to furnish Savoy with 3000. foot at his cost and for the defence onely of his estates and he is obliged to give them 2000. foot and 500. horse or so much money when the necessity of their defence shall require it The birth of this league may be called partus elephantinus in regard that it had been treated forty year before it could be concluded The French King Henry the fourth did interpose himself twice as an arbitrator but could not bring it to conclusion The whole body of the Helvetical Cantons did imbrace it likewise divers times but could never prevail and lastly it was referred unto the Valesani as to a Republick nearest confining and strictly allied with both the parties yet after many years negotiation and much paines they could effect nothing In the year above named 1617. King James of glorious memory did interpose his authority and as he had a particular genius which did incline him to endeavour the accommodation of all misunderstandings among all Christian Princes and States so God did miraculoussy blesse those pious intentions of his and in this particular his Majesty had the honour not onely to extinguish that mortal hatred which had raigned ahove 60 yeares betwixt the house of Savoy and that State but to joyn and unite them in a strict bond of league and Allyance The transaction of the businesse in it self is very considerable in regard that so many had so long time travelled in that vineyard and never reaped any fruit of honour whereas his Majestie employing his servant Sir Isaae Wake thither in March the Treaty was concluded ratified and executed before the end of Iune This Gordian knot which was thought would have required the sword of Alexander to cut before it could be undone was tied in this manner In the time of Charles le bon grandfather to the present Duke of Savoy Charles the fift and Francis the first warring one against the other did par droict de bien ieame share and divide betwixt themselves almost all Pied-mont so that little being left unto the good Duke Charls but Savoy and the Countey of Nisla in Province he was inforced for the supply of his urgent necessities to borrow a considerable sum of money of the Ss ri of Berne unto whom he did impawn for their reimbursment the Countrey of Vaud After his death his son Emanuel Philibert having little to maintain himself at home did adhere unto Philp the second of whom he deserved so wel in the Battle of S. Quintin that the King was content to restore unto him that he did hold of his in Pied-mont and because he married the Lady Margarite de Valois daughter of France in contemplation of her Henry the third passing through Pied-mont as he returned out of Polonia restored unto him likewise all that the French had usurped yet was not this Prince able with this addition to his fortune to redeem the ingagement of the pais de Vaud and being willing to enjoy quietly that which he had he did confirm unto the Bernesi the morgage made by his father so that they did live in peace during his time though not without great jealousies in regard of the hatred of the Savoyards their confining neighbours who had alwayes had them in detestation since the morgage of that Province Charles Emanuel now regnant being born under a Martial Planet and having sagittarius ascendant in his nativity did affright the Bernesi at the beginning and not long after it did appear that they did not fear him in vain for he did presently cast his eye upon the Pais de Vaud and because he could not abruptly break the contract of Morgage made by his Granfather and ratified by his father and was not able to pay the principal and interest which in so many years was grown to a great sum he did lay his first claim to the Town of Geneva in the defence of which City the Bernesi being ingaged they were of necessity to declare themselves his enemies and so minister unto him a fit occasion of invading them which was the thing that he did aime at and he had fortune so favourable that in the year 83. as I take it he did shut them up so close in Cologne a Town three miles distant from Geneva near the Rosne that they were inforced to yeeld themselves to his discretion If false friends had seconded his true valour it would have gone hard with Geneva and Berne both at that time But the Spaniards upon whom he did wholy rely at that time desiring onely to imbroyl and consume him a petit feu and not to make any addition unto his fortune did divert him from prosecuting that designe and turn him with his Army upon the conquest of Marseilles and Provence during the combustions of the league in France After he had wearied himself there they did animate him to the conquest of the Marquisate of Salulles which did succeed to his advantage in Italy but to his losse on the other side of the hills drawing upon him the victorious arms of Henry the fourth who did inforce him to exchange Salulles with the Bailliages of Bresse Baugó Verommè and Gez which were the best flowers in the garden of Savoy Now were the Bernesi out of danger those confining Provinces being out of his hands and their state in the protection of the French King whom they had asssisted during his troubles both with men and money yet did their jealousies still continue until the invasion of Monferrat Anno 1613. did draw upon the Duke of Savoy the arms of the king of Spain which did enter into Pied-ment first Anno 1615. under the conduct of Don Gio di Mendoza Marquis of Hyntioza and secondly Anno 1617. under the command of Don Pedro di Toledo it was time now for the Duke of Savoy to seek for help from all places and therefore despairing of ever recovering the pais de Vaud he was contented to give over a lost game upon condition that he might get some reasonable consideration for his resignation Here is the knot which I mentioned for he did pretend much and the Bernesi would not give any thing alledging that they would not buy that which was their own already Towards the untying of this knot the authority of his Majesty was used the Duke of Savoy imploring and the Bernesi accepting of his mediation means was found to reconcile these contradictions with mutual satisfaction for the Duke of Savoy did receive as much as he could with reason expect and yet the Bernesi did not stipulate with him for any thing the expedient taken was this The Bernesi were desired to concur with his Majestie in the assistance of the Duke of Savoy against the violence and oppression of the Spaniards and in consideration thereof his Majestie did promise and undertake to give them a final and total resignation of the Pais de Vaud free from any future claim or pretention To gratifie his Majestie the
whom he hath ten children should run so violently the other way Herein there is a mystery ful of cunning malice and malicious cunning For shorly after the death of Prince Philibert of Savoy who died in Palermo the last Summer a will of his was produced wherein he did declare his sister of Modena haredem ex Asse and bequeath unto his eldest son the Principalities of Oneglia and Marro The Duke of Modena in vertue of this will did lay claime unto all that might be thought to appertain unto Prince Philibert and being opposed by the Duke of Savoy who did first first except against the will as not being authentical in regard that it was onely drawn by a Notary but never signed by Prince Philibert and secondly alledge that the son had no power to make a will during the life of his father and lastly that Oneglia and Maro had ben lately conferred upon the Prince by his father with expresse reservations of returning to the Ducal chamber of Savoy in case the Prince Philibert should die without lawful issue the Duke of Modena offended with this refusal did flee off from Savoy and cast himself into the arms of Spain whose invention it was to cast that bone betwixt those two houses of Savoy and Modena may easily appear by the rule of Cui bono The father having fallen off from Savoy his younger son Prince Luiggi di Este must needs fall off as soon as he could from the Venetians whereupon as soon as they had entertained the Count de la Tour for their General Prince Luiggi seeming to be offended therewith did ask leave to be gone and being taken at his word by these Sri who did not like that the father should serve the Spaniards and the son the league he retired to Modena about two moneths since Mantova FErdinand Gonlaga Duke of Mantova hath his house free from any dependency by obligation but as his controversies with Savoy did first inforce him to seek the protection of Spain so since by marrying a daughter of Florence and the marriage of his sister Eleonora with the Emperour he hath espoused a tacite but absolute dedevotion to the service of the house of Austria He is a Prince whose natural and intellectual parts are singular his moral good unfortunate in having no lawful issue for if he his brother Don Vincenlo die without heires male their Niece the princesse Maria daughter unto the late Duke Francesco and the Infanta Margarita of Savoy wil carry from their house the marquisate of Montferrat and a 100000. crowns revenue of Beni Allodiali upon the Mantovan His differences with Savoy will never be reconciled as long as the Spaniards have the upper hand in Italy for Beati Pacifici is not to be found in any Spanish Liturgie But in these present innovations he doth not yet appear for Montferret concentrating with Piemont and Mantova being surrounded with the dominions of Venice he hath onely voluntatem liberam but potestatem ligatam with the State of Venice he doth hold very good quarter and they do respect him as figlivolo di S. Marco Of Genova nothing shall be said untill it may appear what will become of them for as they are now either they must stand by the strength of Spain or bury the reputation of the Spaniards in the ruins of their City and State Venice THe Venetians did lay the first stone of this great building upon which all the present innovations in these parts are grounded for they did wisely foresee and earnestly remonstrate unto the French king and the Duke of Savoy the danger which the publick liberties would run if the dayly usurpations of the Spaniards and Austriaci were not timely prevented Hereupon the league was concluded at Lions ratified at Paris confirmed at Susa and executed first by the Marquis di Coruveres in the Valteline and since by the Duke of Savoy and the Constable d' Esdiguisere in the Genoesate Their proceedings in this businesse have been and are stil mixed with a constant temper of generosity and warinesse for they do not spare to assist and favour all that are contrary unto the Austrian party as doth appear by their assisting the states of the united Provinces their contributing to Mansfelt their sending of men mony and ammunition to the Marquis di Coevures their entertaining the Count de la Tour and their resolution to set upon the state of Milan when the Duke of Savoy and the Constable shall begin and yet they do very cauteloussy keep themselves to the letter of the league and therefore they will not take notice of Mansfelt until he may come so neer the Valteline that it may appear he was entertained by them onely for that end nor have any part in the enterprise of Genova although they do very well know that the weakening of the contrary party in any place doth conduce unto the end which they do aime at Good Chirurgians do not descend unto Cauteries but in cases of extremity it may be presumed of the wisdom of the state of Venice that they would never have disturbed the peace of Italy if they might have lived securely without innovation They are not ignorant that the remedy is little lesse dangerous then the disease but the disease being upon the point to grow incurable they were inforced to apply that remedy which onely could save them as things did stand then from present precipitating Of their constancy there is no doubt to be made for they do wel know that as they were the first that did raise this storm so they shall be the last whom the contrary party will forgive and they have a maxime in this state that Priti Spagnuoli non perdonano mai The correspondences of the State of Venice and at this present with Rome are onely formal with such Princes of Italy as depend upon Spain ceremonial with the French king and the Duke of Savoy real with all Princes and states opposit to the house of Austria cordial By sea in their own sea they are strong Upon Terra firma they have all their Cities well furnished and for the defensive they are in good state How they stand in matter of treasure is a secret but certainly omnes vias pecuniae norunt and they do spend as if they did not fear to want The Duke of Savoy CHarles Emmanuel Duke of Savoy with the Infanta Caterina did espouse the interests of Spain and he was truly constant in serving that Crown and observing that King until Philip the second making his peace with Henry the fourth did out of charity to himself exclude his son in law the Duke of Savoy as may be seen in the Treaty of Vervins Then did Henry the fourth lay claim to the Marquisate of Salulles which Savoy had usurped by the counsel of Spain and did retain upon hope of assistance which was secretly promised but not performed The Spaniards had obtained their end when by the taking of
diminished at this present that the Bishops of latter yeers have scarce wherewithall to maintain honestam familiam dignitatem cum decoro yet do they still pretend strongly to the recovery of what they do conceive hath been unjustly taken from them but the Magistrate doth so clip their wings that they cannot fly very high wherein that Republick hath this advantage that no religion being professed there publickly but the Roman although there be among them a great number of orthodox the Bishop cannot make it a question of religion and by consequence doth want that open protection of the Pope Emperour Spain and Catholick Cantons which is upon all occasions offered to the Bishops of Coir Basil and Geneva whose case is all alike setting religion aside This Repubilck hath a defensive league with the whole body of the Cantons and likewise with the Duke of Savoy but with State of Berne they have a more strict confederation in regard of the vicinity of both those States Neufchastel This County seated upon the border of a lake which doth take his name from the Town is subject unto the Duke of Longueville who is lord thereof and so acknowledged yet is not his soveraignty absolute but restrained with immunities priviledges which he cannot infringe or innovate The inhabitants do enjoy le droict de combourgoisie with the Town of Berne and in case of difference betwixt the Prince and subject the lords of Berne are to decide the question This is a great modification of Monarchical supremacy in regard that appeals are never made but to a higher power They being all Protestants the Duke hath often attempted to reduce then to the Roman religion but they have still saved themselves by appealing to the Bernesi by whom they are so potently protected that when he did few yeers since transport himself in person to Neufchastel and carry a priest with him to say Masse in the Castle he was therein opposed although it was his own house The Duke is protected by the French King who hath often threatened to assist the Duke with a potent army but hitherto he hath forborn the execution of that violent designe for fear not onely of the Bernesi who are very potent but of the Spaniards likewise who will not suffer the French to be absolute Masters of a province which doth confine with the County of Burgundy Bienne This Town seated upon a branch of the lake of Newfchastel is a little Republick allied with Berne by combourgoisie They are all of the religion and not troubled with any pretenders to their liberty spiritual or temporal but do live securely under the protection of Berne and do enjoy all the liberties of that Town as free denisons serving joyntly unto that State as a good antemurale against the French County of Burgandy Geneva Geneva doth stand in the bottom of a lake unto which it doth give name The river of Rhosne doth run through part of the city on the one side and the river Arva doth passe by it on the other side This Republick was received into the protection and confederation with the Canton of Berne in the yeer 1592. or there abouts and doth serve as a strong bulwark to secure the Bernesi from any invasion that way Henry the fourth of France in the time of the league did imploy his best offices to incantonise this Town wisely foreseeing that in time Spain would overbalance France in Helvetia where he being then a Protestant could onely promise unto himself the devotion of four orthodox Cantons and the two misparties and Spain was sure of the other seven Plurality of voices in the general Diet of Baden doth oversway all businesses but equality doth make a stop and inforce sine temperamento If he could have made Geneva a fourteenth Canton as his purpose was then the Pope Emperour and Span had lost all hope of predominating there which now they have with the odde voice but since his death the government of France hath fallen into the hands of ministers who do what they can to advantage the Spanish faction in those parts and to suppresse those who were and are most devoted to the French Crown Unto the soveraignty of this town the Duke of Savoy doth pretend in temporalibus and the Bishop in temporalibus spiritualibus The Town doth save it self like an Animal amphibion as may be seen by their armes which are the eagle on the one side and the keys on the other with the keys they do exclude the house of Savoy alledging that none can pretend there but the Bishop and with the eagle they do soar over the Bishop declaring that their City is imperial If any man be curious to see the state of this controversie let him read le Chestal Savoysien written by a Savoyard and the answer thereunto called le Cittadin di Geneve written by Mr Saralin though his name be not affixed these are pamphlets of small volume which do state that question pro contra Pere Monnau a Jesuit confessour unto Madam Chrestienne Princess of Piedmont hath likewise written a book in octavo in favour of the house of Savoy which was printed in Turin Anno 1622. but never published or divulged a copy whereof Sir Isaac Wake did send to Geneua as soon as it did passe the presse and if they be not provided of an answer upon all occasions it is their fault The situation of this Town doth secure it from danger for it cannot be besieged unlesse armies do lodge and quarter within the dominions of France Savoy and Berne and that there be a fleet likewise to command the lake if they be true within themselves I do conceive it to be the most impregnable place in all Europe Of the use of correspondence in those parts as far as it doth concern the Crown of England IT is a Maxime irrefragable that when enemies or ill-willers do oppose or maligne the proceedings of any Prince or State they are to be esteemed behoofful and advantagious for the Actors From that Aphorisme I do conclude that the correspondence of his Majesty in Helvetia and Rhetia is not onely good but necessary having found by expecting that the Pope the Emperour France and Spain have expressed displeasure at the appearing of any Minister of his Majesties in those parts upon whatsoever occasion Extention and latitude of correspondence doth adde unto the honour of great Princes and most commonly conduce to their service as was well known observed by the wise Cardenal Wolsey who left no Prince nor little State of Christendom without an Ambassadour or Agent of his master The Venetians do observe the same stile and Henry the seventh who did hate foreign Ambssadours in his own Court was frequent in employing his own abroad If it be said that we have no need of them it may be answered that perhaps sometimes they may have need of us and being fellow-members of the body of our Religion do deserve not onely
Naples likewise to deliver into his hands a Castle of his upon the confine betwixt Rome and Naples and lastly his having commanded all Cardinals and Prelates of quality to bring their unwrought and unguilded plate unto his exchequer allowing them upon the Monti which are certain banks of mony in Rome one hundred and twenty four Julij which is five pound twelve shillings sterling for every pound weight These are arguments that he doth fear some body and whom he can fear but the Spaniards cannot be imagined for the kingdom of Naples is at his doore the French are too far off the Duk of Savoy too weak of himself and of the Venetians he is sure that if they may live in peace they will disturb no body some are so wise as to think that secretly he doth understand with France and that he would willingly lay claim unto the kingdom of Naples if the league would bring the Spaniards so low that he might dare to appear but it doth plainly appear by his Ministers abroad and their negotiations in all places that he doth really and diligently seek to divert the storm which is threatened unto the Genoesi and by consequence unto the Spaniards whether it be that hope of good from them or fear of hurt from innovations or an ambition to be the arbitrator doth move him none can tell but he who hath the key of hearts It is likely that he would fain see an end of these troubles because being a Priest and a Florentine too he hath no minde to spend and although he hath not done yet much for any of his house yet perhaps he would imitate his predecessors in that kinde which he can hardly do untill this storm be over-blown Untill it shall appear what will become of Genova and Breds he will not unmask himself certainly but it is likely that according to the event of those two great enterprises he may sail as he shall finde the winde The King of Spain THe dominions which the King of Spain doth possesse upon the Continent of Italy are the kingdom of Naples and the Dutchy of Milan Naples doth afford him good store of men and some money Milan some few men but no money with these two they have long kept Italy in awe rather by reputation then force for they have not four thousand Spaniards in both those Provinces The subjects have groaned a long time under a heavie burden of misgovernment and if a fair occasion should be offered it is thought they would willingly mutare dominum non servitutem especially those of Naples for though the carriage of the Duke of Feria hath been moderate yet he had ill fortune to fall into times when the service of his Master would not suffer him to ease the subjects according to his desire The best flower in the garden of the Spanish Monarchy is the Dutchy of Milan for that is the stomack from whence is derived the aliment which doth nourish all his states in Germany and the low Countries that rest is now at stake for if the Duke of Savoy and the Constable do incounter at Genova a check given there doth mate Milan and the cards are so well packt that if they no not shuffle them anew at Paris it will prove a hard game and very dangerous for the Spaniard The vicinity of Helvetia the proximity of Germany by the way of Tirol the neernesse and conveniencie of Genova did really make the state of Milan formidable to all Italy and terrible to all their neighbours If Genova do now fall all hope of mony is lost and no more Neapolitans Sicilians nor Spaniards can enter into Lombardy The Swisses when they shall see that Genova from whence they had all their Spanish pensions is no longer at the devotion of Spain will quickly faint and they have likewise a strong counterpoise of the Protestant Cantons which being declared for the league do keep the Catholick Cantons in awe As for Tirol and Germany they are of no further consideration for so much as doth regard the State of Milan rebus sic stantibus for the passages which the Marquis di Coruvies hath taken in Rhaetia and the Valtelina do exclude all Almans from entering that way into Italy and there is no other way for them the Duke of Savoy being of the contrary side but onely through the state of Venice or of Swisserland The kingdom of Naples is like old Rome Venalis si emptorem invenerit the first opportunity that shall present it self will make them prove true Neapolitans false to their last master and ready to betray any that shall succeed of Sicilie Sardinia Majorche and Minorche I say nothing because they are Islands divided from the main and like Pinasses must follow the fortune of these greater ships Florence Parma Nodena Luca OF these I will speake together be-because although they are supreme in their several circumferences yet all their lines do meet in one center of devotion to the Crown of Spain Florence being bound to give four thousand men for Sienna Parma three thousand for Piacenta Modena two thousand for Pensions and Luca two thousand for Protection their obligations do run onely for the defence of the State of Milan but yet the Marquis of Hiniosa and Don Pedro di Toledo did serve themselves of their forces offensively against the Duke of Savoy in the last wars of Asti and Vercelli and the Duke of Feria hath made bold to employ their troups at this time in favour of the Genoesi as hath appeared by their ensignes and Commanders taken at Ottaggio This may prove lapis scandali and perhaps hereafter those Princes and states may be called to an account by the French and Savoyards for having appeared in a quarrel in which they had nothing to do Heretofore Florence did proceed more warily as long as Cosmus the son of Ferdinand lived for his mother Madam Christienne of Loreign a Woman of imcomparable wisdom did so temper that government that Spain was served in what was due and yet France was observed with a decorum befitting the extraction of the French king out of that house and the Crown wherewith the queen mother hath honoured their family But Cosmus the young Prince who hath since succeeded being governed by the Arch-Duchesse who is sister to the Emperour doth derive all the silver streams of that state unto the Austrian Mille so that France is now wholy neglected and onely Spain respected Edward Farnese Duke of Parma being likewise very young is governed by his Uncle the Cardinal Farnese whose red hat being died in the Court of Rome must needs incline him to follow the Popes directions and that house having likewise the Dutchies of Castro and Caprarola lying within the kingdom of Naples it is not to be marvelled if they do worship towards the south But it may seem strange that Cesare di Este Duke of Modena whose eldest son Prince Alfonso hath married Isabella the infanta of Savoy by
Salulles the French were driven quite out of Italy but because they did not desire that the house of Savoy should aggrandize it self they were content to abandon him and let the French king weaken him as much by the taking from him by composition Bresse Beaugé Verome and Gol on the other side of the Alpes as might ballance what he had added to his state in Italy by the taking of Salulles peace being concluded upon the conditions of that exchange in Lions the Duke of Savoy did begin to see that his alliance with Spain was an honorable burthen and a golden chain which did captivate the liberty of his house whereupon his wife being dead he did shortly after bury in her tomb the best part of his affections towards Spain but he did not fall off quite in regard of his children who being of Spanish extraction did naturally incline to the house of their mother Not long after his eldest son Philip Emanuel died in Spain not without some suspition of help and the ministers of Spain in Italy did often minister unto him occasion of discontent so that at the last he resolved to forsake those who had forsaken him and betwixt Monsieur de Bethunes who was then Ambassador for the French king at Rome and the Count di Verrua who was Ambassador there likewise for the Duke of Savoy a Treaty of confederation and alliance was concluded betwixt Henry the fourth and Charles Emanuel The death of the French king insuing shortly after the affaires of France did change face and the reciprocal marriages contracted betwixt France and Spain did exclude the Duke of Savoy from hope of having the eldest daughter of France which had been promised to his son or being assisted with the protection of that crown yet would he never depart from the Treaty made with Henry the fourth notwithstanding many unkindnesses received from France in the beginning of the reign of king Lovis but still hoping beyond hope injurias ferendo gratias agendo he did in the end compasse all his desires with the death of the Marischal d' Ancre all animosity against him was laid aside and not long after he obtained the second daughter of France for the Prince of Piedmont then was he and his house incorporated into France and that union hath since been strengthened by the declaring of the Prince Cardinal Protector of the French nation in Rome and the marrying of Prince Tomaso unto Madamoyselle de Soissons Now he and all his sonnes are openly declared for the French party and with Prince Philibert there did die all the affections of the house of Savoy towards Spain This part of the world doth owe unto Charles Emanuel Duke of Savoy the discovery of one great secret which is that the Spaniards are resistible in Italy for he did make his party good against them when not a sword in all Europe was drawn against them but his and they employed against him all the power of their Monarchy Marcellus was the first that did make the Romans see Annibalem potuisse vinci and after he had once beaten him he ever thrived The Spaniards have sped little better in these parts since the Duke of Savoy appeared against them for whereas the ministers of Spain did govern all the Princes and states of Italy with tale la ment dellè es menes ter mortifica tal Principe di castigare tale Republicar now they do speak the language of Christians and do recommend themselves unto those whom heretofore they did despise If France do not abandon him he will be a dangerous thorn in the side of the Spaniards for he hath an undaunted courage infinite experience incredible vigilancy an active spirit an able body beyond the proportion of his years the love of all souldiers the affections and hearts of his subjects inventions to finde money as fast as he doth dispence it liberally and which doth crown his happinesse all his children of both sexes besides their incomparable fillial obedience and singular vertues have abilities to govern a far greater state then his so that fearing no disorder in his own house he may adventure safely his person abroad where he is kliewise nobly seconded by two of his sons His pretentions are great unto Savona the Marquisat of Final and many other places and he doth hope with this occasion to advantage his house in something whereupon he hath without ceremony pulled off his mask and being the first that hath entred into the list he will be the last that shall retire Although I have just cause to fear that this disjoynted discourse may seem tedious to your Majesty yet must I needs in all humility crave leave to adde one word of application which together with all the rest I do humly submit unto the consideration of your Majesties wisdom In the time of Henry the eighth the Italian Histories of that age did with a constant stile give him the title of Protettore della liberta d' Italia and yet it doth not appear that he did ever directly imbrace the protection of this province or interest himself in any of their quarels onely the Venetians did reap notable benefit by his withdrawing himself out of the League of Cambray and all the rest had their eyes upon him because he was a contrepefo betwixt the two kings of France and Spain As the affaires of the world do stand now that title cannot but be derived unto your Majesty if you will be pleased to accept it for your Majesty is now the rising sun whom all in these parts do worship and without any cost or trouble your Majestie may take to your self as much honour from the Protection of these princes and states as may not be a burthen unto you and yet advantage your own affaires else where Of Florence Mantova Modena Parma Genova and Luca your Majestie shall not need to take further notice then by a gracious answering such respects of observance as perhaps some of them may shew unto you for as things do stand now they are not sui juris and at no time can any great use be made of them for your Majesties service With the Pope your Majestie doth hold no correspondence and yet Rome is a place upon which your Majesties servants had need to have a vigilant eye for there are forged all designes pernitious to your Majesties dominions and all mysteries of state which are afterwards acted in several stages of Christendom are first attired in that attyring house In the kingdom of Naples and the Dutchy of Milan your Majesties subjects shall always finde entertainment conformable unto the correspondence that shall passe betwixt your Majestie and the king of Spain There do remain onely the Venetians and the Duke of Savoy these do properly retain their full liberty and are able to do your Majestie service and to offend any that shall be your enemie By their means and with the help of their Ministers and subjects your
Majestie may know whatsoever is done at Rome and singular use may be made of their friendship without any cost or trouble for the Venetians will never desire more then to have their Ambassadors kindly used and that the world may see and take notice that your Majestie doth respect them and if upon fit occasions your Majestie will be pleased to favour the Duke of Savoy and the Prince of Piedmont with some horses and dogs they will be proud of such a token of your love and be ready to deserve it Your Majestie doth already inherit the affections and devotion both of the State of Venice and of the house of Savoy and when they shall cast themselves into your armes as now they will do if you be pleased onely to imbrace them they are yours fot ever I will here conclude with my hearty prayers unto Almighty God for the preservation of your Majesties sacred person and your daily increase in happinesse and prosperity and ever rest Your Majesties most humble faithful and obedient subject and servant J. W. A DISCOVRSE upon the proceedings OF THE KING of SWEDEN Anno Dom. 1655. THT PROCEEDINGS OF THE KING of SWEDEN IT is a received Position that all great conquests have proceeded originally from the North and terminated in the South which point Mr. Bodin doth exemplifie very well in his Method and confirm with a passage of scripture omne ex Aquilone malum In stead of Conquests put Incursions in stead of All most then thim axime may passe but under correction that passage of scripture is misaplied not to be admitted in this sense The King of Sweden Gustavus hath lately added a new example to confirm the old position and if his proceedings be understod as Incursions and not as Conquests they will have perfect conformitie with the first generally received position He did first passe the Baltick sea with an army of no great consideration and did hazard himself upon some disadvantages for he could not land upon any ground which he was not first to dispute with his sword and was to incounter at his beginning with Imperialists who having many yeers sucked the blood of poor Martyrs in that Country would not render it without hazard of their own Put into his balance the land troups which he had in Prussia and Livonia I will confesse that the hope of joyning with them although they were far off did incourage him and his naval army to adventure upon an enterprise that was little better then desperate for although he did well know that the Imperialists were hated in those parts for the cruelties and extortions which they had committed a long time and that he should be received of all good Patriots as a Protector of the publick liberty yet was he to break the ice of himself there being none that did dare to appear in his favour untill he had no need of the favour of their appearing It is more then eight years since the Imperialists have looked toward the North presuming and with good ground that if they could be Masters of the Rivers and that sea all Germany was to be at their devotion None went further then Vallestein who did serve his Master well and lose nothing by the bargain This was the onely man to speak humanly that could have stopped the King of Sweden at the beginning for the Emperour having given unto him the investiture of the Dutchy of Mechelbourg he was able of himself to have maintained his possession but the Duke of Bavaria and the Catholick league having constrained the Emperour at the last Dyet of Ratisbone to licence him he retired to Prague and Tilly having the general command under the Duke of Bavaria did not care to fortifie the maritime places of Pomerany and Mechelburg because they did belong to Vallestein whose ruin the Duke of Bavaria did seek and if Tilly could have been sure that the king of Sweden would have contented himself with the reintegration of the Dukes of Mechelbourg and Prince of Pomerany and what with the Imperialists had gotten in the Dutchy of Holstein he would never have appeared as an enemy there being nothing that the Duke of Bavaria and he did desire more then the ruin of Vallestein the discrediting the Emperour and the exaltation of the Catholick league which might in due time authorize Bavaria to make a king of the Romans according to his own minde and stampt at Munichen Now if it be rightly examined it will appear that the king of Sweden hath not spent so many months since his departure from Sweden and his arrival in Francony and Suevia as the Imperialists did spend years in conquering North-wards and the facility of his progresse is to be attributed unto the finger of God and not unto the arm of flesh This is taken pro concesso that he hath assured himself of the Baltick sea for his retraite that he hath infranchised Pomeranie Mechelbourg and Holstein that he hath cleared the best parts of the rivers of Elbe and Weser that he hath put the Circle of lower Saxony in state of defence secured the Marquis of Brandebourg saved the Duke Elector of Saxony from utter perdition seated himself of the Bishopricks of Bamberg and Werteberg incouraged the Landgraves of Hesse and disposed the capital Imperial Towns of Francony and Swevia to accept him as Protector of the common liberty This is very much to be done in so short a time but it was not done sine sanguine sudore for when Tilly did see that the king had passed the Elbe he did look that way to stop his further advancing and upon the confines of that river there did passe many rencounters which were very bloudy but the main battle was given near Lipswick wherein God did blesse the king and our Laity did not favour Tilly. It cannot be denied but that he did the part of a brave General in that battle and in all the former rencounters he hath now discovered an errour in our ordinary Arithmetick for that Hydra of his hath still multiplied by substraction and he is now as strong as ever he was It is therefore necessary that we should examin well how things do stand at the present foresee what is likely to insue and deliberate quid agendum In my conceit things do stand yet in aequilibrio for although much ground hath been gotten since the battle near Lypswich and the hearts of milions of men are turned to our favour in detestation of the cruelty which the Imperial Commissaries have used yet if the chance of the war do turn in an other battel to our disadvantage all that ground is lost and those people will return tanquam canes ad vomitum let us take it for granted that the king of Sweden may go into the field with twenty thousand foot and five thousand horse not counting his garrisons He will be encountered by Tilly and Lorain with as many if not more If the Imperialists get the day
we may say good night unlesse we will deceive our selves If the king prevail it is not so for he pretending nothing in Germany for himself but intending the repatriation of divers exiled princes and proscribed States they will not be able to subsist severally of themselves without him nor he be able to maintain his army if he do give every man is due and retain nothing unto himself which may inable him to maintain both himself and those whose protection he doth undertake Herein I do finde a great difficulty for if he do live wholy upon the Catholick Princes our civil disputes will terminate in a war of religion and if he do live upon the Protestants they will be as weary of him as they are now of the Emperour if he do exact from both he will be in short time equally odious to both who will see that they have changed Dominum non servitutem But if the Emperour do lose the day he will not be so far streightned for the reverent respect due unto his Imperial Crown wil alwayes keep in devotion to his service milions of souls who do detest the barbarous proceedings of his Ministers Secondly the hereditary possessions of thé house of Austria yeeld many men and are of great extension which none can take from them in good conscience Lastly the dominions of the king of Spain are very vast and his Treasure of such consideration that it is a ridiculous thing to think that he can want mony for although he doth somtimee turn banquerupt when it doth turn him to account yet he doth alwayes finde mony for his own occasions and he that hath mony shall never want men His Majesty hath sent the Marquis Hamilton with forces to the King of Sweden those are counterballanced by the troups which the Duke of Lorain hath conducted in service of the Emperour The states may perhaps assist the king of Sweden with considerable troups when they have nothing to do but it were better for him that they had something to do because the Infanta will send as many to the Emperour as they can send to him so that the ballance doth go equal at present but for the future we have this disadvantage that if we have this disadvantage that if we be once beaten a Plat cousture we shall be worse then before Prague and if the Emperour lose the day he will prove like Anteus and rise from the ground with new strength having a good pulse of his patrimony in the conservation whereof many are interessed The point most considerable is that of religion which we are like to fall upon although we are to avoid it like a rock If inevitable necessity do cast us upon that desperate coast we must make account that at this present in Germany there is much ground possessed by those who do declare themselves on our side and thus much enjoyed by our enemies declared as may be seen by a schedule apart which shall be annexed into this discourse If we do confine our selves unto Germany onely we shall get little by the bargain and if we do go out we shall lose more In Germany the Catholicks have this great advantage that they do in Spiritualibus all acknowledge the Pope and do agree among themselves in doctrine and discipline whereas we have nothing but the confession of Ausbourg which doth binde us with so loose a chain that the names of Calvinists Lutherans Hussits are still in esse and their and their hatred one against the other greater then of them all against the Catholicks If we do go out of upper Germany there is Great Brittany Denmark Sweden and the states of the united Provinces which do come short of France Spain and Italy who will be against us when we shall come to that point for although this Pope be contrary in affection to the house of Austria yet he must contribute what may lie in his power to the maintaining of the Catholicks and the like must be presumed both of the French King and of the Venetians and Duke of Savoy who do all wish an abasing of the Austriaci but will never endure the increase of our religion in any place where they can hinder it Spain and the other Princes of Italy may well be left out here because it is too well known how they do incline and if they could agree among themselves perhaps the Duke of Nivers and Mantova might be their General with his new order of Militia Christiana I have heard some say that we must trust to our selves and never expect any good from Catholicks the first I grant but I denie the second I will say those men are very wise that will demonstrate how Protestants thorowout Europe subsist without support of Catholicks but if we can be without them it is good because they are to us like a lake of Anecie which doth yeeld fish all the yeer but in lent as these may serve us at all times but when we have most need of them Here we may put into our scale those of the religion in France whose relicks are something numerous quantum ad individua but they are light grains and of no greater consideration since the integrity of their body hath been dissolved and broken their fortifications demolished and their leaders either seduced or exiled so so that nothing can be expected from them but the aid of some few voluntaries whose zeal may transport them to offer their service unto such as do or may appear in this cause and the prayers of the Churches and good wishes of all true Protestants There is yet another thing of greater consideration which doth make for us and that is the difference among Catholicks for civil respects which wil in part help to counterpoise the misunderstandings of our religionaries in Germany of which before I have spoken though France hath not hitherto so visibly aspired to an universal Monarchy as Spain is said to have done perhaps unjustly it is apparent that their perpetuall domestick brovilleries have hindered them from executing and perhaps from projecting any such vast designes But it is certain that either envy or emulation or reciprocal jealousie have bred such an Antipathy betwixt those two nations that though they are unwilling to break yet they will alway disagree unlesse the crucifying of our Saviour do reconcile Herod and Pilate This emulation of these two Crowns doth breed as great a distraction of the Catholick body in Europe as may be equivalent to the disunion of our body in Germany only herein they have the advantage of us that their quarels being purely civil are more accommodable of themselves and that they have the Pope for Padre communé unto whom they do willingly remit the arbitrement of their differences when they are both so weary of making war that they do not care upon what conditions any peace be made pro interim whereas our differences in matter of religion are more irreconcilable for although the parties
they should retain whatsoever they could conquer over Frederick of Austria by which right they hold the most of their Bailliages on this side the hills As for the places which they hold beyond the Alpes their right is somewhat questionable they pretend that in the year 1513 when they did help Maximilian Sforza Duke of Milan to chase the French out of Italy he did in liew of their assistance give them the four Balliages confining with their Countrey namly a Lugan lieth from Milan N N W â— a point W. 47. Miles and being prodigal of his name communicates it to a lake called the lake Lugan which tendeth N. and S. and is in length 20. Miles and where it is broadest 8. Miles and narrowest 3. Miles Lugano b Locarne lieth from Lugan 20. Miles N.N.W. and is situated at the Western side of the great Lake called in that respect il Lago Maggiore which tendeth N. N. E. and S. and by W. and is in length 47. Miles and breadth 7. Miles Locarne Mendrise and the valley of c The Val de Madia lieth between Mont S Gotardo called anciently by Ptolome Adula more modernly Dogel and now as formerly in regard of a little Church built in honour to that Saint Gotardo and the lake Maggiore it tendeth N. N. W. and S. S. E. 40. Miles in length and 7. broad The town Madia standeth by a River of that name which confineth the Valley Madia and that afterward Francis the great when he recovered the state of Milan did confirm unto the Swisses the former donation of Maximilian Sforza by a publick Act passed at Frâ—burg But in a relation that I have seen of the State of Milan I finde that they are accused to have usurped those places in the time of Lewes the 12. King of France il quale saith my Authour havendo guadagnato to stato di Milano Licentiato li Swisser chi havenano Jeruiti in quella impresa fatto loro ogni dimostratione di gratitudine non solo con gl'intieri pagamenti ma con molti doni et pensioni quessi medesimi ritornandosene à casa occuparono Belintina insolentissimam le non assignando altra ragione di quel che facenano che l'ssere loro necessaria quella pialla per aprirsi il passo allo stato di Milano quando havessero voluto entrarui senla haverlo a dimandare ad altro Principe enstandi il Re Luigi per la restitutione risposero superbissimamle che volevano anche la Murata Lucarno appresso per farsi pin facile l'entrata in Italia a voglia loro cosi lo pisero in essecutione c. Tesoro Politico 1ª parte fol. 295. impress Francofort 1610. Which comes in English thus Who saith my Authour having obtained the State of Milan and permitted the Swissers to depart that had served him in that enterprise and shewed them all demonstrations of gratitude not onely by allowing them their whole paie but by many gifts and pension bestowed amongst them Those very men returning home most insolently surprised Belinsone giving no other reason for it but that the place was verie necessary for them to open their passage into the State of Milan when they had occasion to passe that way that so they might not be compell'd to demand it from other Princes And King Lewis using all means possible for the restitution of it They most proudly answered that they would also have Murata and Lucarne ere it were long to make their passage into Italy more easie at their own pleasure and this they brought to passe c. Tesoro Politico i a part fol. 295. printed at Erancofort 1610. The Swisses forein Alliances Among the Alliances which the Swisses have at this present the most ancient is that with the house of Astria which is hereditary and perpetual and common with all the thirteen Cantons they receive no pension non deniers de Paix as they call it this for Alliance in regard that the Austriaci do buy the League dear enough in letting the Swisses enjoy peaceable what they have conquered of the dominions belonging heretofore to the house of Austria The second general Alliance that the Swisses have with forein Princes is that which is contracted betwixt their whole body the Crown of France for which the French King doth pay in yearly pensions the value of 30000 franks which is divided among the several Cantons by a Geometrical proportion and not Arithmetical for every Canton doth not share alike of these Deniers de Paix but they have some more some lesse according as some are able to contribute more men then others to the service of that Crown The Duke of Savoy and his house hath a general Alliance with the whole Helvetian body which is called une League de regarde containing no particular restriction to defensive or offensive succor one of the other but onely fair and good correspondence befitting neighbours whose states are confining With the Catholick Cantons the said Duke hath a particular league namely with Lucerne Vri Swits Vnderwald Zug and Friburg of whom he is to have six thousand men for his service at his own cost in case of defence and in lieu thereof he doth pay to those Cantons the yeerly sum of 9. thousand dueatons which is distributed likewise by unequal portions and part thereof is allotted to the common treasury of every one of those Cantons part to particular persons who are of most credit and Authority in their Countrey This league was made in the year 1579. in the time of the Duke Emmanuel Philibert and the durance thereof is expressed to be during the life of the said Duke and of his son Charles Emmanuel now living and ten years after his death The king of Spain hath a league with the fore-named six cantons Catholicks namely Lncerne Uri Swits Vnderwald Zug and Friburg and likewise with Apensel which is a mixt Canton consisting half of Protestants and half of Papists He doth pay in continuation of this Alliance an yearly pension of fifty thousand ducatons which is divided betwixt the Treasuries of each Canton and particular persons proportione Geometica and he is to have of them all for the defence of the State of Milan six thousand men at his own charge This league was contracted Anno 1589. in the time of Pâ—â—lip the second King of Spain and is to last during his life and his son the King that now reigneth and ten yeares after both their deaths When this league was first made Spain had small credit in this Countrey and the French crown was only respected there insomuch that the King of Spain was inforced to desire the Duke of Savoy who is now alive to interpose his authority which was great with that people for the effecting of that Alliance Howsoever the French Ministers did at that time oppose themselves against it with such heat that the league was made with conditions as disadvantagious to Spain as
might be namely barely defensive for the State of Milan in case of invasion since that time the Spaniards according to the custom of that nation have incroached a great deal and by the help of the Iesuits they procured in the year 1604 a declaration of certain articles contained in the first league which they did get to be extended more to their advantage then the intent was at the first and in particular they obtained a specification of the passage to be granted through the State of the Cantons for al strangers whom the King of Spain should have occasion to leavy for his service in Italy The French Ambassador did strongly oppose against that declaration at that time but all that he could obtain was a reservation of the right of the French King and that the said declaration should be understood not to prejudice in any thing the Alliance that the French King hath with that people Since that time the Spanish pistols proving more weighty then the French crowns Alfonso Casati Ambassador for the King of Spain in those parts procured of the Canton of Uri in whose hands the passage is a new declaration in the yeer 1616 in favour of the Spanish league without reservation of the exception formerly interposed by the French Ministers to the notable prejudice of the Crown of France and likewise of the publick liberty Monsieur Vigier who was resident in Swisserland at that time in the absence of Monsieur de Castille the French Ambassador seemed to be much offended with that usurpation and threatened to protest solemnly against the Canton of Vri but when the publick Diet was held at Bada in the moneth of Iune the same year though the matter was then fresh in regard that the Lands-Knights were but newly passed at that time into Italy under the conduct of the Count Carlo Lodovico di Solz Monsieur Vigier held his peace and said nothing having as is imagined received order out of France not to oppose himself against any thing that the Spaniardes should do by means of which connivence the Spanish party hath got so much ground that hereafter it will not be in the power of France to counterpoise them when they shall in these parts attempt any thing that may prove a disservice of the French King or Crown Neque enim ibi consistunt exempla ubi ceperunt sed quemlibet in tenuem recepta tramitem latissime evagandi sibi viam faciunt an evident proof whereof we see in the incroaching of the Spaniards in these parts for whereas at the first they did not dare to specifie the point of the passage in their Alliance they did begin as hath been noted above in the year 1604. by way of explanation of their articles to draw in the benefit of the passage but which reservation of the right of France in the year 1616. they renewed their declaration without reserving the right of the French and this year 1617. they have gone so far as to take the point of the passage for a thing granted and without asking leave of the eight Cantons who have equal jurisdiction at Bada or of the twelve Cantons who have the same right in the Bailliages beyond the hills the Spanish Ambassadour hath treated the businesse onely with the Catholick Cantons who are all now at his devotion and in scorn of the Protestant Cantons he did write letters to Zurick Berne and the rest which did onely advertise that the Wallons which Don Verdugo did conduct to the service of the king of Spain in Italy were to passe through places of their jurisdiction and that therefore they should do well to see them provided of victualls and al such things as they should want without using a word of entreaty or request in his letters as if those had nothing to do in the business as he hath at this present excluded the Protestant Cantons from having any thing to do in granting the passage through Towns subject to their jurisdiction because the Catholicks have the plurality of voices so will he hereafter exclude likewise the Catholick Cantons having already laid the foundation of that designe for in his proposition this year 1617. in the moneth of April at Lucerne he demanded passage of the little Cantons for four thousand foot onely and 1000. horse without arms and to passe by 200. at a time a dayes journey distant the one from the other notwithstanding that his grant was for no more and in the form specified he caused 6000. Wallons to passe and 1000. horse together with their arms so that hereafter he will alledg this example that as this year there have passed two thousand without leave so hereafter he may cause as many as he list to passe and never ask licence for them but take the matter as a thing already granted and accustomed This league is now upon the point of expiring for the ten years after the death of Philip the second and his son Philip the third are almost run out and therefore it will shortly appear upon the renewing of this league whether the French will be so wise as to oppose against the above specified incroachments or the Swisses so careful of their publick liberty as to restrain it within the limits of the bounds prescribed in the beginning As France is now governed it is not likely that opposition will be made on that side considering that the Ministers of that Crown do visibly in all places cooperat towards the aggrandising of the Spaniards and as for the Catholick Swisses it may be said as truly as it was said of Rome O vrbem venalem citò perituram si emptorem invenerit Zurick and Berne have a particular league with the Marquis of Baden and Turlach contracted in the year 1612. during the life of the Marquis and of Prince Frederick his son and ten years after It is meerly defensive and as each of those Cantons are to give him for his defence 1000. men at his charge so he is bound to furnish them with the like proportion at his charge or so much money the choice being left unto them whether they will have men or money This league is still on foot although the Marquis hath lost most of his estate for the Emperour hath invested a Nephew of the Marquis called Edward in the Marquisate of Baden and although Prince Frederic his eldest son is suffered to enjoy the Marquisat of Turlach in contemplation of the Duke of Wirtenberg whose sister he hath married and whom the Emperour is unwilling to displease yet Tilly and Verdugo do lodg and quarter troops there at their pleasure so that the Prince doth hold it but as it were precariò The Canton of Berne hath an Alliance and league apart with the house of Savoy contracted in the year 1617. betwixt that State and Charles Emanüel Duke of Savoy and it is to last during his life the life of the Prince of Piedmont and ten years after They are bound
countenance but protection The Protestants in those parts are often braved by their Allayes of the Catholick Cantons who being fomented by the Popish and Austriacal party do insult upon them many times Contentions and disputes do arise often and the poor and simpler sort of people intimidated with the apprehension of so potent enemies do unwillingly concur with the Magistrates in the defence of their liberty and conscience in such cases which are frequent there the sight of a minister of so great a Monarch as is his Majestie wil invigorates the most stupid among them and the opinion of his royall protection will incourage them to maintain a good cause The seat of that place is very proper observe to andamenti of those upon whose proceedings it is fit that wealwayes have a vigilant eye for from thence as from a watch-tower we may easily discover long before whatsoever they do intend Those people are not onely auxiliaries of which most princes doth serve themselves especially France and Spain who do buy the love of the Cantons at a dear rate that they may be furnished with men when they shall require any in which regard it will be fit that his Majesty were alwayes advertised aforehand when any leavy is intended to be made in those parts that knowing what innovation is machinating by any of those Princes who do require auxilliaries he may govern himself accordingly as the state of affaires shall minister occasion The passage out of Germany into Italy and Vice Versa is a point of important consideration and as it may import much to know when any passage is demanded and by whom so will it be easy for a careful minister to discover afore-hand the designe of those that ask the passage and perhaps he may sometimes have credit enough upon some occasions either to stop or delay the passage if it may prove prejudicial to any friends of his Majesties or to facilitate it if it may turn to their service or advantage The State of Venice and the Duke of Savoy his Majesties good friends notwithstanding their Alliance with some of the Cantons may have use of the power and credit of his Majesty in those parts for as in the year 1615 the Protestant Cantons did upon a letter of his Majesties of glorious memory grant the passage through their dominions unto such troups as the Count Iohn de Nassaw had then raised for the service of the Duke of Savoy in despight of France and Spain and in the year 1618 the Bernesi at the request of his foresaid Majestie did lodge in the Pais de vaud and give quarter unto Count Mansfelts army retyring then out of Pied-mont four monthes together untill Vorcelli was surrendered so hereafter occasions of the like nature may present themselves wherein his Majesty may favour his friends with his authority and good offices Lastly it is to be presumed that the Palatinate and Marquisate of Baden shall be restored in due time and in that case the neigborhood of the four Evangelical cities who have Alliance with Strasbourg may prove of good consideration and a Minister of his Majesties will be necessary to cement the intelligence and good correspondence which may be renewed betwixt those Princes and the foresaid Cantons Of the name and Original of the Helvetij historically MAny nations do seek their pedigree further then it can be found and some of them are sorry to finde what they did seek Quicquid quaeritur optimum videtur yet a modest ignorance is in many cases more comfortable then any vain curiosity can profit The Arcadians did flee beyond the moon and call themselves 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Helvetians like their Antipodes go under ground and passe the center of the earth to seek their original They are not ashamed to derive their extraction a Dite inferorum Deo and their name hath consonancy with their fantasie for Helvatter in their language is the father of Hell and anciently they were called Helvetteri qnasi inferno nati which name the Romans with the advantage of a more easy pronuntiation did corrupt into Helvetij This etymologie of the name will easily be accepted by those who will give credit to Aegidius Tschudus and Henricus Glareanus who do affirm that the ancient Gauls did speak the German tongue and especially that of the Helvetij for although I will not affirm the uniformity of their language yet this conceit de Dite Patre either was infused to the Gauls by the Helvetians or common to them both as one people for Iulius Caesar doth write of the Gauls in this manner Omnes se ab Dite Patre prognatos praedicabant idque â Druidibus proditum dicebant This name antiently formidable to the Romans was in a manner extingushed when Aulus Caecinna did overcome and beat them aplate cousture ad Vindonissam which was so perfect a conquest that he did divide the whole Country into two Provinces Sequance and Rhaetia After that conquest they did look more towards Germany then towards the Gauls and in time did wholy passe into the name manners customs and tongue of the Germans when being impatient of their subjection to the Romans the inhabitants did joyn with the Germans to deliver themselves of bondage The second name and most known of that Country at this day is Saitia Swisserland but the etymologie is as uncertain as of the former in regard of the variety of opinions some with the addition of the letter s. at the beginning would derive them à vitis a people of Saxony whom Charles the great did drive out of their own country for frequent rebellions and confine within the straight passages of the Alpes Others run into Sweden and bring them from the Sueci who in the time of king Sigebert made a transmigration out of Suecia and planted themselves in this Country A third opinion there is of some wise in their own conceit who do baptise them Swisses from a war which those of Zurick did make eight years together in the time of Frederic the third against those of Swits Glaris and their confederates But we need not go so far for it is most probable that the wholy Countrey did take this name from the village or now Canton of Swits where the first foundation of the Helvetical league was layed the fabrick whereof was shortly after raised to perfection by a memorable victory which they gained not far from that village upon the Austriaci who came with great forces to break their new begun confederation So much of the name as for their first plantation they do pretend almost as high as the flood for they do beleeve that Zurick and Soluere are coetaneall with Triers the first foundation whereof is thought to have been in the time of the Patriarch Abraham almost two thousand yeers before the birth of our Saviour All the Annals of Helvetia are constant in this assertion and I will rather beleeve them them seek arguments to confute them Of