The history of the wars of Italy from the year MDCXIII to MDCXLIV in XVIII books / written originally in Italian, by Pietro Giovanni Capriata ... ; and rendred in English by Henry Earl of Monmouth.

THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY. (Book 11)

BOOK XI. (Book 11)

The Contents.

THe Articles of Susa not being observed forceth the King of France to prepare a new Army for Italy. Marquess Spinola, the new Go∣vernour of Millain, sends men into Montferrat: of all which he makes himself master, except Cassalle; whether the French, abandoning the rest of Montferrat, withdraw themselves. The Cesarian Army falls into Italy, under Count Collalto: and entring the Territories of Mantua, possess themselves of almost all the Towns of that Dukedom; and sitting down about the Suburbs of Mantua, take some of them: they afterwards fall to oppugne Porto, but quit it by reason of the excessive cold weather. The Duke of Savoy professing neutrality, Negotiates with both parties, and endeavours to sell his friendship as dear as he can. The French Army falls into Piedmon•…•…, conducted by Cardinal Richelieu; who being kept very scarce of Victuals, Quarters, and other Necessaries, by the Duke of Savoy, breaks with him, and going to Pinarola, takes it, and some of the adjacent Towns. Marquess Spinola and Collalto come with Forces to assist the Duke, whither also comes Cardinal Barbarino, the Popes Le∣gate, to treat of peace: which not being to be made, Collalto returns to Mantua; and Spinola sits down before Cassalle. The Legate returns to Bolognia, and Cardinal Richelieu to France; by whose departure the French Army is weakened; being re-inforced it endeavours to relieve C•…•…ssalle, but being opposed by the Duke cannot do it; wherefore being forced to keep beyond the Poe, it meets with various fortunes, and takes

so Castles. The Siege of Cassalle proceeds with much difficulty. The •…•…ge of Mantua is brought to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…lend; for, not being relieved by the V•…•…ns, who were routed by the Dutch at Vallegio, and being con∣sumed by the Plague, it is at last taken and sack'd. The Duke of Savoy dies at Savigliano.

THe busines•…•…-of Mo•…•…ferrat, which by reason of the Duke of Ne∣vers •…•…is •…•…eaknes, b•…•… the far •…•…stance and •…•…ifficulty of succour, and by •…•…eason of the power and greatness of the S•…•…anish Forces, being joyn'd to those of Germany and Piedmont, was at first thought a thing which might easily be effected, of no moment, and which would cause but little alteration; when it had brought the Arms of France and Germany int•…•… Italy, be•…•…un to be held the seed of future evils, and of greater perturbations •…•…en any that had preceded; for the King of France being with such manifest Demonstrations engaged in the defence and protection of his Friend and Client; and fortune having so smiled upon him at the first, it was not to be doubted, that he would forbear the pros•…•…tion thereof, but that •…•…e would imploy all the Forces of •…•…is Kingdom•…•… making good the Art•…•…les of Susa, which had been a•…•…eed unto, so •…•…uch to •…•…is glory. O•…•… the other si•…•…e, the Emperour •…•…inking that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Honour, and the Majesty of the •…•…acred Empire would be too much concerned, if he should suffer his Decrees and Commandments to be overborn by the contumacy and disobedi∣ence of a vassal, assisted by Forreign Forces; and that the French should arrogate that Jurisdiction and Imperial Authority to themselves which did absolutely depend upon him; it was not likely neither that he should ever appease himself, till he should see his Imperial Authority restored to its former condition and reputation, by the suppressing of his contumacious vassal, and by the abolishment of the Articles of Susa. The almost equal fortune of these two Princes terrified the whole world: who after signal Victories, had just at this time, happily and miraculously setled the Domestick Affairs, and brought them into security and obedience, by the former total suppression of the Rebels of his Kingdom, and the other by re-uniting the Princes of Germany, by the peace of Lubeck, made between him and the King of Denmark, and the rest of the German Princes who had confederated themselves together in behalf of the Prince Elector Palatine: so as both of them being free from intestine troubles, they were at leasure to bend the whole Forces of their Dominions upon this sole enterprize; and what added wonder to all the mischances was, that it seemed that the same fortune having thrown open the Gates of Italy unto them at the same time, and made the way plain for them to come thither, did not only lead them by the hand, but drive them on by a favourable gale; There was not any of so mean an understanding, who did not foresee, nor of so inhumane sense, who did not deplore the unfortu∣nate sate of Italy, which being destined the miserable seat of Warr, was exposed to all those evils and calamities which would flow out in∣to her bosome from those two Nations; Nor was it to be believed, that the Spaniards who were the chief occasion of these present com∣motions, and who were ingaged in this enterprize, not only in point

of Honour, but of interest, would by giving way to the Duke of Nevers his Solicitors suffer so great an affront as he had received by the Ar∣ticles of Susa; but that, on the contrary, being as the soul of so great an enterprize, he was to make it good with all the force and power of his Crown: but the danger was yet greater of Italie's being inslaved by the Austrean Armes, if getting the better of the Duke of Nevers, they should become Masters of his Dominions; and as the thought hereof did much perplex the very souls of the Italian Princes, so was it necessary for them to betake themselves to the best remedies for this threatning evil; it was known what foundation they might lay upon the favour and assistance of France of the unfortunate successe of their union with that King of late years upon the occasion of the Val∣toline, and by the peace of Monzone, concluded so little to their satisfa∣ction; and yet not having any better resolution to put on at the present, made it appear not onely necessary unto them, but the great concern∣ments of that King in these present occurrences: and the better occa∣sion he had to persevere therein by the now quiet and intire obedience of his Kingdom made it seem more assured, since the occasions being re∣moved, the impediments must needs also be taken away, which might crosse him in the businesse of Italy; the chief point concerning that to∣tal of the present Affaires; seemed to depend upon the Duke of Savoy's resolution, who if he should observe the Articles of Susa, and keep firm to the common cause, would secure the preservation of Casalle, and therewith the liberty of Italy; And if he should not observe them, but joyn with the Austrean Forces, the common cause and the liberty of Italy would be much indangered, and Casalle, Montferrat, and Mantua, would be apparently lost; the Duke was not ignorant how re∣quisite his friendship was to both parties; and that he might make his best advantage thereby, he held them both in hand, making them some∣times hope well in him, sometimes to suspect how he might be inclined; when he but indifferently succoured the Citadel of Casalle, he excused himself to the Spaniards, upon the necessity of keeping his promise, upon the fear he stood in of the French which were very strong in Pi∣edmont, and upon the slender supplies sent thither, which not being suf∣ficient long to supply the Souldiery that were there, would not much import the main businesse when it should be taken; He sometimes said that victuals were privately stoln in thither, by meanes either of the Subjects, or of the French; that it was impossible for him to block up the Avenues so, but that relief would be brought in contrary to his will and orders; On the other side, he strove to satisfie the French of his will, and of his constancy in observing his promise, by his continuing to send in provisions, and by promising to do so still: that which was conjectured might be his chiefest aime, was, that he sent but small sup∣plies into Casalle, to the end that if it should be lost, and should fall into the Spaniards hands, it might not prove too prejudiciall to him; and that supplying it, though but sl•…•…nderly, it might be known that it lay in his power, either to suffer that place to be lost, (whereon he knew that all mens eyes were set,) or else to preserve it: so as he might be looked upon by all men, as the absolute Arbitrator in so chief a business. Others were of opinion, that keeping both the parties doubtful of what

the sequel might be, he might have occasion to treat of demolishing the Citadel, lest it might fall unto the contrary party, which might prove much to his prejudice: he also (that he might depend less upon the French, and that the Spaniards might conceive the better of him) forti∣fied and munited Avigliana very strongly, placing 8000. men there in Garrison, to the end that it might be a good Bulwark against the French, which might exclude them from Casalle, and might make their having of Susa very little advantagious to them; so as he might still be held to be the same thing which he coveted to be, before the business of Susa, & pretend that it lay in his power to keep out, or to let in the French, and so he might make himself the more necessary to each of the parties: and consequently meet with the better dealing in his demands and pretensions, which he reduced to their accustomed vastnesse; to the getting of a good part of Montferrat, and to the state of Genova: which having once aspired unto, he thought that as he did desire it, so of reason it did belong unto him, to boot with the great sums of mony which he demanded from the Spaniards for the maintenance of the War, and of the French for victuals and the passage of their men; As for Montferrat, arbitrators were already chosen on the King of France his behalf, on his own, and on Nevers his behalf, to rate his Lands which were allotted him by the Articles of Susa, instead of 14000 Ducates; but the Arbitrators when they met differ'd upon the Rates, so as the arbitrement could not as then be ended; the Duke pretended that the Lands should be valued according as they were an∣ciently, when he first made his pretenosins, and not according to their present estimation; and the one being incomparably greater then the other, it swallowed up as much of Montferrat as he was to have had by the division made with the Spaniards; and thinking that the French, by reason of the necessity of his joyning with them, ought to satisfie him herein in as full a measure as the Spaniards had done, he was very ob∣stinate in his pretences; On the contrary side, Nevers having exclaimed much against that part of the Articles of Susa, whereby he lost so much of Montferrat, and the Agents deputed by him reclaiming yet more against so high, and so unexpected pretences; The French (who was in the middle between them) thought that if it should be con∣sented unto, their Kings Protection would seem to incline rather to the oppressing, then to the maintaining of his Client: Wherefore they op∣posed the Duke of Savoy, whereat the Duke being very much distasted, and imputing it to the small good will the Court of France had to determine this happinesse; to the end, (as he said) to keep the longer from restoring Susa, he exceedingly complained, and was more reserved in obse•…•…ving the things agreed upon: but much greater obstacles ap∣peared in the other point, which concern'd the state of Genoa; for some distasts and diffidence having past, as you have heard, between that Common-wealth and the Crown of Spain, which upon some fresh accidents were renewed, the Court of France made account to get more advantage thereby.

The King, before his march, had sent (as you have heard) Monsieur di Lande into Italy; who being come to Genoa, did not only secure the Common-wealth from any hostile acts, but offered all favour and assi∣stance

to them in the Kings Name, against whosoever should go about to insidiate their Liberties. The Commonwealth doubting lest after the Victory and Articles of Susa some nearer conjunction might be made between the Duke and the King, to her prejudice, she thought her self bound to answer the fair respects the King had used to her; wherefore Augustine Palavicino, who was afterwards chosen Doge, was sent Embassadour from the Commonwealth unto the King, to thank him for the good will he seemed to bear unto them, and to desire him to continue the like favourable inclination towards them still; and to pass the usual terms of Complement with him: The Commonwealth was the more inclined to send this Embasie, for that Don Gonzallo, when he saw the Enterprize of Montferrat given over, thought the af∣fairs of Italy to be in a desperate condition; he wish'd the Common∣wealth to provide for themselves the best they could; And yet the fear of the French Forces ceasing by the King of France his return, the Court of Spain, which could have desired that constancy and resolution in the Commonwealth which she found not in their Agent, seemed displeased with this Embasie; which being the first that was sent by any of the Italian Princes, seemed as if the Commonwealth would at the very first stormy blast have first of all wavered in her ancient Friend∣ship. Monsieur di Sabran's going to Genoa, (who was sent thither by the King of France, in appearance to treat of the safety of coveying Victuals, which he was to send from Provence to Montferrat; but in effect to tarry there as his resident) increased this their displeasure. It was an ancient custom of the Commonwealth, to entertain no Embassa∣dour in Ordinary, save only from Spain; and if at any time the Genoese had been desired by the Pope, or by the King of France, to give resi∣dence to their Embassadour, they had always appeared backward in it, out of self-interest. Sabran being upon this occasion received at first, and having his expences discharged, as the Kings Agent, after some moneths kept open house in Genoa, intending to reside there; at which the Spaniards began to murmure; for their King pretended and demand∣ed of the Commonwealth, That they should not entertain any one in their City who was an Agent for the King of France. The Common∣wealth did in part admit, and in part not admit of the Kings demands: for as for their receiving him as Embassadour, or Agent from the King of France, being loth to alter their ancient institutions, they ordered, That he should not be received as such, either publickly or privately; but as for excluding him from living in the City, if he would tarry there as a private man, they would not do so; it being too much contrary to the common liberty of Nations to inhibit any one to live in a free City, which for the greatness of Traffique was open to all Nations, and in particular to the French: And as to exclude him only from being a servant to the King of France, was too apparent an affront to that Crown; so to do it at the King of Spain's demand, would not be with∣out a blemish to their reputation, and without prejudice to the liberty of the Commonwealth, as if they had done it by the King of Spain's com∣mand: And yet the Court of Spain holding for certain, that whatso∣ever business Sabran did negotiate in Genoa as a private man, thought that the Commonwealth did by this declaration satisfie the King of

France in effect, and him but in shew; and he thought himself highly offended; as if to undertake new Intelligence with the King of France, chiefly in a time when the Italians in general, and particularly those of Genoa, were molested by France, was a beginning to fall off from their ancient union and good correspondency with him: And the less satisfied the Court of Spain seemed to be by these proceedings, the more did the Court of France hope to lay new foundations of entertaining new Intelligence with the Genoeses; and was so far from thinking of of∣fending them, as she offered all the favour and Forces of France to de∣fend the Liberties of that Commonwealth against any whomsoever: The Duke of Savoy finding therefore, that his plots against the Genoe∣ses were not well listned unto by the French, complain'd, That the Commonwealths Interest was preferr'd before his, and before the pro∣mises made him in Susa: Being therefore angry that these his drifts did not succeed prosperously in that Court, he endeavoured by no favou∣rable demonstrations to the French, to withdraw from favouring the Interests of the Commonwealth; and finding that their proceedings were not well received in the Court of Spain, he thought they might produce some good effects to him; he therefore profess'd more con∣stancy to that Court: But neither did his designs prove succesful there; for that King nor Court would not upon any sleight occasions, to please the Duke, take off their favour from the Commonwealth; and they abhorr'd any innovation which might tend to the prejudice of their good correspondency and intelligence held with the Genoese: as also because Marquess Spinola being come, with thoughts as high as was his Authority, into Italy, and indeavouring by all the means he could to re∣store the Kings grandezza to its ancient condition, would not imitate his Predecessor, who, with little honour to the Kings Affairs, had seconded the Dukes will too much; being therefore rigid in his resolutions, and seeming to depend only upon himself in the Administration of the Kings business, he did profess not only not to be governed by the Duke, but thought to bring him over to his mode; and suspecting the Dukes intentions and actions, he was very cautious and reserved in be∣lieving him, or in doing any thing whereby he might be forced to sub∣mit to his will, and quit his own power; and even in the usual payment of moneys, which were granted him to make preparations for the im∣minent War, as also in sending him men to defend Piedmont, he was very reserved, notwithstanding the Dukes many pressures: Wherefore the Duke finding that neither of the Courts did much favour his de∣signs, he suspended his resolutions; and carrying himself the best he could to both of them, he waited till occasion and time might make his conjunction and actions more desirable then they were at the present, that he might sell them at the dearer rate, according as the urgency of occasions might make them more requisite.

The Court of Spain being wholly intent upon the business of Cassalle, that they might divert France, resolved to assault the French on the confines of Catalognia, and that the Emperour should send his Army to the Confines of that Kingdom, on the side of Lorrein; and to his purpose the King of Spain had sent the Duke of Feria with 1000 Horse and 4000 Foot to Barcellona, with order to raise more Foot there, and

to enter with them into Languedock, and Provence; and the Emperour had commanded the Duke of Fritland, the Captain General of his Forces, to prepare to enter France with stout Forces on the side of Germany: And there was no doubt but that the King of France, being held work by these assaults, as he had been the preceding year by the busi∣ness of Rochel, could not have sent much aid into Italy to back the Duke of Nevers in his Affairs; so as it was likely that the Enterprises of Montferrat and Mantua being attempted by the Spanish, Dutch, and by the Savoyards, could not but succeed well. Notwithstanding Spi∣nola, who was come into the State of Millain about the end of August, with ample Authority, as hath been said, to treat both of Peace and War, bethought himself of many things which withdrew him from thinking upon the uncertain events of the present War, to minde the surer counsels of Peace: He saw that the State of Millain, which was the chief foundation and prop of the War, was so exhausted as it could not long sustein the weight of a new War; That Mantua and Cassalle being very strong, the former made so by the waters, and natural sci∣tuation, the other by Art and Fortifications, the besieging of them would prove a business of length, and of doubtful event: That the enterprise was hateful in the sight of men, suspitious to the Princes of Italy, and generally detested by the whole world: That the French were resolved to defend those Dominions, and ready to pass over the Alps again: That small Forces were able to withstand what there was but little hopes of getting, though with great expence, and preparatio∣on of Arms. The Duke of Savoy's various and uncertain genius did confound him, on whose Friendship and Union nothing could be surely grounded, but a continual profusion of Moneys to feed him with, whilst the danger was far off; That when they should draw neerer, his Friend∣ship would be more dangerous then advantagious, as might appear by the last years example, which he could not but think upon. But that which in appearance should have encouraged him most, did most trouble him: The more powerful the Germane Army was, the more formida∣ble did it appear to him, and the more dangerous for the Kings Affairs; for though if they should joyn with him they would undoubtedly prove a great assistance to him in that enterprise, yet did he rather fear than confide in them, by reason of the pride, arrogancy, and greediness of that Nation, which is naturally unsatiable, impatient of military discipline, and inclined to mutiny, which might occasion sad accidents in the heat of War. To this was added the intollerable expence required to maintain that Army; which being to be paid by the King, the Royal Treasury being emptied by so many and so long Wars, was not able to supply them: But (what exceeded all other respects) the Dutch For∣ces being to wage War in Italy, not as Auxiliaries, or as brought in by the Spaniards; but as Principals, and in the Emperours Name; it was to be feared, that they would not only not leave the first place in Authority to the Spaniards, whose intentions they did effectually serve; but that by reason of the Sovereignty that the Emperour holds in Italy, by reason of the quality and quantity of Forces, by reason of their greater disposition to War, and through their Commanders ambition, they would be masters, and would force the Spaniards to fight after their

mode; so as he thought them dangerous in War, but more dangerous in Victory, if (Mantua or Cassalle being taken) they should fix their footing in Italy, and settle the seat of the Cesarean Majesty there; from whence the I•…•…alian Princes (being for the most part Feudatories of the Empire) were to take Law, and to depend thereon, as upon their So∣vereign Lord: which consideration, by reason of the consequences it might draw after it, in prejudice to the Spanish Authority, afforded no less occasion of fear, then if the French Power should by the Duke of Nevers's means be radicated in Italy.

Out of these respects Spinola growing more inclined to Peace then War, Monsignior Scappi, Bishop of Pacenza, being s•…•…nt by the Pope to visit him, Spinola entered upon some Treaties of Accommodation with him, and with Count Iacomo Mandello, who was sent to him by Nevers, offering each of them, That he would procure that Nevers might be invested in his Dominions, upon condition that he would re∣ceive and Quarter part of the Emperours Forces in the Dukedom of Mantua, and part of Spinola's Forces in Montferrat, in sign of his re∣spect to both their Majesties; to the end that making amends by this his ready obedience, and publick submission for his former contumacy, they might with honour receive him into favour, and gratifie him, the one with the Investiture, and the other with the Protection which he de∣sired: Nevers would not accept of this, either out of fear of non-per∣formance, or out of his relying upon the French Forces, and those of other Princes who were joyn'd with him, on whose pleasure he profest he did in all things depend; so as he was first to acquaint France, and the Venetian Senate, with his offer, without whose approbation and con∣sent he could not resolve any thing in this point; but being advised to the contrary by the Venetians, who could not endure that the Dutch Ar∣my should come neer their Confines, and an answer not coming from France, the Dutch not having whereof to subsist amidst the barren Rhe∣tian Alps, where they had tarried all this while, Spinola was forced, con∣trary to his inclination, to permit them to enter Italy: They came in number 22000 Foot, and 3500 Horse, commanded by Ramboldo, one of the Counts of Collalto in Friuli, General of the Cesarean Forces in Italy; a Commander of good esteem and Authority, who had been long vers'd in the Wars of Germany and Hungary: They fell down into the Valley of Chiavenna, by the Lake of Como; being come to Lecco, they pass'd into the Territories of Cremona, and proved prejudicial to Lombardy and Piedmont, by their cruelty, rapine, plunder, and contribu∣tion, which they forced from thence; and fatal to a good part of Italy, by reason of the Plague, which they brought with them, and which burst forth in great violence throughout all Lombardie and Piedmont; and then entring the Venetian Territories, and Romagnia, it came into Ve∣nice and Tuscany, causing so great a mortality both of men and cattel as the better half of these Provinces did not escape the fury thereof: Col∣lalto being come into Italy spoke with Spinola in Millain; by whom being honourably received, after a long debate about what was to be done, they agreed upon this: That dividing the Armies and the En∣terprises, Collalto (with his Dutch) should undertake the business of Mantua, and Spinola (with the King of Spains men) that of Casalle and Montferrat.

Having thus distributed the carrying on of the war, each of them betook themselves to what fell unto their share and the King of France joyning with the Venetians in Nevers his defence left the Venetians to relieve the State of Mantua, and took the care of Montferrat upon him∣self. Spinola's Army, (many Captains and Officers being cashiered) came to 16000 Foot, and 4000 Horse, wherein were comprehended the Spaniards, Dutch, Neapolitans and Lombards, under their several Camp-masters; amongst which was the Duke of Lerma, Nephew to him who was so great a Favorite to King Philip the Third, and was come to commence his Militia under Spinola. Spinola, to give a begin∣ning to the business on his side sent his Son Don Philip to Valenza upon the Poe, with part of his Army, which was distributed in several Towns upon the Confines of Montferrat; where gathering Victuals and Munition he gave out that he would go to besiege Casalle; whereup∣on the French, abandoning the Towns of Montferrat, retreated in great •…•…aste with their men to defend that place; and Don Philippo, in∣vited by that occasion, sent Don Ferrante di Ghirava his Lieutenant∣general with 4000 Foot to beyond the Tanaro, to whom Nizza, Ac∣qui and Ponsone came in; and all the neighbouring Towns return'd to be govern'd by the Spaniards: then bringing his men into Alessandria, he went to take in Sansalvadore, Lu, Fubine, Vignale, and the other Towns of that State, which lie between Alessandria and Casalle; leaving Rossigliano, St. Georgio and Pontestura, unattempted: which being as so many Bulwarks to secure Casalle, were not only not abandoned by the French, as the other Towns were, but were begirt about with Trenches, and furnish'd with good Garrisons; and yet Spinola, for all his shews to the contrary, forbare to attempt Casalle, being detain'd, partly by the very cold weather which came on; partly supposing that the French would imploy all their Forces to defend it, he feared to begin with that as would be a great obstacle to the Treaty of peace, which he so much desired. Moreover, he doubted much the Duke of Savoy, who (were it either that he was loth that that place should fall into the Spaniards hand, or that he was angry at Spinola's proceedings with him) began to oppose his ends, and cross his designs; or that minding the preservation of that place, he aimed at being himself the Arbitrator of affairs, and to sell the possession thereof at the dearer rate; where∣fore he began to declare expresly, that by the last agreement at Susa he could not but grant both passage and Victuals to the French that went to relieve it; wherefore Spinola being contented with the Towns that he had taken, and with having regained those Towns, in the face of the French, which his Predecessor was forced to quit, at the King of France his appearance in Italy, he quarter'd his men in those Towns which he had taken, where they lay idle all the ensuing Winter. The Cesarian Army made better proceeding in the Territories of Mantua; where the Duke of Nevers not minding the defence of the chief City so much as that of the other Towns of the State, had indiscreetly di∣stributed the greatest part of his men within those Towns, which would all of them have been hardly sufficient to Garrison the chief City: so as the Cesarian Army, led on by the Serjeant-majors Mathias Galasso and Aldringer (for Collalto, who was sick at Lodi, could not go along with

them) having taken Loglio and Volengo, the chief Towns in the Man∣tuan Territories, went immediately to Caneto, somewhat a greater Town, where were 2000 Foot, amongst which two Companies of Venetians, under Angelo Cornaro, a Gentleman of Venice, to defend it: Nevers relied much upon that Garrison, which being very great, •…•…e hoped would hold the Enemy play: but it proved otherwise; for at the first appearance of the Enemy they yielded up the Town, without one stroke striking: the example whereof, as it is commonly seen, be∣ing followed by the other Towns, Gazzuolo, Cicognaro, and Governolo, which lies in the mouth of the Mincio, where it falls into the Poe, fell also into the hands of the Dutch; who being by this easiness of the Mantuan Souldiers become masters of almost all the Country there∣about, after having miserably plundred it, had conveniency to ap∣proach the City, which was in great confusion to see her men make so little resistance. The City being unfurnished of the better part of her men would have run danger of being stormed, had not the Venetians, who were aware of the danger, sent a thousand Foot thither immedi∣ately, under Colonel Durante, with some moneys: the City of Man∣tua stands almost in the midst of a Lake, made by the little River Mincio, which comes from the Lake of Garda: the Island whereupon it stands is joyned to the Continent by some Banks and Bridges, whereof some are greater, some less, according to the distance of place: at the end of the greatest Bridge, stand the Suburbs of S^t George, weakly walled and without any Plat-form: to which when the Enemy drew neer with their Cannon, Frederico Gonzaga, who had the defence thereof com∣mitted to him, began to treat of compounding, in the Dukes name, with Aldringer; letting him know that Nevers being desirous to ap∣pear an obedient Vassal, and to witness his respect and observance to the Emperour, would not refuse to receive him, and to allow him quarter in that Borough. Aldringer, who knew the place to be untena∣ble, would not accept it upon those terms, since he saw that in all like∣lihood it could not escape his hands; whereupon Gonzaga not being able to do any more yielded it unto him, retaining only the Hold, which is only a Ga•…•…e a little fortified, which leads from the Lake to the City. The Dutch being entred into S^t George, a Truce for a few days was treated of, and concluded; during which time Nevers b•…•…ing desirous to asswage the Enemies fury by some act of submission, offer'd Collalto (who though not yet perfectly recovered, caused himself to be brought from Lodi into the Mantuan Territories, and lay in S^t Benedicts Mona∣stery) •…•…he same Hold; so as he would receive it only as a willing and honourable surrender: but Aldringer replying that he offer'd a thing which could not hold out two hours assault, the business proceeded no further, the rather for that a new accident which hapned broke off both the Truce and all the Treaties; for at the same time that Aldringer ad∣vanced to S^t Georg's Borough with the Van, the Reer being led on by Frederick, one of the House of Saxony, went to quarter in Ciregg•…•…e, a Borough upon the Bank of the Lake, wherein was no Garrison or any other defence: but upon a bank which leads from the Borough to Man∣tua a Rampier was begun to be made in form of a Half-moon, which opposed those who would pass that way into the City: some of the

Dutch coming to this Rampier, which was basely abandoned by the Venetians who defended it, they without any opposition became ma∣sters thereof; and might easily make themselves masters of the Island of Te, which was disjoyn'd from the City only by a large Ditch: This caused great confusion in Mantua; wherefore thinking themselves to be assaulted during the time of Truce, the Town sent Colonel Durante immediately to defend that part: fire was also given to the Cannon from the City against the Borough or Suburbs of S^t George; and those who guarded the Hold, hearing the noise, shot off their Muskets against the Magazine of Arms which was beneath, where many of the Cap∣tains and Officers of the Camp were sporting themselves, trusting in the Truce; and amongst them Colonel Coloredo was sorely wounded. The Dutch being hereat moved, who knew not what was done at le Gi∣reggie, nor the occasion thereof, assumed their Arms, and fell imme∣diately upon those of the Hold, which they soon made themselves ma∣sters of, with the death of many of the defendants; and then passing forwards took the Bridge, till they came to the Draw-Bridge; which being timely hoisted up by the Mantuans kept the Dutch from entring the City: so as not able to get further they began to fortifie, and to turn their Cannon upon the City, and to play upon it: whilst things went thus, Mantua was again relieved with another 1000 Foot, with ten pieces of Artillery, and with 100 carriages of Victuals and Ammu∣nion, beside some moneys. A succour which was sent by the Veneti∣ans to Goito, and from thence to Mantua: the Dutch perceived how fit a place Goito was to send relief, being seated upon the Mincio before it falls into the Poe; so as being to take it, that they might streighten the City the more, they sent the Baron Galasso to view it: there was in it a good Garrison, and it was sufficiently munited; so as the cold season being considered, it might have held out till the Spring: but when Ga∣lasso came neer it with some few men, he by some tokens found how base and fearful the defendants were; wherefore hoping for good suc∣cess, and having seen some of those Barques which serve to bring in the Vintage, in some of the neighbouring Cottages, he made use of them, and of some ropes, to pass over the Mincio, and to get neer the Town: which whilst he successfully did, those within began to parley; and two pieces of Cannon which Galasso had sent for before he had past the River, being come from the Camp, they agreed to surrender the Town; which accordingly was done, and proved no little prejudice to the Ci∣ty, being thereby deprived of so important a place for succour.

Goito being taken, and the Dutch finding that the Battery of S. Georgi•…•… against the City, by reason of the far distance, did no good, they •…•…ell to expugne Porto, which is another Town neerer the City, reduced in∣to a Fort, with Walls, Bulwarks and Ditches, and partly secured by the neerness of the Lake, from whence you go to the City by the Mill∣bridge, and by a bank at the head of the Bridge: Being gotten by their approaches to the Ditch, they would have drained it, and then have come to Battery, and to Assault; which if they could once have done, they had great hopes, by reason of the Defendants cowa•…•…dize (where∣of they had had so many proofs;) and the Artillery being already pre∣pared, they were ready to begin Battery. But the Winter coming on,

and the weather growing very cold, the business began to appear to be longer & harder then it was thought it would have been, especially, since the City, being secured every where else, might make use of all her men to defend this place. To this was added the great scarcity of victuals and straw, which grew daily greater in the Army; and the plague, where∣of many in the camp dyed: Wherefore altering their minds, they resolved for that Winter to minde only the keeping of what they had got; and distributing their Army in the neighbouring Towns, to keep Mantua besieged at a distance, and to possess themselves of the Ave∣nues and Passes which were fittest for relief; and they quarter'd their Horse so as they might scoure the Country, and keep back relief. Col∣lalto went to winter in Reggio, where he quarter'd one Regiment, the Duke of Modena not knowing how to refuse them, as being Feudatory to the Empire, as neither could the other Feudatories of the Empire do, some allowing Quarter, some Contribution, in what quality or quantity Collalto pleased to take it. The Army being in their Quarters, the besieged sallied out in great numbers, and molested the stations held by the Enemy, not without some advantage to themselves, and prejudice to the Enemy. Nevers going out himself in person with the Prince his Son, and a good Band of men, fell upon Mormitolo, a place some five miles off, where about one hundred Dutch were quartered, who yielded unto him upon discretion: He afterward went to Casti∣glione, which he likewise took; whereby making way for relief from Verona, the Venetians had conveniency to convey victuals into the Ci∣ty: they met with contrary fortune at Rivolta, on the left bank of Mincio, where it falls into the Lake; which Town rising in Insurrecti∣ons by the fomentation of the Venetians was recovered by the Dutch, who went thither, with the death of all the Towns-men, who refusing to surrender the Town were, even to the very Infants, put to the Sword: and though the Dutch Horse foraged the Countrey, yet some suc∣cours were brought in from the State of Venice, which being done by stealth were not sufficient by much for the need the City was in; which being begirt by the Enemy wanted food, and was also hardly handled by the Plague, which was very great here, as also in all the neighbour∣ing Towns and Cities; insomuch as getting into the City of Venice, people died so fast, as the care thereof was almost quite given over by those that had the looking to it: the like hapned in Millain, Bullognia, and in all the Cities of Lombardy, Romagnia, and Tuscany: but whilst the Cesarian Army winter'd in the State of Mantua, and Spinola's Forces in Montferrat, provisions for war, as also Negotiations for peace ceased not: in both which not only the Commanders in the Ar∣mies, but the Princes of Italy laboured. The Pope, seeing the Dutch forces so neer the Church-Dominions, sent about 18000 Foot into the parts about Bullognia, under his Brother Don Carlo, and 2000 horse; and sollicited the building of Fort Urbano, which he had resol∣ved upon two years before, and was begun at Castel Franco, upon the way that leads from Modena to Bullognia, and was a good and fitting Bul∣wark to Romagnia, and the Church-Territories on that side: but that he might likewise by his authority and endeavours stop the evils which threatned Italy, he made Cardinal Antonio, his Brothers second Son,

Legate; who being also come into Bullognia, where his Father go∣vern'd the Ecclesiastick Forces, he sent Monsieur Iovan Iacomo Pan∣ciruolo to Mantua, to treat of some suspension of Arms, between the Duke of Nevers and Collalto, to the end, that in the interim they might the more commodiously and with the better hopes treat of peace. But this was but in vain; for Collalto growing proud with suc∣cesse, made still higher demands; and the Duke, who had nothing more to grant but Mantua and Casalle, had not wherewithall to satisfie his demands and pretensions; so as there was no middle way left for them to meet in, and the lesse, for that the siege of Mantua being given over with so little honour to the Cesarean Forces; and Casalle not as yet attempted by Spinola, the new Dukes hopes were not a little comforted, nor his confidence a little increased, of being sustained by them who fomented him, and were his well-wishers. For whilst these two places held good, all the other Town taken by the enemy, either in the state of Mantua, or Montferrat, made but little for the main concernment of the Warr: and it being very probable that the Armies being afflicted by the Pestilence by the Winter inconveniences, and by those of the Campagina, they would in time lessen; and it was to be hoped, that be∣ing much diminished of themselves they would be reduced to such a condition, as not being able to withstand the French Forces which were to passe over the Alps very strong the next Spring, they would be easily driven from their quarters, a consideration which did must afflict Spinola; For having two Armies on his back, which he was to furnish with expences and provisions, he feared he must be forc'd to squander out monies to no purpose this Winter, and have need of it himself af∣terwards, when there should be occasion to lay it out with profit; Wherefore growing very sparing thereof, he was lesse carefull in satisfying the Duke of Savoy's demands and necessities, though he had other greater respects to keep him from furnishing him with monies, which he proceeding from distrust, did daily increase by reason of his continual treating with the French; Sometimes by means of the victuals which •…•…as bound to furnish the Army with, which was to passe over the Mountains; Sometimes by doing the like to those of Casalle; Some∣times by the conduct-monies which were agreed to be given them, when they should be come into Piedmont; Sometimes by the negotiations which daily past, touching the Dukes joyning his Forces with the French, whereof there were pregnant suspicions, by many demon∣strations made by the Duke, on purpose to make Spinola jealous; Wherefore these actions being really repugnant to that good corre∣spondency and inclination which the Duke profestto the Kings affairs, when he demanded monies of Spinola: and it seeming somewhat hard to Spinola that he should feed one with monies who continually fo∣mented the enemy, and who held continually so close intelligence with them, he demanded from the Duke some cautionary Townes in Pied∣mont, if he would be furnished with monies, for security of his profest good will, and inclination to the King of Spaine's affaires. The demand did very much trouble not onely the Duke, but all the Princes of Italy; for it increased the jealousies of the Italian Princes, if Spinola should get yet further footing in Piedmont, to boot with what the Spaniards

pretended to in Montferrat, and the Duke in whom the Italian Princes did confide, that he would not forgo the common cause, as well in re∣spect of his own, as of the common interest; Having complained to the King of Spain of the demands made by Spinola, he obtained Orders from the Court to Spinola, that he should desist from such demands; and Spinola, that the Duke might not be too much exasperated, received some check for his too much severity.

Great Preparations for Warr were not only made in Italy, but also elsewhere. The King of France raised a mighty Army, to come stronger then formerly into Piedmont: and the Emperour and the King of Spain, to keep the French from opposing the Duke, and from forcing him to joyn with the•…•…, prepared to assault France, the one on the side of Spain, the other on the side of Germany: But both these proved rather Rumours then Reallities; the want of money was the cause why on the King of Spain's side, he having hardly sufficient to supply the Warrs within Italy, Flanders, and Germany, so as he had not where withall to begin and maintain a new Warr with France; And also the scarcity of Souldiers, wherein Spain was much wanting, her men being exhausted by Warr in several Nations, in the Ocean, Mediterranean, and by of∣ten Transmigrations from Spain to America, and to the East Indies; To this was added the driving out of the Moores, in the time of Philip the Third, wherein more then two millions of Souls were said to be sent out of Spain: a people who though they were generally train'd up in servile Arts, and particularly in cultivating the ground, and in feeding Cattle; yet these, by supplying the meaner imploiments, afforded con∣venience for the Natives, being unimployed in those services, to betake themselves to military affaires; So as the Natives, after expulsion of the Moores, being to reassume Husbandry, and the feeding of flocks, (wherein Spain doth abound) a very great scarcity of men began to be found in all the King of Spaine's Dominions, especially of such as were Military, to be sent out to make new acquisitions, or to maintain what they had gotten; Out of these respects, and because the Catalonians were not inclined to make War with the French upon those Confines, to keep from losing Traffick which passeth with interchangeable profit between them and France, the Duke of Feria could raise no Souldiers; and not thinking it fit to begin War with so weak Forces, the diversion did not only saile on that side, but occasion'd the like failing on the Germans side. But many greater, and more important accidents, kept the Emperour from falling foul with France at this time: which since, for their weight, and for the great concernment therein of Italy, they deserve a particular discription; It will not be amiss to make a little digression; and whilst there is little done in Italy, by reason of the ex∣cessive cold Winter, to make it not a distinct and particular relation of them, at least to give you a brief view of them, to the end that reserving them to the times wherein they happened, they may not break off the Narration of the chief Affairs of Italy.

The Austrian Authority, the greater it was grown by the continued succession of so many Emperours, the more odious and insufferable it grew to the German Princes: and the so many victories obtained by this present Emperour had made him so formidable, as the German

Princes joyn'd in nothing more then in finding out some meanes where∣by to lessen, and moderate the power of that House, so as they might vindicate their ancient and former Liberty; which after so great an in∣crease of power they had almost lost; finding themselves now treated by this present Emperour, not as Princes, and, as it were, Confederates of the Empire, but little better then Subjects. To the desire of poli∣tical liberty so much wish'd for by the Catholick Princes, liberty of Re∣ligion was added by the Hereticks; for the present Emperour, being more religious then many of his Predecessors, had in several manners curb'd their licentiousness, and restrain'd that liberty of Conscience which they had enjoyed for above a hundred years: so as they were doubly inclined to novelty. The dissatisfaction of both these parties was occasioned, yet more, by the great Army consisting of above 100000 fighting men, which the Emperour kept quarter'd in several parts of Germany; but more particularly in their Territories, who be∣ing worst satisfied with the present affairs, he knew to be worst affected towards him, more contumacious towards the house of Austria, and readiest to rise; and this he did, not so much in resentment of their ma∣ligne intentions, as to keep them the more curb'd in, and to take from them the means of plotting innovations: the common people were not therefore only burthen'd with quartering Souldiers, but the Princes also with Contributions, & by not being able to get their usual Tributes and Rents from their Tenants, who were afflicted and exhausted by unusual free-quarter. To these mischiefs was added th•…•… juries done by the Cesarian Souldiers and Commanders; and chiefly by the haughty pro∣ceedings of the Duke of Fritland, Captain General of the Imperial forces: who having the Supream Power and Authority given him over all the Armies, and in the management of the war, kept all Ger∣many and the Princes of the Empire under his command. This man was by Nation a Bohemian, of private birth, and but of mean fortune, but who by his valour had raised himself to this greatness: to his pride of nature, to his fierce and terrible genius, great valour, great daring, and an extraordinary judgment in Military Affairs was annexed; where∣in he was confirm'd by his signal Victories gotten against the Empe∣rours Enemies and Rebels: whereby he had rendred the Authority and Majesty of the present Emperor to as high a pitch as ever any of his Pre∣decessors had been: so as his name grew not only odious to the Hans Towns, but even to the Princes Electors; to whom bearing no •…•…e∣spect, he contrary to their antient Institutions quarter'd Souldiers up∣on them, as well as upon the more petty Princes. The Emperours new Decree (who confiding upon his power, and drawn by zeal to Religion, commanded that to the Catholick Churches should be restored the an∣tient possession of all those goods whereof they were bereft at the be∣ginning of the Heresies; which goods having been possess'd by many Princes and Lords for above one hundred years, were partly alineated, partly converted to their own uses) encreased their indignation, and brought some of them almost to the point of despair, and all Germany was much offended thereat; and because there were many Princes con∣cern'd in this Edict, who adhered to the house of Austria (amongst which the Duke of Saxony) they began all of them joyntly to plot mischief

against the Emperour, endeavouring to lessen his power, and to free themselves from such oppression; and the Emperour, likewise, did extreamly desire that his Son, whom he had made King of Hungary, should be chosen King of the Romans; and not be•…•…ng able to compass it without the Electors free suffrages, the business in these commotions met with many disturbances; especially for that all men hated that the Imperial diadem should continue in one Family, whereby their liber∣ties became not only inslaved, but many Families and Persons, (who thought themselves as well deserving as the Austrians) were excluded from this Grandezza: it therefore became the Emperour to sweeten them, that he might incline them to chuse his Son: he therefore sum∣moned a Diet in Ratisbone, to settle (as he termed it) the affairs of Ger∣many. The Electors chief intention was to disarm him, to the end that his Forces being weakned, he might not use the like authority as formerly; they therefore desired that Wallestein, Duke of Fritland might be no longer General, and that the Army might be dissolved: they accused Wallestein of barbarous cruelty towards the people, of in∣sufferable pride towards the Princes, of insatiable extortion, and of un∣heard of fierceness in making Towns desolate, and in subjugating Pro∣vinces; for the dissolving of the Army, they alledged that, Germany be∣ing reduced to a quiet and safe condition by the peace made at Lubeck, the Army was not onely superfluous, but grievous to the people, and prejudicial to Germany, which ought now to be eased of so great a burthen, a•…•… permitted to injoy the fruit of peace. The Em∣perour did not incline to these so weighty and important demands, knowing very well whereunto they tended, nor yet the Spanish Agents who were resident in that Court; who were much concern'd in main∣taining the Emperours authority, and the Austrian name, wherein their King was interessed: but the King of Sweden, a powerful Northern King, having about this time past the Baltick Sea, and being come into the lower Germany with an Army of 20000 Foot and 2000 Horse; the Electors made Protestation, that they would never contribute to the charge of that new war, unless they were satisfied in their demands. The Empeour and Spanish Agents being badly advised, gave way thereunto at last: but it was not long ere he repented himself soundly; for though Arms were laid down by by the peace of Lubeck, yet dis∣contents and hatred were not laid aside, nor yet the ardent desire of more absolute liberty, and the conditions of that peace being advanta∣gious for the Austrian Empire, did rather serve to incite the male-con∣tents to novelties, then keep them within the limits of that peace: the disarming of the Emperour was no better then to put Arms into the Swedes hands; and into those of the male-content Princes, and such as were mortal Enemies to the Austrian name. The Electors, having obtain'd their desire, were backwards in chusing the King of the Romans; which though it were not openly desired by the Emperour, yet being negotiated privately, began to be found so hard a business, as the Emperour thought it not fit to demand it openly; and the Ele∣ctors made use of several pretences to put off the Election: nor now that the Emperour was disarmed, did they let slip the occasion of shew∣ing their resentments, and of endeavouring some better condition of

liberty. The Protestants began to lay plots against the Austrian power, and by little and little began to hold intelligence with the King of Sweden; who having by their adherence gotten greater forces in a short time took many Cities, subdued many Provinces, and having gotten many famous Victories, overran Germany within the space of a few moneths, not without great danger to the Austrian authority, and to the Catholick Religion: nor content with such a continued course of Victory, he drew neer Italy, and made her fear the renewing of those miseries which she had formerly felt by the Goths, and the other Nor∣thren Nations. The affairs of the Empire and of the Catholick Reli∣gion were never so perplex'd in Germany, nor brought to so neer a ruine, as after the coming in of this Northern King: all the Hereticks and male-contents adhered to him, who in his Military Ensigns writ him∣self the Defender of the Faith, and Protector of the German Liberty. The Duke of Pomerania, first of all, and afterwards the Elector of Bran∣denburge, and lastly, the Elector of Saxony joyned openly with him against the Emperour; and after them many other lesser Princes, and almost all the Hans Towns of the Empire, joyned with him, as with their deliverer; and the Emperour having laid down his Arms could hardly raise a new Army to withstand so apparent ruine: almost all the Souldiers that he had cashiered took pay under the Swede, allured by the fame of his valour, by the Victories he had got, by his grateful genius to the Souldiery, who was received and followed with unspeak∣able applause, as if the heavens had sent him to be their Deliverer. The Armies of the Catholick League and of the Emperour, which were joyn'd together, were defeated in a great Battel before Lypsick; and Tilly, chief Captain of that League, a famous Commander for many Victories which he had gotten against the Protestant League, and against the King of Denmark, and who now succeeded dismiss'd Wal∣lestein, was therein hurt: so as the Emperour seeing no other way to withstand the ruinous condition of the Empire, nor how to defend the Austrian Dominions, was forc'd to recall Wallestein from Bohemia, whither after his being dismiss'd he had withdrawn himself to lead a private life; and restoring him upon what condition he could desire to his former dignity, he opposed him to the Swede, who like a swift torrent overrun all Germany. The Emperours Army commanded by Fritland, and the Swedish Forces led on by their King, came to a pitch'd Field neer Lutsen, a City in Misnia; wherein the King being victori∣ous had prescribed Laws to Germany, had he not been slain by some Musketiers, whilst with his wonted valour he pursued Victory: he died in the latter end of the year 1632, thirty moneths after he had set his foot in Germany.

But to re-assume the thred of my Discourse, the Diet at Ratisbone freed France from being insulted over by the Germans; for Fritland, who had order, as hath been said, to fall upon France, expecting what would be the issue of that Diet, instead of turning with his Forces upon France, would be himself present at Ratisbone, to obviate the violence which he foresaw would fall upon him: but not being able to decline it, and the Emperour being forced not only to depose him, but to cashier his Army, and foreseeing another war threatned from the North,

France escaped being assaulted also on that side; and the Electors, who held intelligence with the King of France, favouring Nevers his Cause, as the most just, approved not of the Emperours actions; but com∣plain'd, that contrary to the Laws and Institutions of the Empire, he had sent Armies into Italy, without participating the business with them: wherefore the resolutions and provisions of that Court growing colder, the King of France had better conveniency to mind the wars of Italy, and to send strong succours to Nevers: he destined the Car∣dinal of Richelieu to be the Captain General of the Forces which he sent into Piedmont, with full power to manage war and peace. The Army (those being comprehended who were in Susa and Montferrat) consisted of 22000 Foot and 2000 Horse; and the Cardinal had three Marshals of France for his assistants, Cricky, la Force, and Scomberge. The King had already bargained with the Duke of Savoy for provision of Vi∣ctuals, and Ammunition for war, together with conduct moneys for the passage of his Army, and had agreed with the same Duke that he should assist in the enterprise with 15000 men; and as for Victuals, he had agreed to deliver unto him 15000 sacks or quarters in Nizza di Provenza, which the Duke was to present unto the Army in Piedmont, three crowns of gold being allowed for the conduct of every sack or quarter: so as the Cardinal being very hot upon the business, and think∣ing to find all things ready for the enterprise in Piedmont, parted from Pa∣ris in the time of Christmas; and coming to Lyons in the beginning of the year 1630, tarried there some days to receive the people, who had orders to come thither from several parts of the Kingdom: he by his ap∣pearing so strong, and with such resolution, in Piedmont, to terrifie the Duke so as to make him not only forward to observe all that had been a∣greed upon, but willing to yield to whatsoever he should require; he nou∣rish'd this opinion, not only out of the extraordinary confidence which the French have naturally in their own Forces, but also by reason of the Dukes Embassadours endeavours, who was at Paris to delay this expe∣dition; for when he saw all things ready for the voyage, he went to the King, and to the Ca•…•…dinal, and confidently assured them, that he had received news from the Duke, by a Post that was newly come, of a suspension of Arms made in Italy, for two moneths, and agreed unto by the Venetians, between Nevers and the Cesarian and Spanish Com∣manders: according whereunto Collalto had withdrawn his men from Mantua, and Spinola from Montferrat, and that the general peace would be shortly concluded: but the vanity of this advertisement was soon discovered, and was reputed as tricks used by the Duke, who out of his excessive fear of the French Forces strove to keep them as long as he could from Piedmont: wherefore the Cardinal hastned his journey the more, and being come to Lyons sent very precise Orders away to the Duke with advertisement of his coming, to the end, that he might be ready to receive him with Victuals, and other Provisions, and to joyn his Forces with the Kings in this enterprise; in whose behalf he re∣quired him, absolutely to declare himself: but the Duke seeing the Cardinal engaged upon his promises, thought it a very opportune oc∣casion for his purposes; for the Cardinal passing the Mountains with a great Army, without Victuals or other Provisions, he knew that the

prosperity, or ruine of the enterprise, lay in his power; for if answera∣ble to his promise he should furnish him with all things, and should joyn his Forces with the Kings, Casalle would be happily relieved: on the contrary if he should not furnish him, and instead of joyning with him, should bring the Spanish and the Dutch Armies into Piedmont, and should with them oppose the French Army, all the Cardinals plots and threats would prove nothing; thinking therefore to reap good by the necessity whe•…•…einto he saw the Cardinal was ready to precipitate, he sent his Son the Prince unto him, to put new conditions to him, and to propound unto him the old flim-flam of the enterprises of Genoa and Millain; and on the other side, that in case the Cardinal should should not grant those his desires, he might have means to oppose him, or that out of fear of his stout resistance he might force the Cardinal to give way unto his will; he at the same time sent the Abbot Scaglia to Spino∣la, and to Collalto, to invite them to advance with their Forces, and joyntly to oppose the French, who coming into Italy upon the assurance of his joyning with them, and of finding those Victuals and Provisions, which he would never furnish them withall, they should be forced, when they should see such an Army before them, either to retreat shamefully, or being block'd up in Susa, to perish miserably for want of Victuals, and other conveniences; or if they should give Battel, to be undoubtedly overthrown: he likewise, to incite them the more to ad∣vance, told them that France was at this time in great troubles, by the departure of the Kings only Brother, the Duke of Orleans, from that Court and Kingdom, by the Prince of Conde's retiring from the Court; by the dissatisfaction of many Princes and Lords; who not being able to end•…•…e, that even in the conduct of the Kings Arms (which in all reason belonged unto them) a Cardinal, of Priestly profession, should be prefer'd before them, (one unexperienced in Arms, whose ambiti∣on grasp'd at all things, and who through the Kings favour would usurpe those imployments, which were due to them by the merits of their ancestors, and by the dangers they had run, and blood which they had shed in war;) would by all means endeavour that he should not come off with honour in this enterprise: he acquainted them with the Insurrection of several Provinces of the Kingdom; for that the people could not bear with such great Contributions as were laid upon them, to maintain a war out of the Kingdom; and making it plain unto them by these so many Demonstrations, how easie, and sure, the result of the business would be if they would oppose it, he press'd them not to let slip so happy an occasion of doing their Kings business: but both these expeditions proved vain; for the Duke being become suspected to both parties by his double dealing, had wearied them all: nor could he carry his neutrality so cunningly, but that his ends were discern'd, which were conceived to be nothing else, nor to tend to any thing, but to be the Arbitrator between two great Kings Armies, and to be he who should cast the ballance as he should like best, be Superintendent in all businesses, give the Law to all, treat of his own affairs with most advantage, better himself by the perils and labours of them both, and secure the advancement of his own fortune, and the increase of his re∣putation, by the equal counterpoise of each of them: by which way

of proceeding being become not only suspected, but hated by both parties, who thought themselves injured by this his jugling, they ab∣horred to have him their Arbitrator, grew more confirm'd in their di∣strust, and more resolved that he should depend upon their resolutions, and not they be wheeled about by his words and cunning. Thus keep∣ing the superiority, they would treat with him upon such advantage of power and authority as did become their Kings Grandezza, and the Majesty of their Masters Arms: so as so many Negotiations and pieces of cunning being discovered, instead of the advantage that was thereby hoped, he reaped loss and danger: Spinola had found out his continual treating with the French under one pretence or another: he knew what Victuals and Ammunition he had promised, and what moneys he had received for them: he saw him continue to provide for Cassalle, prepare conduct moneys for the passage of their men, and make many shews of being in favour with that Court, or of not being able to be otherwise; he grew very jealous also of the Prince his going into France, which though it proved to no purpose, yet it was very probable that he was sent thither to treat of some great concernment: so as Spino∣la was so far from crediting the Dukes Proposals, and from believing that he would appear against the French; as the same change which his Agents promis'd in his behalf lessened his belief, and made him pro∣ceed with more circumspection, fearing, and notwithout reason, that the Duke would promise as much to the French against him, by whom he had already been so severely dealt with; and that, either out of resent∣ment, or for the imminent danger of the French, •…•…r for the high con∣ditions the Cardinal would give him, he would do the same Metamor∣phosis against him, as he now promised to do in prejudice to the French; and being loth to hazard the main point upon such uncertainty, he waited for better counsel and safer resolves, as the event should fall out: but the Cardinal did no less abhor the Dukes ways then did Spino∣la; since they tended to bring him to follow his will, to wage war as he listed, to •…•…n the Kings Forces, which were destined to protect an op∣pressed Prince, to the profecution of his vast ends and his revenge, and that against other Princes, against whom they were not intended; and in fine, to change the Kings designs and enterprises with those of his own, and (as if he were his servant) to be ready to do what the Duke listed, if he would have his friendship: holding therefore these pre∣tentions to be too high, and the price of such an union too exorbitant, he would not listen to new Treaties, but threatned to force him to per∣form Agreement; wherefore he would not so much as speak with the Prince, who being come to Savoy desired to Negotiate with him, but refer'd the Treaty till he should be come to Piedmont; and for the bet∣ter proof of his resolution, endeavouring to make the Duke the more afraid, he went from Lyons towards the Alps, leaving the Mar∣shal dela Force there to gather the Army together, and to bring it to Piedmont.

The Duke had fortified Auvigliana (as hath been said) and had well munited it, and was gone thither with the body of his Army to defend it; his Army consisted of 12000 Foot, and about 3000 Horse: and knowing that the Cardinal must needs drive him from thence if he

would relieve Casalle, and that he could not sit down before Auvigliana for want of victuals, nor relieve Casalle, he feared not his threats; for not having wherewithall to feed his Army, nor wherewith to succour Casalle, he must either agree with him, or waste himself idly in Susa, or return with shame into France; and therefore the nearer he saw the Cardinal come with a numerous Army, the more advantage he thought he had of treating, or certainty of victory; and consequently he continued the stiffer in his pretences, and propounded the more difficulties in what he was much prest unto by the French, and by Marshal Crickey; So as the Cardinal being come from Lyons into Ambrano, and hearing there, much contrary to what he expected, that the Duke continued in his obdurate∣nesse, and that it was impossible to alter him, he for a while forbore the course which, when he parted from Lyons, he thought would be so dreadful to the Duke; For finding that to go against the Dukes will, to relieve Casalle, (which was the chief cause of that expedition) was no better then to hazard himself and his Army upon manifest ruine, as also the Kings Honour, and the whole enterprize, he began to find by experience, how unreasonable it was, upon these termes, and in the present conjuncture of affairs, to justle with him when he was back'd by the Spanish and Dutch Forces; Wherefore allaying his heat, he began to treat more moderately with him, and endeavour'd to make him pli∣able with satisfactory proposalls, that he might bring him to joyn with the Kings Forces in that enterprize, and interest himself really in re∣lieving Casalle; but his lenitives proved as vain as did his threats; For although the Duke had all his demands, (how strange, and how extraor∣dinary soever) granted him, yet still pretending greater things, and turn∣ing back from what he had agreed unto, he used delayes, to the end that thereby the difficulties and necessities of the French Army might the mean while grow greater, insomuch as the Cardinal being come to Susa, where he spoke with the Prince, who was come to Bossolano to visit him, he did not only not come to any conclusion, but did not so much as begin to treat; For the Prince, who when he went to Savoy to negotiate with him could not so much as be allowed audience, be∣ing willing to resent that usage, the ceremonial part being past, would not propound any thing, pretending that it was the Cardinal who was to make the first proposals, and make an overture to the businesse. The reasons of this obdurancy, and so great aversion in the Duke, may, ma∣ny of them, be gathered from the then present circumstances and occa∣sions: For to the many injuries received from the French and from the Cardinal, and to the abusive peace of Montsone, was added the Cardi∣nals proud carriage towards the Prince, not admitting him, when he came to treat, so much as to come within his presence, whereof the Duke had wont to complain much; and conceiving thereby, and by other proceedings, that the Cardinal was not only very averse to his interests, but bent to ruine him, he thought that no offers nor agreements would be observed unto him: nay, the greater the things were which the present necessity might force him to, he thought the effecting of them would be the harder afterwards, and the more odious; Wherefore fearing that he might be deceived, he would not change the present time for the future: the Kings coming to Susa, and the conventions which he was

forc'd to give way unto there, touched him to the quick; and as •…•…e thought himself fallen from that opinion, wherein he desired to be held, of being able to keep the French out of Italy, or bring them in as he li∣sted: so he imagined there was no better, nor no more opportune re∣medy to he I so sore a wound, then to oppose their passage now, & by the total ruine of the enterprize and of their Army, to leave a perpetual ex∣ample to the French, how necessary it was for them to esteem him as the only Porter of the Alps; and for the Spaniards to put a value upon him, and to treat him with advantagious conditions, as the Bulwark of Italy, and of the state of Millain; this was the highest pitch of his Grandezza, this the very sence of his soul; and having fixt his eye upon this, as upon a mark to shoot at, he thought that if he should hit it, all occasions that could be from the French came short of it; it was also thought that he feared lest when the Cardinal should see himself in great power and safety by his joyning with him, he might afterwards make peace with the Spaniard, excluding his interests; just as it hapned at the peace of Mon∣sone; so as hating to joyn expresly with either party, whereby he was to make himself subject to one of them, and an enemy to the other, he was constant to his neutrality, whereby he was superiour to them both; yet he broke not with any of them: but cloaking his actions with neu∣trality, he fenced himself with tergiversations. Neither would the French, who needed him exceedingly, break with him; but dissembling all the hard usage they met with, endeavoured to win him over to de∣clare for them; and they (so well knew they the advantage of his joyn∣ing with them) abusing their patience, left nothing undone which might not prejudice them, though little to their honour; the Cardinal agreed for provision of victuals, with some of the Dukes subjects, and bargain'd with some others for the conducting of such as were in Nizza, to ease his present necessities. The Duke made them all be imprisoned; but not being able without apparent contumacy to deny the conduct of such as were in Nizza, since he had already received monies for their conduct, he would appoint the conductors himself; who depending wholly upon him brought more or lesse, according as he pleased. But the Army not being able to continue longer thus, and the Cardinal being either to break with him, or unworthily waste his Army, or return with shame to France, before he would break, he would make the last trial; He promis'd that he would assault some place in the state of Millain, pro∣vided that the Duke would furnish Casalle with victuals, the Duke either did not, or did not seem to refuse the proposals; Whereupon the Cardinal made his Van advance, consisting of 7000 Foot, and 1000 Horse, under Marshal Cricky; and going himself out of Susa with the body of the Army came to Cazalletto, a place near Avigliana; and the Duke sent good store of victuals to Casalle: which finding that the Van being come to Rivas, a Town in Montferrat, did not prosecute the voyage, he made them stay; pre•…•…ending that the Van alone could not do any thing of moment against the state of Millain, so as it was necessary that the rest of the Army should follow: The Cardinal was mightily troubled to be thus used, perceiving that those very tricks were used to him, which he used to others; For as this marching of the Van was feignedly pe•…•…formed by the Cardinal, to make the Duke put victuals

into Casalle; so the Dukes sending of victuals appeared to be counter∣feit, to the end that he might make the Cardinal come out of Susa with his Army, where he had as yet some provisions wherewith to subsist, to the end that he might bring him to before the Spanish and the Cesarean Armies without victuals, and be but badly backt by the remainder of his Army which tarried behind; So as he might either be overcome by Famine without fighting, or (if he should fight) he might be miserably destroyed: And the more to witnesse the Dukes bad intentions, it was added, that notwithstanding that he had good store of monies disburst unto him per le Tappe, and other quarterings, he would not permit that the Army should passe by the usual way that it was to march, and which leads from Susa to Avigliana, where the way was more commodious, broader, and where there was better quartering, but made it passe by the way of Condove and Cassalette, which lies on the left hand, very im∣proper for the Foot, much more for the Horse, and for the carriage of the Artillery; where there was no order nor provision for quarter, and where they were to suffer both hunger and cold: insomuch as the Army which tarried here some dayes had perished, had not some remainder of victuals which were yet left in Susa been brought thither; But this not being able to maintaine them long, and the Duke pressing them to ad∣vance, the Cardinal thought it not fit to pursue that voyage, and leave Avigliana behind him, where the Duke was with all his men: Where∣fore he answered, that if the Duke would have him advance, he must furnish him with victuals, and declare openly for the King, and remove the impediment of Avigliana, which (in the condition it was in) would not suffer him to advance; The Duke reply'd, that the great scarcity of victuals must excuse him from sending in provisions, that he could not declare against the Emperour who was his Sovereign Lord, from whom he held so many Territories in fee; and as for Avigliana, that he was not bound, as the Rebels of France, to demolish his Townes to pave the way for the Kings Army; but (that to free himself of all jealousies) he was ready to take some of his men out of Avigliana; to which purpose he drew from thence about 7000 foot, but he placed them in the guard of the Bridges and Passes, by which when the French should be past LaDora, they might assault him; which the Cardinal perceiving, he resol∣ved to use force, and to go against the Duke when he should be past Do∣ra, who tarried with some of his men in Rivoli: and to this purpose was Cricky sent for back from Rivas, where he continued still, with the Van; the Duke was aware of this, and did not fear it; for having mu∣nited Avigliana and Torino well, the places whereupon he thought the French were likeliest to fall, he hoped he might hold them play there, till such time as the Cesarian Army, and Spinola's might advance; and finding them incamp'd before those places might easily rout them, in case they should not long before be made to quit the enterprize for want of victuals. But a new and unthought of accident alter'd the state of affairs; the Duke going that very night from Rivoli, went to Torino, and abandoning the Bridges and Passes of the River, which the French were to assault the next morning, he afforded them conve∣niency to passe over the River without any impediment; This so sud∣den and unexpected change was attributed to some knowledge that the

Duke had got of some treaties held by the Cardinal in Torino, where there were then many French, and amongst them two of Cricky's Sons; who as soon as they heard the Duke was entred the City retired to the Army; whereat the Duke being mightily offended, he made the chief of the French that remained in the Town be imprisoned, as com∣plices of plots and treaties, and published a manifesto in print; where∣in he complained bitterly of the Cardinal, that whilst he was entred his Dominions as a friend, and whilst he had furnish'd him with victuals and other things, to the great prejudice of his own people, (from whose mouths he had pull'd it) he had endeavoured to oppresse him with plots and treaties within his own doors, only for not having joyn'd his Forces with the French, against his Sovereign Lord the Emperour, and against the King of Spain, to whom he had no reason to professe him∣self an Enemy; wherefore declaring himself openly for the Empe∣rour and King of Spain against the French, he made new and more urgent dispatches to Spinola and to Collalto, to make them advance with all possible speed to relieve Piedmont; promising them full and assured victory over the Enemy, who were streightned by so many necessities: of which victory the happy end of the enterprizes of Mantua and Casal∣le would be the undoubted result. The Cardinal was in great con∣fusion at this the Dukes sudden and unexpected resolution, his Army being in great danger to be lost for to send men to Casalle, and no victuals would rather be a trouble then an ease to the Town; to keep idle where he was was impossible, for want of victuals; and dangerous, lest the Ene∣my might come upon them; to sit down before Avigliana or Torino, would be a desperate and ruinous businesse; So (as in so great confusion and difficulty) he knew no better course to take, then to send a Messen∣ger to the Duke; who treating with him, and with the Princesse Royal of Piedmont, might mitigate the Dukes severity, and bring him to more moderate counsells; But neither did this do any good; for the Duke being angry with the Cardinal, minded nothing but revenge, and the total ruine of that Army, and utterly to overthrow the Cardinals fortune; who out of private Emulation, and big with Hatred and Am∣bition, brought the Kings Forces to triumph over his, and thought to make his Name remarkable to the Princes of the present age, and im∣mortal to future times; He therefore neither admitted of the Messenger, nor would he suffer him to speak with the Princesse Royal, nor with the Embassadours of other Princes, who were resident in his Court. Wherefore the Cardinal, forced by necessity, changed the defensive war which was intended in favour to Nevers, into war offensive against the Duke of Savoy, by whom he held himself to be so unworthily dealt with; he therefore sack'd Rivoli and the neighbouring Townes: but thinking this too weak a resentment, and unworthy his Grandezza, he turned upon Pinarollo, whither having sent Cricky with the Van, he followed him the next day with the rest of his Army; a resolution wh•…•…ch was certainly necessary in so desperate a condition, but very uncertain and dangerous; for if that place had been so well provided as the im∣portancy thereof, and the present condition of affairs required, and consequently the Cesarean and Spanish Armies had had time to suc∣cour it, the French must necessarily either have come to a battle upon

disadvantage, or have foregone the Enterprise with much danger and confusion, and have shamefully returned to Susa, where, if assaulted, they could hardly have held out, but must have been enforced to receive such Laws as the Conquerours should please to prescribe them, to the intire loss of that Glory which they had won upon that very place the year before: But Fortune, which useth to change in points of extre∣mity, raised the Cardinals condition to the highest pitch of felicity, which appeared to be ruined; and precipitated the Dukes Affairs almost into utter destruction, which seemed to be placed on the height of hap∣piness: For the Duke somewhat doubting that place, where he knew there was no other defence but the Garrison which was usually kept there in time of Peace, sent thither a great recruit of men the very day that the Army removed from Rivoli; but it being given out in the Army, that it went to Turin; and those that went with the Artillery thinking that they were to continue their march according to their for∣mer Orders, before the consultations had against Pinarollo were disco∣vered, drave on to Turin; and the Duke, who by reason of the said consultations doubted lest he might be assaulted, recall'd that recruit of men which he but a little before had sent to Pinarollo, and kept them to defend the chief City; so as Pinarollo being deprived of that recruit, and the Duke not being of himself able to march into the field to defend it, could not hold out long against the French; for the Van being come thither on the 20^th of March, and having placed their battery upon the ditch, the City yielded without making any resistance: They had somewhat more to do to take the Castle, which held out somewhat longer for the Duke.

This success did totally alter the face of Affairs; the Cardinal having time to breathe amidst so great streights, to boot with having made way for the bringing of victuals and provisions from France, brought the neighbouring Towns of Piedmont to Contribution, which abounded in Victuals; and by keeping that and Susa in his possession, might not only advance to further acquisitions, but secure the restitution of Cassalle, if it should be taken by the Spaniards: and now that he had so good pledges in his hands, he might treat of Peace upon better condi∣tions, the relief of Cassalle not being so necessary as before. On the contrary, the Duke being by the loss of this place faln from his advan∣tagious condition, could no longer keep the French Army from Victu∣als, nor make it depend upon his will, as formerly, in respect of re∣lieving Cassalle; nor could he keep the Spaniards any longer from being jealous of his joyning with the French; but on the contrary, it behoved him not only to depend upon the Cardinal, and be subject to his will, who being Master of Pinarollo might prejudice Piedmont in several manners; but also upon Spinola's pleasure, by the necessity he was in of being assisted by his Forces against the French, who were got into the bowels of his State; so as being of a sudden saln from being the Arbitrator of Peace and War (as he held himself to be) to be subject to the pleasures of both parties, it behoved him wholly to forego those high conceits by which he thought to give Law to all, and to submit himself to be disposed of by those who could readily and powerfully either defend or indammage him.

Spinola, who being wholly bent upon Peace, would never supply the Duke either with men or moneys, being awakened by the coming and the progress of the French Army, began to be of another mind, and to make more haste in providing for War; he therefore sent into Germany and Naples, to hasten the coming of the men that were ready there, and into Spain for more moneys; and minding chiefly the safe∣ty of the State of Millain, he began to build a great Fort neer Sarti∣ranna, and another upon the Poe, over against Valenza, and a third at Villata; he threw one Bridge over at Villata, and another between Va∣lenza and the new Fort; so he thought that that part of the State which was neer the great Garrison of Cassalle was safe enough; and hearing that the French were gone to Pinarolo, he sent Don Martin d' Aragona to assist the Duke with the Van, consisting of 4000 Foot, and 600 Horse; and he himself expecting the Legate in Alessandria, who came to treat of Peace, tarried there to assemble the rest of the Army, and therewithal himself in person to defend Piedmont; but were it either that the ways being broken down by continual rain hindred the speed of his march, or that thinking it impossible to come time enough to relieve the Castle of Pinarolo, he thought that the Castle, since it was to be lost, might be lost before his Kings Forces appeared; or else, (as many were of opinion) that Spinola was not yet very sure of the Dukes Friendship, and that therefore he was not displeased with that loss, which forced the Duke to joyn with the King of Spain's party, out of necessity of being assisted in recovering what he had lost; the Affairs belonging to that expedition went not on so fast or with such fervour as was outward∣ly profess'd.

When the Legate was come to Alessandria, he spoke with Spinola, and with the Marquess of San Croce, who was come from Genoa to be present at that Conference; he found a great inclination to Peace in them, and was therewith well pleased; for Spinola and San Croce offer∣ed to do any thing so as the French would restore the Towns in Pied∣mont, and would return into France: they promised to restore Nevers into peaceful possession of Mantua and Montferrat, and to invest him duly thereinto; to restore the Forts and Places taken from the Grisons; that the Emperours Army should return to Germany; and the disband∣ing of the Spanish Army which was in Italy.

The Cardinal parted from Alessandria with these Proposals, and went towards Piedmont to treat with the Duke of Savoy, and with the Cardinal of From, in whom he found not such a willingness to Peace; first, the Cardinal alledging, That it became not the honour of the King of France his Forces to enter into a Treaty, whilst the enterprise which they had in hand, of the Castle of Pinarollo, was not finished; and he would not enter into discourse with the Legate, who tarried fifteen days in Turrin to that end; at the end whereof the Castle being surrendred, the Cardinal fell to begirt the Town with Bulwarks Roy∣al, and fortified the Castle, making that Town impregnable; which (as it was then judged, and was afterward better confirm'd by success) the French never intended to restore, but to make it a Rendezvouz for Arms in Italy, which might serve as a curb to Piedmont, and to the Dukes of Savoy, keep the State of Millain in a perpetual jealousie, and

might serve for an excellent door to the King of France for greater en∣terprises, which he might design unto himself, if he should have occa∣sion to send his Armies over the Alps. Bricherasco was taken soon after, being neer Pinarollo, at the foot of the Alps, well fortified and muni∣ted: not long after the surrender of the Castle of Pinarollo, Colalto and Spinela came to Piedmont, and with Spinola came San Croce and the Duke of Lerma; and after them some of the Cesarian and some of the Spanish Army: a Consultation was held in Carmagnuola touching the whole affair: The Duke of Savoy's opinion was, that foregoing the enterprises of Mantua and Casalle for the present, they should go with all their joynt Forces to the recovery of Pinarollo and Susa, and that they should endeavour to drive the French beyond the Mountains; for when Italy should be freed of them, both Mantua and Casalle, as not being able to hold out without them, would fall of themselves, espe∣cially since Casalle not having victuals, would soon surrender; and the Duke promis'd on the faith of a Prince, that it should not be relieved with victuals; and to the end, that each Commander of each Army, as well the Emperours, as the King of Spains, might willingly agree to this, he offered to leave Piedmont free to be disposed of by them, to the end, that they might manage their war there as they listed; and that he, contenting himself with 12000 Foot and 1500 Horse, would go with them into Savoy, and from thence into Dolpheny; where mastering the ways which lead to Italy, he would hinder Commerce between France and the Army which was busied in defending Pinarollo, in such sort, as that Army not being able to be recruited either with Men, Victuals or Money from France, should either be forc'd to perish there, or aban∣doning Italy and Piedmont, should return to France; and the French being thus kept from making opposition, Casalle and Mantua would ea∣sily be reduced: all of them except Spinola, did in part approve, and in part disapprove of the Dukes Proposal: all of them agreed that for the present they should forego the enterprises of Mantua and Casalle, and that they should march with their joynt Forces to recover the Dukes Towns, and to drive the French out of Italy; but the other part of the Dukes advice was not generally agreed unto, for what con∣cerned carrying the war with part of the Forces beyond the Mountains; for this opinion appeared to be as dangerous, as the other of joyning in the recovery of the Towns of Piedmont was useful and requisite: but Spinola, were it either that he knew the mind of the Spanish Court, or out of the apparent advantage which would be had by the getting of Casalle, or that •…•…e thought it but vain to go about recovering the places which were lost, whilst the way for relief was open behind them, or that he was jealous that the Duke might change his mind if the French should offer to restore his Towns, held it better not to expose the main Forces, the safety of affairs, and of the Kings Dominions, and his own reputation, upon the Dukes bare word, which he did not much relie upon, upon the uncertainty of Success, lest the Kings men might be worsted by the French, and that they should find difficulty in retreat∣ing, in case that any agreement should be made between the Duke and the French; wherefore opposing the opinion of the whole Council, wherein the chief Commanders of the Army did intervene, and also

opposing San' Croce, he was of opinion, that Colalto should tarry with the most of his men to oppose the French, and that he himself should with the remainder attend the expugning of Casalle: from which reso∣lution neither the Dukes intreaty, nor the contrary opinion of the whole Council, nor any other inconvenience which was urged might be pre∣judicial to the common affairs, could divert him: he therefore sent his Son Don Philip with 5000 Foot and 500 Horse to the recovery of Pontestura, San' Georgio, and Lusignano, all of them being neer Casalle, which (as hath been said) were held and garrison'd by the French; and he himself staid in Turin, to assist, in the Treaty of peace, which after the loss of Pinarollo was reassumed by the Legate.

The Duke of Savey was not a little incens'd at this constant resoluti∣on of Spinola; and that not so much for that he saw himself deprived of his assistance and of a good part of the Spanish Army, as for sear that if Casalle should be taken, the Spaniards would be less fervent in defending him, and in recovering his lost Towns: A consideration which had he not been blinded by his own interest, he might suppose might oblige Spinola as much to endeavour the taking of Casalle antici∣pately, as it was probable that the Duke, whose Interests the taking of Casalle did oppose, when he should have recovered his Towns in Pied∣mont, should use his best means to keep Casalle from being taken, as he had done formerly. Colalto was likewise much troubled at this resolu∣tion of Spinola's, being wrought upon by the Duke of Savoy's perswa∣sions, and as some will say, by his great donatives; for he, favouring the Dukes Cause, as if the Common Cause were concerned therein, desired it might be taken into consideration in the first place; so as to boot with the emulation which was already grown between them, not only diversity of opinions, but distastes arose upon this occasion, from whence much prejudice did r•…•…dound to the main affair; which being distracted by the several interests, and emulations of private men, was subject to great hazards, just like a Ship which is agitated by contrary windes: so as Collalto not willing to be left alone to prosecute the busi∣ness of Piedmont, withdrew to the Army before Mantua; saying pub∣lickly, that if others would prefer their Prince his particular cause, be∣fore what was the common concernment, he was likewise obliged to prefer the business of Mantua, wherein the Emperour was particular∣ly interessed, before that of Casalle or Piedmont. The Legate being this mean while gone to Pinarollo, had acquainted Cardinal Richelieu with what had been agreed unto in Alessandria by Spinola, and San' Croce: he found him willing to yield to all save to what concern'd the restitu∣tion of Pinarollo; which he said it was necessary for him to keep, as well out of the pretences which the King of France laid thereunto, as for the security of Nevers his affairs, and of the peace which was to be concluded, which having been violated many times (as he said) on the Spanish side, he might justly fear it might meet again with some trou∣bles, when he should be past back over the Mountains: but it was rather thought that he refused to restore Pinarolio, out of private ambition; for he was very proud of having gotten a place of such importance for the Kings affairs; and as France was much grieved when Pinarollo was restored to the Father of this present Prince, by Henry the Third, King

of France, so being now as much pleased with the recovery thereof, the Cardinal would not, together with the advantage of the acquisition, lose the perpetual glory of having done so great a benefit to the Crown or France: but this being a point of such importance for the conclusion or exclusion of peace, in which things belonging to others are usually restored, the retaining thereof was now discuss'd, only as being contrary to the title pretended unto by the Kings Forces; wherein Richelieu mi∣tigated the Proposal, and reduced the retention thereof to the space of two years, offering the Duke Montcalvo, and some other Towns in Montferrat in pawn for the restoring of it: but this being held to be yet too hard a condition, wherein the observance of the agreement was re∣duced to the Arbitrement of the French, who when Casalle and Man∣tua should be freed, it was hard to say what they would have done; it was finally proposed, that the Dutch should keep the Towns taken from the Grisons, and the French those of the Dukes, till such time as the affairs of Italy should be adjusted within fifteen days; which when they should be adjusted and composed, whatsoever was retained should be by both sides restored. Spinola listned to this Proposal, which he thought to be more moderate, insomuch as discoursing thereof in the presence of the Duke of Savoy, and of the other Commanders, he said that he would readily agree thereunto, if the time of restitution might be prolonged for the space of two moneths; the Duke who was alrea∣dy very much unsatisfied with Spinola, could not give way to such a length of time; but letting his anger burst out which till then he had kept in, he exclaimed very much upon him, as did Colalto also; and it being discovered that there was speech of a meeting between the Cardi∣nal and Spinola, and that intelligence was held between them, the jea∣lousie grew greater; both of them being found to be no well-wishers to the Duke. This suspition was much fomented by the friendship which was contracted between them, when Spinola in his passage from Flanders to Spain, went to the Camp before Rochel, to kiss the Kings hand; where being received with unusual favours by the Cardinal, the Cardinal was much commended by a relation which Spinola made to the King of the well ordering of that Siege, and by his assuring him of happy and speedy success, if the same course should be still taken; and to all this it was added, that a dispatch which was at this very time sent to Spinola being intercepted, Richelieu sent it to him close sealed as it was, and unbroken up, which being known by the Duke, afforded him much cause of jealousie. Thus the Treaty of peace being broken, prepara∣tion was made for war; and the Duke resenting Spinola's usage, sent the Abbot Scaglia to complain unto the King of Spinola's strange and rigorous proceedings, tending not onely to the prejudice of him the Duke, but to the dis-service of the Kings affairs, and of the common cause, which could receive no advantage by the Dukes dis-satisfaction; and he made his Daughter in Law complain of the Cardinal in the Court of France, but particularly to the Queen-Mother; who though she had been very well pleased formerly with the Cardinals greatness, began to be jealous of him now, by reason of his too great authority, and of the credit which he had won with the King; so as it was in seve∣ral manners ill spoken of; some accusing him of too great hatred to

the Duke; that being ordered to deal friendly with him, his only en∣deavours in this expedition had been to incense him, and by his ill usage to alienate him from the Kings interest: some accused him of want of experience in Military affairs; some of injustice and violence, who had turned those Forces which were destined to defend an injured Prince, to oppress another who was so neer allied to the King, a Friend and Confederate of the Crown, to the great scandal of the Kings Forces, to the danger of the enterprise, and of that Army, wherein were so ma∣ny Lords and Commanders; wherefore finding himself complained of, and apprehending the Kings displeasure, whereinto he might run by his absence, he left the management of affairs in Piedmont with the Marshals dela Force and Scomberg, and return'd with Cricky into France; whither when he was come, and had given an account of his action, and of what streights the Duke had put him in, he had much adoto clear himself from the faults which were laid to his charge by his ill∣willers.

Thus went the Duke about to prejudice the Cardinals fortune by his endeavours, which he could never overthrow by his Forces, nor by his so many Plots and Stratagems. Whilst the business of peace was deba∣ted in Turin, Don Philippo Spinola was got neer Pontestura, and had begirt it on all sides; and began his Batteries: the French had begun some unperfect Fortifications, and those of Casalle, that the longer that place held out, the longer might they themselves be preserved; they thought good to lessen their own Garrison and Provisions, and imploy them in the defence of Pontestura, hoping that by gain of time they might the better mind their own Fortifications: but the effects proved otherwise, for on the fourth day the defendants began to parly, and on the fifth, agreed to surrender the Town, upon all the conditions they could desire, except that they were not to enter into Casalle, nor tarry in Italy, and they were bound to leave all their victuals and provisions behind them. Thus Don Philip became master of this place, and made the French go to Finale, and from thence to Marcelles, with little reputation: from hence he went to St. George his Castle, which was not above a mile and a half from Casalle, where there were but twelve French men in Garrison, besides the Towns-men, who were very well armed and prepared for defence: here they met with more re∣sistance, for the defendants refusing to surrender, Don Philip began his Mines, which he began to make upon the Flank of a Tower; but they did no good, by reason of artificial fire-works, which being thrown from off the Walls, burnt the pent-houses which shelter'd the work-men; so they were forced to work further off, in a better co∣ver'd place; where being safer, they slew some of the defendants, amongst which the Captain of the French; whereupon the rest fearing to be served so likewise, surrendred upon the same Articles that Pon∣testura had done, but not with the like infamy.

Rossigliano remained yet untaken, where there were about 300 French and Montferrians; this place being cut off from Casalle by the loss of St. Georgio, it was thought it would be loss of time to attempt it, since it could not prejudice Casalle: but Spinola, to whom Don Philip writ, sending word that they should proceed on, they went thither;

the place was strong enough and seated high; Marquess Moncausier the chief of the French Garrison was Governour, a young sprightly man, desirous of fame, and to make amends by his valour for the obloquie that was laid by all men upon the French for having defended Pontestu∣ra so poorly: so the business proved somewhat longer and more diffi∣cult: the defendants upon the enemies appearance came forth, and after some skirmishing retreated into the Town; to which the enemy drew neer, making their approaches on three sides, and on two sides their Batteries: but all their attempts, which were many, were man∣fully withstood, and the Siege was held out for 15 days: but at last, a mine being made in the third approach, to boot with their batteries, they were forced to yield upon the same conditions as Pontestura had done, only Moncausier, with some others, were permitted to go into Ca∣salle; which being block'd up by the loss of these places, and kept from all succour and victuals, and fearing to be shortly assaulted by Spinola's whole Army, it was not likely to hold out long: yet the French that were in it were not dismaid, but hearing that a company of the Dukes Horse were quartered in Morano, beyond the Poe, they went out by night, and passing over the River in Boats, they fell upon them at un∣awares, kil'd many of them, and brought many of them prisoners into Casalle. Spinola seeing the peace not effected, left about 6000 Foot in Piedmont, under the Camp-masters, Don Martined' Aragona, Anto∣ni•…•…dal Taffo, Nicola Doria, and Baron Shamburgs, and 1000 Horse un∣der Ierardo Gambacorti, Governour of the Neopolitan Horse, with Orders to them all to obey the Prince of Piedmont, and he himself went to the Siege of Casalle; and taking his leave of the Duke, he excused the necessity of this his resolution, upon the account of the great Garison of French which was in Casalle, which keeping the State of Millain, and part of Piedmont in jealousie, no reason of war would permit that that Rendezvouz for the enemies Arms should be suffered, by reason of the great inconveniences which might result from thence; all their joynt Forces being in Piedmont; and being confident, out of his expe∣rience in taking in of Towns, and by the opinion of his Captains, that the Town could not hold out for above 40 days: he promised the Duke that when it should be taken, he would return with all his Forces to as∣sist him: Colalto also parted from Piedmont, leaving between three or four thousand Dutch there under the Baron Gallaaso, who were put in Garrison in Avigliana. Spinola begun the taking of Casalle about the end of May, not being resolved whether he should attempt it by Storm or by Siege: though they hoped the Siege would not prove long, by reason of the small quantity of victuals that were in it; yet calculating that the number of defendants were lessened, by the sending of men into the Towns which were taken but a little before, it was judged that storming would prove the safer and the shorter way; the rather for that the Forces of the French Army being sufficiently diminished, the fear of their opposition was proportionably lessened: wherefore it was thought better to dispute the business by force of Arms, then streight∣ning it by Famine to depend upon the success of a Siege, which through uncertain and false calculations proves more uncertain and more fala∣cious: but were it either that his felicity followed him not, but was

fix'd to the Belgick soil, or that the several ends and emulations of the Chieftains who managed that war did turmoil his genius, or that his d•…•…ath, which shortly hapned, cut off the thred of his excellent fortune, he was forc'd to succumb in this. The Duke di Mena, Nevers his second Son, commanded in Casalle; a young man, and but little experienced in Arms; so as his person served for little more then for the authority and reputation of the Government and conduct of Affa•…•…rs, and to keep concord amongst the Captains, and Military obedience: in the Citadel was only a Garrison of Montferrians, under the same Marquess of Ri∣vara, who had withstood the former oppugnation: the French, being 2000 Foot and 300 Horse, defended the City and the Citadel, who were commanded by Marshal di Toras, one who had won the same of much valour, and the opinion of being excellent at the keeping of Towns, by his singular and valiant defending of the Isle of Rees, which lies over against Rochel, against a treble assault of the English Fleet: the chief Fortifications, when Toras came thither, were only towards the Poe and towards the Plain, where it was assaulted by Don Gonzal∣lo: it was but little or not at all fortified towards the Hill; and Toras searing to be assaulted on that side, was very industrious in fortifying it: the Citadel had no out-works nor Fortifications, save two Half∣moons; the one of which shelter'd the Gate whereby relief was brought; the other that which was towards the City. Toras made another very great one, doubly begirt, between the two bulwarks of the Citadel, where he apprehended to be assaulted. Neither were these provisions made in vain; for Spinola thinking this the fittest place, began four approaches from thence; the first whereof was committed to the care of the Camp master Filomarini his Neapolitans, and was directed a∣gainst that part of the City which is called de Treventi, and lay under some Fortifications which were built upon a rise without the City; and the wall of the City, together with that of the Castle, making an an∣gle inwards, which the Assailants were to play upon, the on-set on that side was the more hard and dangerous: the other approaches led straight upon the two Bulwarks of the Citadel, betwixt which Toras had made his Half moon: to the first whereof, which was more inward, and neerer the Gate which leads to Turin, were two approaches made, the fi•…•…st by the Spaniards commanded by the Duke of Lerma, the other by the Dutch who were commanded by Shamburgs Lieutenant: the fourth approach, which was against the Bulwark, from whence the Campagnia is first discovered, fell to the Lombards share, under the two Camp-masters, Trotti and Sforza. Thus the Trenches being begun to be opened, every one endeavoured to come speedily to what was intended; this mean while Don Ieronymo Augustini, being left in V•…•…l∣lata to guard that Frontier, by Spinola's Order drew neer the Poe, over against Casalle; and that he might streighten the Town the more on that side, he took up his Quarters there, wherein he was not well forti∣fied when he began to attempt the neerest Island, upon which those of the City had made some Fortifications, for it was of great consequence for the safety of the City and of the Mills which were not far from thence; foo•…•…ding over the River with his Horses fastned together, not∣withstanding that he was plaid upon by Musket-shot from the Walls

and from the Forts, he advanced so far as he became master of the Island, with the death of 300 French, part whereof were slain, part drown'd in the Poe, which is very deep, and runs very swift between the Island and the City: This being the first action attempted by those with∣out upon such disadvantage, and yet with such courage and vigor, and proving so fortunate to the assailants, and so prejudicial to the assaulted, did much discourage the Cassalians, who were not accustomed all the preceding year to so fierce and bloody sport; and the basenesse of the French, here, being added to that which they shew'd in defending Pontestura, they began to fear the worst, and to confide but little in the Souldiers of that Nation, upon whom they had formerly built so much: But Toras had occasion soon enough to signalize himself and his Soul∣diers, in an other action which he attempted with no lesse Judgement and Valour then Fortune, whereby he won Reputation to himself and to his men, and revived the almost extinct credit of the French in the Montferrians; he was aware that the Lombards that were working upon the fourth approach had not as yet finish'd a redoubt, and that those who were to guard it were negligent, believing that those who were within, having already lost their Reputation, would not dare to assault them, he sallied forth with about 400 of his best and most experienced Foot, and with 50 Horse; and falling upon them at unawares, cut them all in pieces; And not tarrying here, he past on to the second redoubt, which being abandoned by three Ensignes, who with some of their companies had the keeping thereof, he easily master'd it; Then passing forward to the third, with like Valour and like hope, he failed in his in∣tent by the resistance he met with there, and by reason of the Horse which came in, led on by Count Soragna; so as being forc'd to give back, he retreated to underneath the shelter of the Citadel, with more prejudice to the Enemy then to his own men, having slain three Cap∣tains and many Officers, and having wounded Count Soragna mortally, who died soon after, and kill'd above fourscore Souldiers, and wounded many more. This action did much incourage the defen∣dants, and made the enemy more cautious, and delay'd the making of the approaches; the which the more they advanced, were more subject to danger, to losse of men and delay; the defendants failed not to sally out both by day and night, with sometimes greater, sometimes lesser losse to each side. Whilst they wrought thus with more toile and danger before Casalle, businesse cooled in Piedmont; when the Cardinal and Cricky went away, the managing of the power was left (as you have heard) to the Marshals De La Force and Scomburg; and Scomburg, who went afterwards to France, was succeeded by the Duke of Momo∣rancy; who distributing their men in Pinorollo, and in Brischerasco, stood more upon defence then offence; For many of their Commanders and Officers were gon from France, many of their Souldiers had done so likewise, or were run away, and the Plague had play'd his part amongst them, and the Duke having sent about 10000 Foot into Savoy, under Prince Thomaso, to defend Savoy, fearing lest it might be invaded and possest by the King, made of the rest of his Souldiery a body of 15000 Foot, and 3000 Horse, made up of his own men, and of the King of Spain's men which were left him by Spinola; which together

with the Dutch were still increased, by the continual recruits which were sent in by Spinola and Collalto: And going into the field he incamped at Pancareli, a Town beyond the Poe, towards the Alps, 15 miles from Pinarollo; and fortifying it with Trenches, he stood observing what the French would do, that he might oppose them. The French had their eyes upon Vigone, which though it were an open Town, yet of much concernment for the Corn that was in it; they went thither very strong and assaulted it; But the Prince of Piedmont coming in with some companies of Carabines and Musketiers, they were repuls'd. Where∣fore they turned to Cercenasco, a Castle not far from thence, very con∣venient for their falling down into Carignano, where there is a wooden Bridge over the Poe, which the French desired to be Masters of, it lying conveniently for them to passe unto Casalle, they took it, and left some to defend it: But the Duke being desirous to recover it came before it with many men, when the French were retired to Pinarollo, and at the same time sent Marquis Villa with 1000 Foot, and 100 Horse, to at∣tempt Bricherasco, formerly taken, as hath been said, by the French, and fortified. The event of these enterprizes were different, for Cercenasco yielded to the Duke within three days, and the Marquess though he fell upon the Fortifications by night, and was gotten a good way into them, yet was he forced quickly to retreat, through his mens faults, who being wholly intent upon booty, afforded those of the Garrison conveniency to make head and to assault them, and to repulse them whilst they were in disorder busie about booty: The French not content to have beaten them back went with all their Forces to recover Cercenasco, which they could not indure to loose.

The Duke who was ready with almost all his men to receive them, though he was inferiour to them in Horse, those which were sent to Bricherasco not being yet returned, Momorancy was desirous to give battle, which if it had been done, would have been upon much disad∣vantage to the Duke; but La Force would not give way thereunto; Wherefore they retreated to their quarters about Pinarollo, and the Plague increasing very much in both Armies, they kept in their quarters, for many dayes, in the face of one another, as if they had been in tacite League, not doing any thing of moment. The King of France pro∣ceeded more hotly beyond the Mountains, who entring into Savoy with 8000 Foot, and 2000 Horse, had reduced all Savoy into his power, unlesse it were Mommiliano, for Prince Thomaso made no opposition, he resolved to begirt Mommiliano on all sides, and to besiege it a distance; for it was a strong and almost invincible place: For being inclosed on all sides by his Forces, and impossible to be relieved, it must of neces∣sity fall into his hands for want of victuals; So as needing not many men for that enterprize, he sent part of his Forces to recruit his Army in Italy, which had need enough of help: And Prince Thomaso being sent for back by his Father, carried his men with him from Savoy to defend Piedmont. Thus both Armies b•…•…ing reinforced, they prepared for greater enterprizes, the French to relieve Casalle the Duke to withstand them. This recruit was sent under Momorancy, who was returned from Piedmont into France, after the businesse of Cerce∣naseo; it consisted of 10000 Foot, and 1000 Horse, and •…•…ell down by

the valley of Susa: Momorancy intending to joyn with the Forces that were in Pinarollo, and crossing Piedmont to draw neer Casalle, towards which Marshal De La Force leaving a sufficient Garrison in Pinarollo, and in the other places, went by the way of the Mountaines to Giavenna neer Susa, waiting there for Momorancy▪ who did not much value Avigliana, there being almost no Garrison there, for the Duke had sent for the greatest part thereof to Pancaler: Wherefore he easily took it, he like∣wise believed he should easily passe through the Canevese to Casalle, Spinola and the Duke were much troubled at the coming of this recruit, but much more with the news of the Kings coming with a greater force; who having possest himself (as you have heard) of Savoy, was come neer the Alpes, and was at the same time seen upon the Mountain S^t Barnado; So as the Duke perceiving that the King was offended with him, knew not how to fence himself against this third coming of the French; and Spinola, who was ingaged before Casalle but with a few men, fearing lest, little to his honour, he might be forced as his Predecssor had been, to abandon that enterprize; (which contrary to the opinion of all) he had of himself undertaken, knew not what to do; Yet b•…•…ing much prest by the Duke, he sent 6000 Dutch to the Mountain, who were brought at the King of Spain's charge, but very then, from Germany, and six Troops under Pagan Doria, Duke of Avigliana, in the Kingdom of Naples, and Brother to Prince Doria a young man, and who the year before had entred into the Militia under Don Gonsallo, and was in the first businesse of Casalle; and Spinola, to the end that if the King should come he might not be inforc'd to raise the siege, or fight, took the Souldiers from working in the approaches, and imploy'd them in making a crooked and high trench, wherewith he invironed the whole Camp. And seeing that by this new work, and by the men which he had sent the Duke, the siege would be slackned: and having in vain desired a thousand of his Dutch from Collalto, he sent to the Common-wealth of Genoa for a thousand men, which he would take into his pay; But neither was this granted him; for hearing of preparations of Armes in the Provence, the Common-wealth would not disfurnish her self; and this the rather for that having formerly sent men to before Casalle, she could not receive them back when she needed them, without manifest danger of infecting the State, the Plague being very hot in the Camp before Casalle: So Spinola was forced to make use of those men to de∣fend his own Camp, which he had begun to oppose others with; and the Duke of Savoy fearing Avigliana, sent Count Verr•…•…a from Pancaleri with 3000 Foot, and Gambacorti with 400 Hose, to possesse themselves of the abandoned Trenches and Fortifications, that shut up the valley which leads from Susa to Avigliana. As they went thither, they found the Enemy very neer; but having possest themselves of the Trenches first, the Prince came in with a great body of men, who reinforcing those stations with 2000 Foot, incamp'd himself with the rest at Riano, within two miles of Avigliana: both parties kept within their quarters, facing one another two dayes, some sleight skirmishes passing between them; the third day the French finding it impossible to advance and storm those quarters, resolved to give over their going that way to Ca∣salle, and endeavoured to retreat joyntly by the Mountain to Pinarollo,

and passing over the Mountain Giavenna, to joyn with La Force, who was yet there with his men, the way by the Mountain Giavenna was very narrow and hard to passe; so as two Brigadoes being already past over, the rest remained yet in the plain, in danger of being routed if they should be assaulted, for that they could not well be succour'd by those that were already past. The Prince thought it not fit to let slip this occasion, but without tarrying for more of his men, who were not above a mile off, would fall upon them with those that he had ready, hoping that they would suffice to get the victory; He had with him about 5000 Dutch, two of the Princes Troops of Horse, and Doria's six Companies which were new men unexperienced, and were not above 300 Horse; The French reere which remained in the plain, was 3000 Foot, and about 400 Horse, the choicest of all the Army, and Momorancy, and Marshal Di•…•…iate, with some others of the most experienced Commanders, re∣mained in the reere, for the greater security thereof. The•…•…e was a great Meere or standing water between them, which men past over by two banks: the one whereof was on the back, the other on the flank of the French. Shamburg and Sults advanc'd by the latter, with half the Dutch, in a close Ba•…•…aglione, and with the Prince his Troops of Horse, by the other the Prince himself in person, with the rest of the Dutch commanded by Gallasso, and with Doria's Horse. The skirmish being begun, Momorancy divided his Horse into two squadrons, and took a little compasse upon the left hand towards a neighbouring Town called S^t Ambrosio, which led to the way of the Hill: The Prince conceiving that the French fled, and would climbe the Mountain by that way and get into a place of safety, or recover Susa, ordered Doria to fall upon them with his Horse, and Gallaso that he should send 200 Muketiers to back Doria's Horse; The Muketiers went not, either for the con∣fusion into which Gallasso fell, or for that he would not lessen his squa∣dron: so as Doria fought Momorancy without his Musketiers, and fought very stoutly, with an equal number of Horse, but upon great disadvan∣tage, for that both he and his Horse were new men unexperienced, and guided for the most part by Leiutenants; whereas the French were veterane Souldiers, choice men, and commanded by Momorancy, a Commander of approved and try'd Valour: so as two of Doria's Troops running away at the very first encounter, the rest were presently de∣feated, and Doria having received many wounds was taken Prisoner, together with Captain Robustelli, who was shot with two pistol bullets. Rainero Guasco, Captain of the Carabines, who fell on first, escaped, but was sorely wounded: The Dutch that were on that side, when they saw the Horse run, threw away their Armes, and fled out-right without fighting, though the Prince did all he could to stop them: The other Battaglion which marched on the other side, fought valianly, and slew many of the Enemy, chasing them for a while; and had they been assisted by the other squadron, they would assuredly have got the victory; But seeing their companions run away, they also retreated to their quarters at Avigliana, and left the French free to pursue their journey: So as though all the rest of the Princes Army were now come in, yet the French having already mounted the Hills, and it being therefore impos∣sible to pursue them, he forbore to do it. There dyed on the Prince

his side about 500, and about 400 were taken Prisoners and wounded; 400 were wounded and slain of the French; and the Prince lost 10 Dutch Colours, and one Corner of Horse: Being come to Pinarollo, they found it as hard to get to Casalle by that way; for the Duke, to whom many of those were returned from Avigliana who were sent thither at the coming of the French, coming into the field, coasted continually a∣long by them on the Plain within 3 miles, to keep them from victuals as much as he could; for being hindred from getting any by the way of the Valley, they could get but very little by the way of the Mountains, and from Dolpheny or France very few were sent them; so as what by Famine, what by Pestilence, they were much lessened: Wherefore desirous to get out of these streights, and to come into a more fruitful Countrey, (for they saw it was impossible for them to get to Casalle without passing over the Poe, and it was as impossible for them to pass the Poe, being therein opposed by the Duke) they turned towards the Marquisate of Saluzzo, where they knew they might have store of vi∣ctuals, where they might have conveniency to refresh their wearied Ar∣my, and which had suffer'd much by Famine and Sickness; and where they knew they might pass over the Poe, which takes its beginning from thence, almost dry-foot, and without any opposition. They therefore came to Ravell, a Town in that Marquisate, where passing over the Ri∣ver they went directly to Saluzzo: The Town yielded immediately, and sent them the Keys of the Gates, that they might get the better conditions: When they were come in, they found very good Quar∣ter, and refreshments of all sorts. They came afterwards before the Castle, whither the Duke had sent 300 Foot but a little before under Cavalier Balbiano, which was within three days surrendred to them; whereat the Duke was much grieved, not being able to endure that that Town should be taken from him before his eyes, and his Army looking on. The Duke also past over the Poe afterwards, and went with his Army to Savigliano, fearing to lose that place also, which though it were weak and open was yet of concernment; for not being above 15 miles off, and seated diametrically opposite to Saluzzo, as Pancareli to Pinarollo, so was Savigliano a fit place from whence to ob∣serve the moving of the Army which was lodged in Saluzzo. The Duke was sufficiently ne•…•…led at the loss of so many Towns, and at the receiving of so many blows on both sides of the Mountains; and being desirous to vent his anger in a battle, he sought all occasions to do it; for examining well his own and his Enemies Forces, though he came somewhat short of them in Foot, yet was he stronger in Horse, which was no little advantage for the Victory upon the Plain.

Spinola heard of the Dukes intention, who fearing the success, and the prejudice which in such a case might redound to the Enterprize of Casalle, he strove by reasons and by perswasions, and with protesting that he would recall the Kings men, to remove from that resolution: He bad him consider, that the men which he had sent him to defend Piedmont were the Garrison of the State of Millain, and the safety of the Kings Dominions; that they were granted him, to the end that he might by them encamp, and face the French till he might recover his Towns, and to block up the way to all relief, and not that he should

adventure them in a battle: That therefore he should forbear till the business of Casalle were fully perfected; and that then he himself would concur with all his men in recovery of the Towns that were lost, and in the entire freeing of Piedmont from the French. The affairs of Pied∣mont and of Casalle were reduced to this condition; and to this point was the Duke of Savoy brought; so as to boot with seeing part of his Territories lost, part of them incumber'd by the Spanish Army, he was put to wage War in his own Dominions, not as a Prince or Ruler of the Militia, but as a Captain at the will of others; and to back the taking of Casalle, contrary to his own Interest, with the evident loss of so much of his State, and with the danger of his own person; when having long disputed with himself touching the business of Casalle, he had designed (whilest he should be the Arbitrator of Affairs, as he thought to have been) to handle the business so as without him no peace should be made. These were the acquisitions hoped for by the present War, this the arbitrement pretended unto between the two Crowns at the beginning of the War. These distastes, and some other high carriages in Spinola did daily adde to the Dukes disgusts, who was wonted to wage War according as he listed, and being impatient to be govern'd by the Spanish Agents, to shew his resentment against which he had not forborn to draw upon him the anger of that Crown; nor had he stuck to provoke the anger of France, that he might resent the Cardinal Richelieu's strange and severe Proceedings against him and his Son; and therefore it was conceived by many conjectures, that sto∣maching these rigorous dealings, he was inclined to close with the French; and his chief Captains and Officers were often heard to say, that their Prince had lost too much in serving the Crown of Spain; and that he ought to think how he might recover himself; that Piedmont was ruin'd, as not being able to maintain so many Armies; that the loss of Casalle made not for the Dukes Interest; and that therefore it was necessary to close with the French, who had offer'd him great and advantagious conditions, if Casalle might be preserved: to this was added, that amidst all these molestations of the two Crowns, it was sufficient for the Duke to keep his Towns, and to Munite them well with Garrisons; and that his betaking himself to the Field was only to please Spinola; and Massarine being at this time come from France with new Proposals, the Prince was heard to say, that the French began to do reason: so as the King of Spain's Commanders, whose ears were continually fill'd with these reproaches, began to mistrust the Duke, and to fear lest he might make an Agreement, not unlike to that of Susa: but the news which was divulg'd throughout the Camp and all Italy, of Wallesteins approaching, and that he would shortly appear in Italy with a powerful Army; the taking of Mantua, which soon after hapned; and chiefly the Dukes death, which succeeded not long after, freed the Spaniards from these suspicions; whereof they might have been secure enough by the aversion which had been formerly between Richelieu and the Duke: but as for Wallesteins coming, though he had earnestly desired to en•…•…er armed into Italy, and to wage War there like another Totila, and had much importuned the Court of Spain to that purpose, without whose consent the Emperour would not give way

thereunto, and offered his best service to the King of Spain, for the preservation and encrease of his Majesties Power and Authority, against the Potentates of Italy, hoping to be as succesful therein as he had been to the Emperour and House of Austria in Germany; yet the King and Court foreseeing the ruine which this mans fierce nature threatned to Italy, and abhorring to have their Authority increased by laying Italy waste, and by so much shedding of Italian blood; but fearing much more that his Authority would rather be suffocated then sublevated, by introducing so many Forces into Italy, they would never yield there∣unto: And the Duke of Savoy, who by secret Intelligence (as it was thought) held with Wallestine, and for the emulation and contentions which he foresaw would arise between him and Spinola, and who hoped to have occasion to put in practice his plots which he had contrived with Wallestine, being prevented by death, failed the witnessing his being displeased with the present Affairs.

At the same time the business of Mantua proceeded more fortunate∣ly for the Imperialists; who, after having had the better in some Acti∣on•…•…, had the fortune to surprise the City, and to make themselves Ma∣sters of it. The Cesarian Army had lien idle almost all that Winter in those parts, being only intent in keeping Victuals and provisions from b•…•…ing brought thither; but the Spring coming on, it afflicted the be∣sieged in several manners, and brought them into great streights. Ne∣vers was aware that the Dutch having abandoned Rodigo, had fortified themselves in Goito, a place not far from Rodigo; and cosidering, that if he could take that place and fortifie it, it would be a very fit place to exclude Commerce between Goito and the Dutch Quarters, which were in Gozzoldo, and that consequently Goito not being to be relieved, he might easily recover it: He sent five hundred of his best Souldiers thi∣ther, who, entring Rodigo without any opposition, began to fortifie it; but this business proved prejudicial to the Mantuans; for Galasso going thither with a good strength of men, and having first furnish'd Goito with vi•…•…uals, and le•…•… part of the Kings men in Rivolta, he came with 200 Horse, and about 800 of his best Foot Souldiers, to Rodigo, and having first possess'd himself of all the parts thereabouts, he tried whe∣ther the Defendants would surrender or no, who coming to parley, and finding it impossible to defend the place, and despairing to be relieved, (for some Barques coming from Mantua with Souldiers, and some Troops of Horse which were to have assisted them, were with much loss repuls'd by those that were left in Rivolta) they were forced to surrender upon sad conditions, all o•…•… them being to remain Prisoners at the dis∣cretion of the Enemy; except the Captain, who was permitted to re∣turn to Mantua.

The Mantuans had the like fortune, who in great numbers were led on by the two Marquesses Alfonso Guerriero and Carlo de Rossi, to the recovery of Hostiglia, a great Town upon the banks of Poe, where a Company of Dutch were quartered; for Aldringer, who had notice thereo•…•…, •…•…ollowed them, and being come to Governolo, though he heard they were stronger then he had supposed, went on with some Forces to assist his Party; and finding some trenches at la Chiu•…•… di Serravalle, from whence, and from a Tower not far off, some of his party were much

Prejudiced, he, from some of the neighbouring houses which he took annoy'd those that were in the Trenches with his Musket shot; and ha∣ving sent some of his men to cut off the way from the Defendants, they, fearing to be inclosed, forsook the Trench, and fled towards Hostiglia, and elswhere; but being pursued by the Dutch, many of them were slain; which being known by them who were before Hostiglia, they likewise gave over the Siege, and fled away with like fortune: For being pursued by those who were in Hostiglia, and by some other Dutch, who, crossing the Poe, came from Rovere to aid them, 300 of them were slain, and Guerriero and Rossi were wounded; and the Quarters about Hostiglia were not only freed from danger, but better secured by new Fortifications and Garrisons: He went from thence to Serravalle, where∣in, and in some houses thereabouts, were many Souldiers; and because it was hard to take it, nor could it be done without loss of men; by rea∣son of its so strong scituation, which incouraged the Defendants to hold out, it was resolved to set it on fire, whereby many of the Defendants perished; and those who escaped the fire fell into the hands of the Dutch, and were forthwith slain.

The Duke of Mantua having lost many of his men by these misfor∣tunes, and by the Pestilence, which encreased much in Mantua; and the affairs of that City being daily reduced to greater streights, the Siege still continuing, though at a distance, the Defendants began to distrust their safety; and those likewise did distrust it to whom the loss of that City would prove as prejudicial. The Venetians, to whom it belong∣ed to sustain it more then any others, had at first been very forward in imploying all their Forces to defend it; but their succours proving as yet not answerable to the others necessities, or their promises, they had afforded sinister, discourses of their intentions: Some alotted the slen∣derness of their supplies to the difficulty of introducing them; others, to their backwardness; many, to that they did not desire to declare themselves openly, and contrary to the Emperour, of whose greatness they were still jealous, and had great reason to apprehend it; and ma∣ny, to more hidden and malign ends, of reducing that Duke into a ne∣cessity of throwing himself into their Arms, and of yielding up that City to the Commonwealth, if, not being able to hold it, he should be necessitated to yield it to the Enemy. Nevers complained much here∣of; and the Embassadour of France, then Resident in Venice, no less then he; and threatned, That if the Commonwealth should proceed so cooly on her part, his King also, who was less concerned in the Affairs of Italy then they, would do the like in Cassalle and Montferrat, and would leave them both to the pleasure of the Spaniard. The Com∣monwealth being either moved by these speeches, or by the danger that Mantua was in, in whose inte•…•…ests she so deeply shared, resolved at last to send stronger succours: She had about 3000 French paid by her, who were brought from Provence to Venice by Sea, part under Monsieur de la Valletta, part under the Duke of Candale; to boot with many others of several Nations, to the number of 8000: Zaccharia Sagred•…•… Commissary-General in terra firma, commanded in Chief; the Duke of Candale commanded the Foot; and Don Lewis de Este the Horse; and Ieronymo Trevisano was Field-Commissary: Vallegio, a strong

Town in the Territories of Verona, towards the confines of Mantua, five miles below Peschiera, was made the Rendezvoz for Arms, in pursuit of the Commonwealths resolution, which was, That Mantua should by all means be relieved.

The Commanders of the Army, before the effecting of this design, would make Castiglione and Mormirolo, which were Towns neerer Man∣tua, secure, that they might the more easily relieve it, and secure the coming of Market-people, and the fruits of the field to that City; and thought they had sent Forces to possess themselves thereof, yet consider∣ing afterwards, that to boot with the extraordinary expences which they must be at in fortifying those places, the business would not succeed according to their intentions, they bethought themselves better, and upon new resolutions, to take Villa-Buona, Marengo, and S^t Britio, places neerer Val•…•…ggio, not far from Coito: The business of Villa-buona, by Orders from Candale, was undertaken by Colonel Vimarcato, who was sent thither with his Brigade; and that of Marengo by la Valletta, who, by order from the General, entred it with a good strength of men; the sending of a Garrison to S^t Britio was deferr'd till another time: They began to fortifie both these Places; and two Troops of Horse, and some Corsicks, were sent to Villa buona, to boot with Vimarcato's Brigade, which were already there: But Galasso, who minded what the Venetians did, did not slight this their action; but putting the body of an Army together, consisting of 10000, what Horse, what Foot, march∣ed with it to Villa buona, and advancing some Companies of Croats, they encountred with some Capelletti, who being come from Villa-bu∣ona went to discover the Country, and were followed by some Light-Horse: La Valletta, together with many Voluntiers and Lancepresa∣d•…•…es, went to order the skirmish, if any should happen, which being briskly begun, was but ill sustained by the Capelletti; for the body of the Dutch advancing, which followed the Croats, the Venetians wheel∣ed about, and were pursued to their Trenches, where the Souldiers that guarded them, being afraid, began to run; but being rallied by their Captains, and made to take their former stations, they did a while withstand the Dutch, who strove thrice, but in vain, to gain the T•…•…enches, and to drive away the defendants; in which interim, the Dutch had raised a Battery of six Cannons, which playing upon th•…•… Trenches and Half-moons, and indamaging them much, the defendants were forc'd to forsake them, and to retreat in great confusion and disorder; for the Souldiers who with much ado had been made formerly to stand by their Captains threats, seeing some Pike men give back, were sur∣prised with sudden fear, and fairly ran away towards Villagio, leaving their stations to the enemy; whereof some of them following, and some having overtaken them with their Horse, they were inviron'd, and much bloody slaughter was made amongst them: true it is, that news of the F•…•…ght at Villa-buona being come to Valleggio, two Companies were pre∣sently sent thither, the one of Croats, the other of Capelle ti, and Com∣miss•…•…ry Antonius came soon a•…•…ter with some other Troops of Croats and •…•…apelletti; these being come to a place which they call Capitello, •…•…ound that they ran away from Villa-buona; and the Captains thinking that they were but few that followed them, halted, and putting t•…•…em∣selves

in order, resolved by their opposing to back and secure those who running down right away thought to save themselves in Valleggio: but finding not long after that the Dutch were many more in number then they imagined, they alter'd their minds, and retreated also to under∣neath the shelter of the Cannon at Valleggio: whither when the Dutch approached, a new and greater Fight was begun; wherein all the Ve∣ne•…•…an Horse drew into the Field and fought; but not being able to withstand the Dutch, and being gauled by Musketiers, which the Dutch had placed in some little houses hard by, they likewise ran away to un∣derneath the Ditches of Valleggio, where being defended by the Can∣non, which held the enemy a while at a distance, they secured them∣selves; the rest who were in Vallegg•…•…o not daring to come out to de∣fend their own men, nor to enter into the Fight, nor to defend the Towns which were taken whilst they looked on, and were plunder'd, with great slaughter of the Inhabitants: the Dutch were quarter'd a lit∣tle way off, and stood all night within sight of Valleggio, inviting the enemy to fight, who withdrawing their men into their houses, dreamed not of coming forth, but looking to be assaulted in their own Quarters placed their Souldiers to defend their Rampiers: but the Captains fear∣ing they should not be able to make the place good, by reason of the cowardize and fear which they discover'd in their Souldiers counte∣nances, they resolved to abandon the Town; which whilst they en∣deavoured to do without confusion, and in good order, and had given fitting directions to that purpose; the Souldiers had hardly notice thereof, when being surprised with greater fear then formerly, they began to run away in greater fear and disorder then they had done the day before: no commands of their Captains being able to stay them, they all fled to Peschiera and Gallasso, who had expected all night, and till four hours after Sun-rising the next morning, that they should sal∣ly out, began to distrust: he had precise Orders from the Emperour, not to enter or indamage the State of Venice; wherefore not thinking to assault the enemy in that station, lest he thereby should disobey the Emperours command, he thought to turn upon Mormirvolo, whither he heard that 3000 of the Commonwealths Souldiers were gone: but finding by the firing of the Ammunition in Valleggio, that the enemy had abandoned the Town, he altered his mind, and return'd upon Val∣leggio; whither being come, and finding it forsaken, he fell immediate∣ly •…•…o pursue the enemy, and advanced a little towards Peschiera: before he was come half way, he got to the Reer, which was led on by Candale, wherein most French were; and after that Candale had fought, and made some resistance, at last, being forsaken by his men, part where∣of yielded, part fled, he was forced to retreat with the rest; some of which got to Peschiera, part to Castel nuovo, and others to Garda, strong Towns of the Venetians, & were no further pursued by the Dutch: about 4000 Venetian Souldiers died in this conflict; Gallasso sent 26 Colours (four of which bore the French Lillies) and three Coronets of Curassi∣ers to Colalto, who lay sick in Marignano, upon the grea•…•…er Lake: the Prisoners were many, amongst which Valletta: the number of those that were slain and wounded on the Dutch side amounted not to 400, a∣mongst which the Serjeant-major to Frederick, of Saxony; great was the

reputation of the Dutch, after this success, answerable to the great de∣pression into which the Venetians fell; upon which almost all the hopes of the Mantuans depending, were totally lost; and there not being any in the field who could defend that City, her condition was thought to be sad; her safety being reduced to this point, whether the besieged or besiegers could longer suffer or resist the hardships of the Siege; for the former had no hopes of relief, nor courage to •…•…ree themselves; nor had the others hopes of taking the City, or of ending their enter∣terprise, by reason of the Cities strong situation; Famine, Pestilence and Military actions had reduced the defendants to so small a number, as they had not enough to supply the Guards of the City; there was no good intelligence between the Duke of Mantua and the Venetian Resident. The Duke required many things, and the Resident limi∣ting many of the demands, and of the needs that the City was in, re∣lated them to the Commonwealth much lesser then they were; so as the Commonwealth did not sufficiently provide for the urgent extre∣mities of the City: it was therefore necessary to give over much of the defence; which the enemy perceiving, and minding their business, they watched all occasions to make themselves masters of the ill guar∣ded and worse provided City, and to end their enterprise by surprisal, wherein they had good success; for having caused six Barques to be brought upon Carts from the greater Casalle, a Town in the State of Millain, to St. Georgio, they put them into the Lake, and put some fourscore Souldiers into them; which making a little before Sun-rising towards the Gate of the Castle which answers upon S•…•…. George, where little fear being had by reason of the water, there was but little or no guard kept; and an assault being furiously given at the same time on the opposite part of the City, the Souldiers in the Barques clap'd a Pe∣•…•…ard to the Castle Gate, which being ill kept and worse defended, was soon beaten down and master'd; where whilst they were fortifying St. George his Bridge, which (as it hath been said) was cut in sunder in the midst, was cross'd over by great Planks, brought to that purpuse, over which the Dutch Horse pass'd, and entred by the Gate which was opened, and possess'd but a little before, meeting with no resistance: the Dukes Palace was presently taken, which was neer that Gate, and as rich formerly in Jewels and Houshold-stuff, as any other Princes Palace in Italy; though for some late years the continual wars had wa∣sted much of her precious things: what was left was sack'd, together with the whole City: the Princess got into the Fort di Porto, whither the Princess Mary was forc'd to fly with her tender Babe; the assault gi∣ven lasted till the 14^th hour; but the defendants yielding at the last, who heard that the Dutch were entred on the other side, were pursued by the assailants, to the Church of St. Agnese; and those who could get into the same Porto; which when they saw the City lost, they strove to make good by some works which they made toward the City; but wanting both Counsel and Provisions, and the defendants being dis∣maid, they listned willingly to Articles of Agreement, which were quickly propounded by the Dutch, who were desirous to compleat the enterprise: which Articles being agreed upon, the Fort was delivered up to the Imperialists. The Duke and his Son, with some of their fol∣lowers,

as also the Marquess di Coure, who as Agent for the King of France had •…•…arried always in Mantua, were suffer'd to come forth; and being waited upon by some Troops of Horse, they according to Articles retreated to Ferrara: The City was miserably sack'd, Mili∣tary cruelty, ava•…•…ice and lust had room enough to vent themselves: it would be tedious to relate the monstrous effects and execrable exam∣ples which were the•…•…e acted; as also to describe the miseries▪ afflictions and indignities which the miserable Mantuans underwent▪ we will therefore pass by them, as being matter for a Tragical Poem rather, then for an Historical relation: it was really a miserable thing, and much to be compassionated, and of great consideration, that that City which was by reason of its situation thought impregnable, and by experience •…•…ad proved to be so for so many ages (for it is not known that it was ever taken before) should fall into the hands of the oppugners within less then one year. This loss was very ill resented by the Princes of Italy, who had not much endeavoured to defend it, by reason of the multi∣plicity of Forreigners that were then in Italy: nay, it became odious to to the Spaniards, who had so much endeavour'd it, and been at such ex∣pence in fomenting it; by reason of the concurrence of authority and precedency of place: the news thereof coming to Casalle and Piedmont, did equally afflict both the Duke of Savoy and Spinola: the latter not so much for his Kings Interests, for which it made not that the Dutch should get so much footing in Italy, as for the emulation he bore to Col∣latto; who proving more successful in what he took in hand, then he had done: he much maligned that fortune should be so favourable to him in a much harder business then that of Casalle; and the Duke of Savoy, for that judging that the fury of the Forreigners would turn upon Pied∣mont, he foresaw that his State, by becoming the seat o•…•… the war, would be exposed to the like calamities and barbaris•…•…s by the same Nations; and that he being every where invironed by armed For∣reigners who had no dependency upon him, he should become the mark whe•…•…eat not only his enemies blows should aim, but even the like to his friends injuries, and supercharyes: he was also troubled to fore∣see the certain loss of Casalle, wherein he was forc'd to co-operate; which if it should fall into the Spaniards hands, were it nothing else, how much would it lessen the Liberty of •…•…is Principality: being there∣fore born down by so many afflictions of mind, by his bodily labour in war, by the miseries of his Country, and by the death of so many of his Subjects, what by Sword, what by Pestilence; seeing Savoy lost, and so many Towns in Piedmont; and, that which tormented him most, being struck with consternation, to see all his artificial cunning where∣with he for many years had ballanced the Arms of France and Spain, and had not only maintain'd his own fortune, but made himself almost Arbitrator between those two Nations, out-done, and deluded by Agents of both those Crowns; and also seeing his reputation so de∣cayed, whereby he thought he had raised his head above the clouds, and did even touch heaven with his finger; and despairing ever to at∣tain again to his former condition and grandezza, he fell mortally sick; and not being able long to resist the violence of that sickness, he died in the space of three days, in the Sixty ninth year of his Age, on

the 26^th of Iuly, in Savigliano; leaving his State much lessened and 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

It is said that his Father, Duke Emanuel Philibertus, a wise and pru∣dent Prince; one who was also well read in the wars of his time, be∣tween the Emperour Charles the Fifth, and Francis the First of France, had always admonished him, but chiefly when he lay upon his death∣bed, that he should by all means end•…•…vour to keep peace betw•…•…en the two Crowns; it being •…•…he foundation and sec•…•…y of hi•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉: and that he should meddle the least that was poss•…•…ble in any wars, •…•…r con∣tentions which should happen between them: an advice which was not well observed; though by reason of the troubles which afterwards in∣sued in France, it proved not unfortunate, but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his Son occa∣sion of becoming grea•…•…er •…•…nd more glorious: ye•…•… w•…•…en France had ceased (as at the present) •…•…rom intesti•…•…e tumults, an•…•… w•…•…s reduced under the exact obedience of a King, and of a solid and well regulated Go∣vernment; he found how wi•…•…e he might have been if he had observed it. The publick and private actions of this Prince would really afford abundant scope for long and good Discourse, on •…•…e one, an•…•… on the other side: •…•…d perhaps it▪ would no•…•… be much a•…•… to enter •…•…on it; since the d•…•…course thereof falling 〈◊〉〈◊〉 w•…•… the conc•…•…ion of this Book, it would not m•…•…ch inte•…•…upt the thred o•…•…▪ an Histori•…•… Nar∣ration, and would much satisfie their curiosity who shall receive satis∣faction in reading these present memorials; and yet it will be more wisely done, to leave it undone; for as the private actions of this Prince might well become the Pen of a private Writer, who should undertake to write his Life and Actions particularly; so do they almost mis-be∣come the Writer of a general History: the publick and principal Acti∣ons of this Prince, wherein he did very much signalize himself, being written in this Book, without either adulation or rancour; the wise and unbia•…•…ed Reader, who is to judge thereof, may of himself observe them, and thereout gather that, which as it would be super•…•…uous to mention in this place; so the Author hath not thought •…•…it to describe them, or to observe them distinctly and particularly.

The End of the Eleventh Book.