A famouse cronicle of oure time, called Sleidanes Commentaries concerning the state of religion and common wealth, during the raigne of the Emperour Charles the fift, with the argumentes set before euery booke, conteyninge the summe or effecte of the booke following. Translated out of Latin into Englishe, by Ihon Daus. Here vnto is added also an apology of the authoure.

The, xxiiij, Booke of Sleidanes Commentaries, concerning the state of Religion, and the common Weale, during the reigne of the Em∣pyre of Charies the fyfte. (Book 24)

The Argument of the xxiiij. Booke.

DUke Moris publisheth his letters to all the states of thempire, not to hinder his enterpri∣ses: the same doth Marques Albert. The French kinge also publisheth his, and nammge him self Protector of Germany, taketh Metz in Lorayne, and marcheth vp to Strasbo∣rough, and from thence retireth to Hagenaw. Whither came vnto him sondry ambassadors, be∣seching him to stay his army. The king retireth his armye oute of Germany. Duke Moris and his company hauing won the straites of thalpes, putteth themperor to flighte, who a little before had enlarged the Duke of Saxon. After they publishe their letters at Auspurge, whereb y^t they restore the ministers of the Churche that preached the Gospell. Whilest Duke Moris wente to Passaw for the treaty of peace, Marques Albert practiseth great cruelty againste them of Nu∣rinberge, and constraineth them to make theyr peace, vnto meaner Princes of the peace, sondrys thinges were declared aswell by letters as by ambassadoures: and they be pleased with certaine conditions. They of Seine do reuolt from themperor, who cometh to Strasborough; goinge to besiege Metz.

HOw in the laste assemble of thempire, the gouernment of the warre of Mai∣denburge, was by common assente of the Emperoure and other states com∣mitted to Duke Moris, I haue before declared, during the which warre, con∣tinuinge the space of one yeare: he, ha∣uinge the armye at hys commaunde∣mente, began to seke meanes howe to deliuer the Lantzgraue his father in lawe, seinge he had so longe time sued to themperor for the same matter in vaine. Wherefore compelling the Chattes by an othe, to be true to him, and makinge peace with them of Maidenburge, and sendinge his ambassadoures to Ins∣prucke, as in the former boke is mentioned, he entreth into league with the Frenche kinge, and assuraunce made on either side by pledges geuen, they thoughte good by wrytinges setforthe to de∣clare the cause, of the warre, to thentent they might win therby the good wils of many. Moreouer the Marques Albert of Branden∣burge, going priuely into Fraunce to the king withdrewe him self wholy to the same businesse.

In the meane season the souldiours, aswell those that defended Maidenburge, as they that beseged the same, wintered at Mullu∣sie, and the places there aboutes, and did muche hurte to the Nor∣thusians and them of Herfurd. And whan themperor demaunded the cause therof of Duke Moris which had of the whole war bene generall, he was answered that this tumult was for want of pai∣ment of their wages. For this he pr••••••••ded the cause, wher in dede they serued him, and secreatly were bounden to him by an oth. And that he might the better perswade the self same time, he sente am∣bassadoures throughe Insprucke to Trent, whiche might obtaine a safeconduit for the diuines that should come, and propound cer∣taine other thinges in the counsel: Afterward he commaunded the diuines to follow, whiche goinge as farre as Norinberge, taried there loking for letters from the foresaid ambassadours, as before is mentioned: he sent also other ambassadors to the Emperoure. Christopher Carlebice, and Ulrich Mortise, which should tary for his comming in the borders of Bauier, whose aduise and counsell he might vse in the treaty. Furthermore he commanded a lodging to be prepared for him at Inspruck, and he him self toke his iour∣ney, and whan he had gone two or thre daies iourny on his waye, sending from thence to Insprucke moste gentle letters, and alled∣ging a certain cause for an excuse, returneth home again, and thus tracting the time, whan he had driuen it of from day to day. In the beginning of the spring time, hauing called backe his men in due season, he began to take musters of his soldiors, which in the win∣ter time he had gathered very secreatly, and addressing his letters vnto all y^e states of thempire, saieth: Ther is nothing in this world to him so deare as concord: but he wisheth chiefly for an agrement in religion according to the doctrin of the Prophets and Apostles: wherof our aduersaries haue many times put vs in hope, both pri∣uately and also by publike decrees: but nothing is performed, and they do not only constre a misse those promises and decrees, but al¦so do abrogate the same and take them cleane awaye: This also haue they spoken vnto certen, that vnlesse they followe their proce∣dings, let them not trust greatly or leane to former promises: For at what time those promises wer made, the state of time was other wise: but now they must obey, or els, such as refuse muste be puni∣shed: and not contented with these wordes, they haue stirred vp al∣so forein kings against him and other princes of his state and pro∣fession, and haue inuented sondry causes to bring them in hatred, whilest they blame vs for religion or certen other things, wheras the thing it self declareth, that they care for no religion, but haue alwaies had an eie, how throughe thoccasion of dissention in Reli∣gion they might aspire to the gouernment.

For now is theyr craft sene of all men, whiche they vsed, that they mighte wholly rote oute and abolishe the true Religion, in former yeares setforth and expounded at Auspurge: For this is the mat∣ter wherfore they haue in all places exiled the preachers and mini∣sters of the Church, oute of the limites of thempire, and tarye nei∣ther for the decree of a lawfull Counsell, nor yet of the Bishoppes of Romes neither, and begin the thing by and by with execution. Wherfore, althoughe he with force of armes shoulde repulse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him and his, this seruitude of minde and conscience, there oughte no man to blame him: How be it for so much as this thing apper∣teineth to Gods glorye, who alone can both auaunce and defende his worde, he committeth the whole matter vnto him, and pr••yeth God, to graunt him constancy in the true knowledge of him vntill his liues end. An other thing wherof he intendeth to speake, is cō∣cerning the Lantzgraue, his father in law. For certainly v. yeares * 1.1 since, was he and Ioachim the Elector of Brandenburge put in hope in themperors name, that if the Lantzgraue mighte be per∣swaded to come to submission, and humbly to craue pardone of the Emperor, that themperor shoulde than require no more of him be∣sides that which was conteined in the pacification than conceiued, but would frendly let him depart: wheruppon they sent for him by theyr letters, geuing their faith vnto his sonnes, that if any thing chaunced to theyr father otherwise than well, they would abide the same fortune.

So therefore came he vppon this faithe vnto Hale, and as∣ked the Emperor pardon. And afterwardes supped with the Duke of Alba, til it was far in the night, very pleasantly, and what time * 1.2 he would haue returned to his lodging, beyond al mens expectati∣on, he was deteined, and caried to prison, wherin he hath nowe re∣mained in a manner fiue whole yeres, not without exceding great misery: and although both his sonnes, his nobilitye and subiectes haue confirmed the pacification: Albeit that he him self, the Mar∣ques of Brandenburge and Wuolfgange, the Paulsgraue, became sureties for him, that vnles he perfourmed couenaunts, they wold deliuer him into his custody, albeit that according to the forme of couenaunts, the mony he was condemned in, is paid, his artilerye, and munition deliuered, his Castels and fortes rased, Henrye the Duke of Brunswicke and his sonne sette at libertye, the letters of confederacye exhibited, in so muche, that nothinge more can be re∣quired, yet coulde neither the suite of him and the Marques of Brandenburge, nor the lamentable teares of his wife, whiche pined to deathe for sorowe, nor the Prayers of the people or inter∣cession of other princes preuaile any thinge vnto this daye: For he

hathe ofttimes spoken to themperor, and because diuers men haue had a sinistrall opinion of him, he hath intreated him most earnest∣ly, to haue some respect to his honoure and estimation, and that he would graunt him this for the benefits which his elders had done vnto his Progenitors, and for his deserts also towardes him and king Fardinando, and that he woulde sette him at libertye: but all these things could moue him nothinge, yea he constrained the cap∣tife to answer to matters in the lawe out of prison, and to plead his cause, lying in fatters, which can be done by no lawe, especiallye in matters so waighty: to speake nothing in the meane time, how sus∣piciously, and howe rashly he handled the matter, after a straunge example, such as neuer was hard of in Germany, that verely vn∣der this pretence of the law, he might by little and little tourn both him and his children out of all theyr landes and possessions, and bring them in suche distres, that they shoulde be no more hable to maintaine theyr state and dignity: which thinge that it come not to passe, toucheth him very much, by reason of the alliaunce and hope of succession that he hath with the house of Hesse.

This thing in dede might be thought a wonder, were it not that these craftes and pollicies are manifest in the sight of al men, whi∣che doubtles tende vnto this ende, that the same Monarchye, that hath ben now so many yeares in framinge, maye at the lengthe be established.

The third, and chiefe poynt is that, which concerneth all men, * 1.3 and our common natiue country of Germany, whose state doubt∣les is most miserable: For contrary to the lawes and couenauntes, forain souldiours are brought within the limits of thempire, whi∣che haue now many yeres ben here setled, and euery wher bothe in towne and Country consumeth other mens goods, and exercise al kind of filthy lust: Moreouer, many times ther be new wais inuen∣ted to get mony, and the auncient liberty diuers waies infringed, neither is any state, no not the Princes electours, in this case spa∣red: & thambassadors of foren kings, which be sory for these things and loue the wealthe of Germany, are prohibited to come at anye publike assembles, clean against the manner of thempire: Finally, * 1.4 this is altogether wroughte, that all men maye be broughte into a shamefull and straight bondage: for the which thing doubtles our posterity and ofspring may haue moste tuste cause to detest the co∣wardise and slouthfulnes of this time, wherin that moste precious iewell and goodly ornament, that is, the liberty of our coūtry shuld be lost: seing therefore that the case standeth thus, at the laste is he awaked, and William the Lantzgraue, the sonne of Phillip, whōe the iust sorow for his fathers miserye hathe raised, and makinge a

league with the french king, whom thenemy seketh also to depriue of that he hath, are determined for the deliuerāce of the Lātzgraue and the duke of Saxon, to maintaine their honor, and recouer the liberty of all men, to attempt the matter by force of armes: therfore doth he exhort, that no man disturbe this his enterprise, but that al men do further and professe the same, and put in good assuraunce: For if it be otherwise, and if any man by one meane or other and the aduersary, he wil take him for his ennemy. Iohn Albert, Duke of Megelburge subscribed also to the same letters, chiefly for the pre∣seruation of religion, forsomuch as duke Moris had said howe he warred for the same cause also. And the Marques Albert of Brā∣denburge * 1.5 publisheth a wryting in manner of the same effecte, and complaineth that the liberty of Germany is oppressed enē of them, which of duety ought to maintain and auaunce the same: he saithe ther is holden now a counsel, wherin be a few assembled for to sub∣uert the truthe: and that also there be many assemblies of the Em∣pire. Wherof the end is this, that by certaine corrupted with bribes and faire promises, mony maye be gotten by some subtile fetche to * 1.6 the vtter vndoing of Germany, and the same to be wrought chiefly by the cleargy, which in the consistory of the Empire surmounte in nombre, and now is the matter brought to y^t passe, that the effect of al counsels dependeth almost of one mannes pleasure, which is nei∣ther gentleman nor Germaine borne, nor annexed to the Empire, to the great reproche assuredlye and hinderance of all Germaines: And if this ought to be the state of the weale publike, it were much better to call none assembles at all, but that mony shoulde be frelye and franckly geuen, whansoeuer it is cōmaunded and required: for so shuld ther be no losse of time, and besides great charges shoulde be spared. By suche like craft also is the seale of thempire commen into straungers hands, which foreiners at theyr pleasure abuse to the damage of Germany: yet is ther no man at al that dare bewail these things, vnlesse he wil enter into high displeasure: Nether yet are the Germanes matters and sutes dispatched, but are most lōg delaid in so much that many men complain much of the same: For the state of the things is such that the Germanes had nede to learn other lāguages, in case they should be there to do them selues anye good: of the same sort is this, wher against tholde custome of Ger∣many it is prohibited, that no man may serue anye foreine Prince in his warres, that the protestantes being reconciled ouer & aboue most greuous penalties, wer constramed to admit other more vn∣worthy conditions, and for that a great some of mony arose of the Protestants clients for seruing them in theyr warres.

The same burthen also was laid vpon other states and Princes, that had nothinge offended, and as thoughe that warre had bene made for the common wealth, they were commaūded to pay mony, to recompence the charges of the warres, for this intent verelye, y^t ther should no sinewes nor force at all be lefte in all Germany: Of like sort is it, that ciuill controuersies of moste waighty matters, are committed, not to the publick iudgement of thempire, but vnto a few commissioners, that it may be in their power, either to esta∣blish or displace great princes: Againe that it is prohibited that no Prince maye set his owne Image in his coyne, that newe Sena∣tors are made in euery towne of the Empire, that this bondage is imposed in manner vppon all Germanes, that they be constrained to suffer forreine souldiors in their country, whiche bothe do verye much harme, and bring many men to beggery, and also practise al kinde of arrogancy and lechery that hath not ben hard of: For his own land was not spared, although he promised him better, for the fidelitye and seruice done to themperor: Howbeit at what time he was deteined by reason of the warre of Maidenburge, and about matters of the common wealth was absent, soldiors wer brought into his country. Notwithstanding that his officers desired much to the contrary: and thus certainly both he and other princes, whi∣che in the former war against the protestants, for his preseruation and dignity, put in great hazarde their liues and goodes, haue re∣ceiued a goodly recompence in that boke which Lewes Auila set∣forth * 1.7 of matters done in the same war, a naughty and a lying fel∣low, whilest he speaketh of all Germany so coldly, so disdainfullye and straungely, as though it were some barbarous or vile nation, whose originall were skarcely knowen: And the vnworthinesse of the thing is so much the more, for that the same boke is printed and setforth by a certain especiall priueledge of themperor: Now vere∣ly be many thinges excused, by letters sent throughout Germany, but it is the self same song, that hath ben songen now many yeres, and all thinges tend hitherto, that they say, how accordinge to the state of times the decrees must be altred, and that men muste obey the present counsels, or els suffer punishment: And wheras certen Princes haue taken armure to repulse this ignominye and serui∣tude, he hathe also promised them all aide and fidelity, yea and his life also: And this he protesteth openlye, and desireth, that no man aid their aduersaries, but that all men woulde further this ende∣uoure of him and his fellowes, and defend the commen cause: For although very many perchaunce will followe the contrarye parte, yet let no man promise him self better things, if the aduersary may vanquishe: for than shall the state and condition of all Germaines

be common: but in case anye manne beare armure againste him and his felowes, him wil he persecute with sword and fire. There goeth a brute, he saieth, of him and his fellowes, as thoughe they wold bring into Germany forein nations, and euen the Turk him selfe, but this is a false and an absurd sclaunder: For what a mad∣nesse were it to procure so greate a daunger to them selues & theyr countrye? It is vaine also, that diuers report of him, as though he shoulde attempte this warre to enriche him selfe: he hathe serued nowe manye yeares the Emperoure, and kinge Ferdinando, and hereby hathe soughte no gaine, but rather praise and honor. Not without the great losse of his substaunce: he hath had also large of∣fers made, and not to be contemned, but all those refused, he hathe fixed his minde on this warre, wherin the liberty, and former dig∣nity may be restored to the common country. In the which warre, if it fortune, that the same ouermuch authority of the Clergy, and prohibited by holy Scripture, be infringed and weakned, no man ought to blame him therfore: For certainly the chiefe bishoppes of the Empire haue bene the occasion of al these euils: yet is it not his intent, that those Colleges which were founded chiefly for the no∣bility shoulde be distroyed, but that the vices beinge taken awaye, and those thinges amended, that can not be borne with, they maye remaine in their vocation and be auaunced also: wherunto he will be a furtherer to them, so that they will be contente, and not suffer them selues to be perswaded otherwise by his enemies. The king * 1.8 of Fraunce also, in his letters setforth, saithe, he hathe this respecte chiefly, that Religion being established, he may profite the publike weale, and chiefly his frendes. And therfore immediately after the death of his father, he had restored Scotlande to their former dig∣nity, renued the league with Swisses, recouered Boloigne, and broughte againe the old inhabiters and Citezens dispersed hither and thither, into theyr landes and possessions, he hathe made peace also with the king of England, and entred with him into perfite a∣mity: and whilest he was occupied with these matters, the Empe∣roure by secreat deuises hath Imagined many thinges for his di∣struction, and oftner than once hath geuen occasion of warre, how beit both for the common wealthes sake, and priuatelye also to re∣lieue his people, he would attempt nothing, but winckinge at the iniuries, he gaue his minde whollye to the establishmente of his realme: but this his quietnesse, afterward, by his aduersaries was ascribed to a certaine timerousnesse and cowardlinesse: but in the meane season were broughte vnto him greuous complaints of the Princes and states of Germany, whiche saide that occasion was

sought partly for Religion, partlye for the Turkishe warre, and to punish rebellion, to bringe them in to bondage, and that by craftye counsels, dissention, and faction are mainetained, and Germanye impouerished, so, that it can no longer be doubted, but that he go∣eth about to make a monarchy for him selfe and the house of Au∣strich: of the which thing verelye he conceiued an inwarde sorowe, both for the common originall of either nation, and also for the old amity and frendship, which euer continued ferme and inuiolated, so long as it might by themperoures crafte and policye: For if that state should haue an alteration, and Germanye lose her liberty, he perceiueth well, what damage and daunger the same will be for him and all his realme: For Germany is not only the fortresse and strength of Fraunce, but also of the whole christian commō welth: * 1.9 And therfore hath he desired oft with earnest prayer, and wishing, that either nation with their forces ioyned together, might so stay them selues, that they should nead to be afraid of no man: & where no hope of this thing appeared, and yet many craued his healpe, he coulde not see by what meanes he mighte succoure the Empyre, so rente and torne a sondre: but in this consultation so waighey, God, which is a righteous iudge, hath shewed a goodly way. For Octa∣uian Frenese, Duke of Placence and Parma, whome themperour and the Bishop of Rome, Iuly, laide in waite for, required aide of him, and declaringe al their iniuries, hathe perswaded him, to take vppon him, the defence of him and the countye of Mirandula. Af∣ter this came also those complaintes of the Princes and states of Germany, which required they might enter into league with him, for that they said, howe by that meanes onlye, the common wealth mighte be restored: but howe iuste and waighty causes they be, for the whiche the Princes attempte warre, he will not recite, for that the same may be vnderstande by theyr owne wrytinges: Notwith∣standing let euery man way with him selfe, whether this vnsatia∣ble couetousnesse of oure aduersaries dothe not geue a moste iuste occasion of griefe, whiche destroyinge the wealthe of the Empire, swepe all into theyr owne coffers and treasury. The Burgonians do nowe inuade them of Treuers, Gelderland, and Wirtemberge, * 1.10 and make inuasion into their countries, and destroyeth the Lātz∣graues dominion diuers waies: of lyke sorte is it, that themperor excludeth his ambassadors from thassemblies of the Empire, that he prohibiteth, that no manne may serue in foreine warres, that he putteth to death noble capitains, and worthy seruiceable men, and amonges others, Uogelsperge, whose execution he him self beheld at Auspurge, to thintent he mighte satisfye his bloudye minde: Is

if not a mooste euill an example, that he shoulde prouoke and hyre men with greate rewards to slay such as serue him in the warres? Assuredlye it can not with fewe wordes be expressed, what craftes oure ennemies vse: For into the same iudgemente of the Chamber and consistorye of the Empire are admitted and placed such, as by their meanes they may bring to passe and obtaine what they liste: For doubtles the blame of all these euils is to be imputed to thys kinde of menne. Especiallye to the iudges of the Chamber: For the which causes verely he could not deny y^e Germains, requiring his aid: Therfore hath he made league with them, and not only y^t, but also is determined to imploy vpon this warre all his force and his royall parson. Neither yet doth he looke for anye priuate profite or gain therby, but minedeth this thinge only, that Germany beinge restored, and Ihon Fridericke the Duke of Saxon and the Lantz graue deliuered, whome he hathe detained prisoners in longe and vnworthy captiuity, he maye win praise and renowne immortall, as did in times past Flamminius, for deliuering Grece from bon∣dage: neither is there cause, that any man shoulde feare anye force or violence: For in as much as he attempteth this warre for liber∣ty he will wholly endeuoure that no man be hurt vndeseruedly: let them truste therefore to this promesse, whiche he confirmeth vnto them faithfully, and geue no creadit to aduersaries, which say his purpose is to afflicte and plage the Cleargy: For he not only inten∣deth no such matter, but also receiueth al them into his defence and tuition, so that they do not annoy him nor yet his league frendes. For after libertye recouered, he is put in good hope by many mens letters, that the concord of the churche, shall and may also be resto∣red, and that by lawfull meanes, whan all ambition and priuate lucre is farre remoued. And what so euer he may helpe hereunto, he will do it gladly: These are the things, wherof he thought good to admonish them, to thend they may vnderstand, what his will and purpose is: wherfore he requireth them, that in so iuste warre, which of necessity is attempted for the wealth of Germany, no mā would impeche or hinder him or his confederates: for otherwise, if any man be so cleane voide of all loue and duety, that he oweth to his country, that he intend to make resistaunce, him wil he destroy with sword and fire: and albeit he shal do so vnwillingly, yet, if a∣ny such shalbe, the same as a naughty and a corrupt membre, must be cut of from the reast of the body, least it do hurt by his infection, and in such sorte be restrained that it do no more harme: The rest they may know of his ambassador Ihon Fraxine, Bishop of Bay∣on, whom he hath sent vnto them with further of his pleasure vnto

whome he praieth them to geue creadit. This wrytinge beinge set forth in print, in the vulgare tonge, had ouer the head, a bonnet be¦twene two daggers, and wrytten by, that the same was the badge * 1.11 of liberty. And vnderneath that was the title of the kinge, who na∣med him selfe the reuenger of the libertye of Germany, and of the Princes captiue. This badge or cognoisaunce many say was foūd in old coynes, and vsed by them, that slue Iulius Cesar. Where he saieth, how themperor had assigned a reward for them, that coulde slay certaine of his captaines, thus standeth the case. Themperor by proclamation lately setforthe, had againe with wordes mooste waighty outlawed the Rinegraue, Recrode, Riseberge and Scher¦teline, which in dede serued all the French king, as I haue said be∣fore, and appointed foure thousande crownes in rewarde for him that could bring forth any of them, either quicke or dead. For they furthered the cause very muche, and whan this league was made, going into Germany, prested souldioures, and broughte them into Fraunce. And Scherteline in dede whan he had sued many yeres in vaine, and coulde by the intercession of no man be reconciled to themperor or King Fernando, being in a manner constrained fled to the French king.

These letters of the kinge, and the Princes, dispearsed abrode in Germany, raised in some hope, but in manye, feare and careful∣nes. Duke Moris, which wrought all thinge by dissimulation the first of March, holdeth an assemble of the states of his dominion, and amonges other thinges he propoundeth, because he is sued of the Lantzgraues sonnes, to present him self, he may no longer seke delaies, or disceine their expectatiō. Therfore wil he go vnto them, to kepe his faith and promesse: let them therfore in the meane time obey his brother August, whome he hath made his deputye in his absence, and let them gather a force to defend the country, that no∣thing chaunce vnto them vnprouided. Thelector of Brandenburge was present at this treaty, for that he was sommoned to appeare: but when the Lantzgraues sonnes did permit him, that he shoulde at the next processe, appeare, and discharge his bond, he retourneth home. Duke Moris hauing put in ordre his thinges at home, and * 1.12 appoynted certain counselloures to assiste his brother Auguste, he goeth with a few small company to those forces, which I saide be∣fore he had in the country of Turing, and marching forth abideth for the Lantzgraues sonne.

Before he departed frō home the Burggraue of Meyssen, as they call him Henry, of the noble house of the Plauians Chauncelor of Boheme, in the name of king Ferdinando, treated with him dili∣gently

for a reconcilemēt. The Lātzgraues sōne, leading forth his armye, when he came to Erlebache the eightene daye of Marche, where also was the French ambassadour, Fraxine, they bothe re∣quest them of Franckfurt by letters amonges other thinges, that they receiue no garrison of the Emperours into their city. And all beit that they answered neither plainlye nor purposelye, yet, for so much as they must go forward, there was none other thing done.

The sixt daye after, he ioyneth with Duke Moris: And when they were commen wyth their whole armye thre dayes after to Schwinfurt, Duke Moris declareth vnto him, how king Fardi∣nando woulde make intercession, and signified the same plainlye both by letters and ambassadoures, as thoughe he had authoritys of the Emperoure to treat, yea touching the deliuery of his father.

He therfore making priuy to it the French ambassador, refuseth not, that the conditions and requestes of king Fardinando, should be heard, which thing determined, they march with great expediti∣on, by Roteburge, Dingelspelle, and Norling to Donauerde: At Roteburge, Marques Albert ioyneth him selfe to them with hys power bothe of horse men and fote men. Whiche waye so euerthey wente, they broughte the Citezens into theyr subiection, and dis∣placing those, whiche the Emperoure before had chosen, do ordain newe Magistrates: And exact of them also mony and munition. And because Auspurge was kept with no great garrison.

And again because in the selfe same daies, a certain piece of the wall and Rampeare was fallen downe, they marched with excea∣ding greate iourneis, and the laste daye of Marche, reasted not so much as in the night season, and came thither the firste daye of A∣prill at midday, and making roades there, declared them selues to be ennemies: In the Citye were foure enseignes of fotemen, sente by them peroure: but where the Townes men the fourth day after rendred the city, they wer permitted to depart.

Than they that sommoned the Cities of high Germany, and a∣monges them also Norinberge, and commaund them to be before them at Auspurge, at thend of Aprill, and also vrge them of Wuol∣mes, whiche were but nine miles from Auspurge, that they should aide them with all thinges, and come into theyr society.

Aboute this time, the Prince of Salerne, by occasion of falling oute with the Uiceroy of Naples, reuolteth from the Emperoure, * 1.13 and goeth into Fraunce:

Whilest these thinges are done in Germany, the Frenche kinge, marching forth, with an huge army, surpriseth Tullie, & Uerdome townes of thempire, at the borders of Fraunce, after he inuadeth

Lorayne, and sendeth the yong Prince into Fraunce, aboute nine yeres of age, though the Lady Dowager his mother intreated ne∣uer * 1.14 so much to the contrary, & promiseth him his daughter in ma∣riage: Whilest the king him self was occupied with these affaires, his lieftenaunt the Constable, Annas Memoraunce, who led the Uantward, surpriseth Metz, a famous city of thempire, the tenthe day of Aprill, whan bothe the garrison within was small, and the French men made fair promisses, and saide howe the kinge made this warre to maintaine theyr liberty. For what time the Frenche king went out of his owne pale, which was aboute the eighte day of Marche, sendinge vnto them letters, and messagers, he desired only that they would prepare him vitaile, y^t he might passe through theyr country with his armye, promisinge all benenolence. And he vsed for his minister the Cardinall Lenoncurt, bishop of the Citye, * 1.15 who setforth his good will and zeale to the Senate.

The conestable also wrote vnto them moste frendlye: but whan he came neare vnto the citye with his force, he desired to be let in, and obteined: the next day he was master of the gates, and of al the fortifications. Thither came also afterwardes the kinge him selfe at the xviii. day of Aprill, and there remaining four daies, after he had taken thothe of the Senate and people, he appoynted Moun∣sir Gōnorie to be theyr gouernoure, and commanded their armure to be deliuered, and caried into one place, and the Citye to be forti∣fied, likewise doth he in the Townes before named, and in Lo∣raine, and sending his messagers before to Strasburge, to Haga∣nawe, and other places neare, and to the bishoppe of Strasburge, required to be aided with Wheate and Uitaile. Whan Auspurge was taken, as I said, and thold Senate restored, which thempe∣roure had displaced, and the liberty of geuinge of voices, restored also to the people, the Princes contederated marched towarde Woulmes, that refused theyr league Whan they came thither the xii. day of Aprill, they ride aboute this Citye: And whan they were shot at with the greate pieces, they damaunde to be satisfied for the iniuries done them with the summe of three hondreth thousande Crownes, which denied, they becommed their enemies. But duke Moris goinge from thence, wente to Lintz, a towne of Austriche, that he mighte vnderstande by kinge Farnando the conditions of peace. For he, as I said, by the Emperoures consent, was a meane to intreat a peace. Afterwarde the Emperoure exhorted by his let∣ters the chiefest Princes of Germanye, that they woulde assaye to quenche this fire, and deuise some meanes of peace, the whiche he woulde not be againste.

And where as diuerse required his aide, for that thei were able to do nothing against so great a power, comforting their myn∣des, he answereth, that he hopeth wel that the treatie of peace commenced shall haue a lucky successe, if not: than will he ney∣ther faile them, nor the common weale. Whan Woulmes had bene beseged six daies, the Princes, the .xix. day of Aprill, remo∣ued to Stocach, a towne of Hegouia. There they receiued mo∣ny in the French kinges name for thre monethes (as is conue∣naunted) and Gamey Marchiane, the Frenche pledge was deli¦uered: For the other, Nantoliet died by the waye. The Princes * 1.16 pledges, whiche they gaue to the Frenche kyng, were Christo∣pher Duke of Megelburg, and Philip the Lantgraues sonne. The last of Aprill the Princes retourne to Thonaw, certen my∣les beneth Woulmes. In the meane seasō Marques Albert bur¦neth the townes and villages belonging to Woulmes, and ex∣torteth money, and taketh their castell of Helfesteyne, situated on a high hill, and placeth therin a garrison, and the towne of Gissing nere vnto it, whiche is thre myles frō Woulmes, with certen villages by the same, he condemneth to paye .xviii. thou¦sand crownes. Whā Duke Maurice was come to Lintz, he pro∣poundeth of deliuering the Lantgraue his father in lawe, of * 1.17 appeasing the dissention of Religion and doctrine, of wel orde∣ring the common wealth, of peace to be made with the French kyng, their fellowe, and confederate, of the outlawes to be re∣ceiued agayne into fauour.

Those were the Ryngrane, and others before named, and al¦so Erle Hedecke whiche in fourmer yeares gaue hym selfe into the tuition of Duke Maurice, as before is sayde. Howheit the Emperour had appointed no rewarde against his lyfe, least he should offende Duke Maurice, as it is to be thought. Unto these demaundes, Ferdinando, with whom were Maximilian his sonne, and his sonne in lawe Albert, Duke of Bauier, and also the Emperours Ambassadours, maketh aunswere. Howe the Emperour is content that the Lantgraue be set at lyber∣tie, yet so that the warre maye cease immediately. Touchinge Religion and the common wealth, he is well pleased, that the matter be determined in the next conuention of German. But the Emperour is very lothe that the Frenche kyng shoulde be herein comprised. Neuerthelesse Duke Maurice may knowe of him, in what sorte he wyl be accorded. The outlawes may also be taken to mercie, in case they wyl obeye the condition offered by the Emperour. Moreouer, Ferdinādo requested, that whan peace were once concluded, Duke Maurice would helpe him in

Hongary, and that the soldiours should not slippe away to the Frenche kyng. Wherunto whan Duke Maurice had aunswe∣red, and sayde that that he could determine nothing without the consent of his fellowes, they departed so, as at the .xxvi. day of May, they should mete againe at Passawe, whiche is a towne betwene Lintz and Regenspurge, where the Ryuers of Thonawe, and Oene mete. Thither should come also the Prin∣ces that were intercessours, and their deputies. On Maydaye the Lantgraues sonne, and Iohn Albert Duke of Megelburg, leade the armie of Gundelfinge, & there lye eight whole dayes together lokyng for Duke Maurice retourne out of Austrich. Whan he was come, the next daye was the armie munstred at Lawginge, a towne of Otto Henry the Pausgraues. For they * 1.18 had also recouered his prouince, possessed by the Emperour, and had expulsed the Byshop of Auspurge out of his coun∣trie. And verely Otto the Paulsgraue, ioyned hym selfe vnto their league. From thence they goe towarde the Alpes. And it chaunced at the same tyme that kyng Ferdinando had obtey∣ned of them a truce, whiche beginning the .xxvi. daye of May, should ende the eight daye of Iune. In the meane tyme Them∣perour leuied a power at the fote of the Alpes, whiche assem∣bled at the Towne of Rwe. In this hurly burly the Byshop of Auspurge Cardinall, which before was not very ryche and had nowe susteyned great losse, as I sayde, went to Rome, that he myght obteyne of the Byshop new promotions and benefices, wherwith he might fill vp those sinkes agayne. After this the iudges of the chamber imperial flie away from Spiers. For by * 1.19 the Frenche king and the Princes in their forsaide wrytinges, signified plainly a displeasure, & ascribed to thē in a maner the blame of all their trouble. The Frenche king came with his ar¦mie by y^e borders of Loraine to Saberne, the third day of May, foure myles from Strasburg, a town belonging to the bishop. He had before requested them of Strasburg to ayde his armie with thinges necessary. For the whiche cause Ambassadours were sent vnto him to Sarburg, seuen myles from Strasburg whiche should offer him a certen quantitie of wheate & wyne, those were Peter Sturmie, Fridericke Gotesseme, and Iohn Sleidane. But the Conestable accompted that as nothynge, whiche they offered. And albeit the Ambassadours departed from hym in suche sorte, as that they would aduertyse the Se∣nate, and after make reporte vnto hym, yet sente he the nexte daye two Gentlemen for a spedy aunswere, speakyng muche of the kynges great good wyll and zeale towardes Germany, and

also for what intent, the kyng had moued his warre, verely that he might restore the libertie of Germany oppressed. An o∣ther request was, that for so much as the soldiours had nede of many thinges, they might bie the same in their citie, and that artificers might be suffered to bryng forth their wares and sel them within the campe. Wherunto the Senate made this an∣swere; that in suche matters of weightie importaunce, there is nothing wont to be determined, but by the consent of the whole state. Whan the matter shalbe debated, they wyll sende agayne Ambassadours to declare, what their mynde is. Whan they were thus sent away, the next daye y^e same Ambassadours were sent again into the campe, which was than at Saberne. Whan they were heard speake, and offered some what more, thā before, and had also declared causes, why the soldiours might not be permitted to come within the citie, the Conestable be∣gan to speake displeasauntly, and makyng a comparison, how * 1.20 partiall iudges they were, both of the kynges benefites, and al¦so of the Emperours iniuries, gaue very sharpe language. The conclusion of his talke was, that the nexte daye they shoulde heare the kyng hym selfe speake, whiche would affirme al that he had nowe sayde. On the morrowe were the Ambassadours sent for before the kyng, with whome was the Cardinal of Lo∣raine, the Duke of Uandome, and the Conestable. And there re¦porte vnto hym, what talke they haue had with the Conesta∣ble at two seuerall times, and offer as many rasers of Otes, as thei did before of wheate, and after also some what more wyne, beseching the king, that both for the olde amitie, that y^e kinges of Fraunce haue had with the state of Strasburge, and also of his owne humanitie, he would take in good parte their offer. For they haue great force of soldiours within their citie, and a great nomber of people also be fled thither out of the countrie, so that the citie can not spare that corne, that they haue for theyr prouision. The kyng, after he had fyrst conferred with his counsell, began him selfe to declare, for what cause he came into Germany, to the selfe same effect, that the Conestable had the daye before. Saying that vitayle was moste necessary, and not to be denied any man, that would paye for the same, vnles he wer an ennemy. If y^e Soldiours want that, they wyl fynd a waye, howe to come by the same. But what inconuenience wold come therof, euery man may easely perceiue. That thing whiche was offered, the kyng in dede refused not, but he would haue had it deliuered in bread. Thābassadours again in corne:

Where vpon when they coulde not agree, they departed with out the matter concluded. Whan the Ambassadours were re∣tourned, the Senate made a decree. For as muche as no parte of that wheate, whiche is in the citie, can be spared, that there should be as much bread made, as myght be in the places thera¦boutes. For the Ambassadours had alledged both to the Cone∣stable, and the kyng also, that the state of the citie and condiciō of time was suche, that from thence was nothing to be loked for. But in case any thyng myght be gathered in the countrie, belonging to the same, they should haue it right gladly. And this did y^e Senate decre, least any extremitie shuld be wrought vpon the plowmen and people of the countrey. And so, that whiche could sodenly be gotten in townes and villages with out the citie, was caried to the Campe, but that same was ve∣ry litle. Whan the countrey of Loraine, and citie of Metz were taken, they of Strasburge immediatly toke vp to the nomber of fiue thousand souldiours, to defende their citie, agayne they pulled down very many aswel publique as priuate buildinges about the citie, and cut downe trees, and orcherdes and what so euer did let the prospecte, or that might be a succour to the ennemie, and where moste nede was began to fortifie their ci∣tie. This same was a great displeasure to the Frenchmen, and in the later communication the Conestable did not dissemble the same to the Ambassadours. For it is thought, howe they were in a certen hope, that like as by a certen face of frendship, they entred Metz, so also they should not haue bene shut out of Strasburg. But whan they knewe, that the citie was excea∣ding strong, and sawe moreouer all thinges prouided so dili∣gently for the defence of the same, chaunging their purpose, as it is to be thought, they tourned an other way, and remouinge their campe the seuenth day of May, marched towarde Haga∣nawe and Wisseburg. Hither came vnto y^e king, Ambassadours from the Paulsgraue Electour, from the Archebyshoppes of * 1.21 Mentz and of Treuers, commissioners, and from the Dukes of Cleaue and Wirtemberge, whiche for the common wealthes sake, were lately assembled at Wourmes. Whose requeste was this, that the kyng would absteyne from spoyling the countrie and spare the poore people. And for so muche as he protesteth to make warre for the lybertie of Germany, that he woulde staye with his armie. For if he shuld goe further, the same wold be to the great losse and dammage of the Empyre. And they re∣quyre hym to geue his mynde to the wayes of peace, whereof they bothe haue alreadye made mention to the Emperoure,

and wyll doe also hereafter, and truste that all shall be well. Where he writeth of entring into league with him, they desire him to consider herein their honour and estimation. For by rea¦son of their othe and faith they owe to the Empire, they are not able to perfourme it. But yet will they do their endeuour, that a generall peace may be established. Furthermore they re∣quire him moste instauntly, that he would spare the dominiōs of Strasburg, whiche is a fre citie of the Empyre, and that by his mediation Marques Albert would intreate more gently the Byshop of Wirciburge.

At the selfsame tyme, which was the .xi. day of May, letters were brought to y^e king frō Duke Maurice, wherin was wryt∣ten * 1.22 what was done at Lintz. Duke Maurice required moreo∣uer, y^t the kyng, whom he wold haue also comprised in the trea∣tie of peace, would declare, vpon what conditions he would ac∣corde with the Emperour. Whan these letters were receiued, the kyng, vnto whome this thing was thought to haue chaun¦ced vnloked for, two dayes after, remoueth his campe, and lea∣uing Germany, marcheth agayne towardes Loraine. But be∣fore his departure, he aunswereth the Ambassadours of the Princes before named. How he hath already obteined the same * 1.23 thyng, for the whiche he came with his army into Germany. For the captiue Princes shall be deliuered. And this was the cause of his warre: He therfore hath wonne honour enough. And if there chaunce any tyme hereafter, wherin Germany may requyre his ayde, he wyll spare neither paynes, coste, nor perill. And nowe leading backe his army, he intendeth to re∣tourne home, chiefly, for that his ennemies haue inuaded Fra∣unce. As concerning the complaintes of the poore people, he is hartely sory. Howbeit there can not be so good order taken in any Armie, but that licentiouse soldiours wyll alwayes do some harme. Notwithstanding he taketh moste dilligent hede, that bothe as little harme be done as is possible, and also that offences be moste straytely punyshed. Touchyng that whiche they wryte of the Emperour and of peace, he loketh certenly for at their handes. Through his paynes, force and dilligence, Germany is released from those miseries, wherewith it laye oppressed. Nowe must they well forsee, that they doe not disho∣nestly lose theyr libertie, by hym restored. For theyr request tou∣chynge them of Strasburge, he can not saye them naye, not withstanding, that what tyme he was there with his army, y^e soldiours of that citie vsed great presumption and arrogancie towardes his men. Whan the king was entred into Germany,

the Emperours power of the low countreis, by the conduict of * 1.24 Marten Rosseme, inuaded Champaignie in Fraunce, burning and destroying all before them, and toke the towne of Asteney, standing by the Ryuer of Mase, belonging to the Duke of Lo∣raine, but lately surprysed by y^e Frenchemē. This was thought to be one cause, why the kyng retourned with his armie, ano∣ther, for that he misliked Duke Maurice doinges, and againe, for that his hope failed hym at Strasburge. Whan he had re∣moued from Wisseburge, Ambassadours came to the kyng, sent * 1.25 from all the Swisses. King Ferdinādo hath a Region ioyning to the Heluetians, called Sontgouia. And they of Enseme are the chiefest of all that countrey, who being afrayde of their partes, had intreated the Swisses, that for the aucthoritie and fauour that they had with the kyng, they would make interces¦sion for them. Wherfore at their request and charges takynge their iourney, they commended to the king also the cities nere vnto the same, Colmar, Seletstat, and Strasburg, saying how this countrie was linked vnto them in great amitie, both for the nerenes therof, and also chiefly for that they serue them in a maner of all their wheat, so muche as to them is nedefull, so that no displeasure can be done to them, whiche they shall not feele also. Unto whome the kyng maketh aunswer the .xx. daye of May besides Bipont. Howe he doth forgeue them of Ensem so that they wyll release suche of his soldious, as they haue pri¦soners. As touching the reste, for whome they spake, he neuer ment them euill. And albeit that the souldiours of Strasburg receiued his men somwhat roughly before the gates, and put them back that came thither to bie thinges, yet wil he not for∣sake their amitie therfore, euen for their sakes that intreate & be meanes for them. Nowe that he possesseth Lorayne, he shall be their nere neighbour, and wyll do nothing against the ma∣ner of neighbourhead. And loketh again for the same good wil and dutie of them also. There were before at Saberne, Ambas¦sadours sent to the king by y^e Senate of Basill about thesame matter, vnto whome also was made a gentle aunswere. I she∣wed before of Duke Maurice, howe he departed from Lintz. Kyng Ferdinando also whan the conuention was done, went immediatly to the Emperour at Inspruck, to infourme him of all the matter. And Duke Maurice retourning to the campe, marcheth with his fellowes toward Thalpes as before is said. And whan he came almost there, by the perswasiō of the Frēch Ambassadour, he determined to set vpon the soldiours, whiche the Emperour had leuied in those partes. And where as y^e. xvii

daye of Maye he was not far from Fiessa, which is a towne si∣tuated at the entring vp to the Alpes, by the ryuer of Leyche, he sendeth forth espialles, to vnderstande of the ennemie. They all in a maner bryng worde, howe they kepe the straytes and narrow passages of the moūtaines, and haue so fortified them∣selues, that they can be hurt by no meanes. Wherfore the Prin¦ces sende forth certen horsemen, chosen out of the whole nom∣ber, whiche riding almoste to their ennemies campe, intercept diuerse, and bring them away to the Princes. By whome they vnderstande many thynges, and the next daye marching fore∣warde * 1.26 with their fotemen, and hauing with them but two hō¦dreth horsemē only, they go to Fiessa. And what time thei were not farre of Rewe, they come vnto the straytes whiche were kept by the Emperours soldiours to the nomber of eight hon∣dreth, and with two field peces. Upō whom geuing the charge whan they were once entred into y^e straytes, ouerthrowe their ennemies, who slipping away by flight, made them that incā∣ped at Rwe, to feare and tremble. The Princes pursuing with spede, geue charge vpon thē also, & finally put them to flight. Wherof a thousand wer taken, and slayne, and drowned, in the Ryuer of Leych: And lost also one enseigne. The next morning they go to the Castell of Erenberge, wherof we haue ofte made mention. And whan as fortune would, they had taken the for∣tresse, standing vnderneth the castel, and had wonne the straite wayes and passages, and had moreouer surprised diuerse peces of great ordenaūce furnished, they clyme vp the stepe & pitchell hill vnto the castell, and albeit they were layde at with many * 1.27 weapons, yet toke they it by surrender. There were in the ca∣stell .xiii. enseignes of fotemen: Wherof .ix. were taken, and. iiii escaped, of the whiche thre were of Germaines, and one of I∣talians. And they that were taken, were about thre thousand, where they lost but fewe of their owne men. After that, was * 1.28 Duke Maurice in great daunger. For whan he woulde haue marched forewarde, the soldiours that were vnder Riseberge, would not, vnlesse they might haue an extraordinary paye for the wynning of the castell. But Duke Maurice sayd that was no reason, and commaunded with al, to apprehēde a seditious felowe that was more clamorouse than the rest. There all the rest make towardes him not only with their pykes, but also * 1.29 with their handgunnes, in so muche, that with moste spedy flighte, he could hardely saue his life. The .xxi. day of May two legions were sent by the Alpes to Inspruck, whiche was from thence two dayes iourney. Al the horsemen were left with one

legion of fotemen about Fiessa and Rwe, to defende and kepe the passage. The next daye Duke Maurice & his felowes Prin∣ces followyng after, ioyne with the army of fotemen, at Zir∣ley, whiche is not two great myles from Insprucke. But when the Emperour heard that Ereberge was wonne, he departed sodenly in the night awaye from Insprucke, with his brother * 1.30 Ferdinādo, who was lately come thither to perswade a peace, as I sayd before, and through the Alpes, as they go to Trente, tourning on the left hande he came to Uillace a towne in Car¦nia, by the Riuer of Draue, whan he had a little before set at libertie Iohn Friderick, Duke of Saxon, which had bene fiue yeres prisoner, least his ennemies shuld ascribe this vnto their * 1.31 glorie, whiche thing in dede the prisoner also hym selfe woulde not. Whā he was at libertie, he followed the Emperour neuer∣thelesse, whyther soeuer he went. In the selfe same tyme, quene Marie, the Emperours syster helde an assemblee at Achen in lowe ducheland, to make a league with the princes about her. And the Duke of Cleaue in dede, excuseth the matter by Am∣bassadours. But Adolphe, Archebishop of Collon comming thi¦ther entreth into league with the house of Burgsidy. Likewise doth the Byshop of Luke, George of Austriche. Whan Duke Maurice came to Insprucke, what thinge soeuer was founde * 1.32 there of the Emperours, and of the Spaiardes, and the Cardi∣nalles of Auspurge, it was spoyled. But to kyng Ferdinandos and the citezens goodes, there was no harme done. And for so muche as there remayned but thre daies only, vnto the truce, whiche for the treatie of peace, was taken, as before is mentio¦ned, Duke Maurice went from thence to Passawe. And the o∣ther Princes, Marching the same way they came y^e .xxviii. day of May retourne to Fiessa, and afterwarde by menssengers as well, in their own, as in the name also of Duke Maurice, they publyshe letters at Auspurge, of this effect. In what sorte saye they, y^e ennemies of truthe, haue alwayes done their indeuour, that all Godly Preachers oppressed, the Romishe idolle might be restored, and that the yought being brought vp in those er∣rours and false opiniōs might by litle and litle increase in the same, that thing is so manifest, that it nedeth no further demō¦stration. For euen at the same time, whan they did not sticke to proteste that they sought not Religion, they wrought with all their force that the pure doctrine might be cleane roted out. For they did not only caste the Godly preachers in pryson, but * 1.33 in this citie also compelled them by an othe, & with great vn∣gentlenes, that they should departe out of the limites of the

Empire. And albeit that same othe was very wicked, and ther∣fore is grounded vpon no lawe nor reason, yet, least any sclaun¦der might aryse, we haue called home agayne those selfe same preachers and scholemaisters, whiche our aduersaries had exi∣led, thinking it our dutie so to doe. Wherfore all suche as after this sorte were bannished, as before is sayd, we do clerely relea∣se from that bonde of othe, wherunto through force & violence, contrary to the lawes thei were bounde, and restore them vnto libertie, in ioyning them, that not only in this citie, but also in other places, according to their vocation, they teache Gods worde syncerely, according to the confession here in tymes past exhibited, and rightly and godly bring vp yougth in learning, trusting vnto our defence and tuition. We cōmaunde also that no man moleste them with wordes or iniuries, as though they should do contrary to their faith geuen. For inasmuche as not through their deserte, but only for the profession of the truthe, they haue liued many monethes in exile, we doubte not but all good men wyll lamente their chaunce, and accompte them worthy of all good wyll and fauour.

And for as much as those which in their absence haue prea∣ched in this citie, be men suspected and vnconstant, insomuch, that they may not conueniently be with these, that we haue called agayne, by reason of their contrarietie in teachinge, we require the Senate, to put them to silence, and so to demeane them selues, that this decree of ours may stande in ful strēgthe and authoritie. Whan the Princes had thus proclaimed the se∣uenth day of Iune, the fift day after, they restore the ministers * 1.34 of the churche to their places, and geue them agayne authori∣tie to preache, to the great reioysing & contentation of the peo∣ple. Before Duke Maurice retourned from Lintz, Marques Albert going a parte with his armie, doeth much harme with spoyling and burning to Wuolfgang, maister of the Almaigne order, as they call hym, and whan he had exacted mony of him, inuadeth the countrie of Norinberge, and the fift day of May taketh by composition, Lightnaw, a castell of theirs, standyng fiue myles from the citie, with the towne ioyning to the same. His armie was of two thousand horsemen, and .xix. enseignes of fotemen. The nexte daie sending his letters to them of No∣rinberge, * 1.35 albeit the Frenche king saieth he, and the Princes cō¦federated, haue declared by wrytinge sufficiently, and at large what they thought of the common wealth, and how thei were bent to recouer the libertie of Germany, and Religiō also, vpō hope and confidence that all good men with wylling myndes,

woulde not only imbrace this their enterpryse, but would al¦so with all their force and indeuour further thesame, whiche many haue done in dede: yet haue you neyther declared what your mynde and pourpose is, nor as I heare, haue sent no Am∣bassadours to the assemblee appointed at Auspurge, but pre∣pare all thinges for defence, plantyng your ordenaunce here & there on your walles and Bulwarkes, and hiring force of sol∣diours, make auaunt, that you wyll perseuer to the vttermoste extremitie, as I am credible informed, and it maketh me to be∣leue it the more, for that hetherto you haue sent no Ambassa∣dours to me for peace. Whiche some notwithstandinge haue done, bothe Princes and Cities further of. Where therfore the same wryting, of the kyng and Princes confederated, doth manifestly declare, that suche, as either shall resiste this enter∣pryse of theirs, or not further thesame, shall be taken as enne∣mies. And againe, for so muche as I am adioyned to the same warre, to the ende to bryng all those, in whose limites I come, to do their dutie, and to leaue behynde my backe no fortified place, out of the whiche any force or saleinge out is to be fea∣red, therfore haue I taken from you, whiche as yet haue not sa¦tisfied my expectation, the castell of Lightnaw, whiche was a great annoyaunce to my campe, preseruing the souldiours of the garrison, whome neuerthelesse I might haue otherwyse vsed. But bycause the chief thing yet remaineth, I require you both in the Frenche kinges name and my fellowes, that you wyll make a direct aunswer, what you are purposed to doe for the defence of the libertie of Germany, and for the stablishyng of Religion, and let me vnderstande it tomorrowe, that I may knowe, what thyng is to be loked for of you, and in what sorte I ought to accept you. Howbeit, what tyme Duke Maurice and his fellowes were at Schwinfurte, whiche was the .xxvi. daye of Marche, as before is sayde, they demaunded of them of Norinberge, faith, societie, munition, vitayle, & a great somme of monie. But after muche debating, all other conditions o∣mitted, what tyme they had paied them an hondreth thousand crownes, they promysed them peace as well for them selues as their fellowes, by letters deuised in moste ample wyse.

Nowe therfore what tyme Marques Albert assayled them, they make complainte to them. And bycause Duke Maurice was not yet retourned from Lintz, the Lantgraues Sonne wrytynge to them agayne the thyrde daye of May, from Gun∣delfynge, byddeth them be of good comforte,

And the fift day after whan Duke Maurice was retourned, they wryte both, & promisse to kepe conuenauntes, saying that this acte of the Marques is cleane besides their expectation, neither do they like it, but will do all their indeuour, that they may recouer their own, & wyll also call back immediatly suche ayde as they haue lent him. Whan they of Norinberge had re∣ceiued the letters of Marques Albert, they wrote againe the same day, signifiyng what thing Duke Maurice and the prin¦ces had promised them by composition, and saie how that was the cause, that they sent no Ambassadours to him. Wherfore they earnestly pray and beseche hym that he wyll restore fully the castell taken, and gratifie his fellowes herein. Thre dayes after he wrote againe: For so muche as he doth not know, how they haue compounded with them, and yet it concerneth the Frenche king very muche, vnto whome he is no lesse addicted than to the others, he requireth to haue saufeconduicte for a credible man of his, whome he wyll sende into their citie, to se the instrument of their accorde. They followe his mynde, and let him se it. But he neuerthelesse, although Duke Maurice & his fellowes were meanes and diligently intreated him to the contrary, the .xi. daye of May, wryteth to them againe. And in the Frenche kinges name especially doeth charge them, that within a fewe houres they would aunswer him playnely, whe¦ther they wyll be obedient. And where he receiued not, suche aunswer as he would, the towne and castell of Lightnawe he spoyleth, burneth, ouerthroweth and maketh euen with the grounde. And whan he had exacted mony of the townes men, he caused them to sweare to be true subiectes to hym & to his cosin George Friderick, also Marques of Brandenburg, and be¦segeth the citie. Wherfore the the Lantgraues sonne calleth a∣gayne by and by two guidons of horsemen whiche he let hym haue against Woulfgange, the maister of the order, and com∣maundeth to come vnto him, wherwith he was sore offended. He attempted therfore cruell warre, and whan he had burned and spoyled an hondreth villages in their dominiō, and about * 1.36 thre score and ten maners and fermes of the citezens, and the churches also, he setteth on fyre moreouer an exceading great wood that they had, whiche serued not them only, but also o∣ther inhabiters therby of tymber and firewood, and burned therof aboue thre thousand acres. And he had before this pro∣claymed open warre to all others, there aboutes that wold not obeye, both of the nobilitie and others, but chiefly to y^e Byshop of Bamberge, and of Wirtemburg, whome also in this case he

droue to moste vnreasonable conditions. And verely the bishop of Bamberge, to saue hymselfe and his prouince from present * 1.37 daunger, bought peace of him for wonderful losses. For he was fayne to geue him .xx. townes & signories within his iurisdic∣tion, & made hym wrytinges of the same, the .xix. daye of May, and also permitteth him to haue all his wardes and clientes. And the Byshop of Dirtemburge payde hym two hondreth & twenty thousand crownes, and also taketh vpon hym and pro∣myseth to paye his debtes, whiche amounted to the summe of thre hondreth and fiftie thousand crownes. The cities of Swe¦uia hauing compassion of this vnworthie and lamentable for∣tune of the Norinbergians, whiche were lately assembled at Auspurge (as before is sayd) to the nomber of .xxvi. by Ambassa¦dours chosen out of the whole nomber, make intercession, espe∣cially they of Auspurge. And whan they were come by saufecō∣duicte to Norinberge, alledging many reasons, they exhorte them to peace, and tell them of the takyng of the strayte passa∣ges in the Alpes, and of the castell of Erenberge, and declare that the state both of Hongarie and Italie is suche, that there can be no ayde nor succour loked for of any man. After they ex∣hibite the condicions propounded by Marques Albert. They geue them thankes for their good wyll and paynes taken, and declare both howe the Marques hath no cause to war against them, and also what was treated with Duke Maurice & his fe¦lowes. And because the conditions be suche, as partly they are not able to perfourme them, and partly can by no meanes be excused to the Emperour and kyng Ferdinando, they saye, they wyll abyde the extremitie, and commit the matter vnto God. For they knowe them selues so cleare, that they can be conten∣ted to be iudged herein not only by the Emperour, but by all other Princes also, yea by the next frendes & kinsfolkes of the Marques him selfe. Whan the intercessours had reported these thinges agayne to the Marques, and had duely placed their wordes with termes apte and conuenient, and he not only re∣lented nothing, but also threatened moste cruell thynges. The fourth daye of Iune, they aduertise them by their letters, that his mynde is set all on crueltie, and howe they could not bring him to any more reasonable conditions. And nowe the Mar∣ques shoteth of his ordenaunce into the citie, with much more violence, than before, and one night maketh the batterie, more ouer to put thē in the more terrour, he burneth one of the sub∣urbes. And about the same tyme came into the Campe to hym George Thanberge, and William Schacthe, sent as Ambassa∣dours

from Duke Maurice, & the Lantgraues sonne, to make peace. They, taking to them the Ambassadours of the cities, whiche being in dispayre of the matter, were els mynded to de∣parte, after a long & laborious treatie, at the length perswade both partes, and conclude a peace. For the Marques has his ar¦mie lately augmented, by Iob Dalbeck and Christopher Oldē∣burge, * 1.38 Erles, and Duke Maurice wryting his letters to the se∣nate, signified that he was moste greuously offended with this the Marques doinge, yet now could not remedie it. The condi∣cions of peace were these. They should paye two hondreth thou¦sand crownes, and deliuer him sixe great pieces of artyllarie, with all thinges furnished. They should beare their fauour to the Princes confederated, as they of Auspurg do. That he hym selfe should againe restore suche thinges as he had taken from them. Wherfore about the .xx. day of Iune, was leuied the siege of the moste famous and mightie citie in maner of all Germa∣ny, & best furnished of all thinges, but especially moste strongly fortified. The Marques full of lusty courage by reason of thys lucky successe, the .xx. daye of Iune, wryteth letters to them of * 1.39 Woulmes out of his campe. Wherin was conteined, howe the Norinbergians, to their exceading great hinderaunce, by hym vanquished, had receiued conditions of peace, & would do what so he and his fellowes shall cōmaunde them. Nowe therfore is he determined to besege them also, but far otherwyse, & muche more streightly, than he did of late. And if fortune fauour his pourpose, he will spare no mankinde, that is past seuen yeares olde, except thei retourne in time, and immediatly sending Am¦bassadours, do fully satisfie him and his league frendes, and al¦so make their purgation of their rebellion lately committed. And what they wyll doe herein, he cōmaundeth them to sende playne worde, by the brynger of these letters. Unto the whiche letters they aunswer briefly, that whylest they be saufe, and so longe as they haue lyfe, they wyll doe no suche thynge as he demaundeth.

The Frenche king passing out of Germany, with his army deuided in thre partes, came at the last to Walderfing, whiche is a litle towne of the dutchie of Lorayne by y^e Riuer of Sare. There vniting his armie, the .xxv. day of May, marching forth and passing ouer the riuer of Mosel, what tyme he came into y^e * 1.40 lande of Lutcemburg, he distroied all before him with spoiling and burning, prouoked by the example of Rosseme, as they thē selues reporte, and recouereth the towne of Asteney, voyde of soldiours to defende it. For Marten Rosseme was retourned

home. Againe pitching his tentes, he taketh a little towne by surrender called Danuillers, after that also Iueye, one of y^e chiefest fortes there. In the same town was Count Mansfield Ernestus, gouernour of the whole countrey, with the floure of the youth there with him. Al they were taken prisoners. After∣warde was the towne spoyled of the outragious soldiours a∣gainst the kinges will, as they reporte. Now let vs retourne to Duke Maurice. He, for to treate a peace, as I said, was gone to Passa we. There he repeting the treatie that was at Lintz, the * 1.41 first of Iune, propoūdeth & declareth al thinges more at large. There were themperours Ambassadours, kyng Ferdinando, Al¦bert Duke of Bauier, the Byshops of Salisburge & Eistet, and of all the chief Princes of Germany, the Ambassadours also of Cleaue and of Wirtemberge, and many others besides. He com¦plaineth that the state of thempire whiche chiefly ought to be * 1.42 free, is gouerned by straungers, that thauthoritie of the Prin∣ces Electours is deminished, & that many things be done with out their aduise & knowledge. That certē thinges also are pluc¦ked away, & alienated frō thempire. Howe meanes are deuised, that thautoritie of electing thēperour may be takē from thē, in cōmon assemblies the Electours voices are in a maner ne∣glected, that the priuate conuentions of the Electours, are for a certen feare omitted, and their liberties infringed, whylest the chamber imperiall receiueth those, that appeale from thē, contrary to the auncient custome. That the controuersies of the states Imperial are purposly maynteined, and be neuer ac∣corded, before either partie haue susteined losse and dammage. Howe in the Emperours courte a man can hardly be heard speake, neyther is his matter exactly knowen, chiefly for that they vnderstande not the tongue, and that there is muche losse not only of costes, but of tyme also: In open assemblies mat∣ters are handled nothyng frendly, and if any man propounde ought for the common wealth, it is taken in euyl parte. That Germany is sore impoueryshed and beggered with those ofte and dayly conuentions, and at home oftentymes are many thynges neglected, and neyther yet is the publique state any whyt amended, yea it is made worse and more intricate. By strayghte proclamations it is prohibited, that no man serue in foreyne warres. That suche as be reconciled, are bounde, that they shall not warre against the Emperours countrey, and so are plucked from the Empyre. In the Protestaūtes warre such as serued their Lordes, according to their dutie, were punished by the purse, such as in the same war remained in thēperours

frendshyp, were commaunded to paye also, and that their lan∣des and goodes should be put to sale, vnlesse they payed imme∣diatly, and their Ambassadours, bicause they did not by and by assent, were commaunded vnder paine of death, that they shuld not departe from the court. That foreine soldiours haue bene oftentimes brought into Germany, and the last warre beinge finished, were distributed hither and thither into Prouinces, whiche haue done many thinges dissolutely and vitiously, and haue gloried of the conquest of Germany, and haue sayde, how it should be annexed 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Emperours patrimonie, and that in the head cities should be buylded castelles and fortes. Howe muche ordenaunce and warlike munition, was, as it were in a mockerie, caried out of Germany into foreine nations. Howe diuerse men, for a certen ambition, haue caused the armes of y^e Princes of Germany to be set vpon y^e gunnes which they made for themselues, as though they had taken them from thē. How there be set forth bokes, & that with the Emperours priuilege, whiche sounde to the great reproche and infamie of Germany, as though it were cōquered and brought in bondage. That in common assemblees, vnder the name of the Emperours pro∣uinces, certen men were placed amonges the Princes and sta∣tes, and this to be wrought through secret deuises, that the nō¦ber being augmented, they may preuayle by the nomber of voi¦ces. Howe foure yeares past was ordeyned the iudgemēt of the chamber imperial, and lawes made by a very fewe, which wer after published, to the great hynderaunce of many, especially of them, that be of the Protestauntes Religion. For all those are vtterly excluded from that benche. Wherfore the thinge it selfe requyreth, that those lawes be better skanned in the next conuention. These and suche other lyke thynges he propoun∣deth, and for as muche as they chiefly concerne the Emperour, he requyreth that they be redressed out of hande, and that the Empyre be restored to the fourmer dignitie, and that others be not permitted to delude and contempne the same.

The intercessours conferring together, iudged nothinge a∣misse in these requestes. Howebeit to the intent, that both the Emperours dignitie should be mainteined, and might so much more easely be perswaded, they thynke, that many thynges, whiche concerne the reformation of the state publique, may be ryght well differred tyll a generall conuention of the Empyre. There was present the French Ambassadour, Fraxineus: Who * 1.43 the thyrd daye of Iune made an oration before the Princes.

How betwene the Frenchemē and the Germaines, in old time, and before the name of Francons was knowen, there was so * 1.44 great lykenes of life and maners, that y^e Germains be thesame people, whiche the Romaines in times past called the brethren of the Frenchemen. But after that the Francons had planted them selues in Fraunce, both natiōs were so vnited, that there was one Empire, one Prince, and the same lawes for both. Af∣terwarde, whan an alteration chaunced, and that thempyre was deuolued to the Germains: The Dukes of Saxon & other Emperours, for that they had their originall of the kinges of Fraunce, had continual amitie with the Frenchmē, in so much that Philip king of Fraunce, caused y^e auncient league, whiche could scant be read for the olde antiquitie therof, to be written out in goldē letters, and layd vp in an holyer place. And verely not without iust cause. For during that league of amitie, the cō¦mon wealth of either nation was in dede moste florishing. And certenly the force of Germany was thā so great, that it prescri∣bed lawes, not only to the Hongarians, Bohemers, Poloniās, and Deanes, but also to the Italians. And y^e kinges of Fraūce, for the maintenaunce of religion, haue warred many times a∣gainst thennemies of Christendom. The Saracenes & Turkes, both in Asia. Affricke & Europe, and haue had moste noble vic∣tories. But after chaunced a time more vnfortunate, whan cer¦ten Emperours as newly entred, and not very Germaines, nor worthy of y^e dignitie, haue forsaken that amitie with y^e kinges of Fraunce, and haue induced great calamitie to the common wealth. But this sore plage, through Gods benefite, was hea∣led by the noble house of the Dukes of Lutcemburg, out of the whiche haue issued certen Emperours, men of great vertue, & linked moste assuredly to the kinges of Fraunce. For the father of themperour Charles the fourth, died in battell for the kyng of Fraunce. The like good will beare also the Princes of Au∣striche, amongest others Albert the firste, who neither for pro∣messe, nor threatening of the hyghe Byshops, could be brought to warre against Fraunce. These thynges he reciteth for this intent, that they may see, howe euell certen councellours and ministers of the moste puissaunt Emperour Charles the fyfte, prouyde for the common wealth, whylest they worke not thys thinge only, that they plucke a sonder the one from the other, these two moste excellent nations: but also through their craft and subtiltie haue brought this to passe longe synce, that the moste noble Prince, kyng Fraunces, was iudged an ennemie, his cause not harde. This do they to their owne priuate gaine,

but to the exceading great hinderasice of the cōmmon wealth. For how harde it were for them, during the amitie of the two nations to infringe the libertie of Germany, and to buylde vp that their kyngdome, it doeth hereof sufficiently appeare, for * 1.45 that they being nowe affrayde of the force of Fraunce, be not so importune as they were, nor doe not so muche vrge that Spanyshe yoke and bondage. These be verely they whiche by intreatie and tributes, obteyning peace of the Turke, vnder the colour of Religion, and obedience, haue brought in dissen∣tions and factions into Germany, who ayded with the power of Germaynes, haue warred against Germany, whiche haue exacted money of all men, and made the State of the Empyre miserable, by placing here and there garrisons of Spanyardes by vnarmyng the armaries, and openyng the waye to confisca¦tion. For the matter is brought to that passe, that bothe the seale of the Empyre, and the iudgement of the chamber, and al¦so the ryght and libertie of assemblies depende only vpon the pleasure of the Byshop of Arras. For what example is this or what equitie is it, that suche as to get their liuing serue in fo∣reine warres should be therfore executed, outlawed, and with great rewardes set forth? be in daūger of murtheryng, to omit in the meane season so many murthers, lecherous actes, spoy∣lynges and robbinges of townes, and especially the handlyng of Religion, whiche hath not bene after one maner, but diuers according to the tyme. Certenly what so euer hath bene done these many yeares nowe, tendeth all to this ende: that, con∣trary to the lawes of the Empyre, kyng Ferdinando being her∣unto eyther compelled, or els by fayre promesses allured, the Prynces also by a certen feare and terrour subdued, the Prince of Spayne might be made Emperour. And shuld not noble cou¦rages * 1.46 wyshe for death rather, than to beholde y^e lyght of y^e Sun in suche distresse and miseries? Assuredly there can no man be imagined so very a coward or so barbarouse, whō these thyngs would not moue. Wherfore no man ought to maruell, that in the ende ther should arrise some Princes, and amongest them Duke Maurice thelectour of Saxony, which thought it their parts euen with y^e hazarde of their liues to recouer y^e libertie of their natife coūtrie. And they, being of thē selues not able, nor of power sufficiēt to sustein such a charge alone, haue desired y^e ayde of the king of Fraūce. And he doubtles setting a part y^e dis¦pleasure of former yeares, hath not only made thē partakers of al his fortunes, but hath also imploied him selfe wholy to the same busines, making a league with them, wherein amongest

other thinges it is prouided, that thei may not cōpounde with the ennemie, but by the kinges consent. Howbeit, Duke Mau∣rice, although he be tied with that same bonde, yet, for y^e weale of his countrie, and to followe the mynde of kyng Ferdinando requiring him hereunto, hath lately demaunded of the moste christian king, how he could be content to haue peace. Whiche thing chaunced vnto him in dede som what contrary to his ex∣pectation, for that, considering his benefite is so great, he sup∣posed that in matters touching him, he shuld not haue sent to him a far of, but to haue deuised with him presently. Neuerthe lesse because he setteth much more by publique, thā by his own priuate profites, he would deny nothing to a Prince of his con¦federacie. Wherfore if the woundes of the cōmon wealth may be healed, as they ought, & from henceforth assuraunce made, y^t they breake not out again, if the captine Princes may be relea¦sed, vpon suche conditions as be in the league expressed. Moreo¦uer, in case the olde leagues of Fraunce with the Empire, and this new confederacie also made of late with the Princes, may so be confirmed, y^t they may take place for euer, if these thines, I saye, may be brought to passe, he is so well affected towardes the common wealth, that not only he wyll assent gladly to the treatie of peace, but also wyl giue God hartie thākes, that his aduise and helpe hereunto hath not wanted. As touching his priuate matters, for so much as the Emperour deteineth many thinges by force, and hath made warre vpon no iust cause, the king thinketh it reason, that he y^e hath first done wrong, should first seke also to make satisfactiō. He verely, althoug he neither distruste his force nor yet his cause, will so demeane him selfe, y^t it may be well perceyued both how desirous of peace he is, and how willing also to gratifie Duke Maurice & them all. Here∣unto the Princes aunswere. Howe that recitall of antiquitie repeted of fourmer memory, cōcerning the coniūctiō of Fraūce * 1.47 and Germany was to them right ioyfull, and no lesse pleasaūt to heare, that the kyng preferreth the common wealth aboue his priuate cōmodities, and is not against, but that the Prin∣ces confederate may conclude a peace with the Emperour. For that it should so be, it is for the profite, not only of one nation, but also of all Europe, whiche afflicted with ciuil discorde, ten deth to distruction. And suche conditions of peace, as the kyng requyreth, they doubte not but that they may be obteyned. For the Emperour both before this tyme, and also in this trouble thinketh well of the common wealth, and wyll not haue the libertie of Germany deminished. There is good hope moreouer

that he wyll shortly delyuer the captiue Princes. But that both the olde leagues should be renewed and the newe confir∣med, the king of his wysdome vnderstandeth, that in this same conuention so great a matter can not be finished. Neuertheles they wyshe vnfainedly, that the same amitie, which hath bene alwayes betwene bothe nations may remayne ferme and vn∣uiolable. That suche priuate suites as he hath with the Empe¦rour, myght be appeased, they both couet chiefly, and also wyll refuse no paynes and trauell therin. And where as the kyng af¦firmeth that the Emperour deteineth diuerse thinges that ar his and signifieth plainly, that he hath thinges to lay clayme to, they thinke it not against reason that he shewe, what thing that is. For they are mynded to preferre the controuersie to the Emperour, & be as meanes therin. And they desire very much, that the kyng would accept these thinges in good part. Nowe as concerning the alliaunce betwene the Germaynes & Frēche men, I haue spoken in the eight booke. And that whiche the Frenche Ambassadour speaketh here of the house of Lutcem∣burge, * 1.48 thus it standeth. The Erle of Lutcemburge Henry, had a sonne named Henry, whiche was after made Emperour, the seuenth of that name, he had a sonne Called Iohn, whiche by mariage was made king of Boheme. Who aided Philip Ualose the Frenche kyng, against the kyng of Englande Edwarde the third, goyng hym selfe with hym to the fielde, and the bat∣tell * 1.49 being foughten, where the Englishmen had the victory, he was slayne, and amonges others, lefte a sonne called Charles, whiche afterwarde was made Emperour, the fourthe of that name, father to Wenceslaus and Sigismunde, whiche were af∣ter both Emperours, and this Sigismunde also kyng of Hon∣gary and Boheme, the procurer of the counsell of Constance. Albert of Austriche of whome he speaketh, the sonne of Raffe the Emperour, whan he was Emperour he obserued perfit a∣mitie * 1.50 with Philip le beau kyng of Fraunce, notwithstanding that the Byshop of Rome Boniface the eight, did wonderfully incense him vnto warre. Duke Maurice besydes the deliue∣raunce of his father in lawe, vrged two thynges chiefly. One, that of suche matters, as annoyed the libertie of Germany, & the whiche he hym selfe had recited by name, kyng Ferdinando Maximiliā his sonne, and the intercessours themselues, shuld nowe forthwith examine, and according to the lawes and cu∣stome of Germany, determine the same. Another was that pea¦ce myght be graunted to Religion, and that no man should he molested therfore tyl suche tyme as the whole cōtrouersie were

fully reconciled. This way did not thintercessours discōmend: but themperour by his Ambassadours declareth, what lacke he findeth therin, & thought it reason, that those which had bene faithfull to him, and therfore had chaunced into extreme mise∣rie, should be first recompēsed their losse. After much debating, what time diuerse pointes were mittigated, they agreed at y^e length, that the third day of July, the Emperour shuld answer directly, & that the war should cease in the meane time. Wher∣fore thintercessours wryting their letters the .xvi. day of June exhorte themperour vnto peace. Whan y^t castel of Ereberg was taken, and afterwarde Inspruck spoyled, I shewed you, howe the Princes, retorning through thalpes about thende of May came backe again to Fiessa. And marching frō thence, the .xix. day of June, pitched their tentes at Eistet, which is y^e Byshops town, bordring vpon Bauier, and ther the whole army longed sore for Duke Maurice cōming, not without great thought & carfulnes. Who comming thither at the length, sheweth them in what case the matter stode: and the laste daye of Iune, he re∣tourneth from thence to Passaw by post horses, that he might be there at the daye appointed, and his fellowe Princes remo∣uing their campe, the next morning, the fourth day after came to Roteburg, whiche is a towne nere vnto Francony by the ri∣uer of Duber. But Marques Albert neuerthelesse pursued his enterprise, and hauing driuen the citie of Norinberge to make * 1.51 their peace, he compelled also the nobilitie and states in these parties, to be at cōmaundement. For albeit he mainteined the common cause at the first, as in the writing set forth he profes∣sed to do, yet was he not of the same league, and whā the siege of Ulmes was leuied, he went about his priuate affaires, whe∣ther it were for that he would wynne to hym selfe alone, what soeuer the chaunce of warre had geuen hym, or that he mysly∣ked Duke Maurice his doinge, or els moued by the Frenche kynge, was bent otherwyse. Notwithstanding those that he toke the faith of he commaunded to perfourme the same fide∣litie also to his felowes. Afterwarde inuading the prouince of the Arch••bishop of Mentz, by the Ryuer Meyne, doeth excea∣ding muche harme with burning and spoyling, and demaun∣deth of hym a wonderfull summe of money. And where diuers made intercession, neither yet could thei agree vpō the summe. The Archebyshop, fyrste synkynge hys great Artylarie in the Rhyne, the fyrste daye of Iuly fled awaye, to saue hym selfe.

The selfe same tyme also, Marques Albert, whiche lefte nothynge vnattempted, wylleth the Archebyshop of Treuers

to deliuer vnto him the chiefest castell of his dominion, whiche is situated, where the Riuers of Rhine and Mosell mete, vpon an hyghe hyll, naturally strong, and very commodious. And he sayd, howe he required this of him in the Frēche kynges name. He, after he had conferred with his counsell, sent him worde y^t he could not accomplyshe his request herein. For as muche as the Princes intercessours in the latter part of their aunswere that they made to the Frenche Ambassadour (as before is men∣tioned) sayd howe they thought it reason, that the kyng should declare what he required of the Emperour. The Ambassadour, by the kyng aduertised, whan he was with the armie besydes Eistet, the .xix. daye of Iune, wryteth to them agayne, how the kyng hath attempted this war, for none other cause doubles, * 1.52 but to profit the whole common wealth, and chiefly to restore the libertie of Germany sore opressed, what tyme certen Pryn∣ces had long and muche requested hym to the same. And assu∣redly sought no priuate gayne to him selfe therein, and that may the thing it selfe beare witnes. For he had taken nothyng at al in Germany, where it had not bene harde for him to haue done. He permitted the Princes also to warre frely as they list. And albeit that in the meane tyme that he hymselfe laye styll with his armie by the Riuer of Rhine, his ennemies had inua∣ded Fraunce, yet did he not once remoue tyll he was aduertised by Duke Maurice, that suche thinges myght be obteyned by peaceable meanes, for the whiche this warre was attempted. Whiche thing knowen, he was not a litle glad, whan he sawe the thinge procede, after their hartes desire. For his aduise and counsell was, first that the Princes should not neglect, so good∣ly an occasion as this was, neither disceiue them seluws, or by others be abused, as they were before. Moreouer, for so muche as he had shewed so notable a token of his good wyl and fideli∣tie, that the amitie of both nations might assuredly be establi∣shed, to thintent that he himself may afterwardes haue better leasure to se vnto other cōmodities of the cōmon wealth: And because Duke Maurice hath demaunded of him, in what sorte he would be accorded, this is his opinion, that he sayth howe y^e Emperour moued warre against him without any iust cause. And the kinges of Fraunce be not wont to desire peace of their ennemy, especially of suche one, as neither in power nor other thing they be inferiours to. Now to propounde any thing (vn∣lesse there were certen hope to obteine y^t same) he seeth no cause why. And as touching them selues he supposeth, that they wil require nothing of him, but that may stande with his honour

and dignitie. And he so loueth them againe, and so estemeth them, that in case he may se them treate the cōmō peace of the whole worlde, he would for their sakes geue ouer a great parte of his right. And is contented also, that they shall bothe heare and determine his requestes, so that the Emperour refuse not to doe likewyse, and wysheth greatly that for the same cause, there might some conuention be had as sone as might be. And if it may so be, than shall all men vnderstande, both how much he loueth the common wealth, and also howe farre from the truthe are those thinges, whiche are bruted of him by his ad∣uersaries, cōcerning the Turkishe league. But if these thinges can take no place, and that all consultations be referred only to his discretion, neither can obteine that league of amitie with the Germaines whiche by good deserte he loked for, the blame ought not to be imputed to him, if there chaūce further trouble to arise. These letters were red before the Princes the first day of Iuly. Whan Duke Maurice was come to Passawe at the day, on the morowe was brought the Emperours auns∣were to king Ferdinando. Than he whan the Princes were set sayd, howe the Emperour in dede had written his mynde, but did not assente to many thinges. And for so muche as it is so, it is not nedefull to declare expressely, what thing he hath auns∣wered to the rest. Neuerthelesse to thintent it may appere, how greatly he himselfe desireth peace, and howe well he wysheth vnto Germany, he wyll go with great expedition to the Empe¦rour, doubting not but that he shall perswade him. Wherfore he desireth ernestly, that Duke Maurice woulde be content to expect so long as he may goe and come, whiche shall not passe eight daies at the moste. Whiche thing when he refused imme∣diatly, the king was very importune: But that was in vayne, and Duke Maurice calling vnto him the Princes and Ambas∣sadours saith, how they them selues know right well, whiche haue bene present and priuie to all doinges for the space of a * 1.53 moneth, that he hath lefte nothing vndone, that he might ey∣ther by study or trauel, worke to conclude a peace. And doubted not but y^t they wolde assuredly witnesse w^t him the same. Wher fore he requireth them, y^t they would still beare him their good will, & helpe to further the cōmō cause of Germany, for he may graunte no further respite, for this long treatie is had in suspi¦tion of his fellowes already. Wherunto, whan they had made a gentle aunswer, cōmending his good will, they desire king Fer¦dinando, that he in themperours name would make a playne determination. For they suppose that what soeuer he did, the

Emperour would confirme and ratifie. Unto this Ferdinando answered, that his brother had geuen him no such authoritie. For than would he not take so muche paines to trauell to and fro: For he might in no wyse passe the bōdes by him prescribed. I shewed you before how the Princes that were intercessours, by their letters wrytten the .xvi. day of Iune, exhorted thempe∣rour to peace. Unto the whiche letters the last of Iune thempe * 1.54 rour answereth from Uillace. How from the time he first recei¦ued the crowne imperiall, he hath euer desired peace, yea and now wisheth for nothing els. Wherfore there is no cause that they should cōmend the same so greatly to him, but vnto them, whiche be thauthours of these cōmotions. And that thei wold so do, he requireth thē by the faith, they owe vnto him. As tou∣ching his owne priuate affaires, he will for their sakes graunt very muche. And concerning the whole pacification, he hathe wrytten his minde to his brother king Ferdinando, of whome they shall heare al thinges. Unto the which letters they write * 1.55 againe the fift day of Iuly, what time king Ferdinando retur∣ned to the Emperour. Howe thei at his request and desire came first vnto this treatie, and so muche the rather, for that he pro∣mised to doe any thing for the commō wealthes sake. And how they haue through their exceading great labour, carefulnes, & diligence, founde out the way of peace. Wherfore they beseche him eftsones, & that moste intierly that he would haue some re¦spect to the cōmon countrie. Many, and the chiefest states of thempire, keping their faith vnto him, haue already susteined great calamitie, and nowe the condicion of thinges is suche, & the occasion of deliberation to be had, so brief, that the other Princes & states, especially suche as are nere the fire, although they would neuer so faine perfourme vnto him al faith and lo∣ialtie, yet can they not so do, no they are constreined to consult by what meanes they may spedely esche we the present calami¦tie and distructiō. And in case he refuse peace, intēding to make warre, there wyll doubtles moste greuouse and perillous alte∣rations arrise therof in Germany, whiche afterwarde wyll re∣dounde to his prouinces also. Wherfore ther were nothing bet∣ter, than that he would content him selfe with the conditions of peace, whiche they wyth so great trauell haue procured, espe¦cially, since y^e chiefest pointes were first approued at Lintz, the fourme and fotesteppes of the whiche treatie they haue follo∣wed herein. Againe for as muche as all suche thinges, whiche properly concerne his dignitie are pourposly referred to the cō∣uention of thempire, to the ende they may there more gently &

quietly be treated. The same day, wherin this was done, Duke Maurice departeth thence, and whan he was come to his fel∣lowes * 1.56 the .xi. day of Iuly, which that tyme incamped at Mer∣getheme, he sheweth them, what is done, and saith howe kyng Ferdinando is ryden in poste to the Emperour, and supposeth that very shortly he will sende of his counsellours, whiche shal bring a full and determinate aunswer. And in this doubtfull state of thinges, least they should sit stil and do nothing, and by∣cause there was at Franckefurt a garrison of the Emperours of .xvii. enseignes of fotemen, and a thousand horsemen, at the leading of Conrade Hansteyne, so that they of Hessebye were in no small daunder, they condescended to goe thither. Wherfore whan they had done much harme to Woulfgange, Maister of Prusse, by burning and spoiling his countrie, where they were at the same time, marching forwarde through the lande of the Archebyshop of Mentz, the .xvii. day of Iuly they come to Frāc¦furt. But the Princes & intercessours and Ambassadours, sent immediatly after Duke Maurice and his fellowes into theyr campe Ambassadours, whiche might mollifie their myndes & perswade thē to peace. During the whiche siege, George Duke of Megelburge, adioyned vnto Duke Maurice, euen he which first of all men moued warre against them of Maydenburge, was slayne with a great piece. What tyme they began firste to * 1.57 besiege Franckfurt, the Princes confederated desyre a great quātitie of batteryng pieces of the Paulsgraue Electour, who sayeth them nay ones or twyse: But whan he myght none o∣therwyse chose, and they threatened to come with their whole armie, he gaue them eight of the best he had, with all their fur∣niture. Kyng Ferdinando retourning to Passawe at the daye, which was the .xiii. day of Iuly, declareth to the intercessours what the Emperours mynde was in euery thyng.

Uerely that the matters concerning the Empyre, whiche I sayde before Duke Maurice had propounded, shoulde not be * 1.58 heard of certen commissioners seuerally, but of all men in ge∣nerall in the whole assemblee of the Empyre. Agayne that the cause of Religion should quietly remayne vnto the next con∣uention of the Empire. In the which conuention, that which shall seme good to be done therin from henceforth by the com∣mon aduise of the states, the same to be cōfirmed and ratified. Themperour also y^e .xi. day of Iuly answereth thintercessours to their last letters, y^t like as they haue by their letters so hath his brother king Ferdinādo treated w^t him diligently to accept

And he in dede would gladly haue pleased both parts, but he is for diuers causes letted, whiche he declareth to his brother: for it lieth not in him to cōfirm & approue al things indifferētly: and wher by thoccasion of this cōmotion, diuers, without al desert are fallē into much calamity, y^t is he as sory as one man liuing: yet hath not the same chanced through confidence in him, which put no mā in that hope, wherunto he shuld trust: For although he sēt vnto certen chief princes, y^t they shuld remedy this euil growing, at the beginning of y^t tumult, promising thē al his indeuor, yet was not this his mindē therfor, y^t whatsoeuer shuld be propoūded, he wold alow y^e same: for such things as cōcern the hole Empire, he thinketh resō they shuld be referd to the publik assēblies: at the which time verely if any mā shal bring forth any iust cōplaint of him, he wil not fail to do his du∣ty, which verely he hath not omitted hitherto: For sith as yet there hath no such request ben brought vnto him, which neuertheles ou∣ght to haue ben done, before war had ben attēpted, he could not cō∣iecture, what thing shuld be required of him, much les geue instruc¦tiōs to his ambassadors sēt to Passaw, what thei shuld answer to e∣uery poynt, which in dede for thoffice & dignity of his person, he in∣tēdeth to do him self presētly: wher therfor he aloweth not al things y^t many perauenture go about to perswade him to, ther is no cause why any mā shuld reprehend this in him: but those y^t be intercessors ought rather to perswade & exhort thē to resonable & moderat con∣diciōs: especially since they se, how he doth hardly at the leaste, & not before he is of necessity cōstraind, attempt war, which he intendeth not to folow now nether, if he may chuse, and in case they cā deuise some reasonable & conuenient way of peace: And seing the case stā∣deth thus, his trust is, y^t they wil declare all fidelity to him rather, being their chief magistrate, than that they shuld geue ear to such, as contrary to theyr duty, haue made league with theyr ennemies, and raised vp cōmotions: he perceiueth, and is not ignoraunt what euils approche neare, whan both armies are brought forth to ioyn in battel, and is exceadingly moued with the losses of the common weale, & chiefly, of thinnocent people, & therfore minedeth peace, as he hath done alwaies, and wil refuse no condition reasonable: and it is not to be ascribed vnto him, that in the mean season, whilest he consulted of the condicions sēt vnto him at ii. seueral times, certen states susteind great losses: For ther was a truse al the time of the intercession: and wheras, during the same time, the Marques Al∣bert afflicted diuers, y^e coulde not he do withall: For euen from the beginning was he euer against the treatye of peace? Moreouer in answering the same, he neuer made any delay: And if they had per∣seuered in the same way, which by thē was first propoūded, & after¦ward

altred, answer might haue bene much soner & more plainlye made, yea if they had not shronke from the treaty of Lintz, wherof they thē selues make mention, al things might haue ben concluded lōg since: wher therfor they se how he is minded towards y^e commō¦welth, he earnestly requireth them, that together with his brother Fernādo, vnto whō he hath opened him self wholy, thei wold bring them to resonable cōditions, & therin haue respect to the welth and dignity of thempire: for certenly he wil vse the same lenity & peacea¦ble wais frō henceforth that he hath done hitherto, for y^t he abhor∣reth very much al ciuil war: but in case peace can not vpon these cō∣dicions be established, he loketh for all fidelity of them, whyche are bounden to him. He answered than also by king Fardinando to the letters of the French ambassador, red vnto the Princes, as before is said. How he had peace with the French king, which he obserued diligently: And although he did many things arrogantly & proud∣ly, yet hath he dissembled the same for a common quietnes: but he, albeit he promised by his ambassador very largely, & pretended no such thing, made war against him both by Sea and land, before he had proclaimed the same: How be it he hathe offered this condition all ready, that if Duke Moris, electoure, should in his name bring any reasonable conditions of peace, and to former actes agreable, he wold not refuse them: but ther is no certen or determinate thing propounded, and this his drift, that wher he hath laid the blame of breaking the peace in him, he saith how the way of concorde muste be set open by him also.

Moreouer he seketh to purge him self of the turkish confedera∣cy, as though he had wrong done him: but al this is wholy forged: for if y^e case shal so require, there may be brought to light & shewed the cōmentaries of Aremont, the frēch ambassador, wrytten at Cō∣stantinople * 1.59 for a memorial, and sent to the king by one Coste a cē∣turion, ther are forth comming also, and to be sene the letters of the Turkes lieuetenant in Hongary, sent at this time to the Princes confederated & others but intercepted, wherby it appeareth euidēt¦ly, y^t he was the causer of the hurt, that the Turkishe nauye did the last yere, and motioned also that the like might haue ben done this same yere, and that he is right sory, that ther is no more harm don. To be brief, that is his intente and purpose, and the Emperours of Turkes also, vtterly to vndoe him and his brother Ferdinando, to thintent they may afterward bring the whole common wealth, but chiefly Germany into extreme danger & distres: but how wel these thinges do agre with his fair promesses, and what care he taketh for the wealth of Germany, any man may easilye perceiue: For the thinge it selfe declareth what his minde is: For that the chiefest

states of thempire wer this yere sore vexed & afflicted, and vtterly distroid, that many others wer in most pearil & danger, y^t through the help of the Germains, that linketh thē selues with him, certain places of thempire wer brought into his tirannical power, and are nowe by him also fortified, the whole blame is to be ascribed vnto him: seing therfore that the case standeth thus, he cannot see what credit may be geuen to his ambassadors letters vtterly forged, and fained: and in dede after his opiniō it had ben much better to haue reiected the same, than to haue receiued any such kinde of answer: and if they consider al thing diligently, he douteth not but they shal perceiue, what he by his ambassador intendeth & goeth about: and forsomuch as that same wryting maketh not for this presēt treaty, he thinketh it nothing nedeful to answer any more to the same. A∣bout the xiiii. of Iuly, king Ferdinando, sente Henrye of the noble house of the Plauians, Burgraue of Meissen, & chancelor of Bo∣heme, vnto the camp before Frankfurt. Who cōming to duke Mo∣ris the xxiiii. of Iuly, after the matters wer a while debated, at the * 1.60 last parswadeth him to peace. Wherfore the last day of Iuly, cōtra∣ry to many mens expectation, they concluded of the whole matter, as hereafter ye shal heare, amonges other reasons which he had to perswade, this was one also. Let him consider with him self, vnles he receiue the conditions, what danger he standeth in, bothe of the Emperor, which hath now a puissant army, and also by the Duke of Saxon Ihon Fridericke, whome themperor hauinge inlarged will incontinently send home: Let the Lantzgraues sonne also cō∣sider into what pearill he shall bring both his father being prison∣ner, and also his whole prouince. The gunnes of the Paulsgraue elector, which he was constrained to lend them, as before is saide, whan the peace was made, wer receiued into the towne, least they should come into the hands of Marques Albert. In the monthe of Iuly the French king hauing taken certen townes of the Duchie of Lucemburge, as before is said, brought his armye into Artois, * 1.61 but without any notable exploict done, to the end he might relieue his army from trauel and infection, dischargeth his power, & him self returneth home, hauing fortified such places, as he had taken with garrisons & fortifications. Ouer al the which things he made gouernor the Duke of Guise, a Prince of great authority through out Fraunce. And he commaunded the Duches of Loraine widow to depart the country, which was neare to themperor by his sister. She, the xii. of Iuly came to Strasburge, and ther remained cer∣ten dais with her husbands sister, which was also cōmaunded by y^t french king to depart. To Strasburge came also, driuē frō his coū¦try, y^e forenamed Wuolfgange, master of thorder of Knighthode in

Germany, which in the consistory of thempire hath the next place to tharchbishops.

Marques Albert who ioyned him self by the way to his felowes * 1.62 going to Franckfort, leauing them at the siege, goeth to the Rhine, and subdueth Wuormes, and Spiers, exacting of them both mo∣ny and also munition. Which way someuer he went, the priests ei∣ther wer fled away before, or els chaunged their apparell, and dis∣sembled theyr profession and order. And what time the army came neare vnto Frankonie, the bishops ther abouts, & thother prelates of the same ordre, sought to saue them selues by flight: and tharch∣bishop of Mentz, who for fear of the Marques was gon longe be∣fore, the xxv. day of Iuly came fleing to Strasburge, and lodgyng ther one night, passed ouer the Rhine. The bishop of Spiers a very aged man, fled to Saberne, wher he died not long after. The Bi∣shop of Wuormes, through the mediatiō of the Paulsgraue, retur∣ned home, after he had paid xii. thousand Crownes. Whan he had taken these cities before said.

Marques Albert the xxviii. of Iuly, sending his letters to the Senate of Strausburge, requireth that he and his fellowes may * 1.63 haue accesse into theyr city at al times, and ther to place a garrison whan neade shalbe, and they to shew them fidelity, as well in hys own, as also in the French kings name: For all this war, saith he, is moued to reuenge al Germany: nether shal it be honest or profi∣table for them to resist this enterprise: For to the intent they maye bring this to passe, therfore hath he and his fellowes ioyned toge∣ther * 1.64 again now al theyr power. To which the Senate two dais af∣ter wryteth again. These many yeres now they haue wished for no thing more than that the true Religion of Christ, and also thanciēt siberty might florish throughout al Germany, and to this end haue they bent not only all their doinges and counsels, but also haue al∣wais imploid hitherto their mony & goods, and are now of y^e same mind also, nether wil they at any time fail either the wealth or dig∣nity of the cōmon country, for so much as they are able at all times to performe: They know moreouer that thys is theyr bounden du∣ty, for the same oth and fidelity, by the which they are bounden to y^t Emperor: And seing it is so, there nedeth no further declaration of theyr wil: The king of Fraunce also, what time he was in Alsatia, had demaunded no such thing of them: Again, that wryting, wher∣of he maketh mention, setforthe by the Princes confederated, was not sent nor shewed vnto them: Wherfore they desire him to accept this satisfaction, and work no violence to them nor to their coūtry. In this self same instant Marques Albert being aduertised, that duke Moris intended to make peace, leuing at Spiers a garrison

returneth with his army to Franckfurt, & renueth the siege, which Duke Moris hauing made peace, had forsaken, pitching his tents on thother side of the town, on this side the riuer of Meyne vppon the higher ground somwhat, from whence he might very commodi¦ously beat the town with his ordinaunce. And this pacification he toke most displeasantly, and spake euil words of duke Moris, and would not be comprised therein. The conditions of peace be these. That the Princes confederated shal leaue theyr armure before the xii. day of August, and so discharge their army, that they may serue king Farnando, if he so will, and neither annoye themperoure nor Germany At the same day also the Lantzgraue, being set at liber∣ty, * 1.65 shalbe deliuered at his castel of Rinfelse, which he hath vpō the Rhine, putting in first surety, to obserue couenaunts geuen by the Emperor at Hale in Saxony: They also whiche at the same time became sureties for him, Duke Moris thelector of Brandenburge and Wuolfgange Duke of Sainebricke, renuing their obligation entre again into bondes: The suit that the Lantzgraue hath with the Earle of Nassow for the Lordship of Chats, shall be examined by the Princes Electors, and of suche also as bothe the plaintife, and also the defendaunt shal assign to the same matter: of the whi∣che afterward themperor shall chuse out sixe, which shall determin the case, yet so, that the matter be discussed within two yeres space. Within sixe monethes, the Emperoure shall holde an assemble of the Empire, to consult chiefly, howe and by what meaue the dissen∣tion of Religion may best be appeased: In the meane time all men shall obserue peace, and no man shall be molested for religion: and what so euer shall be decreed, concerning the manner of appeasing Religion, by the common assent of the states, and by the authority of the Emperor, that is to wit, that the controuersy may be quieted by godly and rightfull waies, the same to be firme and stable: Un∣to the iudiciall place or Chamber of the Empire shall be admitted also those, whyche are of the Protestantes Religion: All other thinges, which proprely concerne the dignity and libertye of Ger∣many, ought to be intreated of in the conuention of thempire: Otto Henry the Paulsgraue is also permitted frely to enioye his lande and dominion: during this warre so many as by geuing their faith to the Princes confederated, haue boūden them selues vnto them, shall be free from all bondes, and theyr owne men, as before: they that haue sustained any domage in this warly tumulte, shall com∣mence none action therfore, against those that haue done it: yet shal it be the part of themperor and states, in the nexte assemble to de∣uise some meane, whereby they maye receiue some recompence for the losses they haue receiued.

As concerning the French king, for so much as matters of them∣pire concern him nothing, it shalbe lawful for him to declare vnto duke Moris, such priuate actions as he hath against themperor y^t they maye after be related to themperor: The outlawes are recei∣ued to mercy, so as they attempt nothing hereafter against thempe¦ror, and thother states, so that they also, which serue in the French kinges warres, retourne againe into Germanye within three moneths, cleane forsaking him and his seruice: he that shal breake this peace, shall be iudged an ennemye. Unto all these thinges, the princes that wer ther present, of the chiefest dignity, and the depu∣ties of others subscribed. For this pacificatiō was deuided at Pas¦saw, whiche was signed also by themperor. Whan this peace was concluded, Fraxineus, the Frenche kinges ambassador retourneth home. And certenly the king toke this composition greuously: but hearing, that the Lantzgraue should be in great daunger, excepte this compact were made, he assented, and sent againe the pledges safe into Germany. The third day of August, Duke Moris, and y^e Lantzgraues sonne, departinge from Frankfurt, go two seuerall waies: This man into Hesse, and thother leadeth his army to Do∣nauerde, and sendeth them downe the riuer of Thonawe into Hon∣gary, against the Turke inuading, but that legion which was vn∣der the leding of Riseberge, passing ouer the riuer of Moene, went to Marques Albert, not withoute the greate care of the Prynces, which feared, least themperor woulde take an occasion hereby, not to dimisse the Lantzgraue. Marques Albert liyng before Frank∣furt, where he might haue bene comprised in the peace, and would * 1.66 not. The ix. day of August he departeth thēce, and trāsporting his army ouer the rhine, ineampeth besides Mentz, and broughte the citezens into his subiection. About thend of Iuly, themperor retur¦ning from Uillace to Insprucke, and the eight day after departing thence, and marchinge throughe Bauier, with Almaignes, Bohe∣mers, Italians, and Spaniardes, which at the beginning of Iu∣ly arriued at Genes, at the conduit of the Duke of Alba, the xx. day of August came to Auspurge. Tharchbishop of Mentz, whā he had wandred certain daies in Swenia, so sone as he vnderstode of the Emperors comming, he taketh his iourney thither. At this present time they of Senes, through the procurement and aid of the french king, cast out a garrison of Spaniards, and pull downe a castell, that was begon ther to be builded by themperors commaundemēt and recouer theyr former libertye. In the meane season Marques Albert imposeth a great some of mony to thecclesiasticall persons, especially of Mentz and Spiers: whan the same could not be leui∣ed, by reason that many wer fled, he spoyleth the churches of either

city, and began to take the lead of the cathedrall church at Spier, but at the request of the Senate he surceased: And at Mentz he burneth the bishops castell, standinge by the Rhine, his owne lod∣ging, and fiue churches. Moreouer all the shippes, yea those, that were laden with wine and wheat: And calling away those souldi∣ours of his, that he had ther placed in garrison, marcheth towards the borders of Treuers. The xiii. day of August, Herman, archbi∣shop of Collon, a pure aged man, ended his life in his natiue coū¦try, * 1.67 and had such end, as he desired. For he had many times wished that either he might setforth the doctrin of the gospel, & put in good order the churches of his prouince, or liue a priuate life: and being sometime by his frendes admonished, how much enuye he shoulde procure vnto him self by this alteration of religion, he was wonte to make them answer, how there could chaunce nothing vnto him, vnloked for, and that his minde was established againste all that might fortune, he came of the noble house of the Earles of Weden. The Lantzgraue being set at liberty, as couenaunte was, and ta∣king his iourney homeward, whan he was commen to Utrecht, a Towne standing by the mase, by the commaundemente of Quene Mary regent of Flaunders which was there presente, he was at∣tached againe, and committed to the custodye of the same Spani∣ardes, which had kept him these v. yeres. And the cause hereof was for that Riseberge, who had serued the Lantzgraues sonne, went with all his force vnto Marques Albert, as before is said. Wherin the Quene said, how the peace was brokē, and therfore might not she let him depart, before she knewe themperors pleasure therein. Duke Moris, as I said, comminge to the water of Thonawe, the xxii. day of August sendeth his army before, the footemen, downe the riuer, and the horsmen by lande: he him selfe for his priuate af∣faires rideth home in poste, mineding shortly to return to them a∣gaine. Whan Marques Albert came to the frontiers of Treuers, George Holie, a captain of themperors, had brought ten enseigns of fotemen, to defend the citye: but kepte oute by the Townes men, which refused to haue any garrison, he bringeth again his men to Lucemburge. And the Marques the xxvii. of August sommoneth the towne to be rendred vnto him: The next day being receiued, he * 1.68 bestoweth his soldiors in the city, and places there aboutes. The bishop in the meane season was in the castel, which I said was si∣tuated where the Rhine and Moselle mete: neither was there any prelate of the same ordre there. Themperor remaininge certaine daies at Auspurge, displaceth the Senate, whiche the princes had lately ordeined, and abrogateth all the tribes, & restoreth the same state of the common weale, and the Senate by him established, &

of the ministers of the churche he remoueth thre, and the reaste he permitteth to teach and minister according to the fourm and order of the confession of Auspurge, which thinge declared in the pulpit, made many mēright glad. This was the xxv. day of y^t mōth of Au¦gust. Wheras in the yeare before, they were in a manner the same day exiled, as I haue in the xxii. boke declared. After that, depar∣ting thence the first day of Septembre, and leauing behind him a garrison of vi. enseignes of fotemen, two daies after he came to Wuolmes: but his army wente an other waye, till they came to the borders of Wirtemberge which was done for their sakes of Wuol∣mes, least theyr country, which had shewed to themperor so greate fidelity, should sustain a new domage: The same day that thempe∣ror departed from Auspurge, he sente awaye Ihon Fridericke the * 1.69 Duke of Saxon, with most gentle wordes, & promised very large∣ly of his beneuolence towardes him, who on the next day toke hys iourney homeward. The Lātzgraue also being released the fourth of Septembre, retourneth home the sixt day after. The same time came forth the fourth Tome of Luthers worckes. To the whiche Melanchthon making a preface, reioyseth much at the Dukes re∣turne, and highly commendeth his constancy, which he vsed in the time of his most aduersity. In the meane time that Marques Al∣bert was at Treuers, all the churches were shut vp, who remai∣ning there viii daies, whan he had burned certen Abbaies, and a castel of the bishops not far from the towne, he leaueth in the city a garrison of xii. enseignes. Afterward marching towards Sircke, which is a towne of the Duchie of Loraine, in the midway betwixt Metz and Treuers the xiii. day of Septēbre, he passeth ther with his army ouer the riuer of Moselle, and inuadeth the land of Lu∣cemburge, and from thence retourneth again into Loraine, and e∣uery wher doth very much harme, attending to se what manner of condition the french king would offer him. How he had sore afflic∣ted the bishops in Franctonie, it is before recited: but whan them∣peror approched neare, being sued to of the Bishops, he dothe dis∣charge those compactes, and chargeth them, that they stand not to them, but seke to recouer theyr owne, the same doth he permit also to them of Norinberge, and after exhorteth them, that for the de∣fence of theyr country, they would make a league: the same thinge wryteth he to them of Sweuia to the inhabiters of the Rhine and others, aswell princes as cities. Wherfore these foresaide Bishops with the state of Norinberge do fortify them selues afterwarde by a league, and what time Marques Albert, at the Emperors com∣ming, went into Loraine, the bishop of Bamberge, aboute the end of August, and in Septembre, recouered the townes of Forcheme

and diuers others. Themperor passing out of the land of Wirtem∣berge, held the way toward Spiers: but whan he came to Bret, * 1.70 which is a town of the Prince Palatines, altering his purpose, he tourned on the lefthand, & marched towards Strasburge. At his coming, vi miles frō the city came vnto him ambassadors, Iames Sturmie, Friderick Gottesseme, and Lewes Grempre, to intreat * 1.71 him that he would spare their country, and lead his army another way, neither that he him self would enter into the city w^t any great power, or alter any thing in their cōmon wealth. Who, after he had right gently receiued them, saith, how he knoweth rightwell, how worthely and valiauntly that city hath lately shewed it selfe, and what a benefit they haue done to him & the whole Empire: which thing he wil beare in perpetuall memory, and in very dede wil de∣clare, as occasion serueth, how much he is bounden to them for the same. Afterward he excuseth diligently his sodain cōming, by rea∣son of the ships brēt by Marques Albert, for the newes that came how the Frenchmen inuade Alsatia, and also for the time of y^t yere which requireth expedition, that they may come to thenemy so sone as is possible: wherfore he wil lead his army a long by the Citye, wherinto he him self wil enter with his owne family only, and ta∣king a dinner, wil not tary ther one night. Whan therfore the .xv. day of September, he was cummen into a certaine village, a mile without the City, his whole army destowed here and there in the country abouts, he remaind ther v. dais: In the which time all his * 1.72 cariage was conueied down the Rhine, wherin was no small dif∣ficulty, and assone as it was day, commaūding his army to march forth, he him self, with no great company, about none came into the City, which he had neuer sene before, and was both louingly & ho∣norably receiued of the Senate. It was his chance to passe by the headchurch: whan he came thither, he alighted, and being led in by the priestes, making ther small abode, went straight to dinner. The Senate than presenteth him with a gift, after the custome of the city, praying him to accept it in good part, he answereth, that it is to him right acceptable, and that whiche he had spoken certaine dais past cōcerning his good wil towards them, for theyr stout go∣uerning of theyr state in a most doubtfull and pearillous time, he repeteth again, and for that the townes men haue hurt done them without the city, by the soldiors in their Orchardes and heritages, he saith he is right sory: but for somuch as it is vnpossible to saue al vpright, amonges so great a multitude, he praieth them to take it patiently, chiefly for that this warre is made for thempire. After∣ward, toward the Euening, entring into the way of Hagenaw, he tourned into the next village, and ther reasted al night. What time

he was at Strasburge, going to Metz, he commaunded thambas∣sadors of forain Princes, which followed his court, to go to Spi∣er and there remain. That time was sir Richard Morisine, knight * 1.73 ambassador of Edward the vi. King of England, who amongs mē learned hath a worthy name: and for the state of Uenise, Marcke Anthony Amulie, who also was him self very well learned, and a great fauorer of learning. In those few dais that themperor staid at the city, no man would beleue what hurt the souldiours did in y^e country, and it was an heauy sight to se the pore husband mē, their wiues and children come running into the citye, spoyled of all that euer they had. The matter was complained vppon to the Duke of Alua, by the Senate: And all be it he saide he was very sory for it, and would se, that the like shuld not be done from henceforthe, yet did it preuail nothing, and which way so euer they wēt, after their manner they spoyled all thinges. The Duke of Alua was liefte∣nant generall of the whole armye, and all manner of complaintes were brought vnto him, neither might any man be suffred to speke with themperor, which was thought to haue any such thing to sai. In the meane season the Frenchmen, by the conduit of the duke of Guise, fortify chiefly Metz and Nancey, and also conuey thither al the wheat and forage of the country. Ther serued themperor, Thō the Marques of Brandenburge, Alphonse Duke of Holst, brother to the king of Denmarke, Philiberte sonne to the duke of Sauoy. The outlawes, refusinge the condition of peace, remained still in Fraunce. The Duchesse of Lorayne, expulsed oute of the country, * 1.74 spake with themperor her vncle at Strasburge, and after went in to Brabant. The xvii. daye of the monthe of October died Caspar Hedio, the chief minister of the church of Strasburge. The same day also died Andrew Osiander, at Coningsperge, which is a town in Pruse by the sea coast. Themperor remoueth from Hagenaw to Landaw, and ther making abode xvi. dais of very faire weather, not without the great wonder of many, at the length he taketh the way to Metz, and the xxii. day of Octobre besiegeth the City. Ue∣ry many citezens and Senators, by the permission of the Frenche * 1.75 men went their waies some into Loraine, & some to Strasburge. Than was the Marques Albert in the borders of Lorayne, at the Towne of Pontamosse, with l. ensesgnes of fotemen, and no smal power of horsmen, but wher the French king and he could not agre vpon wages, aswell for the time past, as also for the time to come, through the mediation of certaine, he was reconciled to themperor * 1.76 who both pardoned him for all his offence, and prohibiteth that no action should be commēced against him, for his enterprises in this warre, and ratifieth the compacts made with the bishops of Bam∣berge

and Wirciburge, and releaseth him of the warfare into Hon¦gary, and for his sake pardoneth the Earle of Oetinge, the father and the sonne, of whose misfortune before is mentioned: likewise Albert the Earle of Mansfeld and his sonnes. This thing known Duke d'Anmalle, brother to the duke of Guise, who was sent into Lorayne with a great power of horsmen, by the king, least y^t Mar∣ques of whom they stode in doubt of, should worke any mischiefe, was purposed to set vppon him. For nowe had the French men se∣creatly plucked from him one legion of fote men, at the conduit of Riseberge: for he was reuolted to the Frēch king: Afterward, they attempted the reast of his army also, and their purpose was, that, for want of mony, being made naked and destitute of his men, thei mighte put him to flighte with shame. Duke d'Anmalle had of his counsell Ihon Fraxine, Bishop of Baion: And whan he exhorted him to do likewise, he gaue the charge with his whole force. The fotemen for want of a paye refused to fighte: wherefore his whole trust was in his horsmen, whome the Marques speaking frendly to, and exhorting them to be valeaunte, set vpon them, and fortune * 1.77 fauored his bold enterprise: For breaking throughe their maigne battell, he ouerthroweth them, and putteth them to flighte, all be it they were far mo in nombre, slayinge many, euen of the nobilitye: Fraxine the bishop escaped away by flight: duke d'Anmalle, recei∣uing thre woundes, is taken. This was the fourth day of Nouem∣bre, * 1.78 whan Marques Albert had obteined this victorye, he came to Metz with duke d'Anmalle prisoner, and pitcheth his tents by the riuer of Moselle, and what time he healed his prisoner of his woū∣des, he sent him into Germany, to be kept, his lieuetenāt was now as also in the protestants war, George of the noble house of Lich∣teberges. After he adnertiseth the bishop of Bamberge of the com∣pactes confirmed by themperor, and admonisheth him that he kepe his promesse, and restore vnto him his townes: he commaundeth his captains also, that vnles he so do, they recouer them by force of armes. In this self same time, themperors army of the low coun∣tries, inuadeth Fraunce, and taketh Hesdine, the strongest castell in those parties, which after a certaine time the French king reco∣uereth again, and sending his letters into Germany, taunteth the Emperor bitterly, and exhorteth them to kepe amitye with him, as mindful of a benefit receiued, and of theyr liberty by him restored. About this time the iudges of the chamber imperiall, of whose fle∣inge I haue spoken before, retourne to Spiers. The Emperoure who had yet remained at Dedehoue, whiche is a towne by the Ri∣uer of Moselle foure miles beneath Metz, the twenty day of No∣uembre came into the campe.

Than chiefly was the city maruelouslye beaten with shot, the vio∣lence wherof was so great, that the noise and Thondering thereof * 1.79 was hard, not only to Strasburge, but also iiii Dutche miles be∣yond the Rhine. And Strasburge is from Metz xviii. great dutch miles. Duke Moris, whom I said went with his army into Hon∣gary for the king Fardinando, about this time retourneth home. That time Uolrate, the sonne of Albert, Earle of Mansfeld made * 1.80 warre against Henry the Duke of Brunswicke, and had in a ma∣ner driuen him out of his whole Countrye, Duke Henry therefore commeth to the Emperor at Metz, complaining of his misfortune, and desireth aid, but that was out of time. Counte Mansfelde had serued vnder the Marques Albert, whilest he was yet of the frēch party. Whilest themperor besiegeth Metz, Wuolfgange, maister of the Almaigne order, taketh the Towne of Eluange. There is a very ritch promotion ecclesiasticall, whiche he had sued for manye moneths. The fellowes or prebends of that Colledge haue autho∣rity to chuse the Prouost, as they commonly call him.

Whan therfore they had chosen one of a noble house, he, which was sory that it passed by him, vpon the soden surpriseth the place. This known, the Duke of Wirtemberge, whome the fellowes of that Colledge had besought to defend their righte, leuieth his men immediatly, and setting forth in the cold winter season, recouereth that easely, and besides winneth an other Town or two from him, till he were recompenced for the charges he was at with his soldi∣ors. The French men that wer besieged make many sales oute, es∣pecially into Mar. Alberts Camp, & amongs others, Lichteberge his lieftenaunt was sore wounded. The winter was very sharpe with frost and snow: And althoughe themperor had an exceadinge great army, yet did he abstaine from the assault, and attempted the thing by mines: but that was in vain, whan both the time of y^e yere was a let therunto, & thenemy also knew it by espial. Ther defēded the City most chosen captaine, commen of noble houses: but y^e chief * 1.81 gouernor was the duke of Guise. What time the lieuetenauntes of the Marques Albert, hired souldiours by his commaundemente, the bishop of Bamberge complaininge therof to thimperiall cham∣ber, the xxix. day of Decembre obtaineth letters, wherby the Alber∣tines wer cōmaunded to lay away their armor. They of Wuolmes recouering their castell of Helsesteine, by expulsinge the garrison, which Marques Albert had there lefte, rased it downe to the harde ground. Themperor enforced by thextremity of the cold winter, a∣bout thend of Decembre, being in dispaire of the thinge, leuied the siege, and remouing from thēce to Dedehouie, and so returning in∣to Flanders, cōmaundeth certen legions to remain in the countrye

of Treuers, amonges the whiche was also Marques Albert. By cold and sicknesse, themperor lest the third part of his army.

The French men the xxii. day of Ianuary go a procession about all the Churches in Metz, geuing God thankes for theyr good for∣tune. * 1.82 The next day are searched out al Lutherian bokes in the ci∣tezens houses, and by the hangman are brente openlye: After this, the Duke of Guisse, leauing ther his deputie, returneth into Frāce In this same moneth the captain of Marques Albert wone ma∣ny things again from the Bishop of Bamberge: and after the siege of Metz was leuied, whan Marques Albert had wintred a while in Treuers, til themperor, had paied him his wages in the moneth of February returning into Germany the Bishop of Bamberge, the .xvii. day of the same moneth, obteyneth newe letters of the chā¦ber, wherof in one was commaunded agayne, thesame as, was be∣fore: in thother are inioyned the nobilite of Franckeconie, they of Norinberge, the Paulsgraue electour, and Iohn Friderick Duke of Saxon, as his next neighboures to helpe him. About thende of the moneth of February, the French king which was puft vp with pride, that Metz was so defended, setteth forth a wryting in printe * 1.83 vnto all the states of the Empire, verye stinginge and hatefull to the Emperoure. For he goeth aboute to bringe him in hatred and contempt also: How he verely is nowe no more to be feared, whose power is all readye in fringed, and the craft of many yeares detec∣ted, whiche is also so sicke and diseased, that they can hardlye kepe life in him: he doubtles wil be alwais of one mind towards thē, that is to wit, frendly and liberall. And all be it that diuers of thē, whiche haue receiued of him greate benefites haue not shewed thē selues verye thanckefull, yet wyll not he therefore renounce the Frendship of the reast. After that Marques Albert was aduerti∣sed of the commaundement of the chamber Imperiall, he wryteth manye letters to the Bishop of Arras, to the Duke of Alua, and to the Emperoure him selfe, signifyinge what the Bishops go aboute, and howe they breake couenauntes, and for so muche as he hathe ratified those compactes that were made him, he requyreth that ther maye be a penaltye appoynted, vnlesse they obey the same. Af∣terwarde sendinge a messager to the chamber at Spier, declareth how the Bishoppes haue not only broken couenauntes, but them∣perors commaundemente also: wherefore he requireth them, that they woulde suffer none action to be commenced againste him, and that they woulde abolishe the letters, whiche his aduersaries had obtained. Wherunto they make answer, how it is theyr partes and duety to minister the law vnto all men: which they coulde not denie the bishoppes also requiring the same.

But he again after a longe confutation, requireth the same that he did before. For els in case he sustain any losse, he shal haue good cause to require amendes and recompence at their hands.

Themperor the xiii. of March wryteth an answer to the letters * 1.84 of Marques Albert. How he ratified that compacte he can not de∣ny: How he paied him also and his men theyr wages most liberal∣lye, to his owne greate hinderaunce, where he gaue to the residue nothinge: And he woulde haue bene righte glad, if the Bishoppes woulde haue stirred no more in the matter, and for the same cause he sent an ambassadoure to them, to perswade them: but since they haue refused, and haue appealed both to him, and also to the Prin∣ces electors, and to the Chamber imperiall, he seeth well inoughe how this can not be denied them: Especially, consideringe howe di∣uers states haue conceiued a suspition of him, and spreade diuers brutes: For in case he should now accomplishe his request, and cō∣maunde them to kepe couenauntes, it woulde be saide that he did wronge, and it shoulde increase suspicion: For his office is, to mi∣nister iustice indifferently vnto all men, and prohibite wronge and violence: Therefore the only way is this, that the matter maye be frendly taken vp, and he doubteth not, but he him self, if he ponder the matter diligently, wil take this same way: and to the intent the matter may the more easely and purposelye be broughte to passe, he will appoynt his owne kinsmen, the Dukes of Bauier and of Wir¦temberge, that they shall be meanes in the matter.

The bishops verely in diuers and sondry letters haue complai∣ned to him greuously: Neuerthelesse he trusteth that they will not refuse the treaty: for the controuersy that is betwene the Duke of Brunswicke and his nobility, he hath committed the hearinge of y^e matter to Ihon Marques of Brādenburge: And hath appoynted also the dukes of Bauier and Wirtemberge, to end the matter be∣twene therles of Deting, the father and the sonnes. In manner a∣bout this time, both tharmy of counte Mansfeld shrank away, and thambassadors of Ihon Friderick & duke Moris met together, to accord thē two: For he in his letters & coyne, that he stamped, vsed stil the name of elector and ii. swords a crosse, which is tharmes of * 1.85 Electorship, & by themperors permissiō fortified again his castel of Goth, which thing duke Moris toke greuously, & cōplaineth ther∣of to his states: the opiniō of al thē was to deuise meanes of peace: wherfore, as I said, ambassadors wer sēt, but yet in vain. In this * 1.86 time also Robert the bishop of Metz, Cardinal Lenōcurt, most ad∣dict to the french king came to Metz, & chalengeth to him selfe, the hole iurisdictiō, & saith it belōgeth to him, which is a prince of them∣and

ordeineth a newe Senate, and placeth in that nombre diuers of the Cleargy, and fortifieth Marsey a little Towne standinge at the Frontiers of Germany, with fortificatiōs & garrison of french men. His letters wer before intercepted, wherein he desired of the king, that he would permit him to haue the iurisdiction, whiche the Bishoppes, his predecessors haue had: For his intent is, to ordain a new Senate, and to receiue none into the same: but that shall be wholly addicted to him: or els will it come to passe, that such as be of the Emperors part shall remaine there, and the others shall de∣part thence, which doubtlesse woulde be to his great hinderaunce: For vnlesse all suspected personnes be cleane remoued, let him not loke to kepe the City in quiet possession. And he desireth to declare his hart and good wlil towardes him: For euen for the same cause chiefly, came he into these parties, and receiued this bishoppricke, that he might do him some notable seruice.

Than was Marques Albert at Hedelberge with the Pauls∣graue elector, and had sente those foresaid letters to the iudges of the chamber. That time came also to Hedelberge, by themperors commaundement, the Dukes of Bauier and Wirtemberge, for a pacification: thither came also the Duke of Cleaue. The matter be¦ing longe debated, whan the Bishoppes had offred him a wonder∣full summe of mony, especially Bamberge, that he might haue his Townes in quiet, and the intercessors also approued this conditi∣on: The Marques which would haue his couenauntes obserued, which themperor had also confirmed, wheras in the same time, his captaines leuied horsmen for him in Saxony, and was now assu∣red of certen other mennes aid, he departeth and nothing done, the intercessors being sore offended, and bendeth him selfe to war, and publishing a wrying the xxvii. of March, repeteth the whole mat∣ter in order, complaining mooste greuouslye of his aduersaries for breaking theyr promesse, and confuteth that reason, whereby the Bishoppes alledge, that they maye alienate nothing of the church goodes, and sheweth how he is driuen of necessitye to defende hys righte by force of armes. The bishop of Wirciburge was ther him self, Bamberge had sente deputies.

The grudge and controuersy was betwene the Duke of Wir∣temberge, and the maister of the Almaigne order, through the me∣diation of princes was here appeased, where this man to recouer his townes again, paid xxx. thousand Crownes. At the second day of Aprill, whyche than was Easter daye, Duke Moris came al∣so vnto the Princes at Hedelberge, vsing greate expedition. Thre dais after, he returneth home againe in poste. These prynces that were intercessoures, make a league, that they maye defende them

selues from iniurie, and therin be cōprised also the Archbishops of Mentz and Treuers. Whan Marques Albert refusing the condi∣cions, wente from Hedelberge to gather his armye, the Bishoppes of Bamberge and Wirciburge procure other letters from the chā∣ber, in the which both the Archbishoppe of Mentz, the Paulsgraue Duke Moris, the Maister of Pruisse, the Duke of Saxon, the Duke of Wirtemberge, the Lantzgraue, the Norinbergians, and all theyr neyghboures, are commaunded to assist them: This was the second day of May.

Duke Moris, who suspected Marques Albert, and supposed that he was also pricked at by the same, for his owne assuraunce, maketh a league with the Duke of Brunswicke, and promiseth aid to the Bishoppes and Norinbergians. In the meane season Mar¦ques * 1.87 Albert, hauinge leuied his power, marcheth forewarde, and in the Countries of the Bishoppes and state of Norinberge, he de∣stroyeth all with burninge and spoylinge, and taketh the Citye of Bamberge, the head Towne of all that Countrye, and threatneth warre to the Nobilitye of Frankonie, vnlesse they will obey, and surpriseth Schuinfurt, a Towne imperiall, and fortifieth it with a garrison. The Norinbergians, because they hold certain townes and Castels by the benefite of the Realme of Boheme, had intrea∣ted king Farnando that they might leuy certaine horsmen in hys dominions to defend those places: The king was content, and per∣mitted them to gather fiue hondreth: but the Marques, as they were comminge intercepteth them, and taketh also certaine of the foresaide Townes and Castels. Againe on the other side, Henrye Duke of Brunswicke, which had drawen vnto him a greate parte of Counte Mansfeldes army, by Phillip his sonne moueth warre againste his neighboures, inuadinge the borders and Countries of the Bishoppes of Munster and Minden, and of his Cosin also Duke Erike of Brunswicke, and of the state of Breme, and extor∣teth of them a maruelous great some of Monye. Aboute this tune the controuersy that the Duke of Cleaue had with the Archbishop of Collon, for a certaine iurisdiction, by the mediation of the Pauls¦graue and the Bishoppe of Treuers, whiche met at Bacheracke, was throughly appeased.

A little while after, at the beginning of the monthe of Iune, the Paulsgraue, tharchbishop of Mentz, thambassadors of the dukes of Bauier and Wirtemberge, by themperors cōmaundement mete at Franckfurt, aboute the warre of Franckonie. The Emperoure had ambassadors ther Coūte Conigsten, therle of Solmen, & Hēry Hasie: king Ferdinando had theralso diuers. And wher the bishops brged the Emperours abrogation, & the Marques his cōfirmatiō,

thelectors admonish his ambassadors, to signify this vnto him, to thintent he may aduertise them, whether he wil haue to take place. Themperor the xvii. day of Iune maketh answer. Wheras in the last yeare past he had hard of the composition of Marques Albert and the bishops, at the sute and request of certen, he abolished the same, cōmaunding the bishops not to kepe it, for that it was a mat¦ter of an euil president, to compell any man to suche subiection, for doing of his duety to him and to thempire: But afterwarde, whan Marques Albert would none otherwise accord with him, excepte those former compositions were ratified, (he) to eschue a further in conuenience, which was than like to insue vpon all Germany, ser∣ued the time present. And, for so much as he had an armye readye, and Counte Mansfeld also, in his name was gatheringe a newe power in Saxonie, and he him self being troubled with the french warres, could not suppresse him, neither was ther in al Germany, that was hable one day to abide his force, he made peace with him, in hope verely that he shuld quiet him afterward: Especially, if the Princes that be his kinsmen should trauell in the thing: and certē∣ly, if God had sente him good successe before Metz, he had deuised meanes, wherby he shuld haue ben satisfied: For he did him muche good seruice in the same warre, in so much that he was desirous to gratify him: but after that the siege toke no place, he assaid howe to make a concord by them at Hedelberge: and wher the Marques re¦fused the conditions ther propounded, and again hath moued war, it was to him very displeasaunte, and therfore did he assigne thys other conuention at Franckfurt: And now it is reported vnto him, that he attempteth warre, not only againste the Bishoppes, but a∣gainst certen others also: which thing both greueth him exceading¦lye, and is done also contrarye to the compactes: For he, what time he was receiued into fauoure, promised faithfull seruice hereafter bothe to him and to thempire: And yet if he would now at the least obey, he coulde be contente to forget all thinges past: but where he him selfe also is had in suspicion of diuers, it is wrongfullye done: wherfore let them indeuoure wyth all theyr force to make a pacifi∣cation, and require no further declaration of him in this matter: The same shall be to him mooste acceptable, and in matters con∣cerninge the Empyre, he will do nothinge from henceforth, but by theyr aduise and Counsell. At the lengthe they departed frō Frāck∣furte, wythoute the matter ended. Aboute the same time also, by themperors commaundemente, the Duke of Bauier and of Wir∣temberge with others assemble at Lawginge, that they might pa∣cifye * 1.88 the Earles of Detinge, the father and his Sonnes. For euer since the Protestantes warre, vnto the siege of Metz, Lewes the

father and his eldest sonne of the same name, haue wandred vp & down at most vncertenty, for that they warred against themperor: but all his landes and possessions, by themperors permission had his sonnes Fridericke and Wuolfgange, whiche were of a contra∣rye Religion. Whan they came to the treaty, the father, accu∣seth them of moste ingratitude: and all be it the Prynces laboured the matter diligently, yet coulde there be nothing determined.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The seconde cause of war
• * 1.2

  The Lantz∣graue detey∣ned prisoner against side∣lity.
• * 1.3

  The thirds cause.
• * 1.4

  The bōdage of Germany.
• * 1.5

  Marques Al∣berts letters agaynste the Emperoure.
• * 1.6

  The heauye burthens of Germany.
• * 1.7

  The story of Lewes Aui∣la, of the pro¦testants war
• * 1.8

  The frenche kingsletters
• * 1.9

  Germanye y^e fortresse of Christendoe.
• * 1.10

  Coūtryes op¦pressed bi the Emperoure.
• * 1.11

  Tharmes of liberty.
• * 1.12

  Duke Moris goeth to the field.
• * 1.13

  The Prince of Salerne reuolteth from them∣peror.
• * 1.14

  The frenche subdueth Lo¦raine.
• * 1.15

  The Cardi∣nall betraied the Citye of Metz.
• * 1.16

  The pledges of Fraunce & Germanye.
• * 1.17

  Conditions of peace, offe¦red by Duke Moris.
• * 1.18

  The coūtrie of Oto Hen∣ry recouered
• * 1.19

  The iudges of the cham∣ber slie.
• * 1.20

  The Cone∣stable chi∣deth w^t them of Strash.
• * 1.21

  The request of the Pryn∣ces to the kyng.
• * 1.22

  D. Maurice letters to the kyng.
• * 1.23

  The kinges answer to y^e Prynces.
• * 1.24

  Martin van Rossem spoy¦leth Chāpa∣nye.
• * 1.25

  The suite of the Swisses to the Kyng.
• * 1.26

  Skirmyshes of y^e Princes with y^e in E∣perialles.
• * 1.27

  Erenberge take agayne
• * 1.28

  Rebelliō, in D. Moris cāp
• * 1.29

  Duke Moris¦uye slayne.
• * 1.30

  The Empe. sleeth away by nyght.
• * 1.31

  The Duke of Saxon set at libertie.
• * 1.32

  The Empe. staffe spoiled
• * 1.33

  Crueltie a∣gainst godly preachers.
• * 1.34

  The princes restore y^e mi∣nisters of y^e churche.
• * 1.35

  The Marq. Albertes ar∣mie.
• * 1.36

  Albertes cru¦eltie to them of Norm∣berg.
• * 1.37

  Bamberge redemeth pe∣ace dearelye.
• * 1.38

  Norinberge hath peace with y^e Mar.
• * 1.39

  Albert to thē of Wol∣mes.
• * 1.40

  The Frēche king destroy¦eth Thempe¦rour coūtrie.
• * 1.41

  Thassemble at Passawe.
• * 1.42

  The cōplain te of Pryn∣ces Elect.
• * 1.43

  The oration of the Fren∣che Ambas.
• * 1.44

  Tha••••nitie of Frēchmē and Germai¦nes.
• * 1.45

  The libertie of Germany restored by y^e power of Fraunce.
• * 1.46

  The way o∣pened for y^e Prynce of Spayne to be Emper.
• * 1.47

  The princes aunswer his oration.
• * 1.48

  The house of Lucēburg
• * 1.49

  The battell of Cressie.
• * 1.50

  Albert of Au¦striche.
• * 1.51

  Marques Al¦bert warreth for himselfe.
• * 1.52

  The Frēche kinges aun∣swer to thin tercessours.
• * 1.53

  D. Maurice weary of de∣layes.
• * 1.54

  The Empe. letters to the intercessours
• * 1.55

  Their auns∣wer to the Emperour.
• * 1.56

  D. Maurice retourneth to his fello∣wes.
• * 1.57

  George Du. of Megelbu. slayne.
• * 1.58

  Conditions of peace offe¦red by the Emperour.
• * 1.59

  Thambassa¦dors commē∣taries inter∣cepted.
• * 1.60

  Duke Moris admitteth peace.
• * 1.61

  The French king dischar¦geth his ar∣my.
• * 1.62

  Marques Al¦bert y scour∣ge of priests.
• * 1.63

  His requests to Strasbo.
• * 1.64

  The answer of Strausbo.
• * 1.65

  Conditions of peace.
• * 1.66

  Marques Al¦bert refuseth the peace.
• * 1.67

  The deathe of Herman Archebishop of Colon. His wish.
• * 1.68

  Marques Al¦bert entreth Treuers.
• * 1.69

  The duke of Saxon goth home to hys owne house.
• * 1.70

  Themperor goeth wyth his army to∣ward Lorain
• * 1.71

  Ambassa∣dors of Stras¦burge to the Emperor.
• * 1.72

  Themperor entreth into Strasburge.
• * 1.73

  Sir Richard Morisine am¦bassadour of England Marques An¦tonius Am∣bassadour of Uenise. The spoil of the soldiors.
• * 1.74

  The deathe of Caspar Hedio & An∣drew Osian∣der.
• * 1.75

  Themperor besegeth Metz.
• * 1.76

  Marques Al∣bert reconci∣led to them∣peror.
• * 1.77

  Albert ouer∣throweth the French men
• * 1.78

  Duke de An¦malle taken prisoner.
• * 1.79

  The greate battery of Metz.
• * 1.80

  The duke of Brunswicke driuen out of his country.
• * 1.81

  The duke of Guise defen∣ded Metz.
• * 1.82

  1553.
• * 1.83

  The french kinges wry∣ting against themperor.
• * 1.84

  The Empe∣rours letters of aunswere to Marques Albert.
• * 1.85

  Tharmes of Electorshyp
• * 1.86

  The Cardi∣nall Lenon∣courtes am∣bition.
• * 1.87

  The spoy∣linges & bur¦ninges of Marques Al∣bert.
• * 1.88

  The father & the sōnes cō∣tend for inhe¦ritaunce.