Extremities of the North to defend those of his Religion in Germany overthrows the ambitious Projects of the Courts of Vienna and Madrid The Emperor trembles and fears to lose his Hereditary Countries and France by the help of a League opportunely made with Sweden forces from the House of Austria part of her ancient Patrimony The Success of the Spanish Arms in Picardy strikes a Terrour into Paris it self The King of France comes out of his Capital to repulse the Enemy and cannot refrain from Tears to see the Fire advanced so near the Gates of his own Palaces The Revolutions on the other side the Pyrences change the Face of Affairs Catalonia surrenders to Lewis XIII and Portugal drives out the Spaniards and replaces the Duke of Bâ—…aganza on the Throne of his Ancestors Philip the IV. in a Consternation leaves Madrid to secure the Country of Arragon and reduce the Catalonians But no soonâ—…r does he begin this Expedition but he receives the unwelcome News that France had seized the Town of Perpigan and the County of Rousillon In this Variety of Events there may be â—…und many eminent Instances of Virtue â—…nd Vice Treachery richly rewarded â—…e highest Posts of Honour obtained by â—…e most infamous Crimes some few beâ—…owed on Merit great Preferments reâ—…cted with Contempt from Motives of â—…eligion and Probity Some great Lords â—…eanly ransom their Lives and Estates by coming Slaves to an Ambitious and Revengeful Cardinal Others threatned to be made a Sacrifice to his Passions and Interest with a Noble Haughtiness continue faithful to their Friends and suffer Death with an Heroick Courage This Fragment of the Modern History of France which I design to illustrate is so curious and full of Variety it would soon tempt a Man who would employ his Time in writing something Diverting and Instructive However the boldness of the Attempt has often awed me and perhaps it is above my Abilities If I praise the principal Actors who appear upon the Stage I am in danger of being censured for Flattery and if I speak too freely I am sure to be charged with Detraction Constant Panegyrick disgusts and incenses most Readers They love to have the Vices and secret Passions of Men laid open This Air of Freedom pleases and diverts them But if I should indulge this natural Inclination we have to heaâ—… others condemned will not the World too say I am making a Satyr and not wriâ—…ting a History I shall endeavour then to avoid theâ—… two Extremes with all possible Care have no Inducement to praise or blaâ—â— Persons who were almost all dead befoâ—â— I came into the World What particular Reason can I have to love or hate them The difference of Opinion in Matters Religion and Government shall not hind the from doing Justice to Merit or conmending what is worthy of Praise I am thanks to God in a Country where every one enjoys a Happiness which is so rare in this World to speak their reasonable Thoughts with freedom If I am not in a Capacity to do my Country Service I have the Liberty to deplore its Misfortunes The State of Europe and of France at the end of the Reign of Henry IV. Before I enter upon the Matter I shall promise some few Things of Henry the Fourth and the End of his Life It s necessary to know the Posture of Affairs in Europe and France when this latter lost one of the greatest Monarchs she ever had He employ'd the first Years of his Reign in reducing by force of Arms or gaining by Treaties all who had formed a potent League against him under Colour of Religion and in carrying on a War against Philip II. King of Spain This Ambitious Monarch had supported the League with a mighty Assistance of Men and Money out of a Design to place a Prince of his House on the Throne of France or at least to dismember that Monarchy whose Power was an invincible Obstacle to the vast Projects he had conceived But finding himself worn out with Infirmities of Body and seeing his Country quite exhausted by the Immense Sums he expended and the great number of Soldiers and Ships which he lost in his Wars against the Vnited Provinces of the Low Countries England and France Philip I say after so many Men and so much Treasure consumed in vain was glad to make Peace with Henry on such Conditions as the State of France not less exhausted than Spain could not give them leave to hope for Elizabeth Queen of England and the States of the Vnited Provinces made loud Complaints that the King abandoned his good and faithful Allies in preâ—…sing â—…o cagerly the Conclusion of the Treaty with Philip. Tâ—â—â— say they is a sure way to lose the favourable Opportunity of taking those Advantages against Spain which its low and declining Condition must have put in our Hands Henry excused this Proceeding of his as well as he could alledging the Incapacity of his Kingdom to support a Foreign War after it had been so miserably harass'd by a Domestick one which had lasted so many Years and was not yet well extinguished The Reason was specious But the King seemed impatient to give himself up to his Pleasures and with ease to enjoy so fair a Succession which he had purchased with so much Hazard and Trouble It must be own'd Henry had good Reason to distrust his Strength for the future The Duke of Mercoeur penned up in Britany would not have made his Peace if he had not believ'd that of Spain entirely resolv'd on Besides the Protestants of France who had served a King bred up amongst them with so much Courage and Constancy took Umbrage and Jealousie His changing his Religion and the Favours with which he purchased the friendship of the Great Men who had been Leagued against him began to Alarm them and his New Engagements to the Court of Rome their crael and implacable Enemy had like to have cool'd them Henry prudently confirmed his best Subjects by the Edict of Nantes which was concerted with great Industry and Deliberation Happy had they been if the Successors of this good Prince had left them peaceably to enjoy what he so justly granted them No sooner was Peace setled at home and abroad but Henry strove to win the Hearts of his Subjects by publishing he would labour incessantly to make them live in Ease and Plenty Several Manufactures were set up and some certain Duties taken off It is probable the great Debts he contracted and the engagement of a great part of his Revenue would not give him leave to take away divers others very burthensom and made him give ear to all Projects for bringing Money into his own Coffers But in all this he had the Address to prevent and stifle all Murmurs by making the French Nation since for a long time accustomed to patience believe his greatest desire was to make them happy The King flattered himself he should check the turbulent humour of divers great
Magistrates to be Elected with the consent of the Protestants The Ambassador of the Arch-Dukes of the Low Countries at Paris made an Instance to the Regent to Annul the Regulations made by the Marquess de la Veuville and his Collegues But the Regent being informed of the truth of Things declared to the Envoys of the Princes of Brandenburgh and Neuburgh and those of Aix la Chapelle that her Son would not suffer any thing to be done to the prejudice of their Masters The Meeting of some Protestant Princes of Germany about the Affairs of Cleves and Juliers They were afraid in Germany that the Litigious Succession of Cleves and Juliers would cause a Division among the Protestant Princes The Elector of Brandenburgh and the Duke of Neuburgh had their Pretensions the Elector of Saxony too was resolved to maintain the Rights of his Family The difference of these three great Protestant Houses was like to give great Advantages to the Roman Catholicks Divers Princes met in May at Introbock near Leipsic in Saxony to Advise about Means to prevent this unfortunate Clashing and bring the Pretenders to an Agreement The Electors of Saxony and Brandenburgh Mercure Francois 1611. divers Princes of the two Houses and of that of Hesse and some other agreed that the Matter should be decided by the Emperor the Countries of Cleves and Juliers should be jointly Possessed and Adminâ—…stred by the Elector and Princes of Saxony together with the Princes of Brandenburgh and Neuburgh on condition that the Saxons should advance a certain Sum of Money to the two Princes which were in Possession The Protestants were glad of this Means to Reconcile the two Electoral Houses But the Prince of Neuburgh having refused to consent to it notwithstanding the whole Assembly of Princes in the Protestant League at Rottemburg in Bavaria intreated him earnestly to comply this Treaty of Introbock had no effect The Princes of the Protestant League meet at Rottemburgh in Bavaria The several Persecutions which the Reformed suffered in Bavaria at Bambergh Wirtsburgh Cologne Worms and elsewhere gave occasion to this Meeting of the Princes of the Protestant League at Rottemburgh They were glad they still had the liberty to Regulate some common Matters and take Measures to preserve and strengthen their Union The Emperor sent two Persons of his Part to the Assembly Complaints were made to these Men Mercure Francois 1611. of the new Execution of divers things which his Imperial Majesty had promised to the Protestants and of the Persecutions which those of the Religion suffered in several places The Emperors Deputies excused this as well as they could His Imperial Majesty said they will keep peace among the Subjects of his Hereditary Countries without any Distinction of Religion But having no Power to Control the Archbishop of Cologne nor the Bishop of Wirtsburg and Bambergh he cannot be Responsible for what those Prelates do The Electors must meet in a little time at Nuremberg to debate there of the General Affairs of the Empire The Emperor desires to act so as to give every one Satisfaction The Protestant Princes being accustomed to these sort of Delays replied in high Terms if the Emperor deferred any longer to keep his Word they would make such Provision as the State of Affairs should require Matthias King of Hungary who hoped to procure himself to be chosen King of the Romans sent the Baron de Polheim to Rottembergh to manage the Princes of the Protestant League It concerned him not to have them Traverse him in his Designs Polheim thanked the Princes for the Affection they shew'd to his Master assured them of the Friendship of Matthias and communicated to them the Agreement made between the Emperor and his Brother After the Complements which Princes Reciprocally make each other on the like occasions the Protestants prayed the King of Hungary to forbear all sorts of Violence to preserve a Respect for the Emperor his Brother and prevent the Foreigners of his Council from taking Measures which might disturb the Repose of Germany The Republick of Venice the Swiss Cantons and the Seignoury of Geneva had likewise sent to the Meeting of the Protestant Princes The Venetians were upon their Guard against the House of Austria and especially against the King of Spain and Ferdinand Archduke of Gratz The Swisses and the People of Geneva feared the Enterprizes of the Duke of Savoy This made them seek the Goodwill of all the Protestant Princes of Germany A like Assistance was promised to the Seignory of Geneva and a very civil obliging Answer was given to the Republick of Venice and the Swiss Cantons The Affair of Aix la Chapelle was brought under debate The Princes resolved to defend the Protestant Citizens if there were occasion for it but they prest them to live peaceably with the Catholicks They undertook to intercede with the Magistrates of Cologne to admit the Protestants to go without Scandal or Fear of being Disturbed into the Countries of the Neighbouring Princes to pray to God with those of their Religion But if the Magistrates refused to comply with this Request they were exhorted to suffer patiently and to avoid committing any Violence Besides this they writ to the Bishop of Bamberg and Worms to pray the first not to disturb his Protestant Subjects and the latter not to introduce the Jesuits and to send away those he had admitted I take pleasure in relating these particulars It shews the Wisdom and Moderation of the Protestant Princes of Germany They did not take Arms for Religion till the last Extremity These Princes farther sent into France England and the Vnited Provinces to renew the Alliances and thank the two Kings and the States-General for the Aid they gave in the War of Cleves and Juliers In the Conclusion several Counties and Towns of the Empire upon their desire were admitted into the League and the Affairs of greatest consequence were remitted to the Judgment of the Electoral Diet appointed at Nuremberg Christian the Second Elector of Saxony The Elector of Saxony's Death died of an Apoplexy before John George his Brother succeeded him Excess of Drinking is a common fault among the German Princes It is surprizing the unfortunate and untimely Death of so many of their Kinsmen as are daily killed by the excess of Wine should not divert them from a Vice so unbecoming Persons of their Rank and so contrary to Christianity Christians ever rewarded the greatest Drinkers best His Successor was forced to be at a greater charge to redeem the Castles and Lordships which he had lavishly given to the Companions of his Debauches Mercure Francois 1611. There is a Report that the Princess his Mother sent a Minister to him to exhort him to leave off that Vice The Elector placed him at his Table and knowing he loved Money promised him a great Golden Cup if he would drink it off at a certain number of times The Minister accepted the
rather the Risque of yielding to Force and Injustice than augment the hatred they already have against our Reformation by giving our Enemies a new Pretension of accusing us of Rebellion What Crime can they upbraid me withal I don't fear their Scrutinies or their Informations what have they to find fault with me I have no part in Mr. Rohan's Concerns Set upon me for Religion This would be to set the whole Kingdom on Fire Du Plessis resolv'd not to stir He was contented to let the Ministers of State know the troublesome Consequence of the ill Counsels which were given her Majesty and to exhort them to let the Reformed enjoy peaceably the Repose which the deceas'd King had granted them with so much Justice and Prudence It had been better to have hearkned to the good Counsels Du Plessis gave if the Enemies which the Duke of Rohan had amongst those of his own Religion had not obstructed it In the mean time whether the Regent gave any heed to what the King of England had answer'd to the Marshal Bouillon upon the Subject Matter of the Protestants in France or that she fear'd many Provinces declaring for the Duke of Rohan a Civil War might break out in France her Majesty at last acknowledged that if the Duke of Rohan had withstood her Orders with too much Haughtiness she likewise had too easily given way for the King's Authority to be undermined There was sought then some way to accommodate Matters Themines Seneschal of Querci was sent to St. John d' Angeli to bring back the Duke Du Plessis Mornai had given him wise Counsel to yield willingly and fairly as if the Queen was in the Right provided he kept his Government in the same Condition as it was before The Negotiation was set on foot on that Condition The former Major was again put into the Exercise of his Office and the Subaltern Officers whom the Duke of Rohan would not suffer to be in the Town entred there again But in few Days after there was a new Election and the Regent gave other Employments to those whom the Duke did not at all approve of The Reformed Protestants after this held a National Synod at Privas in Vivarets They agreed there That the Division of the greatest Persons of their Communion was going to make Destruction of the Reformation in France The Synod was resolv'd to make a Reconcilement amongst them efficaciously They wrote to Du Plessis Mornai to join all his Earnestness and Diligence to that of the Commissaries which the Company had nominated to agitate in this important Affair The Marshals Bouillon and Lesdiguieres not content with the Court easily consented to the Re-union This made them more formidable to the Regent and her Ministers The Princes of the Blood with whom they were lately confederated should have had more Consideration for Persons who were capable of bringing the Huguenot Party well united on their side In the Act of Reconciliation prepar'd by consent with Du Plessis Mornai the Reform'd Lords mutually promis'd to forget all that had past to love one another to give one another reciprocal Testimonies of their Amity as far as Religion and their bounden Faith to the King would give them leave to labour jointly for the Advancement of God's Kingdom and the Repose of their Brethren to do nothing which might prejudice the Union and Conformity of the Doctrine and Discipline establish'd in the Reformed Churches of France The Dukes de Rohan and de Sulli the Marshals Bouillon and Lesdigueres Chatillon Soubize La Force and Du Plessis Mornai signed the Writing They agreed further that the Governours of places of Security and Gentlemen distinguish'd in the Provinces should be ask'd to subscribe the same The Protestation which the National Synod of Privas publish'd in the Name of all the Reformed Churches in France made a great noise in the World See here the Occasion The Regent in her Letter to the General Assembly at Saumur had enjoin'd the Deputies to retire into their Provinces and there make report of the good Intentions of her Majesty The Reform'd seeing at last that this Assembly was oblig'd to break up before they had time to examine the Answer made to their Address of Complaints and Demands thought to remedy this Misfortune by convening Provincial Assemblies The Regent seem'd to suffer these by ordering the Deputies to make their Report in their Provinces They assembled then for this Effect without that the Court could find any thing to say against them The King's Lieutenants had themselves call'd some and the Presidents of the Sovereign Court were present at others The Regent had her self given order to the Commissioners sent to examin the Contravention made against the Edict of Nants That they should repair to the Provinces before any Assembly was held They were present upon certain Occasions One can't say then that these were held without the Knowledge and Sufferance of her Majesty She thought that she had so fully allow'd them as her Commissioners had had Orders to assist there in Person and her Officers with the Magistrates were present there likewise The Deputies of the Eight Provinces being come afterwards to Paris with design to finish what the Assembly at Saumur was not able to perform and to sollicite more favourable Answers to the Remonstrance which they had presented the Regent found her self in a Perplexity she had not foreseen It is to be confess'd that the way of the Reformed upon this Occasion was not ill contriv'd This was a Means to hinder their secret and profess'd Enemies from gaining so great Advantages from the Separation of the Assembly of Saumur There was much likelihood that the Duke of Rohan had furnish'd them with this Expedient for to cross the Marshal Bouillon who had deserv'd much at Court by having manag'd so well Affairs in the Assembly at Saumur as the Regent could not from thence expect a more favourable Issue These Deputations put the Regent and her Council at a stand which was as troublesom as if the General Assembly had continued And the Marshal Bouillon did not now seem to have done such great Feats It concern'd him to save his Reputation by seeking some Remedy for this new Inconvenience A better could not be found out than to send back the Deputies of the Provinces as being sent from People who were assembled against the King's Will or at least without his Permission And for the Court should not scruple this by reason of the Discontentment that the refusal to hear the Deputies might raise the Marshal Bouillon took all the Blame upon himself that might ensue They went yet further The Regent had put forth a new Declaration which forbid the Reform'd to hold for the future these Provincial Assemblies Consistories Colloquies Provincial and National Synods were only allow'd them upon Condition that none should be there besides Ministers and Elders and that they should treat of nothing but what concern'd the Doctrine and Discipline of
have the liberty to follow her Religion in private and in the most Retir'd Chamber of her Apartment I confess that these are too strait and narrow Conditions but if France speaks sincerely I don't question but that she will be contented with them Henry very well knew his covetous Fathers Humour For this reason he had a touch upon the Article of her Fortune in a somewhat more nice manner If your Majesty continued he regards the greatness of a Dowry I think you will prefer the Princess of Savoy she brings with her Two hundred thousand Crowns more than the Lady of France for at least I can scarce persuade my self that the Regent will give more to the second Daughter than to the Eldest But if your Majesty lays aside Interest to do what shall be more to the mind of the General Body of Protestants abroad it seems to me you will rather encline to France than Savoy Lastly concluded the Prince I fear lest your Majesty should not be content with the indifference I shew for all the Propositions of Marriage which are made me I most humbly beg your pardon for it T' is you Sir who is to take the most advantageous Resolution that may be for the good of the State I have but little experience in politick Affairs and can't speak like a Man smitten with Love upon this Occasion I have with the greater willingness inserted into History this Letter because it might be perhaps the last he ever writ T' was dated the 14th of October 1612. and the Prince died the 16th of November Having drank some small Beer to quench his Thirst after hard Riding he fell dangerously Sick All the skill of the ablest Physicians could do no good against the violence of his Distemper Heaven was deaf to the prayers of all England for the recovery of a young Prince Nineteen years of Age the Hopes and Delight of the Nation Those Persons who at first affected to shew the greatest grief for his Death were not sorry for't heartily At least t' was so believed The Affliction of the common People was more sincere and of deeper impression than that of the Court. They generally said the Applauses which we have so heartily given the Prince of Wales have been Ominous and Fatal to him They who will Reign as absolute Masters don't love to see their Children too popular The Affection which young Henry had for Religion and the Libertie's of his Country had caus'd the course of life to be cut off which had been so happily begun Charles his Brother and Frederick Elector of Palatine who was come to visit the Princess of England design'd in Marriage for him were present at the Funeral in close Mourning The Tears of the People who accompanied him to the Grave in reckoning up his Vertues which shin'd already in his Person and in bewailing the irreparable loss which England had suffer'd were the greatest Ornament of this Ceremony The Prohibition the King his Father made some few days after to appear at Court in Mourning redoubled the suspitions and indignation of the English-men Did not he think as a Roman Emperor did once heretofore that it did not become the Majesty of a Prince to sully his Face with Tears that great Afflictions are for little private Persons and that Kings may die but the State is Immortal This was the reason why King James thought he ought not to Interrupt the Divertisements which were usual at the beginning of a new year T' was said that France was not sorry to hear of the Death of the Prince of Wales who seem'd rather to have the Inclinations of the ancient Kings of England than of the Kings of Scottish Race and one could but very badly Interpret the Sentiments which the Prince shew'd when he heard of the Death of Henry IV. I have lost cry'd he my second Father The common Opinion is that young Henry had resolv'd to steal away from the English Court and go learn the Trade of War under the King of France as soon as he march't at the Head of his Army At the same time the Prince of Wales lamented the Tragical Death of Henry the IV. a Courtier resolv'd to tell him that this Occurrence would give his Highness the means of making the pretension of England's Kings to France more strong and prevalent Get you gone idle Flatterer replyed the Prince in Anger dare you talk to me of making War against an Infant I am ready to defend him against all those who shall venture to attack him The Son of that Person for whom the Prince had so Noble Sentiments hath not had this delicate Generosity though he was much more advanc't in Age. I doubt whether it be needful to carry the Suspitions of young Henry's Death as far as many in England have carried them If it was hasten'd as the report of Physicians made People believe the Viscount of Rochester may have committed so horrible a Crime He and his Wife were accus'd since then as being guilty of Poysoning The Prince had no kindness for his Fathers Favourite he always look't sourly upon him and shew'd a great Repugnance of Spirit to suffer him near his Person Robert Carr a Gentleman of a mean Birth in Scotland having found out a way to be Page to the King his pleasant Countenance fine Stature insinuating Behaviour pleased him extreamly In a little time Car was Knighted and the King disgusted with the Count of Montgomery set all his Affection upon the Scotch Knight He raised him up further to the Dignity of Viscount of Rochester and afterwards to be Duke of Somerset The Fall of this unworthy Favourite was as shameful as his Rise was astonishing He at last fell in Love with the Countess of Essex who sought to engage him and he afterwards married her This is not a fit Place to relate this Lady's Adventures 'T is said that the Prince of Wales was struck with her great Beauty but Rochester was preferr'd before him The Despite which the Prince harbour'd from hence encreased the Aversion he had for his Rival The Countess having let fall her Glove as she was dancing he who had taken it up presented it to the Prince of Wales thinking to please him in giving him an Opportunity of shewing the Lady a Civility whom he seem'd to have a Kindness for But Henry threw the Glove back with Disdain saying Another hath stretched it out As the Two Lovers were expert in the Art of Poysoning so 't is very probable they had a mind to be rid of a Prince and make him away who would have been a great Impediment to their Repose and the Establishment of their Fortune The Count de Soissons dead some Days before the Prince of Wales left behind him vacant Places of great Dignity the Governments of the Dauphiny and of Normandy with the Office of Lord High-Steward of the King's Houshold The Regent gave this Office to the new Count Son of the Deceased with the
finds it in the worst When an Author is oblig'd to censure a Man Polybius L. XII Polybius judiciously remarks he must not have regard to what may please the Enemies of him whom he speaks of The Rules of Truth and Decency must be inviolably kept Those who are led by their Passions or Malice are imprudent and rash in their Relations and Judgments Polybius had good Reason to blame a Greek Historian who had not Equity enough to own what was good in Agathocles the Tyrant of Syracuse If this Man says he whose first Employment was to serve a Poâ—…ter knew how to make himself King of Sicily and could embarâ—…ss the Potent Republick of Carthage and die in the peaceful Possession of what he had acquired it cannot be denied but Agathocles had rare Qualities without these could he have done any of these extraordinary Things Historians ought then to do him Justice in delivering with the same Sincerity what was Good or Ill in him This is the Rule which I propose to my self in respect of Cardinal Richlieu and some others Though I think of that first Minister quite otherwise than his Flatterers for indeed I cannot regard without Horror a Prelate who sacrifices the Liberty of France and the Repose of all Europe to his Ambitions yet without falling into the violent Invectives of St. Germain and the Faction of Mary de Medicis I will describe with pleasure what is Good and Valuable in that Great Politician There is a Thing in which I would imitate Titus Livy and Tacitus and that is Brevity The first employs but Ten Books in relating what pass'd remarkable in the Roman Commonwealth for several Ages and the other has brought into one small Volume the Reigns of Tiberius Caligula Claudius and Nero. But I believe it is impossible to be so short The Reason presents it self to every Man's view The Roman Religion did not occasion any Disputes it did not cause Schisms and different Sects Their Divinity had no Connexion with Political Matters It is not so with Christianity There are great Disputes in this It has always been divided into different Communions Princes interest themselves and take a part in the Quarrels of Divines Since the Popes have setled their Monarchy in the Western World the Court of Rome concerns her self in every thing So that Matters of Religion Controversies of Divinity the Interests and Pretensions of Popes Bishops and the Clergy the Cabals of Monks and divers other Matters which only regard the Church considerably swell an History The good Fathers the Jesuits have been at the bottom of every thing since the Rise of the Society The Relation of their endless Intrigues Enterprizes and Quarrels is Work enough to employ an Historian Add to this that in the Days of the Romans Things were in another Posture than they are at present There were not so many Treaties with neighbouring Nations so many Intrigues in the Senate among the People and in the Court of the Emperors The Romans made War to extend their Territories they had a small number of Allies whom they protected against the Powers that threatned them All Intrigues terminate in gaining the People by Donatives or promising to procure them a Dividend of Lands or to obtain for them a greater Share in the Government The time of the greatest Intrigues in the Roman Commonwealth doubtless was that of the two Triumvirates We have not a very exact History of this but it is plain all was transacted between som few Persons who had the Address to procure the Command of Armies in the remote Provinces Others fell in with the prevailing Party led by Ambition or Avarice That which Tacitus calls the Great Secret of Government in the time of the Emperors was to be Masters of the Legions He who had Interest or Money enough to procure them to revolt was soon proclaimed Emperor After this he had nothing more to do but to beat out the old Possessor or a Competitor The Victor became lawful Sovereign and the Vanquish'd was declared an Usurper In an Absolute and Tyrannical Government all things are ruled at the Pleasure of the Prince The Favourite and the Mistress have their Share in the Authority When these are once established the Dagger Poison False Informations and Violence are the Means they make use of to rid themselves of their Enemies and preserve their Power Thus every thing was managed under the Successors of Augustus The History of such a State as I represent the Commonwealth and Empire of Rome cannot be very large But the Affairs of all Christian Princes have so great a Relation to each other they make so many Leagues and Alliances together some for their own Greatness others to defend themselves from their ambitious Neighbours that it is impossible to write the History of Germany France Spain or England without speaking at the same time of what passes in the rest of Europe If two Petty Princes have any Différence one implores the Protection of the House of Austria and the other throws himself into the Arms of France If the two Crowns commence a War some of these declare for Spain others for France in hopes of profiting by the Conjuncture The Powers who have the smallest Interest are at last obliged to side with one Party or at least to arm to keep the Balance even and prevent the Conqueror from advancing his Power too much by the Ruins of the Vanquish'd The Intrigues of each Court the Interests and Motions of Great Men in a State where Arbitrary and absolute Power is not well setled cannot be so succinctly related Those Illustrious Historians who shall write the present Reign in France will be obliged if I guess aright to enlarge more in proportion on the Affairs of the Minority of Lewis XIV than on what has happen'd since the Peace of the Pyrenees The Designs and Advances of the Prince of Condé the Cardinal Mazarin and some Court Ladies in the Parlements and Provinces will fill a greater Space than the Events since the Death of Philip IV. King of Spain Since Lewis XIV has obtained what Richlieu and Mazarin had proposed and opened the way to every thing is disposed of by one or two Ministers a Mistress or a certain Lady What Character this Great Woman ought to have Time perhaps will inform us The Princes of the Blood Great Lords and Parlements all keep the Respect and Silence All Wars Alliances and great Affairs are resolv'd on with the Ministers Mistress or the Lady None can be preferred or obtain any Employ or Honour but through one of these Channels There are no knotty difficult Treaties abroad Every thing is done by the Power of Money or Threats It is the King's Pleasure it should be so This is the Answer with which his Majesty's Ministers often pay those of Foreign Sovereigns as well as their Master's Subjects Things were not so under the Reign of his Father Mary de Medicis impatiently endured the excessive
Men and perhaps by degrees ruin them by engaging them after his Example to make excessive expences in Buildings Play and other more Criminal Pleasures In this he found his Account in a double manner It was his natural Inclination though he was a Manager good enough and those who could embroil the State would be drained of Money and Credit and forced to depend on the bounty of their Prince This did not succeed in all points as he had projected it If the Constable of Montmorency the Dukes of Montpensier and Epernon the Mareschals of Bouillon and Biron did not proceed so far as to take Arms to express their Resentment some because they were not Rewarded according to their mind others because some Ministers Confidents of the King had a greater share in secret Councils than themselves Yet these I ords created him great Disquiet The just punishment of Biron the most imprudent and violent of all the Malecontents and the Submissions of the Mareschal de Bouillon Defeated the Conspiracy which Charles Emanuel Duke of Savoy had laid in his Journey to Paris and Philip the III. the New King of Spain had promised to support That of the Marquise de Vernueil a Mistress of the King who had foolishly promised to make her his Wife before he was married to Mary de Medicis was likely to have had terrible Consequences but was fortunately broke by the Condemnation of d'Entragues Father of the Marchioness and the Imprisonment of the Count d' Auvergue her Brother by the Mothers side and Natural Son to Charles the IX The King complained the Court of Spain promised Aid to all his Factious Subjects He shew'd his Resentment publickly when he discovered an Intrigue of the Spanish Ambassador with a Gentleman of Provence who undertook to deliver up the Town of Marseilles to Philip the III. Two Rival Powers have ever matter to Recriminate when the one thinks he can convict the other of a secret Infraction of Treaties The Ambassadour without scruple Reproached the King with assisting the Vnited Provinces after the Peace of Vervins and endeavouring to raise the Moors in Spain In some occasions Henry was not more upright and sincere than Philip. Princes seldom concern themselves much about so fair a Vertue No sooner had the King of France setled his Affairs and amassed several Millions by the Care and Management of the Duke of Sully Superintendent of the Finances but he began to think in earnest of Humbling the Pride of the House of Austria This was the Language of those times the World is busi'd at present in Leagues to oppose the Ambitious Designs of France Henry waiting only for a Specious Pretence to make War on Spain renewed his ancient Alliances abroad and carried on Negotiations with diverse Princes to bring them over to his Interests By the Treaty of Marriage between the Infanta Isabella and Arch-Duke Albert Philip the II. had given his dear Daughter the Soveraignty of the Provinces which Spain had at that time in the low Countries Catherine Sister of Isabel brought Charles Emmanuel Duke of Savoy her Husband but a very moderate Fortune So unequal a Division did not satisfie the Ambition of a Prince who was always stirring to make himself Great though he could never obtain his Aim Charles thought the Dutchy of Milan ought in Right to be given up to him Henry seeks to take the Advantage of Discontent of the Duke A Proposition is made to Assist the Duke in the Conquest of a Country which lay so convenient for him and to give the Kings Eldest Daughter in Marriage to his Son On these Conditions Charles voluntarily makes a League Offensive and Defensive with France Some pretend all the Powers of Europe were engaged in it or at least ought to have been to confine the House of Austria to Spain and its Hereditary Countries in Germany but the Project which is ascribed to Henry on this occasion is strangely Chimerical If it be true that this King ever entertained a thought of that kind and proposed no other end in so vast Enterprize than the glory of having brought Euâ—…ope to a Balance Henry doubâ—…less was the vainest Man in his Kingdom Is it not much more probable that seeing so favourable an occasion to revenge himself on Spain he was resolved to make his advantage of it The Declension of that Monarchy was visible to all the World Philip the III. a Prince Inferiour to his Father for his Parts found it in so ill a condition that being unable to supply Arch-Duke Albert with Provisions necessary for carrying on the War against the Vnited Provinces he was constrained to make a shameful Truce with the States-General in which he owns them to be free and Disclaims any Pretension of his own or the Arch-Dukes over them We must not think Spain wanted good Generals brave Officers or States-Men bred in the Cabinet of Philip II. but the Duke of Lerma her first Minister had neither Genius nor Ability to gain his Master Reputation abroad or govern a Monarchy opprest with its own Greatness The House of Austria was still weaker in Germany The Emperour Rodolphus had no great Vices but the Vertues which make up the chief Character of a Prince were wanting in him Shut up in his City of Prague he employed himself in any thing rather than Politicks Had he had good Ministers he would not have hindred them from acting well But he had so little care to chuse them or observe their steps that himself did not know whether he was well or ill served Rodolphus did not live in good understanding with his Brethren The Arch-Duke Matthias forced him to give up the Kingdom of Hungary to him and secure to him the Succession to the Crown of Bohemia Both unable to keep their Subjects of different Religion in Peace were obliged to receive the Conditions which the stronger Party imposed on them England is so seated it ought equally to fear least Spain or France become too Potent James the First succeeded to Queen Elizabeth a Princess whose Memory is still dear to the English for her great Courage her matchless Prudence and her sincere Love to her People Both Crowns strove which should make an Alliance with the New King They believed that being more Potent than his Predecessors by the Union of the Crown of Scotland to that of England he would be more able to hold the balance even or make it incline to which side he pleased But James still fearful and wavering governed by his Wife or his Favourites soon shewed the World he was fitter to manage the Pen than the Sword to write on a Question of Civil Law or Divinity than to Reign gloriously and make himself formidable to his Neighbours He made a Treaty of Alliance with Henry Both Kings engaged to assist the Vnited Provinces and to defend each other in case either of them was attacked by the Spaniards The Court of Madrid exasperated to find the King of Great Britain
take to a contrary Interest possibly underhand countenanced the discontented Party and the Papists in England formed that Horrible Attempt which has since been call'd the Gunpowder Plot. Since that time James ever dreaded the Spaniards And they were so Skillful to improve this weakness of his and Avarice of his Ministers that far from opposing the Enterprizes of the House of Austria you will find he will patiently suffer her to dispossess the Elector Palatine who married a Daughter of England Henry IV. prepares for War In this posture were the Affairs of Europe when Henry Troops and bring them to to raise Troops and bring them to the Frontiers of Champagne John William Duke of Cleves Bergh and Juliers dying without Children lest a contended Succession His four Sisters or their Children had each different Pretenstions some Imperial Constitutions contrary to each other embroil'd the Affair more Some of these determined the Fees of the Contested Countries to be the right of the Heirs Male and others supposed Daughters capable of the Succession Among all the Princes who were pretenders the Right of John Sigismund Elector of Brandenburgh and that of Philip Lewis Palatin of Newburgh were the most plausible The first had married the Daughter of the Eldest Sister of the last Duke and the other was Husband of the second Sister who maintained that the Succession was devolved on her to the prejudice of the Children of her Eldest Sister Deceased before Duke John William These two Princes each took possession of a part of those Estates they pretended did entirely belong to them But it was to be feared a third stronger than both of them would make himself Master of the best places while they made War to drive each other out Therefore the Landgrave of Hess their common Friend made them consent to a Provisional Treaty In this they promised to terminate their Differences Amicably and by Arbitration and to joyn their Forces against any who should Attempt to usurp the Countries of Cleves and Juliers Till this should be decided it was agreed they should govern Individually and in common and without prejudice to the right of the Emperor or the other Princes pretenders The States of the Country Assembled at Dusseldorp took this Affair into their Cognizance at the Intreaty of the King of France who already declared for the two Princes They were both Protestants and the Vnited Provinces supported them as far as they were able This gave Umbrage to the Arch-Dukes of the low Countries whose Estates bordered on one side on those of Juliers A certain Prince of their House in Germany would have been glad to have made his Advantage in this Litigious Title The pretence of Religion is never wanting upon occasion and here it would have been very seasonable The Governour of Juliers then is won over and Leopold of Austria Bishop of Strasbourg and Passaw passes secretly into the place He brought with him a Commission from the Emperour who pretended to be the Natural and Soveraign Judge of a Difference arising about the Fiefs of the Empire and in the mean time he gave to his Cousin Leopold the Administration of the contested places This Sequestration seem'd to tend to an Usurpation By the Addition of the Dutchies of Cleves and Juliers to its other Hereditary Countries the House of Austria was in a condition to oppress the German Liberties with more ease The Neighbourhood of the low Countries gave the King of Spain an opportunity to send his best Troops to the Assistance of his Kinsmen This Enterprize ought to have alarmed equally all the Princes of Germany but the Jealousie caused by difference of Religion made the Duke of Bavaria the Electours of Mentz Triers and some others fear the Protestant Party would be too strong if the disputed Countries should fall to a Prince of that Religion See then the Catholicks assemble at Wirtsbourg and form there a League of which the Duke of Bavaria was Chief and send a Deputation to Rome and Madrid to demand Aid of Pope Paul the V. and Philip King of Spain On the other hand the Protestants come in great numbers to Hall in Swabia The Electour and Princes of Saxony do not appear there Those of the branch of Weymar and Koburg had their particular Pretensions to the Dutchies of Cleves and Juliers and hoped the House of Austria would espouse their right sooner than that of other Princes more jealous of her growing Greatness The Elector of Saxony contented himself to send to Hall in conjunction with the King of Denmark to exhort all the Pretenders to put their Interests into the Emperours hand The Resolutions taken in that Assembly were kept private The Prince of Anhalt whom those of Brandenburgh and Newburg had desired to go on a Negotiation to the Court of France returned to Hall accompanied with Boissise Ambassadour from the King This Minister declared publickly his Master would Assist them with all his Strength and would march himself at the Head of a powerful Army to oppose the Designs of the House of Austria The Vnited Provinces too promised to joyn their Troops with those of Henry The Neighbourhood of the Contested Countries made it unsafe for them to suffer them to fall into the hands of a Kinsman or Friend of Spain The mortal Displeasure the King of France had to see the Arch-Dukes of the low Countries and the King of Spain receive the Prince of Conde with open Arms who had secretly withdrawn himself to Brussels with the Princess his Wife and promise him all sort of Assistance against the Injustice done him by Henry This Accident I say hapning at the same time with the Affair of Cleves and Julieâ—…s urged him more to a War than the Noble desire to assist his Allies Being Resolved to revenge the many Affronts he had received from Philip the II. and his Son and to have the Princess of Conde back what ever it cost him Henry again sent Troops towards the Alps. Lesdiguieres who from a mean Birth and Fortune had raised himself by degrees during the Wars in Dauphiny and Provence and had obtained the staff of Mareschal of France This Man was sent to conduct to the Duke of Savoy the Troops designed against Italy and to Attack the Milanese in Conjunction with him Vast Preparations were made These at first were covered with the ordinary pretence of the Publick Safety the preserving the Râ—…pose of Europe and the maintaining the Kings Allies in their rightful Possession but a Vile and Criminal Passion made them to encrease and march with the greatest Expedition Henry it was said had reason to fear that his ancient Enemies abusing the easiness and resentment of the first Prince of the Blood should excite an Ambition in him and put it into his Head to contest the Validity of the Marriage of the King with Mary de Medicis after a Divorce founded on very frivolous Reasons and the I egitimacy of his Children by this second Wife
left but for Charles Emanuel to assure the Spanish Embassador at Turin that he was disposed to make his Brother-in-Law Satisfaction He only demanded to have a Suspension of Arms agreed on and to have Assurance given him that the Governor of Milan would not make any Attempt on Piemont till the King of Spain should be satisfied In stead of hearing the Dukes Propositions they quarrelled with him demanded he should Renounce all his Treaties with France not excepting that of his Sons Marriage and Lastly Philip's Officers at Milan answered they had no Orders to grant a Suspension of Arms or that Security which the Duke of Savoy proposed France lays down her Arms in Dauphine and is jealous of the Spaniards who continue in Arms in Italy At the Solicitation of the Pope Mary de Medicis had broke the Army of the Mareschal Lesdiguieres in Dauphine The Regents Council had consented to this more willingly because they were perswaded the King of Spain would not dare to begin a War in Italy Was it probable he could be in a condition to support one there who had not the boldness to oppose the taking of Juliers by the Confederate Princes Philip had assured the Pope his Design was only to mortifie the Duke of Savoy to give him a Check and Constrain him to make him Satisfaction The rest of the Princes were not displeased to see the Pride of Charles Emanuel humbled All this while he wasted insensibly because he would stand on his Guard and keep up his Troops till the King of Spain Disbanded his Who could yet be sure that Philip would not at last invade Piemont after he had fatigued the Duke of Savoy and craftily engaged the Regent to Disarm on the side of the Alpes The Council of France was of Opinion the Queen should make some Advances and declare positively she would not abandon the Duke of Savoy That the Disbanded Troops might soon be brought together and she would send a powerful Aid into Piemont if Spain should undertake to attack that Country Charles Emanuel was very glad to understand the Regent had Writ to the Pope to complain that the King of Spain continued in Arms though France had broke her Army in Dauphine and to assure his Holiness of the Resolution taken in Council to preserve the Country of Savoy But the Duke of Feria Ambassador Extraordinary of Philip in France had setled so strict a Correspondence between his Master and Mary de Medicis that the Pope could without much Difficulty dispel the Umbrage which the Regent had taken and perswaded her to wait quietly the Success of the Journey which Prince Philibert was about to make into Spain Philibert Prince of Savoy goes into Spain The Prince went through Lyons and Bourdeaux attended by the Count of Verüe and the Bishop of St. John de Maurienne These were to be his Directors in so nice a Matter The Prince Arrives on Post-Horses at Madrid without having received the least Civility or Mark of Respect from the King his Uncle in any of the Spanish Towns he past through Siri Memorie recondite Tom. II. p. 416 417 This was to prepare him to appear as a Suppliant to make Satisfaction to a Great King justly incensed against a petty Prince And now he was to endure all the strain of Spanish Pride At the first Interview Philip gave his Nephew an obliging Reception enough Not one Word was said of the Duke of Savoy no News of him was asked the Court affected to enquire of the Welfare of the Princes and Princesses of Savoy without making any mention of their Father The Second Audience was more Slippery and Difficult Here was a Submission to be made to satisfie the Spanish Humour which might not be too mean and low for the Duke of Savoy Charles Emanuel stood very much on an Extream Nicety in point of Honour His Son framed an Harangue according to the Instructions he brought with him The Count of Verüe and the Bishop assisted the young Prince in the drawing it He learnt it by Heart and spoke it with a good Grace It was accompanied with all the Demonstrations of Respect and Submission which the Dignity of a Prince could allow of The King was not Displeased with it but the Duke of Lerma and the Grandees of Spain thought very heinously of it because he had not thrown himself on his Knees before the King and begged Pardon for the Duke of Savoy Lerma made great Complaints and required that the Prince should make Satisfaction by Writing The Spaniards drew up the Form and required Philibert to Rehearse it in the Kings Presence The Savoyards did all they could to spare their Prince so shameful a step The Form of the Satisfaction which the Prince of Savoy made for his Father to the King of Spain But the Spaniards continued inflexible Philibert was treated very roughly till he consented to what was required of him It was in vain the Count of Verüe represented the Prince had exactly followed the Instruction his Father had given him and that he had not Orders to make any such Submissions The Spaniards were pleased to suppose the Prince had a second Instruction in case their King was not satisfied with what was prescribed in the first However this be said they farther the Duke of Savoy will ever be in a condition to disavow his Sons Action After much canvassing the Matter no other Remedy could be found but Philibert and his Council must agree to the following Form The Spaniards drew it almost all up Great Sir said the Prince of Savoy the Duke my Lord and Father sends me hither to throw my self at your Majesties Feet His Age and Business not giving him leave to come in Person to intreat your Majesty on my Knees to be content with that Satisfaction I make you I have not Words lively enough to express the extream Grief the loss of your Majesties Favour has given the Duke my Father I throw my self once again at your Feet and resolve never more to rise but die here unless your Majesty shall grant me the Favour I sue for That is to Receive the Duke my Father and all our House into your Royal Protection In this Great Sir you will give us a Mark of your Clemency in pardoning the greatest Faults and of the goodness you have always shewn to our House which is perfectly devoted to you and Honours you as its Lord and Father A Prince of your Blood protests this now at your Majesty's Feet and I will Sign it with mine if it shall be necessary The Duke my Father relies wholly on your Majesty's good Will and we put our selves all into your Hands If your Majesty shall receive us into your Favour this will be a new Obligation and indissolubly ties us to become your Majesties Servants The Accommodation of the Duke of Savoy with Spain The Bishop of St. John de Maurienne gave the Duke of Savoy an Account of
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