would not admit him to carry much People away with him These Instructions and Demands increased Sigismond's Jealousie He thought his Uncle plainly discovered he had vast Designs Sigismond was resolved not to heed the Duke's Remonstrances And now Charles had greater Hopes than ever to embarass the new King when he saw the Poles gave Sigismond leave to go into his Hereditary Country under Condition to keep his ancient Oath not to abandon Poland as Henry III. King of France had done â—…nd that his Majesty should return when he â—…ad setled his Affairs in Sweden and have â—…is usual Residence amongst them The Swedes were disatisfied the new King had plainly declared the Decrees â—…ade at Vpsal in his Absence and without â—…is Consent to be null However they reâ—…eived him with great Marks of Joy â—…nd Affection Duke Charles withdrew â—â—fter he had made his Compliments to his Majesty He thought it proper to leave â—…im alone with the Council of his Kingâ—…om The Pope's Nuncio who was with â—…igismond much disquieted the Swedes â—…t was visible the new King hearkened to â—…he Councils of the Court of Rome He â—…roke the Regulations made at Vpsal and commanded another Archbishop to be chosen He who was raised to that Digâ—…ity was in his Opinion an Enemy to the late King Afterwards he demanded a Church in every great Town for the Roman Catholicks The States of the Kingdom and the Clergy vigorously opposed his Enterprize being assured of the Protection of the Duke of Sudermannia The time of the Coronation approaching the Senators demanded in the Name of the States of Sweden that the King should first promise under his Hand-writing not to hinder the Exercise of the Protestant Religion Sigismond replied only in general Terms that he would give his Subjects satisfaction after his Coronation All these Difficulties retarded the Ceremony The Quarrel between King Sigismond and Charles Duke of Sudermannia Men cover Liberty and Independence only for themselves Very far from procuring it for others they strive by all ways possible to enslave the rest of the World The Polish Nobility so Jealous of their Privileges and Liberty but accustomed to keep other People in Slavery incessantly cried to their King Sigismond that an Hereditary State is Governed otherwise than an Elective Kingdom That in Poland he was subject to the Laws but in Sweden he was above them These Maxims easily insinuate themselves into the Mind of a Prince Sigismond displeased to see himself dependant on the Senat of Poland was better satisfied with being Absolute in Sweden He Rejected the Petitions presented to him The Duke of Sudermannia stood Neuter in the beginning of the Dispute He advised the King to have regard to the just Requests of his Subjects but he was not very uneasie to find a Difference arise between them by his Denials and Delays The States secure of Charles Assistance abated nothing of their Pretensions The stubbornness of the King strangely incensed them and the Sermons of some zealous Preachers of the Protestant Religion warmed the most cold â—…nd indifferent They talked of offering â—…he Crown to the Duke and giving it to Prince John in case he would not accept â—…t Being persuaded it was not yet time â—…o hear a Proposition of this kind he conâ—…ented himself with going to wait upon â—…he King at Vpsal and strongly backing â—…he Pretensions of the States The Neâ—…hew and the Uncle so heated each other â—…hey were upon the point of Fighting They were parted and as soon reconcil'd â—…o prevent any Confusion and Disorder in â—…he Kingdom These Accidents conâ—…irm'd the States the more in the Resoâ—…ution they took to make the King Exâ—…lain himself before they would proceed â—…o his Coronation The Popes Nuncio and such of the Poâ—…ish Nation as then attended at Sigismond's Court now perceived clearly that in Pruâ—…ence he ought not to stand it out any â—…onger but must yield to the present Exgency of Affairs They told him withal That he was not bound to keep a Promise exâ—…orted from him by Violence Now Sigismond promises 'em any thing they 'd have He reserved only that he might have the â—…ree Exercise of the Popish Religion for himself within the private Walls of the Castle where he should make his Residence But he from that very time took a Resolution of destroying his Uncle The Plot of Murdering him at a Play having miscarried they undertook to drive at him with all the Vigour and open Violence that was possible Immediate Orders were given to the Polish Army to march toward Stockholm This made the States of that Kingdom begin to think of their own Security They Summoned the Inhabitants of the Highlands to come down to their Assistance In the mean time during all this bustle the King took no care of the Government nor of securing the quiet of the Kingdom When any Proposal was made to him by the States he likewise would make a demand of some other thing at their Hands The Polanders were still at him to return home and to come to no Conclusion with the Swedes They flattered themselves that the wider the Breaches and Divisions grew in Swedeland the easier it would be to reduce it So that Sigismond in fine following their Advice took thipping for Dantzick He left Orders how he would have the Kingdom Governed in his Absence but neither the Duke of Sudermannia nor the States would submit to any of them as judging the Persons imploy'd therein to be averse to the Treaty concluded at Vpsal before the King's Coronation The States of Swedeland commits the Government of the Kingdom during the King's Absence to the Duke of Sudermannia Soon after his Departure the States of Swedeland pray'd Charles of Sudermannia to take upon him the Government The Duke desired to be excused yet
Guises and Eperâ—…on and who pretended to drive away â—…rom Court the Ministers of State Conchini had a mind especially to do this good â—…urn for the Chancellor He was busied â—…o obtain for Dole his Creature and his â—â—timate Friend the Office of Attorney General at the Parlement of Paris vaâ—â—ant by the Death of De la Guesle but â—…ileri had procured it for Belieure Allied â—…o the Chancellor's House To revenge â—…imself of this Affront Conchini took a â—…esolution to get the Seals taken away from Sileri and to cause them to be given to Dole The Duke of Mayenne is sent to Spain to make a demand of the Infanta in the King's Name In the mean time the Affair of the double Marriage was to be made an end of and Dispatches given to the Duke of Mayenne which were necessary for to demand the Infanta Ann in the King's Name The Presence and express consent of all the Princes of the Blood were of the greatest importance upon this occasion The Ministers of State employ'd divers Persons to Negotiate the return of the Prince of Conde and Count Soissons But the Uncle and Nephew would not hearken to the Ministers whom they had undertaken to ruine Memoires de la Regence de Marie de medicis The Marquess d'Ancre who had need of the Princes for his own ends willingly took upon him the Office of going to invite both of them to come to Court All considerations were promis't which were due to their Birth Soissons suffer'd himself to be Lured by the hopes of being Governor of Quilleboeuf in Normandy After this it was noâ—… hard to persuade Conde The two Princes at first went to Paris accompanied with 500 Horsemen The Regent seem'd to be afraid of this but she recovered her Spirits They came in few days after to Fontainbleau where the Courâ—… pass't away the Spring The Count de Soissons Friends counsell'd him to refuse his consent to the double Marriage till he was more assured oâ—… what he was to hope for and hinder thâ—… Prince of Conde from giving his but the Mareschal Lesdiguieres always deceived by the hopes of having made good in Parlement his Brief to be made Duke and Peer though the Court had amus'd him for more than Six Months Lesdiguieres I say persuaded the Count of Soissons to do what the Regent would have him do The double Match having been then proposed in Council with the Envoy of the Duke of Mayenne and de Puisieux Secretary of State and Son to the Chancellor the Business came to a conclusion without any one's opposing of it Moreover the Procuration and Instruuctions prepared for the Duke of Mayenne were read who immediately set out on his Journey with Puiseux The Duke de Pastrana came on his side into France to demand from the King and Prince of Spain Madam Elizabeth the Eldest Daughter of France Matthias King of Hungary and of Bohemia is chosen Emperor after the Death of Rodolphus the Second The year 1612 was stiled the year of Magnificences by reason of the Festivals and Shews set up in France Spain and Naples for the Publication of the double Marriage betwixt the two Crowns and in Germany at the Election of Matthias King of Hungary and Bohemia who was Proclaim'd and Crown'd Emperor at Francfort Rodolph the Second his Brother died at Prague in the beginning of this year of a Distemper in his Legs T' was in the 60th year of his Age and 23d of his Reign A Prince whom one might judge would Govern well if he never had arrived to the Sovereign power Mercure Francois 1611. After his Death the Duke of Neubourg contended for the Vicegerency of the Empire with the Duke de Deux-Ponts as he had already contested the Administration of the â—…alatinate and the Tutelage of the young Elector The two Dukes sent their Letters Patents into the Provinces of the Vicariat Palatine as the Elector of Saxony had sent into his Vicariat for to Exhort all the People to remain Peaceable and seek for Redress before the Vicegerent of the Empire in all Affairs which are needful till the approaching Election But the Duke de Deux-Ponts having been received as Administrator at the Diet at Neuremberg the preceding year it was a great step to promote his interest He was present in the same Quality at the Election of the New Emperor and there gave his Vote The Elector of Mentz according to the right which the Golden Bull gives him had convok't a Diet at Francfort to be on the 24th of May. Ferdinand of Bavaria New Elector of Cologne since the Death of Ernest his Kinsman arriv'd in the Month of February whom he Succeeded in full Right in Quality of Coadjutor nominated The Archbishop of Treves and John George Duke of Saxony render'd themselves there John Sigismond Marquess of Brandenburg sent thither his Embassador to stand in his place Matthias came the last as King of Bohemia accompanied with the Queen his Spouse and follow'd by 3000 Persons He had ask't leave of the Electoral College to have with him a great number of Men which the Golden Bull does not allow of to Electors in the like occasion They held their first Meeting in the Town-Hall at Francfort They observed there all the Formalities which were to precede the Election The 13th of June the Electors went to St. Bartholomew's Church After they had taken the usual Oath they went into the Imperial Chamber and Matthias II. King of Hungary and Bâ—â—emia and Arch-Duke of Austria was Elected and Proclaimed Emperor This is not a place to give a Description in of all the Ceremonies which are practis'd on this occasion The Concourse of the Princes and Nobility of Germany makes the finest Sight Besides the Princes of Sovereign Houses who came in crouds to Francfort Besides the Barons which the Emperor and the Electors had in their Train there were counted Ninety others who paid their Devoirs to Matthias He was Crown'd the 24th of June with the usual Pomp. The Oath cannot but be approved of which they made him take viz. to be a Defender and Protector of the Church in General and in particular to govern the Empire according to the Justice of his Predecessors to preserve carefully all the Rights of it to defend the Poor the Rich Widows and Orphans Lastly to submit himself and obey Jesus Christ But is not this the greatest Indignity in the World that they should put into this Oath the Roman High-Priest immediately after the Saviour of the World The Emperor promises to obey God and the Pope alike Strange blindness of Princes who will not know the Spirit of the Religion they swear to maintain Let the Bishop of Rome be Sovereign of the same Provinces in Italy t' is a grand abuse in Religion But the Emperors and Kings engage to obey him this is an entire overthrow of the Gospel They were wont heretofore to say that the Church is in the Empire
The primitive Christians did they pretend the Empire to be in the Church She ought to obey God and Sovereigns but Emperors and Kings have none but God above them Thus they thought in the primitive Ages All the World would think still the same if Sovereigns would be instructed in their true Interests and those of the Religion they profess By giving great Riches and Principalities to the Clergy they have given them wherewith they may degrade their Benefactors Matthias having wisht the Empress his Spouse was Crown'd the Ceremony was perform'd two days after Leonard Donato Doge of Venice died almost at the same time Antony Memmi chosen Doge of Venice after the Death of Leonard Donato Antony Memmi was Elected in his place the 24th of July and Crown'd the next Morning The Dogate of Donato was famous for the Contest of the Republick with Pope Paul V. who interdicted all the Country of the Seigniory of Venice The Doge and Senate seem'd at first willing to defend courageously the lawful Authority of Sovereigns but when they were come to treat of this with the Pope the Venetians Degenerated from the Vigour and Stedfastness of their Ancestors upon the like occasions They yielded cowardly to almost all the Articles which the Court of Rome required from them except the Reestablishment of the Jesuits who had been gone after the Fulmination of the Interdiction The Society had done much more Mischief in France than at Venice In the mean time being extreamly content to see themselves deliver'd from the good Fathers these Wise Senators Resisted a longer time than France the Solicitations of the Court of Rome for the Reestablishment of their Society During this quarrel with the Pope the Seigniory had forbid the Subjects of the Republick under pain of perpetual Banishment to have any Commerce with the Jesuits or send their Children to studie in their Colleges The same Act was this year renew'd Mercure Francois 1612. upon the account of a Woman of Bresse who was gone to Castilione to live there under the direction of the good Fathers They had Establish't there I can't tell what College of Women and a great many Maids had put themselves into it The Brissan Lady sold the Estate she had in the States of the Republick to Augment this New Foundation but the Senate endeavour'd to stop the Money that arose from the Alienation and caused the Venetian Dames to be recall'd that might have put themselves under the conduct of the Society into the College of Castiglione The Mareschal d'Bouillon's Embassy to England The Mareschal Bouillon was gone extraordinary Ambassador into England and this was to impart to King James the double Marriage and so dissipate all Suspicions and Jealousies which this double Alliance might create in his Majesty Bouillon had a particular design in this Voyage Siri Memoire recondite Tom. II. p. 684 685 686. He was minded to Negotiate a Marriage of the young Elector Palatine Nephew of the Mareschal's Lady who was of the House of Orange with the Princess of England Mary of Medicis whom the Court of Rome always made use of for it's own ends had recommended to her Ambassador that he should complain to the King of great Britain for that he had enter'd into a League with the Protestant Princes of Germany against the Roman Religion and to desire his Britannick Majesty to moderate the Rigor of the Laws against the English who were of the Popish Communion The Mareschal had besides express Order to cause King James to Disapprove of the Demeanour of the Reform'd of France in their last Assembly at Saumur but especially to bid him beware of the Duke of Rohan who was the most Zealous of the Protestant Lords Bouillon had already done to Rohan such ill Offices with the Queen of France as he himself was enough dispos'd not to be more favourable to the Duke in the English Court. King James was easily made to believe that France thought of nothing but the General good of Christianity by making this double Allyance with Spain and that the Regent would not less preserve the Amity of Princes and the States Protestants Bouillon endeavour'd at last to make his Majesty understand that the Pope would not use violent means against the Protestants and that he intended only to Convert them by Preachments and the good Examples of the Clergy The Mareschal laid hold on this occasion to insinuate into the King the Regent's Complaints for that he had enter'd into the Protestant League of Germany and the entreaty that Mary of Medicis made him in favour of the English Papists I don't know whether this good Prince was enclin'd to believe what the Ambassador had told him concerning the good Intentions of the Pope Whatever the Matter was James answer'd that the Protestants lookt only to the Reciprocal Defence of the States of the Confederate Princes and that Religion was not concern'd in it As to the English who were of the Roman Communion his Majesty protested he willingly would let them be at Rest as soon as they could give certain Assurances of their Fidelity and Obedience Bouillon sent this into France and then Villeroy imparted it to the Nuncio as a great Secret The Regent press'd Vbaldini to make his Master acquainted of it Subjoyning that she would write of it to Breves her Ambassador to the end his Holiness might find some Expedient to content the King of Great Britain Memoires de la Regence de Mary de Medicis When they came to speak touching the Matters of the Reformed Churches in France James was not altogether so Tractable The Duke de Rohan held a great Correspondence with Henry the King 's Eldest Son This was a very hopeful Prince he shew'd a Zeal little common to Persons of his Age for the good of the Protestant Religion Never did the Roman People so much love Germanicus as the English lov'd this Prince of Wales and the Father perhaps was not much less jealous of the Applauses they gave his Son than Tiberius was of old jealous of the Reputation of him whom Augustus made him adopt Rohan had gain'd over a Gentleman of the Ambassador's Retinue This secret Friend of the Duke was to instruct his Britannique Majesty with the truth of all which pass't in France Insomuch as the King was well prepared whenever he was spoke to concerning the Assembly at Saumur If the Queen your Mistress reply'd he to Bouillon will break Acts agreed to the Protestants of her Realm I don't pretend that the Alliance I have made and confirm'd with France ought to hinder me from succouring and protecting them When my Neighbours are Attack't in a Quarrel that respects me Natural Law requires that I should prevent the Mischief which may arise from thence Believe me Monsieur Mareschal said the King you must be Reconciled to the Duke of Rohan I will let him know 't is my desire that you live friendly together Would to God King James
and his Children had always preserv'd Sentiments so just and necessary for the good of England and the Reformation Lewis the XIII or his Son had never dared to oppress so many innocent Frenchmen The Mareschal Bouillon who was minded to be fair with the King did not insist further upon the Assembly at Saumur The ill success of his Negotiation upon this point brought him to Discredit with the Queens Ministers of State They publish 't that Bouillon had neither follow'd the Intentions or Orders of her Majesty The Mareschal complain'd on his side that he was not well dealt withal he pretended that they had a mind to Affront him Lesdiguieres was not more content with the Ministers The Mareschal de Lesdiguitres is discontented than Bouillon Whether it was that there was an underhand dealing betwixt the Queen and the Parlement or that this Assembly really believed that the prime Dignities ought not to be given to Protestants never could Lesdiguieres bring it so about as to have his Brief of Duke and Peer approv'd of They represented to the Queen Siri Memorie recondite Tom. II. p. 696. that Brissac and Fervaques ancienter Mareschals of France than Lesdiguieres would have reason to complain if they had not likewise granted them the same distinction that the Duke of Rohannez had a Brief from the Deceased King which promised him that no other should be received in Parlement before him At last that in a time of Minority t' was dangerous to discontent the most Illustrious and most Ancient Houses of the Realm for to pleasure an Upstart Notwithstanding these Remonstrances the Queen sent the Orders of her Son for passing his Brief Lesdiguieres could not yet obtain it when the Chambers were met to deliberate upon this Affair Memoires de la Regence The Suffrages were twice divided and the Queen who had compass't what she expected from the Mareschal would not use all her Authority under pretence that Prudence did not permit her to provoke the Parlement in the present juncture of Affairs Lesdiguieres vext to see himself play'd upon joyn'd himself to the Princes of the Blood and others who had a mind to ruine the Ministers of State Mary of Medicis brings down the Duke de Guises and de Epernons Party Conchini Reconciled to his Wife made use the most Artificially t' was possible for him of the Prince of Conde and Count Soissons in order to diminish the great Authority which the Dukes of Guise and Epernon had taken Caesar Duke de Vendosme was joyn'd with them to the good liking of the Queen but this declared Union drew upon him such troubles as he did not expect As there was need of the presence of the Princes of the Blood to make an end of the Marriage with the Duke of Pastrana whom the King of Spain had sent for this purpose the Queen endeavour'd to content them by bringing down their opposite Party Vendosme desired to go and hold the States of Britanny whereof he was Governor The Princes of the Blood to punish him for having been in League with the ancient Enemies of his Father and the House of Bourbon told the Queen in private that Caesar might be able easily to make a Party in a Province so far distant where he had great Reputation and Estate by his Wife Heiress of the House of Mercoeur Conchini and the Ministers made these Reasons of State prevail with Mary de Medicis When the Duke then of Vendosme came to ask of her leave to go and preside over the Estates of Britanny her Majesty flatly refus'd it him The Mareschal de Brissac Lieutenant General of the Province who had been employ'd to do Caesar this Injury with the Queen had this Important Commission bestow'd on him The Duke of Vendosme was so outragiously angry at the Refusal as that he challenged the Mareschal This young Gentleman's outrageous Heat greatly displeas'd the Queen She without tarrying till Caesar and Brissac were Friends order'd the former to remove from Court and go to his House at Anet The other went afterwards on his Journey for Britanny in spight of all the Endeavours and Intrigues of the Dukes of Guise Vendosine and Epernon who were extreamly netled at the Repulses and disa greeable Words which they receiv'd upon this Occasion from the Queen Regent The Count de Soissons undertakes to ruin the publick Ministers of State This Mortification of the Guise's and Duke of Epernon rejoyc't the Count of Soissons but his Revengeful Humour was not as yet satisfied He plotted in his Head to ruin the Ministers but especially the Chancellor Sileri Soisson's Hatred against them was so much the more lively and vigorous for that he thought Sileri Villeroy and Jeannin hinder'd the Queen from granting what she had given him ground to hope for The Prince of Conde was as much impatient of the Court delays as his Uncle they both fear'd lest the Ministers should Mortifie Memoires de la Regence de Marie de Medicis and bring down the Princes of the Blood as well as the Dukes of Guise and Epernon for to keep up their Credit with the two opposite Parties The Marquess de Ancre craftily Discours't the Prince of Conde and Count Soissons upon this opinion The Queen said he to them hath good Intentions for the Princes of the Blood She would give you both Satisfaction if the Ministers did not constantly Represent to her that t' was dangerous you should be too powerful in two Provinces so considerable as Normandy and Guienne are This is the reason why the Queen defers so long to give the Governments of Chateau-Trompette to Monsieur the Prince Quillebeuf to Monsieur the Count From the first day of the Regency the Ambitious Conchini had taken a design to alter all things at Court to remove the Ministers of the deceased King and put into their places Persons who should entirely depend upon him The present Conjuncture of time appear'd favourable to the Marquess d' Ancre for putting in execution the Project he had contrived He undertales to put a grand Affront on the Chancellor Sileri One day being with the Prince of Conde the Count of Soissons and the Mareschals Bouillon and Lesdiguieres he caused them to agree to work out joyntly the entire ruin of the Ministers The Count de Soissons promis't them at his return from a small Journy he was to make into Normandy he would deal with the Chancellor Sileri after a very Outrageous manner Lesdiguieres who discontent return'd into Dauphiny promised to give the Princes Succors and to bring 'em in case of necessity 10000 Foot and 500 Horse even to the Gates of Paris The Duke of Savoy secretly enter'd into all these Intrigues he entertain'd a Secret Correspondence with the Count de Soissons The desire he had to be Revenged of the Queen Regent who gave to the Prince of Spain the Eldest Daughter of France promised to the Prince of Piedmont the
advis'd of the evil Offices that were constantly done him at Court went to justifie himself After having represented to the Regent that he had behav'd as a good Man in the Assembly at Saumur I confess to you Madam said the Duke that I oppos'd the Designs of Monsieur de Bouillon But this was done but in order to give your Majesty fresh Tokens of my Fidelity and Zeal which I have for your Service I Distrust those Persons who turn Scales and pay their Services on both Sides 'T is seldom known that such Men are upright in their Intentions If Monsieur Bouillon had brought his Designs about in our Assembly at Saumur he might have understood how to have used them and prevailed even against your self When Monsieur Bouillon comes to be the Master amongst us your Authority shall be never the better Established in this Realm The Duke of Rohan upon this occasion prov'd the Truth of a Reflection which he himself made viz. That a Prince who hath a prejudicate Opinion is hard to be perswaded The Regent gave no Attention to these Remonstrances The time now of the Election of the Mayor of St. John of Angeli was near It was a thing of the greatest Importance that could be to the Duke of Rohan that he who was in the place might not be continued The adverse Party to the Governor had got over this Man to their side and if their Project had succeeded the Duke had lost all his Authority in the place Feigning then that his Brother was dangerously sick he took a Journey suddenly from Paris Rohan took Soubize in his way and they both got to St. John d' Angeli The day of Election being come a Letter under the King 's Privy Seal was produc't that the Ancient Major should continue this not being to be any Rule for the future and to be without prejudice to the Privileges of the Inhabitants The Duke de Rohan Remonstrated that her Majesty had been ill inform'd of the State of the City where there was not any thing at all of Division as the Letter under the King 's Privy Seal had suppos'd and that they might proceed to a new Election according to the accustom'd Form I hope said he I shall bring her Majesty to agree to it To this effect I send my Secretary to Court The Mareschal Bouillon flatter'd himself that the Duke of Rohan would infallibly lose himself whatever Party he would take in an Affair that was so ticklish for him to manage If Rohan suffers the former Major to be continued they wou'd strip him of all his Authority and if he oppos'd the Court's Orders this would find it self in a necessity of punishing a Man who neglected to observe the Authority of the King To engage the Queen after such a manner as she should not flinch back for the future the Mareschal perswaded her to send a more express Order for to contitinue the old Major But the Duke of Rohan being perswaded that if he lost the Government he himself was lost without any Redemption believ'd that he ought not to obey the Orders which the Queen had sent as being Surprised unwarily by his Enemies A New Major was chosen that is to say three Persons were Nominated whose Names were sent to the Court to the end her Majesty might pitch upon one whom she judg'd most proper for the place Whilst they were expecting an Answer from the Regent the Keys of the Town were put into the Hands of the Eldest Alderman and thus the Duke of Rohan made himself Master of the Town from whence he caus'd some Subaltern Officers to be put out who were against him This bold Action mightily stir'd up the Queen against the Duke of Rohan Those whom he had sent to Court were committed to the Bastile T' was forbid the Dutchess his Mother his Wife his Sister to stir out of Paris Some Persons proposed to the Counsel that t' was fit to go and Besiege the Duke in St. John d' Angeli as a Rebel Orders were dispatch't for raising Troops and sending the Artillery The Queen publish't abroad that she would go her self in Person to the Army which the Mareschal Bouillon and Lesdiguieres were to command to make the Reformed know that there was no point of Religion here in Question but only a Chastisment of a particular Lord who had Revolted from his Obedience The Duke as soon as he understood this published a Manifesto which he Addres't to the Reform'd Churches he gave them notice that his Zeal for their Preservation brought upon him this Persecution that the loss of St. John d' Angeli drew along with it other places of Retreat and Security and their Enemies wou'd not stop in so fair a way after they had taken from him his Government Mercure Francois 1612. The Manifesto ended with a lively Exhortation The Duke complain'd because his Enemies had made Information of his Conduct and that having found him irreprovable they had inform'd against some Gentlemen who were not at all faulty of any other Crime than his giving him a Visit The Court said he fears that our divided Body will reunite the Reputation Monsieur de Rohan hath acquired by his Quality and Probity which he hath always made profession of gives Vnbrage must they for this cause apply themselves by little and little to weaken our Party and to undoe us by Peacemeals Let us know our selves if we would Live and Subsist Let us revive the good Intelligence which was heretofore amongst us Let us Devote our selves to the Service of our God and our King Let us work for the Good of our Church and the State We were the most judicious and considerable Party before our Divisions at Saumur This great Man who knew better to Fight than to Write not standing upon Manifesto's only prepar'd himself for a courageous Defence Another Manifesto was publish'd on the Queen's side She took great care therein to advertise the World that her Majesty complain'd only of the Duke of Rohan's Undertaking All the French of either Religion were exhorted in it to relieve their Majesties in the just Design they had to punish a Crime of so dangerous Consequence to the Common Good of the State At last the Queen protested to the Reformed that Religion not being concern'd in this Affair the Edicts of Pacification should not be less exactly observ'd Du Plessis Mornai was then in a great Perplexity The Town of Saumur of which he was Governor was in the Queen's way in case she went to St. John d' Angeli and Prudence required that she would assure her self of that important Passage Du Plessis did not know which side to take If I fortifie my self said this Judicious Gentleman if I call for Succours they will attack me under pretence of Rebellion Besides if I don't think at all of being aware beforehand I leave a place of Security which I am entrusted withal to the Discretion of our Enemies Let 's run
France and Ann Infanta of Spain The Duke of Mayenne had received greater Honours in Spain Entry of the Duke of Mayenne into Madrid than the Duke of Pastrana in France whether it was that they had regard to his Quality as Prince of a Sovereign House allied to the House of Austria or that the Spaniards had an Ambition to outgoe the French in Magnificence and Galantry He found in his way the Duke of Lerma's Mansion House French Mercenary 1612. This Favourite gave Orders that Mayenne should be splendidly regaled and to the end the Feast might seem more Galant it appear'd that all was done at the expense of the Inhabitants of Lerma who were Ravish't with Joy to have amongst them a Guess so honourably distinguish't The Duke fail'd not upon this occasion to set out all his Sumptuous Moveables and Tapistry the Borders of which were all Embroider'd with Gold and richly set out with Rubies and Emeraulds The Duke d' Alva de l'Infantado d' Albuquerque the Admirante of Castile and many other Grandees of Spain accompanied with 500 Cavaliers whose Horses were proudly Harnas't went to receive the Duke of Mayenne without Madrid He made a very fine Entrance But the long and close Mourning the Ambassador wore for his Father and the Court of Spain had put on for the Death of the Queen render'd the Ceremony less Glorious The 17th of July the Duke d'Vseda conducted the Ambassador to his Audience of the King The Prince of Spain stood at the left hand of his Majesty and the Duke of Lerma at the right The Father and Son embrac'd the Embassador when he drew near to kiss their Hands This was a Distinction granted to the Quality of the Prince who was of the House of Lorrain After this he was Conducted to the Audience of the Infanta The Duke kiss'd her Hand because her Highness had declar'd she would use the Embassador as the Queen had used one of her Subjects The Articles of Marriage signed between Lewis the 13th and the Infanta of Spain The Signing of the Articles of Marriage was fix't to be upon the 22d of August All the Court left off their Mourning for that day besides the King The Duke of Lerma went to the Ambassador to Conduct him to the Palace Neither his Majesty or the Prince or Infanta of Spain were present at the Ceremony of Sealing Two Acts were prepar'd one in French and another in Spanish The Duke of Mayenne Puisieux Secretary of State and Vaucelas Ambassador in ordinary at Madrid first sign'd the French Act as Proxies for the most Christian King and the Queen his Mother The Duke of Lerma sign'd afterwards in quality of Proxy for the Catholick King 's Father and Guardian of the Infanta It was after another manner compos'd in the Spanish Act Lerma put there his Name first and the French after him The Infanta renounc't for her self and Children all the Rights of Succession to the States of the Crown of Spain Two Cases were only excepted That if the Infanta was a Widow without any Children she should return into Spain or that for reason of State and the publick Weal of the Spanish Monarchy she should Marry again with the consent of the King her Father or the Prince of Spain her Brother she shou'd in this second case re-enter into her Rights of succeeding one and th' other After the signing of the Articles the Duke of Mayenne was Conducted into a Hall where the King was with the Prince and Infanta at each side of him The Ambassador only made a Reverence to the Father He harangu'd chiefly the Daughter in Quality of the Queen of France When the Duke took his leave some days after he entreated her to give him some Orders to the King his Master Assure him said the Infanta that I am very much impatient of seeing him This Answer did not seem grave enough to the Countess d' Altamira her Governess Ah Madam cry'd the Spanish Lady what will the King of France think when the Duke shall report to him you have so great a passion for Marriage You have taught me answer'd the Infants with a great deal of liveliness that one must always speak the Truth She poor young Princess had a heart burning for a Husband who did not make her so happy as she fancied he wou'd Conspiracy against the Duke of Parma We shall see anon the face of Affairs wholly altered in Italy by the Death of Francis Duke of Mantua which happen'd at the end of the year 1611. But before I enter into this particular which I reserve for the following year I think I ought to say somwhat of an Affair which made a great noise in Italy in the Month of March this present year Francis Duke of Mantua had some days agoe succeded Vincent his Father Husband of the Eldest Sister of Mary de Medicis At this same time Ranutius Duke of Parma discover'd a Plot laid against him for above a year since and against all the House of Farnese He thought that he had sufficient Witnesses to believe that the Deceased Duke Vincent of Mantua the Cardinals Sforza and Este the Prince of Modena the Duke of Mirandola and some other Sovereign Princes had had a part in so horrid a design Here 's what is discover'd now of it Many Gentlemen and some Ladies of Quality of the States of the Duke of Parma and the Neighbouring places Conspired together to kill him with all those of his House and to possess themselves of the Towns of Parma and Placentia which they were afterwards to deliver up to some Neighbouring Princes from whom the Conspirators had receiv'd Money There 's this difference betwixt the true Religion and Superstition that the one Abominates the smallest Crimes whereas the other can very well accord with the blackest Actions The Wretches who attempted upon the Life of Henry the IV were confess 't and took the Sacrament afterwards to prepare themselves for their barbarous Design They who Conspir'd a little time after against Ranutius Duke of Parma and against all the House of the Farnese's swore by the Image of the Virgin Mary to keep their Trust and Fidelity one to t'other and not discover their Enterprise Their first Project whereby they might bring their Design about was to lay hold of the Opportunity which the Solemn Baptism of the young Prince of Parma afforded them where the Cardinal Farnese was to be present with the rest of the Family They had resolv'd to slay there Ranutius his Children the Cardinal and all the Persons Devoted to the Farneses The Ceremony of Baptism having been happily put off the Conspirators notwithstanding continued their Meetings and took their Measures for the Execution of their Conspiracy They had already got a great number of Men and some Neighbouring Princes were to furnish them with Soldiers at the appointed time But seeing that the Ceremony of Baptism was put off too long a time and that the
Nevertheless Condi Duc de Rets joined Vendome they gathered together some Troops and set about Fortifying Bâ—…avet of which they had made themselves Masters as also of some other Places of the Dutchy of Ponthievre which belonged to the House of Mercoeur whose Heiress Coesar had married He writ to the King to Complain of the unjust Treatment that he found Instead of Answering this Duke who was never feared nor valued they sent Orders to the Comte de Vertus and to the Parliament of Britagne to hinder him from Levying or Assembling any Troops not excepting his Company of Guards unless he shewed express Orders from her Majesty Caesar wrote a Second Letter to the King he Complains there of the Affront which was offerd him in degrading him from his Government and justifies himself as well as he can with respect to the Fortifications of Blavet The Court as little regarded this Letter as the First Being more concerned about her Negociations in Champagne the Regent slighted the Duke of Vendome and Concluded a Treaty with the Prince of Conde The death of the Connetable de Mont morenci Henry Duc de Montmorenci Pair and Connetable of France died in his Government of Languedoc during these Troubles The late King had invested him with the First military Dignity which had not been filled since the death of Anne de Montmorenci his Father History gives us no great Character of this Connetable he was a Man of moderate Merits The judicious President de Thou is far from giving us so fine a Description of him as of his Eldest Brother the Mareschal de Montmorenci Henry his Son had married some time ago the Daughter of the Duke de Bracciano of the Family of the Vrsins in Italy He left Three Daughters Two by a First Wife one of which married the Duke de Ventadour and the other the Comte d'Auvergne afterwards Duke d'Angouleme The Third by his Second Wife was married to the Prince of Conde Whilest the Duke de Ventadour the President of Thou and Jeannin Boissise and Bullion Counsellers of State were in a Conference at Soissons for Mary de Medicis with the Prince de Conde and the Lords of his Party the Marquiss de Coeuvres Ambassador Extraordinary from France in Italy was there finishing his Negociation concerning the Affair of Mantua The Duke of Savoy The D. of Savoy avoids meeting the Marquiss de Coeuvres the Fr. Ambassador in Italy Memoires de lo Regence de Marie de Medicis Siri Memo. recondite Tom. III. p. 109. 191. who was not Ignorant that this New Minister of France was to join with the Ambassador who was sent from Spain at the same time to press his Highness to Disarm and to Conclude the marriage of his Daughter the Widow of Duke Francis of Mantua with the Cardinal Ferdinand de Gonzagua his Brother and Successor Charles Emanuel I say went out of Turin as soon as he heard of the Arrival of Coeuvres under a pretence of going to settle some Disorders which had happen'd in his County of Nice in Provence He could not digest the loftiness of the Court of Spain towards him Two of his Sons were Hostages as it were Victor Amadaeus Prince of Piedmont the Eldest which his Father had sent into Spain very imprudently upon the occasion of his Quarrel with the House of Mantua and Philibert whom the Spaniards had the precaution to hold in Custody ever since Charles Emanuel had sent him to make Satisfaction to his Catholick Majesty as we said before Indeed they had given Prince Philibert the Command of the Spanish Gallies but this Important Charge was properly spèaking but an Honourable prison The Guards and Officers which were about his Person had an Eye upon all his Steps and Actions Althô Two Hostages so Dear to their Father might have Secured the King of Spain that Charles Emanuel had no ill Design upon the Country of Milan yet his Majesty Ordered him to Disarm presently and Acting upon this occasion in Concert with the Regent of France his Orders were the more positive and pressing The Jealousie of the Princes of Italy by reason of the Correspondence between the two Crowns with relation to the Affairs of Italy The Republick of Venice and the Secular Princes of Italy saw with excreme Concern that the Alliance made between the Two Crowns by the Treaty of the Double Marriage tended only to Enslave Italy and that they must be contented for the future with whatsoever Spain should resolve upon in Conjunction with the Regent of France who willingly sacrificed the Interest and Authority of her Son to a prejudice which she had taken up that the surest way to be absolute in France was to hold a good Correspondence with the Court of Madrid The Cardinal Duke of Mantua whom the Two Crowns pretended to Protect Complained that the Catholick King endeavoured to marry him to a Woman he did not care for and to take away the young Princess his Neice from him Charles Emanuel made a greater noise because they would have the absolute disposal of his Daughter and compell him to lie at the Discretion of the Spaniards when he was Disarmed What now said he to the Ministers of the Princes of Italy which were about him Are we become the Subjects of the King of Spain Where we shall do the least thing that displeaseth him must we humbly beg his Majesty's Pardon and undergo the penance that he shall impose upon us Shall we bear the Caprices and the Haughtiness of his Ministers and Governors who upon any pretence will wage War against us and we be not in a Condition to oppose them Althô several Princes of Italy were not sorry to see the Duke of Savoy humbled yet they murmured Every one was afraid that upon the first occasion the Court of Madrid would Treat them in the same Imperious manner The Prince of Piedmont gave his Father notice that the Duke of Lerma an Enemy to their Family threatned to humble the Pride of the Duke of Savoy and to punish him for his Attempts We must submit said Victor Amadeus or prepare to feel the Effects of an angry and imperious Favourite against us All these Remonstrances did not shake the Duke of Savoy being resolved to do nothing unworthy of his Quality He protested he would rather abandon his Two Sons to the Discretion of the Spaniards and die with his Sword in his Hand than be anothers Slave And this is the reason why he left Turin when he understood that the Ambassadors of France and Spain were come to speak with him He would not stay to have Terms imposed upon him by these Two Ministers who had before agreed together to make the same Proposals Charles Emanuel had yet some hopes that the Face of Affairs in France would be changed by the motions of the Prince of Conde and that he should then find some way of coming off with Honour The Spaniards privatly traverses the Negociations
should find himself in a necessity to protect with open Force the Cardinal Duke of Mantua and punish the Pride and Rashness of Charles Emmanuel The Affair having been debated in the Queen's Council the necessity of an Accommodation of the Difference as soon as possible was throughly perceived the Consequences of which might go a great way farther This was not so much a Contest between the Houses of Savoy and Mantua There was behind-hand a fear lest the Spaniards should Invade Piedmont The Marquiss de Rambovillet was nominated her Majesty's Ambassador Extraordinary into Italy for to go and Negotiate an Accord joint with Julius Savelli the Pope's Nuncio Extraordinary France and Spain had sollicited Paul V. to interpose his Authority with the Duke of Savoy but the good Man did not care to meddle with Savoy's Affairs Charles Emmanuel profest he had no great regard of his Holiness and the Pope said Historie de Connestable de Lesdiguieres Liv. VIII Chap. 7. he did not care to Treat with a Prince whose Word he could not trust to The Instance of Spain came in Season to hinder the Duke of Savoy from taking any Officers and French Soldiers into his Service The Mareschal de Lesdiguieres sent to ask of her Majesty leave to raise in Dauphiny Two thousand Foot and some Horse for the Duke of Savoy The Regent would not grant this she forbids likewise all the French to go into Charles Emmanuel's Service In spight of all these positive and severe Orders of the Queen Lesdiguieres found out a way to pass some Thousands into Piedmont who wonderfully reinforc'd Savoy's Army Open War betwixt Spain and Savoy Charles Emmanuel was constant in his Resolution not to Disband his Troops unless the Governor of Milan would do the same likewise or give assurances that he would do it as soon as the Duke of Savoy had first began this in Honour to his Royal Majesty Inojosa would not flinch back a jot from his Pretensions that the King his Master had Right to give the word of Command Nani Historia Veneta Lib. I. 1614. and that it did not belong to a Duke of Savoy to Treat with the Crown of Spain as an Equal does with an Equal or a Sovereign with a Sovereign Siri Memo. recondite Tom. III. p. 226 227. c. There was then a necessity of coming to an open War The Spanish Ambassador at Turin having greatly reproach't Charles Emmanuel told him down right that his Catholick Majesty provok'd through so long a Resistance was going at last to do himself Justice Charles listn'd to this without being mov'd at it but plucking the Collar of the Golden-fleece from off his Neck Mercure Francoise 1614. which had been heretofore presented him returned it disdainfully to the Ambassador saying God forbid that I should ever wear the Order of a Prince who intends to deal with me as if I were his Subject The Governor of Milan had his Troops in readiness to march and he further expected a reinforcement which was to come to him from Naples and Sicily And now see Inojosa advanc'd near to Verceil with the thoughts that the Duke would humbly submit himself as soon as the Spanish Army should enter his Country 'T was believ'd this was not done without some Design that the King of Spain had ordered Prince Philibert Son of Charles Emmanuel whom his Catholick Majesty had made General of his Forces at Sea should Conduct himself to Genua the Troops designed against Savoy Was not this to insult over the Duke by making him see that his Son carried if I may so say to the Governor of Milan Rods wherewith Philip or rather the Duke of Lerma intended to whip a poor Prince who dared to resist a Potent King These Bravades did not at all astonish Charles Emmanuel He on his Side entered into the Milanese Country where his Troops did more harm than the Spanish had done in his His Highness got both Glory and Reputation For at last the Marquiss Inojosa appeared to be a Novice in the Art of War The Spanish Army fail'd of the fair opportunity of beating the Savoyards who were inferior to them in Number The bad Conduct of this Expedition had render'd the Governor of Milan despicable in Italy They were glad to see the Pride of Spain humbled Inojosa for to be avenged in some manner and at the same time curry favour with the Duke of Lerma who Protected him undertook to raise a Fort near enough to Verceil upon the King of Spain's Lands It 's called the Fort of Sandoval from the Name of the Duke of Lerma's Family The Governor's design was to bridle Verceil cover the Milanois and close up an Entry to Foreigners who might easily this way make an Irruption into it The Spaniards had for a long time thought on this Enterprise but for fear that such a Novelty might allarm the Neighbouring Princes the Court of Madrid let alone their Design They expected some favourable Conjuncture Inojosa thought that the opportunity of the Breach with the Duke of Savoy was a fit time to do it The important Service which he pretended to do his Master did not secure him from the Reproaches of the understanding Men of his own Nation They Complained that the Governor had lost time in building of the Fort of Sandoval They loudly said that 't was easie to Reduce the Duke of Savoy by Entering a good way into Piedmont with an Army much stronger than his The whole Court of Madrid took the liberty of talking sharply against Inojosa and Charles Emmanuel They accus'd the First of his Slowness Fear Ignorance and perhaps Infidelity As for the Duke of Savoy his Name was abhorred amongst them and detestable Philip's Chief Agent did not threaten Charles Emmanuel with less than irrecoverable Ruine Reciprocal Writings from the K. of Spain ☞ Duke of Savoy The Spaniards were laught at when they resolved to Fight with the Pen against the Duke of Savoy The Captain General of Justice in the State caused a Placaet to be put up wherein he Declared That the County of Ast and all other Seigniories Mercure Francoise 1614. which the Duke of Savoy as they said held in Fief of the Dukes of Milan were Confiscated to his Catholick Majesty by reason of Charles Emmanuel his Vassal's Treason The Prince of Castiglione the Emperor's Commissioner in Italy caused it likewise to be signified to the Duke That there was a Mandate wherein he was Ordered in the Emperor's Name to Disband his Army presently and refrain from all Acts of Hostility in Montferrat and upon the Lands of the Cardinal Duke of Mantua under Penalty of being put under the Ban of the Empire Charles Emmanuel on the contrary defended himself with his Pen very vigcurously His Exchequer Chamber Declared by a publick Act that the County of Ast was immediately held of the Empire and as for the other Lands specified by his Catholick Majesty's Officer they had never
Power of a Favourite or a Minister The King's Brother was not always in a Passive Humoun If the first Prince of the Blood was weak a younger Brother of his House would not submit to creep to a Cardinal Some of the greatest and wealthiest Men of the Kingdom shew'd great Vigour and Courage on divers Occasions The Reform'd did not tamely suffer themselves to be oppress'd without making any Opposition The Court was forced to keep Measures with them after they were Masters of their Cautionary Towns The Monarchy of Spain was not at that time so formidable abroad But the Emperour Ferdinand II. began to grow so Potent in Germany that it was apprehended he would entirely subdue it There was a necessity to make Alliances with the King of Sweden the United Provinces all the Protestant Princes and those of Transylvania which created Trouble enough to the House of Austria The Affair of Mantua caused extraordinary Motions beyond the Alps. There was a Necessity to assist the Duke to preserve a Succession which could not rightfully be contested France began a Treaty and join'd with the Princes and States of Italy alarm'd at the new Projects of the House of Austria At length the Revolutions which happen'd in Portugal and Catalonia gave occasion to several Projects and Treaties on the part of Spain For these Reasons no one can write the History of Lewis XIII without entring into the Particulars of what happened all over Europe These are the Reasons why I have thought fit to proceed a little higher in some places of the first Part in the Affairs of Foreign Countries Gustavus Adolphus for instance must make so great a Figure in this Work that it was almost indispensable to â—…epresent how this Hero came to the Crown to the prejudice of Sigismund King of Poland Son to his Father's elder Brother None can well understand the Affairs of the Empire under Ferdinand II. unless he understand what passed about the end of Rodolphus and under the Reign of Matthias I have not a good Opinion enough of my self to think my Style such as Lucian â—…equires for an History Some of my Friends have told me that the begininng of a pretty large Work would endure â—…eading This is enough for me The chief Business of a Writer is to profit the Publick by discovering the Truth or Probability For after all in History we must often be content with the latter The Principal Facts are certain but in â—…he Reasons Motives and Circumstances of an Action or Enterprize there are ever â—…ome Grounds of doubting and we must â—…cquiesce in what is most likely I am only follicitous for the most essential Quaâ—…ities of an Historian Lib. II. de Oratore Not to dare to advance what he knows to be false and to speak freely what he knows to be true withâ—…ut being byassed by Prejudice Discourse of the manner of writing History Lucian on this Subject very judiciously says That we must not imitate the Painter who invented the drawing Side-Faces to conceal the Defect of a Prince who had â—…ut one Eye The Historian ought to paint Persons whole Let not his Affection for his Country hinder him from relating the Losses she has sustained or the Faults she has committed An Historian is like an Actor Neither of them are accountable for the bad Parts they represent The former is obliged to prefer Truth to his Interest and Passions This is the only Divinity he should adore He must ever have the Judgment of Posterity in his sight if he would pass more for an Historian than a Flatterer It is reported Alexander desired to revive for a little time after his Death He would have been pleased to see what Men would then say of a Prince who had made such a noise in the World I do not wonder said he to find every one praise me now Some are afraid of me others court my Favour If Princes judged as reasonably as this Conqueror to whom they so much love to hear themselves compared they would not be at the trouble to here Writers or cause Triumphal Arches and Statues to be erected nor assemble Men of Letters to form Designs for Medals to be coined to their Honour or to compose Magnificent Inscriptions to be engraven on Marble or Brass at the Pedestal of their Statues or over a Triumphal Arch or the Gates of a Capital or other conquered Places Contented with well governing their People and making them happy they would leave to them the Care of immortalizing their Benefactor after his Death What Service will those Histories wrote by Command those Monuments of your Vanity or the Flattery of Mercenary Wretches then do you An Historian who will not be led by Fear or Hope Friendship or Hatred who is of no Country or Party who will call Things by their Names without caring whether he please or give Offence such an Author I say as Lucian requires with one Stroke of his Pen will shew the ridiculous Folly of your Pride and the Baseness of your Flatterers Polybius who may be called the Master and Model of good Historians had given the same Precepts as Cicero and Lucian A private Man says he Polybiuâ—… L. I. ought to love his Friends and his Country He may shew his Affection to those who do them good and his Aversion to their Enemies But when a Man has once put on the Person of an Historian he must forget all that Then you are often obliged to speak Good of your Enemies and to praise them when their Actions deserve it Farther you ought to blame your nearest Kindred and expose their Shame if they have committed unexcusable Faults Take Truth from History and it is like an Animal which has lost its Eyes What remains is useless Let none then scruple to reprehend his Friends and praise his Enemies Let him not fear on certain Occasion to condemn those Persons whose Merit he commonly extols Those who are at the Helm do not always succeed on the contrary they do not eternally commit Faults A good Author ought to judge of things without respect to Persons speaking of these as the Subject requires For my part I so little fear being Censured for the Fault Frenchmen are usually reproached with of being fond of their own Nation that I do not know whether I ought not to justifie my self here to my Countrymen for not speaking through the whole Series of this Work very Advantageously of France and its Government They would not do me Justice if they thought I was fallen out with my Native Land and this had introduced me to leave it I am a Frenchman and I think it an Honour to be so but I am not so partial to my Country as to think it far Superior to any other There is good Sense Merit and Virtue to be found in all places If some Nations have more Vivacity and Politeness than others these Advantages are not so considerable that they should set themselves
what passed at Madrid When he heard his Son was received with great Haughtiness and Indifference That the Duke of Lerma boasted he had a Copy of the Treaties made with France and that the Court required Prince Philibert to ask pardon in the Name of his Father Charles Emanuel fell into so furious a Rage that for a long time he could not contain himself within the Bounds of Decency I will sooner lose my Life 〈◊〉 Siri Memorie recondite Tom. II. p. 424 425. my Children my Dominions than consent to any thing so unworthy of my Rank Am I then a Vassal to the Crown of Spain that I must ask Philip's pardon for making a Treaty which does not suit â—…ith his Interests There is now no need for management thanks be to God I am not so weak but I can hazard a Battle against Spain Let them Treat my Son ill Let them break the Laws of Hospitality These Hardships shall not oblige me to do so mean an Action When the Pope's Nuncio undertook to represent to the Duke that the State of his Affairs would not allow him to refuse to make some sort of Submission to his Catholick Majesty he was more Transported than before he said a Thousand nasty things he protested he would never consent tho' the Pope himself should order him The Nuncio was not Diverted by this he briskly told the Duke that he must not expect any Aid from France whatever happened if his Country became the Stage of a War it must unavoidably be ruined So that Charles Emanuel convinced at last by the News he had from France that the Regent would assist him with all her good Offices at the Court of Spain he consented Prince Philibert should make Satisfaction according to the Form agreed on with the Duke of Lerma The thing was done the 19th of November 1610. At the Intreaty of the Pope and the King of France replied Philip with his usual Gravity In consideration you are come hither and the Request you have made me I will not put in Execution what I have designed I will give Marks of my good will to the Duke your Father as his good Behaviour shall induce me Prince Philibert made a profound Reverence and humbly thanked the King for his Majesty's Gracious Regard to the Duke of Savoy had always Velasco Constable of Castile and Governor of Milan receives orders to Disarm Philip answered to the Pope and the rest who prest him to withdraw his Troops out of the Milanese that he must wait till Velasco who was appointed to Succeed the Count of Fuentes was Arrived at Milan He was on the Road when the Prince of Savoy performed the Conditions proposed to him The Pope and Mary de Medicis redoubling their Instances to Philip to Disarm he was under a necessity of complying As soon as Velasco was in Possession of his Government he received Orders from Philip to Disband the Army The posture of Affairs of the House of Austria in Germany were so bad and the Kingdom of Spain was so much exhausted of Men and Money that Philip â—…ad no other way to revenge himself of an inferiour Prince who had attempted to take the Milanese from him Nay France and the Pope were forâ—…ed to assist him privately to save his Honour Without this Charles Emanuel would have been a Match for him and the King of Spain would not have dared to attack him Different Projects of the Duke of Savoy The Duke of Savoy was ready to burst with Spight to see himself made the sport of all Europe He resolved to defer laying down his Arms as long as he could and to make his Advantage of the Troops he had on Foot Sometimes he would declaim against the King of Spain and made a Mein as if he would Disavow all the steps of Prince Philibert At others he was violent against the Regent of France and threatned to make work for her in her own Kingdom in case she would not perform the Treaties made with the late King One day he thought of Surprizing Genoa and for that purpose enter'd into a Negotiation with the Mareschal Lesdiguieres because the thing was not fesible without the Concurrence of France Some time after he Resumed his old Project on the City of Geneva Filled with new Hopes he strove to engage the Pope and Constable of Castile to favour him in the design to destroy a Common-weath equally hateful to the Courts of Rome and Madrid Charles Emanuel was on the point of Surprizing Geneva at the end of 1602. Some of his Men were got upon the Walls and ready to open the Gates to the Duke who was come near it if the Enterprize had not been happily discovered In the year 1609 he hoped to succeed better on the side of the Harbour The Contrivance was to conceal divers Soldiers in Vessels loaded with Wood and to run these down the River The second Attempt was defeated sooner than the first Du Terrail Head of this Enterprize imprudently spoke of it to some Persons who gave the Magistrates of the City notice to be upon their Guards After this in the Spring time 1611. the Duke of Savoy thought to try if he might not succeed better with open Force The Duke of Savoy resolves to Attack Geneva and the Country of the Valleys His Troops were ordered to pass out of Piemont into Savoy This sudden Motion of a Restless Ambitious Prince gave great Suspicions at first he strove to conceal his Designs on the Country of Geneva but the Inhabitants of the Town and those of the Canton of Bern soon discovered them They first Addressed themselves to the Mareschal Lesdiguieres and desired him to procure Assistance from the Regent Lesdiguieres promised his good Offices Before he wrote to Court he laid before the Duke his Friend that Geneva and the Country of Vaux as being under the protection of France she would not fail to defend them Charles Emanuel did not seem to give much heed to these Discourses and therefore the Mareschal earnestly prest the Queen and her Councel to oppose the Designs of the Duke they saw very well the Consequences La Nove Son to that Brave and Religious Gentleman who gain'd so fair a Reputation in the Wars of France and the Low Countries had order to go to Geneva with two Thousand Foot and the Canton of Bern received New Assurances of the King's Protection The Council of France resolves to protect Geneva and the County of Vaux Bellegarde Gentleman of the Horse was sent into Burgundy and the Marquiss of Alincourt to Lyons to watch the Duke of Savoy's Motions Berrault appointed Ambassador extraordinary at Turin went to represent to Charles Emanuel that his Enterprize would have troublesom Consequences and declare directly that the Regents Council were gathering Troops to defend a Town and Country which the Predecessor of Lewis the XIII had taken into the Protection of their Crown The Duke who reckoned on the
Conduct is unblamable and we do not fear it should be examined He is a Peer and cannot be judged but by a Court of Peers If his Enemies endeavour to bring him before any other Tribunal his Kinsmen and Friends will never endure such an Indignity Be assured My Lord that I will do my Duty on this Occasion and will not leave my Father-in-Law to be trampled on The Steddiness of the Duke of Rohan discomposed the Mareschal of Bouillon The Assembly declares for the Duke of Sully The Assembly declared for Sully They pressed him to keep his Places and particularly that of Great Master of the Artillery But if he was inclined to accept of a Reward they intreated him rather to accept of a Dignity than a Sum of Money The one suited better with the Duke of Sully's Family and the other with the good of the Reformed Churches In the Conclusion the Assembly declared Sully's particular Interest and that of the whole Protestant Party were Inseparable on this Occasion and that they would assist him if any should Attempt to give him Trouble for his Administration by any unlawful Methods This Resolution was attacked in several Libels One came out with the Title of the Overseer of Charenton This was a Satyr on the Rough and Covetous Humour of the Duke The Author Admonishes the Reformed that this step of theirs in supporting thus highly a private Person was subject to the most Sinister Interpretations and they would do well to be moderate and reserved The Court resolves to break up the Meeting at Saumur with all speed The Court Resented it that the Reformed should use such high Language in their Assembly The Duke of Rohan made a Speech full of Vigour Courage and Piety He was heard with Pleasure and every Man discovered more Constancy than before That which Rohan then delivered as a Maxim of State is since become a Prophecy V. le Discours du Duc de Rohan a Saumur apres ses Memoires in 4. and we see the Accomplishing of it in our Times Rules of State says that Lord change with the Times No certain Maxims can be laid down That which is profitable to one King is prejudicial to another If whenever the King of France becomes a Prosecutor of our Religion he loses the Protection of it all over Christendom He enriches some Neighbour with that Title He does not encrease his Interest in the Church of Rome he entirely ruins his Kingdom The Regents Council being devoted to the Court of Rome was very far from following Counsels so safe and conducing to the Wellfare of France The Consequences of the Union and good Correspondence of the Hugonots scared the Court. This was enough to break the Double Marriage which the Queen Negotiated It was resolved therefore to divide the Party and break up the Assembly and to do this in such a manner that they should have no reason to complain of any but themselves After some time treating with the Commissioners of the King about the Paper Boissise and Bullion declared they had no Orders to give an Answer and it was requisite for the Assembly to depute some Persons to the Court to carry their Complaints and Requests This is done The Deputies are well received by the Ministers They are amused with fair words But how were they surprized when in stead of giving them the Paper with a favourable Answer V. la Relation de l'assemblee de Saumur apres les Memoires de Rohan in 40. as they were made to hope the Chancellor declared this should not be done before the Nomination of six Persons two of which the King would chuse for Deputies General of the Reformed Churches This was in plain French to tell them the Court would not give them any Answer to the Paper they presented till after the Dissolution of their Meeting This could not hold longer than till the Nomination was made the King having only allowed of it for this purpose It was in vain to insist and make very humble Remonstrances The King never treats with his Subjects replied the Ministers He grants what Favours he thinks fit Proceed to your Nomination The Paper is answered as favourably as you can wish Bullion protested this at Saumur with a Curse on his Eternal Damnation A Division in the Assembly at Saumur The Question is only about a Formality said some Mercenary Slaves of the Court The King will not deliver to us the favourable Answers which he intends to give us This is but decent to shew it is his favour which he voluntarily grants and not Articles extorted by a long Treaty It concerns us to obtain what we desire but in what manner this is indifferent Those who had most Knowlege and Integrity were not dazled with this They saw that if the Assembly were once broke up they must be content with what Terms the Regent would please and the Remonstrances of the two Deputy Generals would be too weak to oblige the Court to take notice of them But the Mareschal of Bouillon had gained a very considerable Party La Varenne Valet de Chambre of the King sent by the Court a Man of great Address and Management went from Door to Door to distribute or promise Gratifications to those who would purchase them When the Mareschal of Bouillon thought the Party well enough united he drew up himself the form of a Letter which the Regent should write to the Meeting and sent it privately to Court The tenour of this was to require the Assembly to proceed incessantly to the Nomination of six Persons to receive the Answers given to their Paper and then to break up Those who refused to obey this Order were declared Rebels and the lesser Number which were won over by the Mareschal of Bouillon was Authorised to Name six Persons to the King The Regent sent the Letter as Bouillon had contrived This was Communicated in the first place to divers Persons to sound their Inclinations Most were of Opinion they should withdraw and not hear it read But Du Plessis Mornay and the Wisest part thought the Party made by the Mareschal and the Court should pay a blind Obedience and the rest refuse to do it that such a Separation would cause a fatal Division in the Reformed Churches For this reason they strove to perswade the most Warm and Zealous to use Prudence and Management on this Occasion The Wisdom of Du Plessis Mornay upon this Occasion We know well enough the Author of this Pernicious Advice said the Wise Du Plessis Without him our Enemies would not have dared to have attempted a thing of this Consequence Let us not flatter our selves He who has began to snare is not of a Humour to leave it unfinished He will have the Honour to have Accomplished that which the Persecutions Civil Wars and the Bloody St. Bartholomew could not do Our Vnion will be broke our Churches divided by an unhappy Schism Let God judge between
declared at the same time that neither his Conscience nor the Love he bore his Country could ever permit him to comply with the Orders left by his Nephew yet notwithstanding his seeming Modesty the Duke wanted only to be further courted in the Matter The Senate was to have almost an equal share with him in the Government and Governors of Towns did exercise a sort of Sovereignty in their Jurisdictions The King had contrived it should be so as a necessary precaution to ballance his Uncle's Authority and to lessen his Power Such a Scheme of Government was not for the Duke's turn He expected that the Senators would abate somewhat of their Rights and Privileges and that more Authority would be allowed him over the Governors of each City Matters were accordingly brought to that pass as he would have it The Duke then as if he had only yielded to the repeated Address of the Senate slides into the Saddle of State and marches to Stokholm Then he was wont to say That the best way of Government at that juncture was to put into execution what the King was indespensably bound to perform himself And are we bound said he to obey such Orders of his that are found to be contrary to his Coronaâ—…ion Oath As soon as the Duke enter'd â—…tokholm he Cashier'd the Governour of â—…he Castle for being a Roman Catholick he â—…lso forbid the Exercise of that Religion within that City he made great Presents to the Senators he granted Pensions to the Bishops and to the Professors of Colleges and won his Clergy's and Citizens Love by his Affable and Courteous ways His Wife Christina was brought to bed at that time and the Child was Christn'd by the Name of Gustavus Adolphus This Ceremony was concluded with a splendid Entertainment which he gave to the Senators and to the chief of the Nobility The Famous Astronomer Ticho Bradhe who then Calculated this young Prince's Nativity pronounced that he should one day wear a Crown This was sufficient to raise his Parents hopes to a high pitch It is usual for Persons that are enter'd upon Difficult and Glorious Designs to entertain such uncertain Prognostications 〈◊〉 undoubted Oracles The Duke of Sudermania thought that the calling together of the States would be a means to Establish his Authority The Confusion in which the King left Matters in Swedeland at his going away was a Specious pretence enough for this Convocation Charlâ—â— together with the Senate writ to the King about it But he made them no Answer This Silence of his was by some Interpreted as an Assent to this Meeting 〈◊〉 the States by others as an unjust Dissent But if so the Prime Officers of State iâ—… Swedeland do pretend that in such a Caâ—â— they are impowr'd by the ancient Lawâ—… and Constitutions of the Kingdom to convene a General Assembly of the States They met accordingly at Suderkopin As soon as the News of it came to the King he charged them not to proceed any further declaring that he would never ratifie such Resolutions that were taken contrary to his Will and Pleasure But no Regard was had to such Prohibitions of the King 's The States maintain'd that their Meeting at this Juncture of time was both Lawful and Necessary for the Welfare of the Kingdom They then came to a Resolution not to allow of any other Religion in Swedeland saving the Protestant Persuasion according to the Ausburg Confession of Faith That the Rites and Worship after the manner of Rome should be every where Abolisht That Priests of that Communion should hasten out of the Kingdom in a Fortnight's time The Duke of Sudermania was declared Regent during the King's Absence With this Limitation that all Affairs should be Administred by him in Concurrence with the Senate Many other Laws were ordain'd for the Preservation of the Liberty and Privileges of the Country and they who would not submit to such Regulations were declared to be evilly affected toward the Welfare of the Land and to be Disturbers of the publick Tranquillity Charles his Regency seemed now to be well Established A Misunderstanding betwixt the Duke of Sudermania and the Senat. so that Sigismond had no other way left him but to endeavour to create Jealousies and Divisions betwixt that Duke and the Senate This took and it was cunningly carried on Charles was the more readily disposed to fall out with the Senat for that he did suspect them with holding a Correspondency with those of the Province of Fineland who still held for the King The Senators on th' other hand complained that he did all things after his own fancy and dealt harshly with such as opposed his Designs in the least Charles alledged that they did wast the Publick Revenue and had fomented Misunderstanding betwixt the King and him with a design as it should seem to ruin both his Majesty and himself that they themselves might thereby become sole Masters He made a shew of laying down the Administration of Affairs that was committed to him but was extreamly surprised when he found not one of the Senate opposed that his seeming Resolution Therefore considering with himself that he had gone too far to retreat in hopes to slip his Neck out of the Collar he again laid hold of the Helm of publick Affairs He Summon'd a General Assembly of the Senates to be held at Arboga There the Senate with many of the Nobility formed a distinct Party in opposition to that of the Dukes many went home again and there were not very many that came to this Parliament held at Arboga The Decrees of the Convocation at Vpsal were here confirmed and whatever was enacted by the late General Diet at Suderkoping Addresses were made to Charles to request him not to Abandon the Government at this juncture with a promise that none should be allowed to have so great a sway as he in the Administration of publick Affairs Yet the Senate refused their Assent to these New Regulations and the Chancellor with some others left the Kingdom upon it Such a favourable Conjuncture as this King Sigismonds unsuccessful Attempt to reduce the D. of Sudermania by force prompted Sigismond to march with a good Army towards Swedeland if he had made more speed he might have disperst the Duke's Party which grew weaker every day but the King's slackness gave him time to gather strength and to seise on many fortified Places and to secure the Fleet. When Sigismond Landed the Elector of Brandenbourg and other Princes of Germany us'd their Endeavour to Reconcile the Nephew and Uncle but their Negotiations proved ineffectual Charles protested that he only sought the Preservation of the Peace of the Privileges and of the Religion of the Country But Sigismond would not trust him He resolved to be the ruine of an Uncle who openly aspired to no less than the Crown These two Princes was each of 'em at the Head of his own Army and there was great likelihood that the
Fate of one Battle would decide the Quarrel Sigismond was so overseen that his Camp was surprised at Linkoping Part of his Army was kill'd and some drown'd To save the remainder he sued to his Uncle for a Peace Charles agreed to it on condition that the five Swedish Senators that were with the King might be delivered up to him he charged them to be principal Authors of all these Distractions and that they should be brought to their Tryal for it at the next Sitting of the States The two Princes concluded a Treaty Charles renewed his Oath of Allegiance to the King And Sigismond ingaged that for his part he would govern the Realm henceforward according to the Constitution of the Country and his Coronation Oath He further promis'd to call a Parliament in four Months time and that all Matters in Controversy should be there decided in presence of such Commissioners as the Emperor the Confederate Kings and Electors should appoint on Application made to 'em for it There were other Stipulations made for the Mutual security of both Princes and for the Disbanding of their Forces on each side Care was taken to add this farther Article That in case King Sigismond performed not this Treaty his Subjects of Swedeland should be discharged of their Oath of Fidelity to him The States of Swedeland depose King Sigismond The King and Duke had frequent Meetings and all things seem'd dispos'd toward a lasting Peace Charles seemed sincerely inclined to observe the Treaty on his part But Sigismond vext to the Heart to see himself forced to submit to his Uncle's Terms retired secretly into Poland instead of going to Stokholm as he had promised He was no sooner arrived at Dantsick but that he publisht in all Courts of Europe that his Uncle was a Traytor and a Rebel and therefore pretended that he himself was in no ways bound to the Treaty concluded at Linkoping Was it possible for him to do any thing that could more contribute to the promoting of Charles his Designs who knew accordingly to turn all this to the best Advantage He therefore so managed the point that the States met at Linkoping where Sigismond was cited and summoned to make good his Promises at the last Treaty of Accommodation That he would embrace the Protestant Religion that he would come to make his Residence in Swedeland or that at least he would send his Son Prince Ladislaus to be brought up under his Uncle's Tuition in case that he himself did chuse rather to tarry in Poland It was at the same time Enacted by the States that in case the King refused to accept these Terms that he and his Issue should forfeit all their Right to the Crown of Swedeland which would be bestowed on a Person capable to govern this Realm after the Fundamental Laws of the Land Whilst Sigismond dallyed to return an Answer the Duke of Sudermania was desired to take the Government upon him and to maintain the Protestant Religion The States since held at Stokholm declared That they were no longer bound to the Oath of Allegiance they had taken to Sigismond because he had contravened his Grandfather's last Will and Testament had not performed the Office of a good King refused to observe the Treaty concluded with him at Linkoping and slighted all Remonstrances made to him Yet after all this they made an offer of the Crown to Prince Ladislaus in case that in a years time he came to reside in Swedeland and would be instructed in the Protestant Religion But that if Sigismond and his Son refused to agree to such reasonable Demands as these they Solemnly protested that neither himself nor his Issue should be ever capable of pretending to the Crown of Swedeland Charles Duke of Sudermnia chosen King of Swedeland Nothing in the World could be more favourable to Charles his Designs than such a Conjuncture of Affairs as this was King Sigismond took a fancy to maintain the Claim of the pretended Demetrius in Muscovia He had afterwards several wrangling Contests with the higher Nobility of Poland so that whilst he was thus taken up all he could do in some of the Remotest Provinces of Swedeland proved to be very weak and unsuccessful Then the Duke become Master of the Heart of the Country and of the best Garrisons summon'd the States to meet at Norkoping in March following in the stear 1607. To make the World believe that he had no hand in perverting the Loyalty of Sigismond's Subjects nor of Usurping of his place on the Throne he offer'd to lay down the Regency committed to him and even proposed to accomodate Matters with Sigismond or to place John the King's Brother on the Throne The States would have no further mention of either Sigismond or of his Son As for Prince John whether it was that he more loved his Ease than Ambition or whether he rightly guess'd at his Uncle's Real Sentiments in the bottom who made such Proposals but for a shew but truly coveted the Government for himself John I say did very generously refuse it in outward appearance declaring at the same time That he was content with his Dutchy of East Gothia and would always approve himself a faithful Subject if any Person that was better able to govern the Realm than himself in such Troublesom times as these Charles therefore after so many shews of declining the Crown which were never thought to be sincere accepted it at last It was ever setled on his Heirs Male and not to devolve to John but for want of such Issue Male of the Body of Charles The States being moreover sensible that Queen Catherine Jagellon was the chief Promotress of the Troubles and Difficulties that King John her Husband and her Son Sigismond had brought the Protestant Religion under decreed that their King might be only Marry'd to a Protestant The New King without any more adoe writ to Sigismond Mercure Francois 1607 1608. and to the Common-wealth of Poland to give them notice of his Accession to the Crown and to make them an offer of renewing former Alliances betwixt both Kingdoms The States of Swedeland writ to the same purpose to the Senate of Poland in particular Charles was presently after Crown'd at Vpsal together with Christina his Wife overjoyed to see her self now above Sigismond's disdain The King of Poland did not vouchsafe to make any Answer to his Uncle's Letter looking on him to be no better than an Usurper The Senate writ only to the States of Swedeland The Polanders took upon 'em to tax the Swedes after an insultting way with Disloyalty towards Sigismond they protested they would own no other as lawful King of Poland saving him They inveighed bitterly against the cunning Tricks made use of as they pretended by Charles to strip his Nephew of the Crown The States of Swedeland replied to this Letter by a Manifesto directed to the Senate of Poland wherein they did justifie their own Conduct all
and Strength of France These Princes who were Apprehensive of the too great Power of the House of Austria were enter'd into a League with the Deceased King The good Correspondency that he took care to maintain in this sort of a Confederacy which he Headed did keep Spain in awe and within due bounds This put Henry in a capacity of undertaking any thing whenever he should think it most expedient But so soon as these Allies of France perceived that the Queen Regent was entring into a strict Alliance with the House of Austria they presently grew Jealous and betook themselves to other Measures The Venetians did not so openly declare themselves The Duke of Savoy extream angry that no regard was now had of the Treaties that had been made between King Henry and him sought all manner of ways to raise Commotions in France he had thoughts of siding with Spain if he might be secured of any thing to content his Ambition France taking no care to preserve the old good Correspondency that was between the Protestant Princes of Germany and elsewhere they fell off one from another The House of Austria that has always a watchful Eye to its own Interest was wise enough to make the best of these Divisions James King of England might have in this case supplied the Place of Henry the 4th and compel'd the Queen Regent to keep to the Model of Government that was left with her by the late King her Husband The concern of the Protestant Religion as well as the Wellfare of England did require that James should have at that time thought on 't better But alas the good Prince never lov'd sincerely either one or th' other Such a State of Affairs as this did well for the Court of Rome The Popes have been ever Spaniards by Inclination The Kings of Spain are wont to bring the Popes over to their Interest by affecting a great Zeal to ruine Heresie The aim of these is to raise their Worldly State and of the former to serve those that will best contribute to restore their Spiritual Monarchy It appears that the Court of France at this time was pleased with this old policy of Spain whereby to gain the Popes favour But was it not a little too late to think of this way The Court of Rome never keeps a Neutrality with France but when reduced to it by some emergent Necessity The French have Principles that are opposite to the Pope's Pretensions and to the greediness of his Courtiers The Factions which had formerly put France into such a Confusion under the Regency of Catharine of Medicis were now seen to revive under this Government of Mary For the maintaining of her own Authority Mary took care to bring down the Princes of the Blood Royal as that other Queen her Cousin had done before She thought fit to make use of the House of Guise which enter'd into a new Knot with that of the Duke d'Epernon Instead of joyning with the real Friends and Well-wishers of the Crown she gave her self over to be led by the Popes and King of Spain's Counsels who could not grow great but at the cost of young Lewis The Princes of the blood understood this great Evil. They were in the Right but in renouncing their Forefathers Religion they had lost all their Credit They likewise wanted Strength to oppose the Queen Regent's Designs They of the Reformed Religion in France being well inclin'd sought to prevent the Mischief this double Alliance with Spain would bring on the Head of the Protetestants But alas how could they help themselves There were now no Princes of the Blood to Head them any more The Grandees of that Communion divided more than ever since the Assembly at Saumur were now ready to undoe one another I come now to particulars of the History of the year 1612. We shall in it begin to see these three different Parties following their Intrigues and the different condition they are in The Queen Regent and her Confidents shall make use of the Kings Authority to cover their wicked Designs The Princes of the Blood shall exclaim against the ill Management of the Government but either no ear shall be given to what they 'll say or their Mouths shall be stopt by false Promises or slight Gratifications The Hugenot Party fully convinced that â—…ll effectual ways are taken to ruine them totally shall make loud Complaints and shall bestir themselves without being able to mend their Matters in the least thereby Their mutual Divisions will hinder them from having sufficient Strength to cause their just Remonstrances to be heard Negotiations touching a double Marriage betwixt France and Spâ—…in Cosme Grand Duke of Toscany now enter'd into a Closer Alliance with the House of Austria by a Marriage with Magdalen Arch-Dutchess of Grats does set on foot the Negotiation that was begun by his Father Ferdinand concerning a double Marriage to be concluded betwixt the two Crowns of France and of Spain The better to succeed for to obtain the Deceased Kings consent he proposed a third Match between Don Carlos King Philip the 3d's second Son and the Princess Christina second Daughter of France The King of Spain did offer to give with the Infant the Sovereignty of the Low Countries after the Arch-Dutchess Isabella's Death But Henry gave no ear to this New Proposal no more than to the former being convinced that it was only a Snare for to get him to Abandon the Protection of the Vnited Provinces As soon as the News of his Death was brought to Madrid Siri Memorie râ—â—â—ndite pag. 3â—…0 3â—â— c. the Duke of Florence's Embassador at that Court did again sâ—…t on foot the Business of the double Marriage He knew well enough how agreeable it would be to his Master to gratifie Mary of Medicis who had an extream desire this Affair might Succeed The Duke of Lerma and the other Spanish Ministers of State readily agreed to the renewing of this Negotiation but they finding that France was not now so much to be feared as heretofore they made some other lower Proposals These Gentlemen would hear no more of that third Marriage of Don Carlos with the Princess Christina pretending that their King was unwilling to Alienate and cut off for ever the Sovereignty of the Low Countries from the Monarchy of Spain and they did even give out that Philip was not out of Hopes of reducing the Vnited Provinces as soon as the Truce was expired or broke And on pretence that the Daughters of France do not carry along with them into another Family any Right of Succession to the Crown the Council of Spain scrupled moreover to give the Eldest Infanta of Spain to the New King of France so that they would offer only the Second Daughter Mary of Medicis would have been contented with this it self so that Philip would also accept of the Second Daughter of France By this means a way was left to satisfie the Duke
of Savoy who with great earnestness challenged that the promise made to him by the late King of giving the Eldest Daughter of France in Marriage to the Prince of Piedmont might be now made good But Spain would also hinder any such strict Alliance and good Correspondency betwixt this Duke Charles Emanuel and the Crown of France So many different Views that Spain had render'd the New Negotiation very difficult The Council of Spain out of a desire to defend the Dukes designs Siri Memorie recondite Tom II paâ—… 359 447 448. choose rather to give the Eldest Daughter to the King of France than that the Prince of Piedmont should go away with the Eldest Daughter of France So that they came to this Agreement about the latter end of 1610. that Lewis and Prince Philip should each of them Marry the Eldest Daughter of the two Houses of France and Spain on condition that the Infant Ann that was design'd for the King of France should renounce all the Pretensions that she or her Children might ever have on any of the Estates belonging to the Monarchy of Spain This was the only Expedient that was found to prevent that the King of France's condition in the case might not be better than those of Philip. Both Kings Authorised the Duke of Tuscany to demand in Marriage the two Princesses in their Names Mary of Medicis had now obtain'd what she had a great while longed for But she knew not how to bring about that this double Marriage might be liked of in France Villeroy did Negotiate this Treaty Being always suspected to be a Pensionary of Spain he used all the Intrigues possible to compass this Business The Duke of Sulli before he was put out of Favour did vigorously oppose the Matter I 'll hinder you well enough said he one day in the presence of the Queen Regent from perswading her Majesty to suffer her self to be led by all the Figaries of the Popes and of the King of Spain The Friendship of the Protestant Potentates is more useful to this State than that of Paul and of Philip The Queen heard all this without saying a word But such bold Expressions and so becoming a true Frenchman did not a little contribute to hasten the Dukes Disgrace It was hoped that this Project of the double Marriage would be carried on very easily when Sully was removed from the Ministry The Mareschal of Bouillon as less stiff was looked upon as a fit Person to get this Undertaking to be liked off by the Protestants both abroad and at home The double Marriage is concluded between the two Kings At the end of the Month of April 1611. all points were agreed upon The Treaty of the double Match was Signed and both Kings promised one to the other Reciprocally in Writing to accomplish it The Pope and Great Duke of Florence were to be the Mediators of it Siri Memorie recondite Tom. II. pag. 524 525 526 c. The Treaty of the particular Match between the King of France and the Infanta was to be drawn up and published at Paris that of the Prince of Spain at Madrid Another Treaty was likewise made of a League Defensive between the two Crowns Lewis and Philip engaged themselves to give mutually each other certain Succors in case either of them should be Attacked from Abroad or any Insurrection was to be supprest within either of their States The Spaniards had demanded an Offensive League to be made but the Queen Regent would not consent to it This was sufficient to convince her that Philip sought after nothing more than to make France lose the Amity and Confidence she had in the Protestant Princes and States Mary content to Stipulate that the two Treaties should remain secret for some time had not the prudence to break off a Negotiation wherein the Enemies of young Lewis his Prosperity might serve themselves with an Opportunity of laying Snares for him on all sides The Approaching Assembly of the Reformed Protestants at Saumur was the cause why the Queen demanded this Delay It was feared that this News would too much alarm them and they should take Measures to oppose a design so Contrary to the Repose and Common Security of all Protestants Intrigues at the French Court as soon as the Treaty about the double Marriage came to be known The Queen and her Confidents employ'd all their Wit and Industry to gain to their side the Princes of the Blood and the Grandees to the end the Affair of the double Match might pass without any Contradiction The Union of the Prince of Conde and Count Soissons was one of the greatest Obstacles to get over Intrigues were laid to Disunite them and when t' was perceived they were too stedfast one to t'other it was endeavour'd to gain them separately by promises of granting them some new Gratifications Memoites de lâ—… Regence de Marie de triâ—…dicis Both these retired from Court discontented that a Treaty had been made with Spain without their Knowledge though express Couriers were dispatcht to give Cardinal de Joyeuse and the Duke of Epernon notice of it The Count of Soissons had a design in his Head to remove from Court the present Ministers of State and chiefly the Chancellor Sileri whom he hated more than the rest Soissons accused this prime Magistrate of shameful and insatiable Covetousness in selling Justice publickly to the dishonour of the Government and damage of particular Persons who had any business to Sollicite with him Though the Count de Soissons was extreamly angry with Conchini since the rupture of a Marriage between the Son of the one and the Daughter of the other yet he kept still some measures with the Marquess of Ancre They agree'd very well together for displacing Ministers of State The new favourite believed he should find some Obstacles to the encrease of his Power as long as they held any Office After some Negotiations both the Princes returned to the Court. The Constable de Montmorency was lured in by a Marriage of his Son Siri Memorie recondite Tom. II. pag 599 600 601 609 612. with a Princess of the House of Mantua the Queens Niece The Mareschal Bouillon said sometimes well in Counsel that too strict a League with Spain would be prejudicial to the State But at the bottom he had made his Market Lesdiguieres longed excessively to be Duke and Peer in all Forms The hopes which were given him of making the Letters which he obtain'd to be approv'd in Parlement made him pliable and complaisant to every thing the Court would have The Duke de Guise to whom Mary had recourse in all her perplexities which the Princes of the Blood had given her assured her of the Service of his whole Family and all their Friends I have only one Favour to ask of you Madam said he to the Queen which is that after this Important Service your Majesty will not abandon us
or against the Court of Rome as the Court of France would have it the Abbot Chanvalon I say propos'd in an Assembly of the Faculty of Paris that another Syndic might be chosen in the room of Richer The Dr. modestly opposeth this last Effort of his Enemies The Faculty was divided Duval was at the Head of 43 cowardly Doctors or Ignoramus's who upheld the Abbot's Proposal 25 Doctors of clearer Judgment and no less fearful declared for Richer The Division in the Sorbonne was so great as the Queen and Parlement made a Prohibition that the Faculty might not proceed to the Election of a New Syndic But Perron the Nuncio and other Creatures of the Pope's stickled so mightily as notwithstanding all the just Oppositions of Richer and his Friends the King sent an express Command to the Faculty to choose a new Syndic They must obey Richer protested openly that he would die in the Communion of the Roman Church that he was a good Servant to the King and Queen that he would ever defend without Stubbornness and Ambition the ancient Doctrine of the Schools at Paris that he believ'd he ought to oppose the Pernicious and Detestable Doctrine which was Artificially insinuated viz. That it is lawful to Depose Kings and kill Tyrants Lastly that he submitted his Book to the Censure of the Church and the Faculty of Paris and his strongest Passion was to see it examin'd by equitable and disinteress't Judges What remains to us of Richer proves that he suffer'd with much Moderation and Patience the Injustice done to him Filesac was chosen to Succeed him in the Syndicate Amongst all these Troubles the Queen Regent diverted her self more than Religion or Decency in the second year of her Mourning would allow of she Mourn'd not the Tragical Death of the Deceased King but for meer fashion sake Nothing said Mary de Medicis to the President Jeannin whose Son had been Murder'd Nothing hath so much appeas'd my Sorrows after the Death of the King as the Affairs of the Regency Her Majesty might have said with more Reality if she had said as to see my self Mistress The Dukes de Vendosme and de Cheureuse were with Bassompierre Memoires de Bassompierre to dance a Ball every Sunday sometimes at the Prince of Conti's House sometimes at the Dutchess of Guise's because the Regent dar'd not to hold publick Assemblies in the Louvre The double Marriage being solemnly declar'd the 25th of March by the Chancellor in presence of their Majesties the Prince of Conti the Peers and Officers of the Crown the Spanish Ambassador gave his consent to it from the King his Master From that time he render'd to Madam the Eldest Daughter of France all the same Honours which the Spaniards give their Queens But the French Courtiers whose Demeanours are much different from those of the Spaniards could not forbear Laughter observing the Ceremonies and affected Gravity of the Ambassador Mary de Medicis had order'd a Magnificent Tournament in the Royal Square for joy of the double Marriage The three Champions were the Duke de Guise the Duke de Nevers and Bassompierre The Constable and four Marshals of France were to be Judges This Festival which doth not deserve a place in any serious History cost an infinite Deal of Money Mary spent in shews and indiscreet Liberality the Millions which the Deceased King had spared with too much providence New Broils at the Court of France The Prince of Conde and Count Soissons were not present at the Declaration of Marriage They were retired from Court with a Resolution not to return till after the King's Majority and not to Sign the Contract of Marriage The Queen said they is able to finish all alone what she hath resolv'd upon Siri Memoire recondite Tom. II. p. 640 641 642 c. and Negotiated without our Knowledge God forbid we should do this injury to the late King's Memory as to consenâ—… that the word which he hath given the Duke of Savoy should not be kept whose House hath been so many times ally'd to this of France Such good Sentiments would deserve praises if Princes did not ordinarily use such Pretensions when they are acted only by meer Interest Conde and Soissons did not see that the Regent was forward to grant them the Gratifications which they were made to hope for The Queen being strengthned with the House of Guise and the Duke of Epernon assured of the Constable and the Mareschals of Bouillon and Lesdiguieres who had been brought over Discontented with what the two Princes had said in Council when the double Marriage was propos'd the Queen seem'd not to be any more concern'd for the Princes of the Blood The Constable only endeavour'd to serve them by putting Mary de Medicis in fear He oft-times represented to her that the Civil Wars and Miseries of the precedent Reigns had no other cause than the evil Counsel given to Catharine de Medicis for to despise and lay aside the Princes of the Blood They Madam said he who insinuate into you the same Methods think more of Establishing their Fortunes and Reputation than the good of the State If your Majesty gives ear to them I foresee that Trouble and Confusion will speedily follow The Advice of the Constable allyed to the Princes of the Blood and Enemy to the House of Guise was look'â—… upon as Partial the Regent gavâ—â—â—o Attention to it but at the last push The Guises and the Duke of Epernon Triumph'd while the Prince of Conde and Soissons were absent The House of Guise had taken care to order the Tournament Under pretext of contributing to the Queen's Diversion they became more powerful than ever Some Satyrical Wits said that she lookt upon the Chevalier de Guise with too favourable an Eye He ordinarily waited on her at Table when the Princess de Conti or the Dutchess de Guise regaled her Majesty Mary seem'd very much content to look near the fine Hand of the Chevalier which he himself affected to shew The Marquess d'Ancre who all of this House and the Duke of Epernon hated could not endure the great favour shew'd the Guises and their Ally The Ministers of State were much alarm'd at it They thought to pluck down the pride of these two Ambitious Houses Conchini was so much the more disquieted for that the Queen was angry with him Mary raised him up to this Greatness but in consideration of his Wife and the Marquess did not live kindly with her His anger at home proceeded sometimes so far as he talk't of leaving the Court They quarrelled lately at Table with so much heat as they threw Plates at one another's Head The Regent upheld the Marchioness The Guises and the Ministers of State who lov'd not Conchini took Goligai's part and bemoaned her to Exasperate farther the Queen against her Husband All this set Conchini forward to side with the Princes of the Blood who had a mind to humble the
Government of Dauphiny She was willing to keep that of Normandy to her self and have it manag'd by a Lieutenant General But the Prince of Conti was to be satisfied who ask'd for one of his Brother's two Governments This seem'd very reasonable Conti having heretofore given up the Government of the Dauphinate to the Count. To give him and the Guises some satisfaction a Sister of whom the Prince had married it was caus'd to be propos'd to Charles of Valois Natural Son of King Charles IX whom we before call'd Count d' Auvergne and henceforth shall be stil'd Duke of Angoulesme to lay down the Government of Auvergne Henry IV. had put him into Prison for a Conspiracy and the Regent kept him there still The Marquiss de Coeuvres was ordered to speak to him for accommodating the Matter The Duke d' Angoulesme who long'd for his Liberty accepted the Proposition to obtain his Liberty and so the Prince of Conti was made Governour of Auvergne The Count de Soissons had vast Designs rolling in his Head when he died 'T was said that he had bound himself in a great Correspondence with Henry Prince of Wales Maurice Prince of Orange the Duke of Savoy and the Huguenot Party The Duke of Rohan perceiving him discontented with the Regent and her Ancestors sent to offer him his Services He did not ask for the Government of Quillebeuf but only to be in a Condition of giving Entrance to the Succours which he had projected should come from England and Holland His greatest Passion and Desire was to remove the Ministers and quell the Party of the Guises and of the Duke of Epernon He would have had the Joy of seeing his Wishes almost fulfill'd if Death had not taken him hence the first Day of November The Marquiss and Marchioness d'Ancre had so much prepossess'd the Queen against the Ministers of State and especially against Sileri that she began to keep them in the dark as to her Cabinet Affairs Galigai had the Insolence to say a thousand offensive things to the Chancellor in presence of the Queen and to upbraid him with the ill Administration of his Office Mary de Medicis suffer'd her She-Confident to speak all and poor Sileri dar'd not to answer a Word for himself He was afraid lest the Queen should second the Reproaches perhaps too true which were said against him The Marchioness d'Ancre being sure of her Mistress's Sentiments spoke confidently as she was able to put out of Countenance the boldest Man alive 'T is a Maxim amongst interested Courtiers not to be put off and repuls'd easily and not to quit the Game but at the last Extremity The Chancellor went into the Queen's Closet with other Ministers but there he was afresh mortified Her Majesty turn'd her Back to him affecting to speak with a deal-of trust to the President Jeannin A new Party was now set up at Court which having got the upper most dissipated all the rest The Prince of Condé headed it The Dukes of Nevers Maienne Longueville the Marshal Bouillon and the Marquess d' Ancre came into it The Guises Epernon Amville and their Friends found their Affairs retarded by these Means The Duke of Amville was Brother to the Constable Montmorenci in whose Absence being gone to his Government in Languedoc he joyn'd himself to the Guises whom he thought had got further into the Queen's Favour than others The Master of the Horse Bellegarde of the same Party was then at Bourgundy as Governour of it He receiv'd Orders to come presently to Court Bellegarde obey'd the more willingly for that the Duke of Guise had hasten'd him to come to their Relief As soon as he had reach'd Sens they gave him notice that the Queen had sent for him only to put him out of his Government Understanding this he went back to it with all speed The Marquess d' Ancre had laid an Intrigue for causing Bourgundy to be given to the Duke of Mayenne There were more open Contentions at the Sorbonne than at the Court The Jesuit Becanus his Book condemned The Jesuits let loose against the lawful Authority of Sovereigns publish'd new Books every Day upon this Subject to court and please the proud Borghese Becan a famous Author of the Society had printed one this Year Mercure Francois 1611. with this Title The Controversie of England touching the King and Pope's Authority When Doctor Filezac new Syndic of the Faculty at Paris had perus'd it he spoke of it to Cardinal Bonzi to know whether the Queen would think fit the Sorbonne should censure so pernicious a Book The Nuncio and the Jesuits strove alike to shake off the Blow Vbaldini saw that the Faculty would not fail to have a fling in its Censure at the pretended Authority of the Holy Chair The good Fathers feared lest a new Decree of the Faculty of Paris publish'd throughout all France might further confirm the common Opinion That the Society makes Profession to teach constantly a Doctrine which is contrary to the Authority of Kings and Security of their Persons But the Propositions of Becan were so loudly complain'd of as it was expedient to appease Mens Minds by some Condemnation of them Here 's the Expedient which the Pope's Counsel and the Jesuits resolv'd upon They told the Queen that it would be of greater efficacy to have these sorts 〈◊〉 Books condemned at Rome and that 〈◊〉 Censure coming forth from the Holy Chair would carry more Authority with it than one from the Faculty of Paris Mary de Medicis was easily drawn into the Snare they had laid for her She bid the Cardinal Bonzi tell the Syndic of the Faculty That her Majesty would not have the Sorbonne to determine any thing upon Becan's Book because the Queen had a design to have it condemn'd by the Pope the Court of Rome and the good Fathers to make for them this Evasion If the Sorbonne had left off making a noise the Examination of the Book had been stopt Whatever came on 't the Inquisition condemning a Book in general Terms without specifying any thing People could not exactly know upon what Point the Condemnation fell and thus the exorbitant Proposition concerning the Pope's Authority would have been not touch'd or meddled with It was supposed that the Inquisition never intended to condemn them One Paris having presented in the Sorbonne the first of December some Propositions extracted out of Becan's Book wherein the Assassination of Kings and Princes was permitted and many other things contain'd which were contrary to Divine and Humane Laws the Syndic made a Report of what Cardinal Bonzi had told him concerning the Queen's Intentions Dr. Paris's Mouth being stop'd with this Answer desir'd that what he had propos'd might be register'd and that a Copy of what the Faculty had concluded upon might be given him It was granted him The first Day of the Year following the Faculty of Paris deputed four Doctors to represent to the Chancellor that
Words certainly deserve to be committed to Memory and if there was not more of Vanity perhaps than of Reality in the Duke of Epernon's Sentiments it must be confess'd to his Glory that he had a more Noble Heart than any Prince or Grandee of the Court of France The Regent reconciled with the Dukes of Guise and Epernon In the mean time Bassompierre went to wait again on the Queen after she had dined as her Majesty had order'd him I am so sick at Stomach said Mary de Medicis when she was alone with him as all that I have eaten seems to be Poyson If I am not suddenly rid of this Trouble I fear that I shall be out of my Wits She spoke probably more Truth than she thought for They who best understoood this Business testified this of her that she had a great Spirit but not the large Capacity nor the Constancy and Experience which another Queen of the same House shew'd in some Precedent Reigns and those excellent Qualities were needful to Mary de Medicis for to govern a State full of Factions Bassompiere continued she you must bring me back the Duke of Guise whatever it costs Offer him a Hundred Thousand Crowns which I 'll pay him in ready Money with the Lieutenancy-General of Provence for the Chevalier his Brother and the Reversion of the Abbey of St. Germain for the Princess his Sister In a Word I give you full Power to offer what you please provided you make him quit this Cabal and I can be ascertain'd of his good Intentions ' Madam answer'd Bassompierre smiling you have put such a Stock into my Hands as 't will be very hard if I do not make a good Bargain Now see here what the Reversion is of the Abbey of St. Germain de Prez at Paâ—…is The Prince of Conti enjoy'd this rich Benefice though he was married The same was promis'd to the Princess his Wife in case he died before her Strange Abuse of Ecclesiastical Revenues But a Dispensation from the Pope solves all Let it not be said that these Disorders are now reform'd Have we not seen a younger Brother of the House of Lorrain in France The Count of Marsan confirm'd by a solemn Edict in the Enjoyment of a considerable Pension from a Bishoprick because the Pope had granted him a Dispensation to keep it notwithstanding his Marriage And certainly every thing fully consider'd if the Revenues of the Church been't employ'd for the Relief of the Poor or any other good Work they are as well in the Hands of a Prince or Princess as in any idle Monk's hands Cardinal's or Abbot's of Quality who spend them in rich Equipage great Feasts keeping of Horses and Dogs and maintaining Misses But I return to Bassompierre's Negotiation Before he had taken leave of Mary de Medicis for to go and execute his Orders he spoke to the Queen to call back to Court the Duke of Epernon I would withal my Heart she reply'd but he is a Man whom I have offended and he never pardons ' Yes his Enemies answer'd Bassompierre smiling but not his Masters The good Princess did not well know the Duke's Temper He was not so good a Christian as to pardon his Enemies yet he was too ambitious not to pardon the Regent provided she would set him up higher in Authority and Reputation Tell the Queen answer'd he to Bassompierre that I only supplicate to her to be somewhat more constant for the future to distinguish better and continue her good Servant At length Bassompierre propos'd to the Regent she would be pleas'd to give leave that her Ministers of State might come back to Court again He offered to speak for Villeroy and Jeannin but as for what concern'd the Chancellor the Regent was to declare her self to the Chevalier Sileri Brother to this Magistrate It 's needless to relate all the Particulars of Bassompierre's Negotiation He had so good Markets to make as there was not much trouble to bring 'em to an end The Duke of Guise said Bassompierre at first ranted according to his Custom but afterwards he consented to all His Lady Dutchess who was made use of in this Affair did not make many Words to make him accept of a good Sum of Money The Duke of Epernon ask'd nothing better than to have a Share in the Government This haughty ambitious Man saw with Pleasure that they thought him the most proper Person to break up a puissant Faction contriv'd by the first Prince of the Blood and Grandees of the Realm The Two Dukes saw the Queen the next Morning in private to both of their Satisfactions The old Ministers of State recall'd As for these Ministers of State they were not less tractable These Gentlemen were too much discontented to lose their Credit The Chancellor and Villeroy were at odds but quickly reconcil'd Jeannin had a Commission to give the Queen a Visit in the Name of these Three in Luxembourgh House whither she repair'd every Day to see the fine Palace she had begun to build and the pleasant Gardens she was planting The secret Discourse which the Queen had with the President Jeannin caus'd many Thoughts in the Marechal de Ancre who was come to Luxemburgh House His Surprisal was yet greater when the Officer of the Queen's Guards would not let him come near to her because she had given express Order to hinder whomsoever he was that came from interrupting her whilst she was talking to the President Jeannin Conchini from that time began to fear some new Revolution at Court he did not doubt of it farther when he saw the next Evening the Queen give the Duke of Epernon a Thousand Marks of distinction She caus'd a Chair to be brought for him and plac'd next to her under pretence that he was newly recover'd from a great Sickness They discours'd a long time together She invited him to see a Play and order'd a Chair to be brought for him and Zamet the Duke 's great Friend who bore him Company without giving the least Attention to the Duke of Mayenne who was there present Conchini swore bloodily and considering how the Scene was alter'd said I laugh at the Affairs of this World The Queen takes care of a Seat for Zamer and never takes notice of the Duke de Mayenne After such a Stir as this depend if ye will upon the Friendship of Princes Mary of Medicis was then the most satisfied Princess in the World The very Day that she was reconcil'd to the Duke of Guise and Epernon was in her Opinion the most difficult and weightiest Day of her Life This is a Play said she with a many Intrigues in it at the end we have nothing but Peace and Rejoycing Whilst she was in so good a Humour she plentifully bestow'd her Liberalities The Duke of Guise was secured of an Hundred thousand Crowns and that the Count of Rochefoucault should be call'd back to Court The Chevalier de Guise got the
who fain'd to talk of the Count of Spain that his most Christian Majesty had so good Intentions for the House of Mantua as he would never fail to take it into his Protection and Oppose with the force of his Arms those who should undertake to offer violence to his near Relations Charles Emanuel well understood this Discourse concern'd him more than it regarded the Spaniards He then laying aside his ordinary Dissimulation answer'd frankly that he hop't from the Equity of the King and his Mother Queen their Majesties wou'd not take it â—…l if he maintain'd in case he was forc't â—…'t the Right of his Children to the Estates of the House of Mantua My Daughter is big with Child proceeded he â—…nd don't we know but that she may be â—…rought to bed of a Son Be it what it will â—…he Princess Mary is the undoubted Heiress â—…f Montferrat If the House of Gonzaga â—…ill do any Injustice to the Mother or Daughter am not I in a necessity to take their Inâ—…rests I can't be perswaded that his most â—…hristian Majesty whom I have always â—…erv'd the best t' was possible for me would â—…rotect upon this occasion Persons who would â—â—ke away Mine and my Childrens Rights Whatever comes on 't if Men fail to do Juâ—â—ice we shall have Recourse to the Soveâ—â—ign Judge of the World and we trust he â—…ill be favourable to us Such is the Lanâ—…uage of Princes when they are going â—â—on unjustifiable Actions Geffier Resiâ—…ent from France at the Court of Savoy â—â—d Orders to speak more positively to â—â—e Duke and declare to him that the â—â—areschal Lesdiguieres should have an â—…rmy ready to march forward into Italy as soon as there should be any Attempt against the House of Mantua which the Crown of France took under its Protection The French being gone to Mantua to make his Complements of Condolence in behalf of the King of France and the Queen his Mother to the Cardinal upon the Death of the late Duke gave the same Assurance by the Queen's Order This did not a little serve to secure Ferdinand whom these Affairs had put into great perplexity The Popes Conduct in the Affairs of Mantua He was to expect some Succours from the Pope whose chief Interest is to maintain peace in Italy but the fearful and interessed old Man acted but weakly in this matter However urgent Breves the French Ambassador at the Court of Rome was with Paul V. for to stir him up to prevent the Troubles which this Controversie might raise in Italy Siri Memorie recondite To. III. pag. 16 17 c. no other answer could be got from him than that the Queen of France ought to press thâ—… Catholick King to send a precise Order to the Governor of Milan not to bacâ—… the Pretensions of the Duke of Savoy The Pope secretly gain'd over by the Spaniards to whom he was wholly devoted and who at first flatter'd themselves oâ—… making an Advantage of the Ambition 〈◊〉 Charles Emanuel had Counsell'd the Cardinal of Mantua to send the Mother and Daughter to Milan And when it was propos'd to him to take them both to Boulogne under the Care and Protection of the Holy Chair he excus'd himself of this for that Charles Emanuel had no confidence in him At length Breves having told Paul that it was however expected from his love for the common good of Italy that he should oppose his Spiritual and Temporal Arms against the Duke of Savoy in case he attempted to attack with open Force the Cardinal of Mantua the Pope answer'd in General Terms that he would follow the Dictates of his own Conscience and do as God should inspire him an usual Evasion of these Gentlemen who hearken to their Interests and Passions more than to the Voice of the Holy Spirit Pope Paul spoke with more Sincerity when in Reference to this same Affair of Mantua he said that he would not meddle with the concern of Princes who had no regard for his Authority and such indeed are the Sentiments of the great Personages who are of the Popes Communion They all of 'em know that this is but Usurpation Deceit and Pageantry yet in the Interim I cannot understand by what politick Interest all these Princes who are under the Popes Obedience keep still in with him These imagine whether it be good or bad that his Authority is necessary to them upon certain occasions and the Court of Rome crafty to make an Advantage of their so beneficial prejudicate Opinions think that they are quit with 'em if from time to time they wipe off and connive at some disdainful Aspersions whilst they can preserve their Revenues and a Spiritual Power over the Ignorant and Superstitious People without which the Pontifical Chair could have no long continuance or Duration The States of Venice stand by the Cardinal of Mantua The Venetians upon this Occurrency were less Fearful and more Wise than the Pope for these able States-men foresaw too well the Consequences of the Affair of Mantua and easily discover'd where the Artifices of the Duke of Savoy drove at The Senate therefore took particular care to encourage Cardinal Ferdinand and gave him the best Advice for not to suffer himself to be surpris'd unawares Nani Hist Veneta Lib. I. 1613. The Republick did moreover Negotiate very effectually both at Vienna and at the Court of France to persuade those Princes to oppose the secret Designs of the Spaniards and the undertakings of Charles Emanuel Matthias the Emperor did as much instruct his Kinsman the King of Spain as any other Prince in Europe and the Cardinal de Clessel kept him in this Jealousie Being both perswaded that the Spaniards design'd rather to Ruine than to Support the Authority of the Emperor in Italy Upon this account Matthias did not make any difficulty to chuse the Cardinal of Mantua for the Guardian of the Children of the late Duke and to dispense with his Age he not being old enough according to the Common Laws to be their Guardian Ferdinand Cardinal of Gonzague takes upon him the Title of Duke of Mantua At length after Three months pretence the Dutchess Margarita declared she was not with Child and Ferdinand de Gonzague took the Quality of Duke of Mantua The Prince of Piedmont came to fetch his Sister and Conduct her to Turin Isabella of Savoy another Daughter of Charles Emanuel Married to Caesar d'Este Duke of Medena came also to Mantua that so she night have a meeting with the Prince of Piedmont her Brother and the Dutchess Margarita her Sister This was a new â—…ontrivance of Charles Emanuel The Marriage of the Cardinal Nani Historia Veneta Lib. I 1613. Siri Memorierecondite Tom. III. p. 52 53 54. c. Duke of Manâ—…ua was thought a proper expedient to â—…ompose all Differences 'T was proposed â—…nd Ferdinand did not seem very averse to 〈◊〉 Margarita thought by shedding a few Tears 't would be easie
to assist the Cardinal Duke he threatned them with nothing less than bringing the Turk against them and covering the Adriatick Sea with Corsairs and Pirates Sometimes nevertheless he talkt of Peace but his Proposals were so extravagant that they could not be accepted or else so ambiguous that no body could tell what he meant His Intrigues at the Court of France are discovered The Intrigues which this turbulent Spirit had formed in the Court of France with some great Men there gave him more Confidence than any thing else He sent Couriers continually to the Mareschal de Lesdiguieres his Friend who Commanded in Dauphine by reason of the Non-age of the Count Soissons Siri Memoirie recondite Tom. III. page 81. He made Lesdiguieres believe that he did nothing without his Privity and Advice that so he might get him into his Interests and hinder him from obeying too punctually the Orders the Queen Regent had sent him to assist her Nephews of Mantua and amuse the Mareschal with divers Proposals of accommodation Charles Emanuel held also a great Correspondence with the Duke of Bellegarde one of the Malecontents of the Regency The Government of Burgundy in which he was settled might render him very useful to the Designs of the Savoiard In short he had Agents and secret Spies in the Court of France who gave him notice of every thing and who were neerly Allied to the Prince of Conde the Male-contented Noblemen and even the Marquiss and Marchioness of Ancre the most intimate Confidents of the Queen Being exactly informed of all that past at Court and in the several Provinces The Duke of Savoy flattered himself that Mary de Medicis being embarrast with Factions which he managed with extraordinary application would not be in a condition to let her thoughts run abroad and that she would shortly be engaged in a Civil War Memoires de Bassompierre And really what care soever the Queen Regent took to secure her self of the Duke of Guise he still wavered and the Prince of Conde was forward enough to take notice of it The Duke of Vendome Gevernour of Britagne had given his word to the Dutchess of Mercoeur his Mother-in-Law that he would be faithful to the Queen And nevertheless he grew into a great intimacy with Conde before he set out for Bretagne whither he went to call together the States of that important Province The Marshal of Bovillon disgusted that he could not rise so high as he aspired was the Man who underhand endeavoured to take off the Duke of Guise from the Queens Interests and to strengthen the Prince of Conde's Party that so Mary de Medicis might see her need of him and buy him at a dearer rate The Marquiss d' Ancre being earnestly bent upon the ruin of those Ministers which the Cabâ—…l had a mind to undermine went so far in that business that the Queen Regent was obliged to threaten him with Banishment if he did not break up the Cabal and presently return to Court from which he affected to be at a distance under a pretence of some Discontent I am a Man of Honour answered he to Bassompierre when this Nobleman spake to him in the behalf of his Benefactress The Queen thinks she may break her Word to People for my own part I 'l be Faithful to Mr. the Prince and those others with which her Majesty has united me The cunning Italian loved Conde no more than those Ministers but being resolved to remove all those Princes and Noblemen that stood in his way after he had driven from the Court all those which he thought had too great a share in the management of Affairs The Ministers did not let slip so good an occasion of irritating the Queen against the Marquiss they studiously aggravated the Ingratitude of a Man whom the Queen had raised Galigai his Wife was the first that exclaimed against him But at the bottom there was a very good understanding between him and his Wife they were both in the same Intrigues Their Enemys thought they had found out enough to be the Ruin of both without remedy Gueffier the Resident of France in Savoy had discovered that the Duke had notice of all the secret Passages at Court Mercure Francoise 1613. and that the Letters were directed to a certain Baron de la Roche of Dauphiny whom Charles Emanuel often kept company with and I can't tell how Gueffier had gotten a piece of a Letter written by the hand of the Duke of Savoy's Spie He sent it back to France Memoires de la Regence de Marie de Medicis to be examined to see if they could know the Hand of this Person that sent secret Advice They suspected divers and the Officers of the Post had Orders to seize him who should bring Letters written by the same hand The Queen Regent was then at Fontainbleau where she was entertaining her self with the Pleasures of the Spring 'T was there they seized a Dauphinois by Name Magnac as he was carrying to the Post a Letter addressed to the Baron de la Roche they examined him before the Queen's Council Magnac accuses the Marquiss and Marchioness d' Ancre but above all Dole their intimate Confident The Ministers began to triumph hereupon They boasted that Conchini and his Wife or at least Dole should never get clear of this unhappy affair And certainly there was matter enough to ruin them entirely The extreme Embarrassment of the Marquiss d' Ancre which he brought himself into by intrigueing with the D. of Savoy Memoires de Bassom if their Friends had not stood by them and if they had had a Mistress more Advised and less Indulgent than Maria de Medicis Bassompierre had dextrously gotten all the Secret out of Lomenie the Secretary of State something of which the Queen had before told him He thought he was obliged immediately to advertize Conchini of it whom he looked on as his Friend The Marquiss d' Ancre denied that he knew Magnac and affected to speak without any concern Bassompierre being satisfied that he had performed a good Office to a Man that might make his advantage of it if he pleased left the Marquiss and took a walk along the Canal of Fountainbleau But Conchini reflecting upon the notice that had been given him he presently sent to enquire for Bassompiere They shut themselves up in a Gallery and Conchini being uneasie having walkt sometime without saying any thing Cried out all of a suddain in his odd Language half French and half Italian I am Ruin'd Mr. Bassompierre The Ministers my Enemies have got the better of me with the Queen Then he wept bitterly and threw out a thousand Execrations Bassompierre suffered him to torment himself for some time After the Marquiss was a little come to himself he said thus to him Sr. your business now is to take a good Resolution The favour of the Queen may be a great stay to you against your Enemies
having delayed too long was seized at the Louvre and kept close Prisoner in a Chamber by the Regent's Order Mercurâ—… Francois 1613. Memoires du duc de Rohan The Mareschal de Bovillon was one of the last to leave the Place To render himself less suspected he got himself Commissioned to Visit the Ministers first and to declare to them the Intentions of the Prince and the Rest The Mareschal was always Master of the Affair and could manage Conde as 〈◊〉 pleased he made no offer to stir from Court till he had first promised the Queen to bring back Conde and all the Lords of his Party Artifices of the Duke of Savoy to raise a Civil War in France 'T was so much for the Duke of Savoy's Interest to find business for Mary de Medicis in France that he must by all means Correspond with the Prince de Conde Besides that a Civil War would incapacitate the Regent to succour the House of Mantua Charles Emanuel had yet further hopes that the Prince and Lords combined with him breaking the double Marriage which was concluded with Spain as they pretended to him he would revenge himself on the Regent in forcing her to give her Eldest Daughter to the P. of Piedmont and perform the Promise which the late K. had made him The D. of Savoy at the same time that he held a private Correspondence with tha Party endeavoured to amuse the Regent he exhorted her vigorously to exert her Authority against all that should oppose it The Agents of Charles Emanuel had Orders to Protest to her Majesty that he did readily forget all the occasions of Complaint and the Affront she had given him in the Sight of all Europe by the Treaty of the double Marriage with Spain that he was extremely concern'd to see the new Troubles which Men of a Factious and unquiet Disposition gave her and that he never haâ—â— a Thought as some Persons would accuse him to support the Party of the Prince of Conde and to give him any Assistance Although his Highness said the Agents of Savoy to the Regent Doubts not but your Majesty's Prudence will soon dissipate this new Faction as you have the former the sincere Respect which the Duke our Master has for the Crown of France makes him take the Liberty to offer his Mediation to your Majesty If you believe 't will be of any Service to you He would likewise offer his own Person and his Troops if he was not persuaded that your Majesty has no need of such weak Assistance and if he was not under a necessity of putting strong Garrisons into his own Towns till the Difference between him and the House of Mantua should be adjusted The Regent had need of more sincere and honest People than the Duke of Savoy The King of Spain and the Duke of Lorrain offered her their Assistance as well as Charles Emanuel Different advice in the Council of France how to dissipate the Party of the Prince of Conde Memoires de la Regence de Mary de Medicis But her Majesty had no Inclination to bring Foreign Troops into her Country That might have been the way 〈◊〉 have made more Rise than did The Duke d'Epernon was immediately called back whom the Queen had again disobliged since her last Reconciliation with him There was more of Ostentation than Reality in the generous and disinterested Temper which this Noble-Man affected when he was recall'd Epernon had a little before solicited the Queen to receive the Office of first Gentleman of the Chamber Vie du Due d'Epernon Liv. VI. which he had enjoy'd under Henry IV. and to bestow it on Candale his Eldest Son Being disoblig'd that he could not obtain a thing which he thought due to his Services he desired leave to go to Mets of which Place he was Governor But when she began to hear the threatning Storm to Roar she pacifi'd the Duke d'Epernon by granting what she had before refused The Duke de Guise received also new marks of distinguishing Favour He pleased himself with the hopes of being General of the King's Forces in case they should March against the Prince of Conde 'T was the Advice of the Cardinal de Joieuse of the Duke d'Epernon and de Villeroi They said that the Malecontents not having Troops nor Money nor any Place of Retreat that therefore they should pursue them out of hand with the Troops of his Majesty's Houshold and that if his Majesty should advance as far as Rheims with that little Body of Men the Prince and the Lords of his Party being surprized unawares would be necessitated humbly to implore the King's Mercy or to flee out of the Kingdom in Disorder and Confusion The New Mareschal d'Ancre and Chancellor de Sillery were of another Opinion they said it were better first to Treat with them He could not endure that the Duke de Guise whom he both hated and feared should have the Command of the Army The other being fallen out more than ever with Villeroi was blindly led by Conchini Ever since the death of Madam de Puisieux the Chancellor's Eldest Son's Wife and Grandaughter of Villeroy these two could never agree Dole a Creature of the Mareschal d'Ancre was disgusted upon the Conclusion of the Marriage of the Marquiss de Villeroy Grandson of the Secretary of State because they had not given Dole the Office of Controller of the Finances which the Marquiss d'Alincourt Son of Villeroy had given him hopes of in case the Marquiss de Villeroy should Marry the Daughter of Conchini The Chancellor de Sillery took the advantage of this Discontent of Dole to gain the Favour of the Mareschal d'Ancre and to Ruin his Rival with whom Conchini had fallen out This Second Expedient pleased the Regent best who relied upon the assurances that the Mareschal de Bovillon had given her Mercure Francois 1613. She sent the Duke de Ventadour and Boissise Counsellor of State to Invite the Prince of Conde who was thought to be at Chateauroux to Return to his Post at Court Villeroy could not forbear saying that she exposed her self to the same Inconvenience which befel Henry III. when the League first took Arms against him The Duke d'Epernon had advised him to March immediately against the Duke de Guise who could not then make any Resistance But Henry not listening to such wholesome Advice rashly threw himself into those Misfortunes which cost him his Life God grant said Villeroy that the same thing doth not befall us since we neglect to crush this Conspiracy in its Birth which is likely to produce great Revolutions in the State They thought that this Old Statesman spoke thus only to get the Command of the Army for the Duke of Guise and that he would not be sorry to see a Civil War which might in the Issue prove fatal to the Mareschal d'Ancre and the Chancellor de Sillery The Prince de Conde and the Duke de Guise hated them
de Coeuvres was informed before his departure from Italy that the Prince of Conde and the Regent were upon the point of Agreement This News unravelled the Designs of the Duke of Savoy He flatterr'd himself he should have time to make good his pretensions to Monferrat in spight of the King of Spain whilst his Catholick Majesty should be busied in Supporting the Authority of Mary de Medicis shaken by a Civil War rais'd by the Prince of Conde in France The Treaty which the Regent was about to Conclude at St. Meneboud in Champagne Memoires de la Regence de Marie de Medicis with the Malecontents was not so Binding but that the Prince de Conde held still a great Correspondence with Savoy Mercure Francois 1614. and there was still great Confusions in France These Considerations gave Charles Emanuel some hopes of being in a Condition to make the Governor of Milan know that his Catholick Majesty was not powerful enough to be absolute Master of all the Affairs in Italy Before we relate this new Quarrel which the Duke of Savoy had with the Marquiss of Inojosa or rather with the Court of Madrid it is necessary to look back on the Course of the Affairs in France and to give an account of the Negociation of the Duke of Ventadour and the other Commissioners of the King of France with the Prince of Conde and the Lords of his Party at the Conference of Soissons The latter came thither attended by Six or Seven hundred Horse and Four thousand Foot The Duke de Mayenne Governor of the Isle of France had put a strong Garrison into Soissons for the Security of the Prince and the Lords that came with him The 14th April they assembled in the Castle of Soissons After the Prince of Conde and the Malecontented Lords had protested that they had no other Design but to Serve his Majesty and to secure the Peace of France they desired Three things of the Regent that the States of the Kingdom should be Conven'd as soon as possible that the double Marriage with Spain should be Superseded and that both Sides should lay down their Arms. Hitherto things went very smoothly they pretended to design nothing but the publick Good But they reserv'd a Power to Treat not only concerning the Liberty and Security of the Assembly of the States of the Kingdom but also concerning the particular Interests of each of the Lords The Convocation of the States were granted without any difficulty The Regent had offered that in her Answer to the Prince de Conde's Manifesto There was a dispute about the Second Article They demanded a Suspention of the double Marriage till the End of the Assembly of the States The Commissioners of the Court had only Orders to grant it till the Majority of the King And to save the Authority of the Regent in an Affair which she had Negociated and solemnly Concluded with Spain the Court would not allow that this Article should be inserted in the publick Treaty They offered a particular Letter of the Regent to the Prince in which her Majesty would engage her self to defer the double Marriage till the Majority of the King The thing was accepted of with this modification There was only a formality wanting The day appointed for the opening of the Assembly of the States falling out before the Majority the double Marriage could not be Celebrated before the end thereof The Prince de Conde retires from Soissons and goes into Champagne The proposals which the Prince de Conde and the Lords of his Party made with Relation to their particular Interests raised great disputes in the Council of Mary de Medicis under a pretence of providing for their own Security The Prince and the other Malecontents demanded that they would put some important Place into their Hands and grant them several things for their own convenience 'T was necessary to send Couriers to Court Memoirs de Bassompierre Mercure Francois 1614. and to receive Instructions concerning these Affairs Thus the King's Army gained time to reinforce it self considerably Galati brought Six thousand Swisses which he had Commission to Levy Memoires de la Regence de Marie de Medicis Bassompierre their New Collonel General went to receive them at Troies in Champagne from thence he Conducted them to Vitri where Praslain was gathering together the King's Army These motions made the Prince de Conde Jealous who immediately left Soissons He had written to the Queen before to thank her for the Three Articles which she had consented too and to Advertise her Majesty that the Duke de Maierne and the Mareschal de Bovillon remained at Soissons with full power to Treat of those other Conditions which his Highness and the Lords of the Party had demanded Conde had a mind to seize Vitri with his little Army which he led towards Sedan But the Kings Troops prevented him He made amends for this by assisting the Duke of Nevers to make himself Master of St. Menehoud When the particular Demands of the Prince and the Malecontented Lords were proposed in the Queen's Council their Opinions were divided The Dukes de Guise d' Epernon de Bellegarde The Regents Council divided about the demands which the P. of Conde the Malecontents make with relation to their particular Interests the Cardinal de Joieuse and Villeroi Secretary of State cried out upon them as unworthy Conditions which the Queen could not grant with Honour and without parting with too much of her Authority Guise and Epernon said boldly that if the Regent granted Places of Security to their Enemies they likewise would demand the same and that they would look for Assistance out of the Kingdom This was plainly to threaten Siri Meme recondite Tom. III. p. 238 239 c. that they would join themselves with the Crown of Spain This appeared so much the more a contriv'd Design because the Ministers of Philip declar'd that the King their Master would not send the Infanta his Daughter into France as long as the Enemies of the House of Austria were there the Strongest Mary de Medicis began to be shaken by their Reasons who were of Opinion that she should suppress the Prince of Conde by Force The Parliaments the greater part of the military Officers in a word almost the whole Kingdom were at her Majesties disposal The Hugonots did not Rise only the Duke of Rohan was perhaps tempted to join with the Prince of Conde But Rohan did not eare to embark himself without having a prospect what was like to be the Success However 't was easie to stop him by giving some Satisfaction to the Reformed Churches concerning the Edicts of Pacification and above all in not accepting the assistance which the King of Spain offer'd and of which the Regent had no need Her Majesty did not want Money she had a good Army Conde and the Lords of his Party lying in the extreame parts of
they were sure of a speedy Convention of the States The well-meaning Men would have endeavoured at a Reformation of the Government if they had been better Seconded and the Prince of Conde had had more Wisdom and Sincerity A Treaty concluded at St. Menehoud between the Regent and the Prince of Conde He concluded at last his Treaty with the Regent at St. Menehoud in Champagne the 15th of May. The Duke de Ventadour and his Colleagues were there I will not recite all the Articles The Castle of Amboise was to be put into the Prince's hands until the meeting of the States The Duke de Nevers had St. Menehoud Mercure Francoise 1614. Memoires de Duc de Rohan de la Regence de Marie de Medicis say some Authors thô it is not mentioned in the Treaty These gave him besides a Sum of Money to satisfie him for pulling down his House to make way for the Fortifications of Mezieres which were part of them to be demolished Blavet and the other Places that were Fortified a little before in Bretagne by the Duke de Vendome being Dismantled He was restored to his Government and all his Places This was all that was agreed upon for Vendom He highly complained that the Prince oâ—… Conde had abandoned him in this Negociation As for the Mareschal de Bovillon it was easie to satisfie him The Money which the Regent Ordered to be paid him was thought by him a sufficient Recompence See said the Duke of Rohan who had more Integrity in him than all the rest that made such a noise see saith he how Mens private Interest make them forget the publick welfare of the Kingdom The Prince de Conde the Dukes de Nevers de Longueville de Maienne and the Mareschal de Bovillon who signed the Treaty very readily performed their Conditions Mary de Medicis was not less punctual of her Side The Dukes de Longueville and de Maienne were the first that return'd to Court Conde retired to his House of Vallery where Descures Governor of Amboise went to resign that Place into his hands His Highness came sometime after to pay his Devoirs to their Majesties That Restless Temper that was Natural to him would not suffer him to stay long at Court. Being vext that his late Design had lessened the Respect due to his high Quality instead of increasing it as he had flattered himself it would This Prince was again tempted to raise new Troubles before the meeting of the States But having taken no better Measures than he did before he was forced to let the Regent alone who was endeavouring to reduce the Duke de Vendom who refused to agree to the Treaty of St. Menehoud The Decree of the Parlement of Paris against a Book of Suarez the Jesuit Mercure Francoise 1614. It is a great while since we have had occasion to speak of the Jesuits But we shall now see them appear again upon the Stage upon the account of a Book published by Suarez a famous Divine of that Society in Spain The Book is Intituled The Defence of the Catholick and Apostolick Faith against the Errors of the English Hereticks There are always a certain sort of Men at Paris who narrowly observe all the Actions of these Good Fathers and will not forgive-them if they do amiss This new Book of Suarez being come to France Abstracts of it were presently made and brought to the King's Officers in the Parliament of Paris The Sollicitor General look'd upon it as a Book so dangerous that he thought it his Duty to desire the Condemnation of it The Parliament met upon the 26th of June and Condemn'd the Book to be burnt by the Hands of the Common Hangman as containing Seditious Principles tending to the Subversion of Kingdoms and to perswade the Subjects of Kings and Princes to attempt their Sacred Persons They ordered besides That certain former Decrees of the Faculty of Paris which condemn'd the Doctrine of Suarez should be Read every year on the 4th day of June not only in thâ—… Schools of Sorbonne but also in those in the Colledge of Clermont and of the Mendicant Friers The greatest mortification to the Society was this that the Parlement Decreed that the Fathers Armand the Rector of the Society Cotton the late King's Confessor Fronton le Duc and Sirmond two Persons very famous for their Learning should appear the next day before the Parlement When they came thither the first President told them in the Name of the Court that the Book of Suarez their Brother Jesuit was contrary to a Declaration they had made and to a Decree of their General in the Year 1610. They commanded them afterward to write to Rome for a Revival and Publication of that Decree and to get from thence an Order in Six Months to prevent the Members of that Society from writing any more in their Books such damnable and pernicious Doctrine and to Command them to Preach to the People Doctrines contrary to those of Suarez or else the Parlement would proceed against such Offenders as Guilty of High Treason and disturbers of the publick Peace Paul V. complains of the proceedings of the parlement against Suarez his Book The Court of France foresaw very well that the Proceedings of the Parlement of Paris against the Book of Suarez would make a great noise at Rome for indeed the Book was writ by Order of the Pope But the Regent to whom the Parlement had been very Serviceable in the Affair of the Prince of Conde would not oppose their Zeal which they expressed against these pernicious Opinions Siri Memo. recondite Tom. III. p. 256 257. 270. Her Majesty had more need than ever to keep fair with the Parlement by reason of the approaching Assembly of the States As soon as Paul V. had notice of the Decree of the Parlement against Suarez his Book he sent the Bishop of Foligni to the Marquiss of Trenel who succeeded Breves in his Embassy at Rome This Prelate had Orders to complain in the Name of the Pope of the proceedings of the Magistrates of Paris by which they Encroached on the Rights of the Holy See His Holiness said he to the Ambassadour is the more surpriz'd because he expected nothing less than a grateful acknowledgement of his kindness to the Queen of France Her Majesty cannot be Ignorant of that Affection that he has always shewed to her and the King her Son All the World is witness of that Zeal which his Holiness has discovered for the prosperity of France T is not long since he offered his good Offices to the Queen to appease the Troubles of the Kingdom And they are no sooner ended but the Parlement of Paris makes a Decree injurious to the Holy See If Suarezs Book contains any Positions contrary to the Sovereignty of the most Christian King her Majesty might have complained to the Pope He would have censur'd the Doctrine of the Author and
to represent to you further Madam that they put you to needless Expences to gain certain Persons of our Religion We know who those mercenary Souls are They deceive your Majesty who tell you that they can he Serviceable to you I can tell you a far less Chargeable way to have all the Reformed at your Devotion That is to give Orders that all Promises made to us be performed our Griâ—…vances be redressed some ambiguous Expressions in the Edicts be more favourably Interpreted and some things be granted us which may secure the Peace of our Churches and do no great Injury to the Roman Catholicks The ardent and sincere Zeal which I have for your Majesty makes me speak against my self Pursue the Method which I take the liberty to propose you may take away when you please our Offices and Pensions Our Churches living peaceably under his Majesty's Protection will never concern themselves in my favour or for any of the Lords of the Kingdom This Advice was generous and worthy of a truly Christian Gentleman It might have had some good Effect upon such as had no other design but to preserve Peace in the Kingdom by doing Justice and perhaps some small gratification to the Reformed But they were resolved to Ruine them and to effect a design long since contrived and pursued For almost an Age together the Court could not take more convenient Measures than the corrupting of those who had any Credit or Authority in the Reformed Church The ambition and avarice of the Lords and a great number of Hugonot Gentlemen has done more mischief to the Religion than the haâ—…red of the Pope and his Clergy or the Zeal of the blind and superstitious Kings and Queens of France If the Dukes and Peers the Mareschals of France the Lords and Gentlemen of Note had had as much Religion and Probity as du Plessis Mornai I question whether the Son of him whose History I write would ever have ventured to attempt the overthrow of the Reformed Churches of his Kingdom The Posterity of a corrupted Gentry who had no great Concern for their Religion does at this day bewail the fatal Consequences of the Baseness of their Ancestors The Regent received at Tours The K. and Q. his Mother go to Poitiers Letters from the Duke of Maienne He informed her that the Prince de Conde was retired to Chateauroux and that he defired at the present no Reparation of the Injury Mercure Francois 1614. which he had complained had been done him at Poitiers It was wisely done to seem to neglect an Offence for which the Court would never have granted him the Satisfaction which he expected The Bishop was too much favoured by the Queen He went boldly to Tours with Two hundred of the Inhabitants to pray their Majesty 's to come to Poitiers That day when Chataigner made appear that he understood the Office of a Captain better than that of a Bishop was in his Opinion the day of the preservation of Poitiers Their Majesties went thither They were Received with all imaginable Expressions of Joy They Elected a Mayor Mazurier had Orders to remain there as Intendant Rochfort Lieutenant General for the King in that Province a-little after resigned his Office The Count de la Rochefoucaut of the Party of the Guises succeeded him They had a mind to have Poitou in their Power that they might go and Receive the Infanta of Spain when the time should come Memoires de Duc de Rohan The Duke de Rohan being admonished by Velleroi that the Queen was surprized that he did not appear at Court since she was so near to St. Jean d' Angeli came to pay his Respect to their Majesty's They received him kindly and the Regent taking all oportunities to get him near her self made him promise to be present at the meeting of the States of Bretagne which was to be held at Nantes their Majestys being present and to go afterwards to the States General which were already appointed to Meet Mary de Medicis The Q. goes to hold a meeting of the States of Bretagne at Nantes Vie de M. du Plessis Mornai Liv. III. pleas'd that every thing went according to her mind took the Road of Anger 's to go to Nantes Her Majesty had a mind to give a Proof of her Confidence in du Plessis Mornai as she passed through Saumur He went to meet the King being followed by an Hundred Gentlemen As soon as the Young Lewis had enter'd the Castle du Plessis Offer'd to make the Garrison march out But his Majesty would not permit him It is not against our Kings said the Governor that we have strong Places in our Possession they have been willing to grant them us that we may be secured against the hatred of our sworn Enemies If at any time his Majesty does the Honour to be present there Mercure Francoise 1614. we desire no other Security but his Presence The Duke de Vendome seeing their Majesties came in good Earnest towards him submitted himself They gave him New Letters of Re-establishment Memoires de Bassompierre which were Registred in the Parliament of Rennes But he had the Mortification of see that in the meeting of the States of the Province of which he was Governor they made Invectives against him and took Resolutions injurious to his Person and utterly contrary to his Interest So bad a Beginning was no good Omen for the rest of the Life of Coesar de Vendome He could never after recover his Reputation or Respect Henry IV. his Father had Married him to the Heiress of the House of Mercoeur and one of the greatest Fortunes of a Subject in Europe He wasted the great Estate which she brought him The death of the Prince de Conti. Maâ—…y de Mâ—…dicis Returned triumphantly to Paris She found there a Court deprived of a Prince of the Blood The loss was not very great Francis de Bourbon Prince de Conti who died the 13th of August made no great Figure in the World His Widow was soon Comforted after the loss of a weak Husband She was desperately in Love with Bassompierre There had passed between them that which they call Marriage before God Entragues the famous Marchioness de Vernueil's Sister and Daughter to Mary Touchet Charles IX his Mistress had commenced a Suit against Bassompierre upon the account of a Promise of Marriage which he had made her This happy Spark had Two Wives at the same time The First out of a Family more Renowned for the fine Ladies which were Married into the Family or were of it than for any of its Military Exploits the Second being the Daughter of the Duke of Guise and the Widow of a Prince of the Blood might have done Bassompierre great Honour But by an odd Accident Bassompierre would never own the one for his Lawful Wife the other never dared to make her Marraige Publick New Contests between the Princes of
more Important Both the Armies lay for some time without moving yet each of 'em was fearful of being charg'd with the reproach of having broke the Truce made betwixt the Arch-Dukes and the States General of the Vnited-Provinces France and England ought naturally to put in for to heal these Differences and hinder the House of Austria from coming into the Controverted Succession But Philip had his Pensioners in the Councils of France and England too Being assured that James and Mary de Medicis would stand Neuters he resolv'd that Spinola General of his Troops in the Low Countries should under pretence of the Ban publisht against the City of Aix-la-Chapelle March as soon as might be and coming back Seise on the best Places of the States of Cleves and Juliers And this was the means of disposing afterward as he pleas'd of so fair a Succession What the Vnited-Provinces undertook upon the City and Castle of Juliers seem'd to the House of Austria a sufficient Warrant to justifie what they intended to do a long time before Spinola Reduceth Aix-la-Chapelle makes himself Master of many places in Cleves and Juliers And now Spinola is in the Field with an Army of about Thirty thousand Men. He passeth the Maes to Mastricht and from thence goes and Invests Aix-la-Chapelle The Inhabitants too weak to make any opposition ask for Pardon the Second day and submit themselves to his Imperial Majesty Spinâ—â—a now Master of the City Restores the ancient Catholick Magistrates and Removes the Protestants Some of these were Imprisoned who had any hand in the Alteration made in the Year 1611. and others saved themselves as they could leaping over the Walls of the City After according to his fancy he had Regulated all things in Aix-la-Chapelle this Spinola Marches towards the States of Cleves Duren opens the Gates to him and from thence he goes to Mulheim there he demolisheth the Fortifications fills up the Trenches Consequential to some Imperial Demands which Cologne had obtained which was always opposite to the Raising of a New City which the Princes of Brandenbourg and Newbourg had began there some Years ago At length the Spanish General strengthened by the joint Troops which Newbourg had brought him besig'd Wesel took it seised on Duisbourg and many other Places Maurice Prince of Orange Maurice P. of Orange takes many places on his Side in the same Country who was then at Schenk Fort at the head of Eighteen thousand Men on his Side likewise put himself upon taking of Places He got to be Master of Emerick Rees and some other Towns in a little time A particular passage was then seen Two Armies at Enmity one with the other Interests des princes par Mr. de Rohan II. Partie Discours V. seiz'd on the Succession of Cleves and Juliers without breaking the Truce which was betwixt them without setting one upon the other and without drawing their Swords The most speedy of the Two Generals made the greater Progress When one had taken one Place the other retired without laying any pretence to it 'T is said that Prince Maurice only sent to Spinola to know in what Prince's time he enter'd in an Hostile manner into the Country and Spinola answered in returning the same Question to him Spinola dar'd not to attack Maurice who had a Braver and more Experienced Army And Maurice would not hazard his Troops which were the main strength of the Vnited-Provinces He believ'd that the States General would have glory and advantage enough in Sharing without running any Risque of the Succession of Cleves and Juliers with the King of Spain The Two Generals continu'd their Expedition without disturbing one the other in any thing but making all possible hast Spinola made an end in making a detatchment of his Army o're towards Juliers where he had taken some Places Maurice sent Prince Frederick Henry his Brother into the Dutchy of Mark to do the like A new way of Warring one with the other by being but outwardly on both Sides good Friends Conference at Santheim upon the Succession of Cleves and Juliers It is not less surprising that the King of England the Queen Regent of France and the Protestant Princes of Germany should stand as idle Spectators of all these motions in an Affair wherein at first they all seem'd to be so much concern'd But why Mary de Medicis devoted to the Court of Rome was contented to give Words and send Embassies to propose an Accommodation King James whose Council as well as France's was bought by the Spaniard did not believe that he ought to be more hotly concern'd than the Regent The Princes of Germany forsaken by both these Crowns and divided thrô Affection and Interest what could they do in the Case Nevertheless upon this occasion some hopes of life were to be given The Succession of Cleves and Juliers seemed to be Expos'd to him who could first Grasp it France England Denmark the Confederate Princes the Count Palatine the Elector of Cologne and some other Princes of Germany sent at last their Agents to Santheim for to Confer there about the means of stopping these Stirs and ending this long Contest Brandenbourg and Newbourg having both of them given in their Demands and Reasons in Writing a Trasaction was drawn up which the Two were in the mean time to observe whilst the Difference wâ—â— adjudged by Law But when it came to the Point to get Spain and the Vnited-Provinces to agree to these Articles there was so much difficulty to compass this as 't was not possible to come to any end The States threw the blame upon Spinola and the Spaniard upon Prince Maurice May speak the truth neither one or t'other car'd for any accommodation Each one thought of an Advantage from what he had taken The Duke of Savoy falls out with Spain more than ever The good success of the Spaniards Arms towards Germany seem'd to Flush and render more Proud than they were before the Catholick King 's Agents in Italy But Inojola Governor of Milan had neither the Wit nor Bravery of Spinola The Duke of Savoy openly ridicul'd the Threats made him as from the King of Spain Assure me Nani Historia Veneta Lib. I. 1614. Siri Memo. recondite Tom. III. p. 242.243 c. Mercure Francois 161.4 saith he that the King of France won't Attack me I know well enough hâ—…w to defend my self against the Catholick King Don't we know well enough what the Spaniard at this time is able to do He is far from being so formidable as he was in Charles I. Reign and in the former Years of his Son 's The Duke of Savoy is not the most Puissant Neighbour Philip hath but perhaps he fears him less than any one else And thus resolved to maintain his Dignity against all Persons who talkt domineeringly to him Charles Emanuel prepares himself for an open Breach with his Catholick Majesty The Marquiss of Coeuvres had scarce left Italy but
and that each of the Two Princes should make an Act of Oblivion for all those of thier Subjects who had served against them Charles Emmanuel sign'd this willingly being exceedingly contented Siri Memo. recondite Tom. III. p. 293. 294. c. that he was to give no satisfaction to the King of Spain or to ask his Pardon but the Marquiss of Rombovillet was blamed for having been too hasty in his Negociation The Spaniards accus'd him for suffering himself to be lead by the Duke of Savoy Nani Hist Veneta Lib. 1.1614 Others reported that he was too impatient of his Return to the Court of France Mercure Francoise 1614. The Cardinal Duke of Mantua was in all appearance to better himself in this Treaty for how could he dispense with the payment of a Dowry and give up the Jewels of his Brother's Widow As for Blanche's Portion of Montferrat he pretended that the House of Mantua had been acquitted of it Ferdinand then when they Demanded it might have answer'd That his Predecessors had already satisfied the Debt But he was so devoted to the Spaniards for obtaining their Protection as he did not dare to accept of any thing without their Approbation The Duke therefore seeing that they had rejected haughtily the Treaty of Aste thô the Pope and States of Venice judged it reasonable Protested he had rather die than sign it The Emperor wonder'd he was not so much as mentioned in an Accommodation which toucht a considerable Fief oâ—… the Empire in Italy But there was not much care taken of his Complaints The King of Spain his Relation had less regard than any one else to the Rights of the Empire in Italy As to the Court of France the Opinions there of the Treaty of Ast were divided Mary de Medicis who favoured the King of Spain and had a thousand reasons to be angry with the Duke of Savoy was not very well contented with what Rambovillet had Negociated She would have been in the mind to have given Charles Emmanuel the Mortification of humbling himself before the King of Spain as he had done some years before But the Duke had his reserve of Friends in France A great many People there cryed out against the Pride and Haughtiness of the Spaniards who would not have Charles Emmanuel acquitted for Disbanding his Army Fifteen or Twenty days before the Governor of Milan They pretended that this Sovereign Prince whom the Duke of Lerma hated mortally ought to be obliged to Submit to the King of Spain and his Favourites discretion and beg Pardon of his Majesty for that he had not obeyed the Orders of the Court of Madrid without making any Reply Did ever any one behold the like Arrogance Inojosa carelesly answered them who brought him the Treaty of Ast to Sign That the King his Master had but newly forbid him to make any Peace with the Duke of Savoy The Mediators surprised at this sudden refusal desired of him however a Suspension of Arms for Forty days till they could have an answer from Madrid The Governor of Milan denied this and gave them to understand that Winter season was already begun and the bad Weather did oblige him enough to grant them what they Demanded The Marquiss of Bedmar the Spanish Ambassador at Venice made a great noise there saying to the Senate That 't was loud Injustice that the Duke of Savoy was not punisht for his Attempts against the Repose of Italy Ought not all the Potentates who are Interested to preserve its quiet unite with the King my Master and Chastise this Rashness of the Duke of Savoy Carleton the English Ambassador kept to another sort of Language He sollicited with all his might the Senate to declare that the Treaty of Ast was reasonable and that all the disinterested Princes believ'd his Catholick Majesty ought to be contented with it Beamar maintain'd against Carleton That this was not the King of Griat-Britains Opinion and that he had explained himself in this matter to the Spanish Ambassador at London The Venetians saw that this Treaty gave the Catholick King all that he could reasonably demand In the mean time because they would not further provoke the Spaniards who minded to do them much mischief they observ'd all possible discretion in their Answers to the Marquiss of bedmar We are very sorry said they that the Conduct of the Duke of Savoy has constrained the Catholick King to come to so great Extremities But we hope that God will inspire him with milder Sentiments and that his Majesty will Sacrifice a part of his Resentment and rest contented with the Justification which the Duke of Savoy will never be far from giving him These Civil dealings and Compliments nettled the Spaniards who perceived that they were not disposed to let them take the liberty of Revenge upon the Duke of Savoy according to their own will and fancy nor humble him as much as they pleased Give me leave here to make some Reflections upon these particulars What is the ground of this Controversie between Savoy and Mantua which makes for Two whole years so great a noise 'T was well nigh puting Italy and perhaps Europe in a Flame Almost all Potentates did concern themselves in it The dispute in the bottom is but some small Sum of Money or at most some Castles which the Dukes of Savoy pretended to against the House of Mantua Here 's the Reason why Charles Emmanuel takes up Arms overburdens his Subjucts carries desolation into Montferrat which becomes the Theatre of War The Cardinal Duke of Mantua represented to us as a Person of no very strong Head-piece and guided by Interested Ministers had nevertheless the cunning Ingenuity to bring Spain on his Side though at first they were against him whether this was an Action of his ability and parts or an effect of Fortune his Affair became the Catholick King 's business But upon what grounds did Philip or rather his Agents reject the Treaty of Ast and believe themselves in the right for to kindle a War and destroy Piedmont Upon a Trifle upon I do not know what punctilio of Honour Is' t then for this that Princes imagine they are dispens'd with from observing the chief Rules of Humanity and keeping the most express Commandments of Jesus Christ Sad unhappy Condition of Men if they must suffer that they who are set over them to study the Welfare and Preservation of others should lay wast Provinces ruine their Subjects and Neighbours and cause the Lives of an infinite number to be lost in satisfaction to their Vanity and for the pleasure of their capricious Humours All the King of Spain's Agents in Italy bustled after a strange manner in order to engage the Governor of Milan to make a new Irruption into Piedmont They flatter'd themselves that this Effort would render the Duke of Savoy more Submissive and tractable Inojosa prest forward through the Reproaches of his Countrymen on all Sides prepared for some