The political testament of M. Jean Baptist Colbert, minister and Secretary of State wherein is contain'd all that hath pass'd under the reign of Lewis the XIV unto the year 1684 : with remarks upon the government of the kingdom of France / translated out of French.

CHAP. II. Containing what pass'd from the Paris War, to the Peace of the Pyrenées.

THE Parliaments Attempts daily encreasing, notwithstanding the continual care your Ma∣jesty took to suppress them; it would have been weakness to have longer dissembled your Resent∣ments, which made you resolve to punish the Offenders. You left the City of Paris ingag'd in the Rebellion, and retir'd to St. Germains in Laye; you caused Paris to be block'd up by your Flanders Army, commanded by the Prince of Condé. This punishment ought to have made the Mutineers return to their Duty; but their Boldness equal'd their Disobedience, and after they had stirr'd up other Cities of your Kingdom to take their part, they rely'd on their own Strength to relist your Majesty. Scarce one (e∣ven the Coadjutor himself, forgetting his Cha∣racter) but rais'd a Regiment against you: The Duke of Beaufort, who had escap'd out of Pri∣son, was likewise one of your Majesty's mortal Enemies; the Prince of Conti, Brother to the Prince of Condé, also took Arms against your Majesty; the Dutchess of Longueville, his Sister, with the Duke her Husband, fell in with the Par∣liament, and she, by her Beauty, drew in the Prince of Marsillae, who had more mind to her, than to signalize his Disobedience; but this Pas∣sion, LOVE, which blinds Men to that degree,

that they know not themselves, made him forget that respect he always had for your Majesty, and in which he was better instructed than others, because he had an infinite deal of Wit.

This was not the only mischief which Love did your Majesty; the Jealousie which this Prince of Marsillac had against the Husband of the Dutch∣ess, together with the fear he had his Passion might be discover'd, would not let him rest, till he got into Normandy, where he made that Province revolt, being Governour of it. We see what Springs Love sets a going, which we often attribute to Ambition, for want of search∣ing things to the bottom; but it is a dangerous Passion, and very much to be condemned, when a Mistress makes us fail in our Duty to our Sove∣raign, to whom we are so closely ty'd, that we cannot be unfaithful to him, without being so to GOD.

The Bloccade of Paris had not the Effect your Majesty expected; and tho' that great City suf∣fer'd extremely, yet the Parliament continued so great an Aversion to your publique Minister, that they were so Bold, as to require his being sent out of the Kingdom, before they would lay down their Arms. This insolent Propositi∣on was accompanied with others of the same na∣ture; but since the Resolution of these Muti∣neers, did not answer the Hopes they had of giving Law to your Majesty, they had Recourse to the Enemies of the Kingdom, to procure Bread, which they very much wanted; for your Majesty had shut up the City so close, that it was at an excessive Price; and without speedy

Relief, they were ready to fall into extreme Necessity.

Your Majesty cannot reflect upon these terrible Marks of Rebellion, without being sensibly toucht with them; and seeing it was of great Conse∣quence to you, not to suffer your Enemies in that unhappy Conjuncture, to enter into the Heart of your Kingdom; you did that, which brought the Parliament again to themselves; you sent a Herald at Arms to make some Pro∣posals to them, whereupon the Parliament being assembled, they thought in some manner to re∣pair what had been done, in sending back the Herald without hearing him; but at the same time assured your Majesty, they had refused him Audience, out of the profound Respect they had for you, because they could not pretend to re∣ceive such a Person, as was never us'd to be sent, but to Soveraigns.

This returning to their Duty, gave your Ma∣jesty occasion to exhort them to do better for the future, than they had done at present; and the Conjuncture requiring, that you should seem not to resent the bold Attempts, they had made on your Authority, you granted a general Amne∣sty to the Parliament, and to those that had fol∣low'd their Party.

Your Enemies did not fail to take Advantage of these Disorders, the Duke of Lorrain, whom the King your Father had driven out of his Coun∣try, for having often fail'd of performing the many Promises he had made him; entred again into it, and made himself Master of many Towns; he was likewise almost assured of retaking Nancy,

from which Marquess de la Ferté's Avarice had diverted all manner of Provisions: But when he saw that it might cost him his Head, he quickly came and caus'd all the Harvest of Corn and Fruit thereabout, to be carry'd into it, and thereby made some amends for the Fault he had committed; upon which your Majesty, and all other Monarchs may make this Reflection; That when a Subject prefers his own private In∣terest before his Prince's, he is not only unwor∣thy of any Favour; but is likewise responsible for all the Evils the People suffer: For 'tis plain, that what they do suffer is from such Men in Au∣thority, who care not how they Ruin 'em, to Inrich themselves: However, your present Cir∣cumstances did not then permit your Majesty, to take such Order in that Case, as at another time you might have done. Beside, this Marquess be∣haved himself so Prudently on other Occasions, that his Wisdom and Courage, in some measure, excus'd his Covetousness.

The Parliament did not cease to pursue their Designs, tho' your Majesty had had the Goodness to pardon them; yet they were not altogether so bad as the Parliament of England, who were so wicked as to cut off their King's Head. Your Majesty was never seen to be so angry, as when you heard that News; but the great Affairs wherein you were then engag'd, hinder'd you from punishing so foul a Crime: You had enough to do to oppose the Archduke, who retook Ypres and St. Venant, while Count Harcourt was besieging Cambray; but that Enter∣prize did not succeed. Tho' he was oblig'd to

quit it, yet he attack'd Condé, and took it by Composition. Maubeuge open'd her Gates to him; so that the Enemy would not have had much cause to brag, if they had not prevail'd in Catalonia.

This Province being so remote, that your Majesty could not send any Troops thither without a great deal of charge; and no Recruits going to supply the place of those that pe∣rish'd there the Year before, the Enemy took Constantin, de Salo, and de Sirges; but Count Marein brake their Measures as to Barcelona, which they thought to have taken. In Italy also your Affairs receiv'd a considerable check: The Duke of Modena, who fear'd the War of Paris, would put it out of your power to give him the Succours he wanted, quitted your Party; whence follow'd the loss of many considerable Posts, which had cost a great deal of trouble, and ma∣ny Men.

But it was of much greater importance to your Majesty, to settle a Calm in your Kingdom, than to preserve your Conquests which were so far off: Therefore, after you had reduc'd Paris to its Obedience, and sufficiently provided for the Frontier of Piccardy, which the Enemy threat∣ned, all your aim was to make Provence and Guyenne submit; where there were as great Com∣motions, as in the Capital City of your King∣dom. This was happily effected by your Maje∣sty; and having also the good Fortune to divert a Storm that was gathering on the Frontier of Germany, where Viscount Turenne, instigated by his Brother, endeavour'd to debauch the Troops

he Commanded, your Kingdom would have re∣cover'd its former Lustre, if the Prince of Condé had not set so high a Price on the Services he had done your Majesty, that it was almost impossible to satisfie him.

His Ambition could not, without murmuring, bear his being denied some Favours; tho' he had obtain'd many from your Majesty for his Relations that had born Arms against you; who for that Reason, rather deserv'd to be punish'd than re∣warded. It was Prudence however in your Majesty to conceal your Displeasure for his Affronts; and there was danger in opposing the Prince; because the great Things he had done, had got him much Credit in the Army. The in∣telligence which he also kept with the Frondeurs, who all, and every where, declared themselves against your Majesty, made you Prudently dis∣semble the Distaste you had against him: but your Minister having found an Italian trick, to sow dissention among his Party, which would not have been pardonable, were it not to secure the Liberty of your State; you resolv'd to cause the Prince to be Arrested, which was executed with a great deal of Dexterity▪

Your Minister in the mean time was so afraid you would miss your Blow, that he kept himself Booted to be gone the very Moment it had fail'd: But Success having answer'd his Hope, he again took Courage; so that there was no question of preventing the ill Consequences of so bold a stroke; your Majesty provided against 'em, by do∣ing two things which were absolutely necessary: The one was to let the People know the true

Reasons you had to arrest him. The other was to march in Person where it appear'd he had most Friends, and consequently where there was most likelihood of any Commotion.

What an excellent thing, SIR, is Prudence! Your Majesty had already been accus'd of not acknowledging the great Services a Subject had done you: Your Minister likewise pass'd for a very ingrateful Person, in the Opinion of the People. He knew, had it not been for the Prince, he could hardly have secur'd himself against the Hatred of the Parisians and the Par∣liament. But when the People knew the Prince's Services had been rewarded, with the Place of Great Master of your Majesty's Houshold, with the Governments of Burgundy, Berry, and Guyenne; with a Grant of the Demesnes of Cler∣mont, Stenay, and Jammets; of Pont de l'Arche, and of Diep, which he had gotten for the Duke of Longueville; of Danvilliers, and the Govern∣ment of Champagne, for the Prince of Conti; and a great number of other Favours, as well for himself, as for his Creatures. There was not a Man but chang'd his Opinion, and loudly declar'd, That if there were an ingrateful Man in the World, it was the Prince of Condé.

The Voyage you first made into Normandy, and after into Burgundy and Guyenne, pacify'd those Princes, where the Prince's Creatures, (supported by the Prince of Conti, and the Duke of Longueville, whom you likewise caused to be Arrested) endeavour'd to animate the People against your Majesty. You did not think sit to go your self into Berry, where the Danger did

not appear so great; because that Province was shut up in the middle of your Kingdom, and could receive no assistance from the Spaniards, who watch'd an Opportunity to take advantage of so many Accidonts that seem'd favourable to them. You sent thither the Count St. Agnan, who kept the Province in Obedience, but had not Strength onough to drive the Marquess Per∣san out of Montrond, a strong Place that belong'd to the Prince of Condé.

How well had your Majesty been pleas'd, could you so easily have setled things in other places, which you had reason to fear could not be done, in the midst of so many Troubles that lay so heavy on you, and under which another must have sunk. Viscount Turenne, who retir'd to the Arch-duke, after he had miss'd his Blow, came to Stenay, where his Love to the Dutchess of Longueville, did not keep him from entring into the Kingdom, at the head of an Army, which he had rais'd with the Money lent him by the Arch∣duke, and with his Mistress's Jewels, which he pawn'd to the Jews of Metz. He thought, du∣ring this time of Disorder and Confusion, he should be able to get again into Sedan, which the Duke of Bouillon his Brother had given to the deceas'd King, to spare his Life in great dan∣ger, for his having enter'd into the Treaty of Madrid. He came near the Place, thinking the Memory of his Ancestors would have procur'd him Friends; but every one kept to his Duty; and seeing the Town was well provided, and a brave Man, with a good Garrison, commanded in it, he was oblig'd to turn his Arms another way.

If a Man may make any Reflections upon his Attempt, it seems to me not well design'd; or at least that the Inhabitants of the Town would have done very ill, had they preferr'd the Go∣vernment of his Family before your Majesty's; for those People are unhappy, who are Rul'd by petty Princes; they having not Forces enough of their own to secure their Fortune, are under a continual Obligation of being assisted by foreign Troops; where their Subjects are often expos'd to the Calamities of War, and are sometimes a Prey to one, and sometimes to another. Which are not to be fear'd, when People are under the Government of a Great King, who when any Storm ariseth, can quickly allay it.

It was not only your Frontier of Champagne which was threaten'd, but likewise that of Pic∣cardy: The Spaniards appear'd there with an Army; and having made themselves Masters of Catelet and la Chapelle, they attempted Guise; but not thinking it fit to lose Time about it, they resolv'd to join with the Arch-duke and Vis∣count Turenne, who were enter'd into Cham∣pagne. Viscount Turenne, who knew what was best to be done, advanc'd so far as Ferté Milon, with an intention to deliver the Prince of Condé out of Vincennes: But your Majesty having broke his Measures, by causing the Prince to be car∣ry'd to Marcoussis, and from thence to Havre de Grace, the Viscount was oblig'd to return, and join the Arch-duke, who had taken Rhetel, and some other Places.

Champagne, which groan'd under the Tyranny of the Spaniards, who put all to Fire and Sword, took

Arms, and augmented the Army of Marquess du Plessis, whom your Majesty had sent to guard that Frontier. He thought with these Succours to have been able to retake Rhetel; and having invested it, the Arch-duke endeavour'd to raise the Siege. This prov'd of great Advantage to your Majesty, to whom the Defeat of your Army would have been of very dangerous Consequence. Nevertheless, since it was impossible for you any longer to see your Enemies in the heart of your Kingdom, you sent Cardinal Mazarin to the Mareschal; that upon his own knowledge of your Strength, he might give order either to fight or retreat. The Car∣dinal, who was naturally very fearful where there was danger, was at first of Opinion not to run any hazard; but the Mareschal du Plessis, who con∣vinc'd the Cardinal of what ill Consequence it would be, to give the Enemy any signs of their Weakness, it was resolv'd in a Council of War, wherein this Minister was present, to fight.

The Mareschal du Plessis having rais'd the Siege, march'd directly toward the Enemy, who was now become more numerous by the Duke of Lorrain's Troops. The Fight was sharp and obstinate on both sides; but God gave your Majesty so compleat a Victory, that Viscount Turenne was forc'd to fly only with sixteen Per∣sons, being abandon'd by all his Troops; for the Arch-duke went off one of the first, and left him to shift for himself. He was very near be∣ing taken in so long a retreat as he had to make, and wherein he was so hotly pursu'd; but having defended his Life and Liberty, at their cost who

attack'd him, he sav'd himself in Barleduke, into which when he enter'd, People thought him very much wounded, being cover'd all over with Blood; but it prov'd only the Blood which he had drawn of your faithful Subjects.

Your Majesty heard of this Victory with un∣speakable Joy; and sent to Marquess d' Aumont, d' Hoquincourt, and de la Ferté, each a Mareschal's Staff, who had very particularly signaliz'd them∣selves in that Battel. It was to excite others to follow their Example; for there is nothing more animates your Nobility, than the Honours you bestow on them; and the French are of that Temper, that they will sacrifice a thousand Lives (if they had so many) in the Service of their King, if he give 'em but a good Word, or the least Preferment.

'Tis for this also, that your Majesty is belov'd by your Subjects; you that have the Secret, even in refusing to grant Requests, to oblige those whom you deny, by your manner of denying them: For a Prince ought to have the Gift of not only making himself to be fear'd, but that al∣so of making himself belov'd. For Fear without Love degenerates into Distrust; which makes People suspect, that he who ought to be both Father and Master, will turn Tyrant. And this Suspicion is so dangerous, that there is nothing which a King should not do, to keep it out of his Subjects Minds.

If the Prince of Condé's Party, which he had in France, did your Majesty so much harm upon the Frontiers of Picardy and Champagne, it did you a great deal more in Italy; where it was

impossible for you to succour Piombino and Porto Longonne, which fell again into the Spaniards hands. Your Majesty, to whom the Preservation of Catalonia was of great importance, sent thi∣ther the Duke of Mercoeur, who seiz'd Count Marcin, the Prince of Condé's Creature, and who did all he could to debauch the Troops you had in that Country. This foresight sav'd Barce∣lona, where the Enemy kept intelligence, ha∣ving a great mind to recover that Place. But the Duke of Mercoeur being no great Captain, and the state of your Affairs not permitting you to send him any considerable Succours, all lan∣guish'd in that Country, and your Reputation began to decline in those Parts.

However, the Choice of this General was not to be imputed to your Majesty; it was a Court-Intrigue that oblig'd you to prefer him, before many other Commanders of much greater Expe∣rience. But there being a Reconciliation made between your Minister, and the Duke of Beau∣fort, whose eldest Son Mercoeur was; he was to have a share of those Favours, which, when the Accommodation was made, were agreed on. Beside, the Cardinal design'd to marry one of his Nieces to him, and therefore thought it much better to prefer him than another: Your Majesty was then too young to perceive what prejudice you receiv'd by it, and how dangerous it is for a Minister to prefer his own Interest before his Masters. But, God be thanked, it was not long ere our Eyes were open'd in so nice a point; and no Prince ever knew better than you, to give to all Persons those Employ∣ments which are sit for them.

This was not the only Fault which Cardinal Mazarin did. The desire he had to be the sole powerful Man in the Kingdom, made him seek how to amuse those he made use of, to destroy the Prince of Condé. The Bishop of Langres, Favourite of Monsieur the Duke of Orleans your Uncle, without whose privity the Prince was arrested, from that time never forgave the Car∣dinal; so that joining himself with others who envy'd the Fortune of that Minister, they all strove to ruine him.

The Parliament, who sought by all means to augment their Authority, and being perswaded, that during your Minority was the properest time to effect it, divers Counsels were held, wherein they resolv'd to demand the Enlarge∣ment of the Prince of Condé, and his Brothers, with the Banishment of Cardinal Mazarin. Your Majesty oppos'd it, with a Resolution becoming your great Courage; but Monsieur the Duke of Orleans heading those who design'd the Destru∣ction of this Minister, and all the States of the Kingdom joining with 'em, you were oblig'd to grant what they desir'd, in point of Policy, tho' it was very much against your Will.

Cardinal Mazarin seeing himself forced to de∣part the Realm, thought to make the Prince of Condé's inlargment a piece of Merit to himself; he went to Havre de Grace, and deliver'd to him a Letter under the Privy Signet, antidated before another which was sent to set him at Liberty: The Prince who had been informed by Perraut. Overseer of his Household, (who had leave to see him, under pretence of his Mothers Will)

what endeavours had been us'd to get him out of Prison, own'd the Cardinal's Civility, which he shew'd in coming himself to bring him such good News; yet it was impossible not to suspect all the Protestations he made him of his Friendship, and those humble Submissions he used in desiring the Prince's.

The Prince of Condé did not break out in∣to any Passion against him, were it that he thought him not worth his Anger, or that the Joy he had for being at Liberty, calmed his Re∣sentments. Cardinal Mazarin retir'd to the Elector of Collen, and the Prince came back to Paris, where he was received in Triumph, tho' they had made Bonfires throughout the whole Town when he was Arrested. But such hath always been the Peoples Inconstancy, that no body knows how so to fix 'em, as to secure their esteem; but as soon as a Man steps out of the way, be it to the Right or Left, they presently return to their old Inclination. The Prince was ador'd by the People, when he fought with so much Reputation against the Enemies of your Kingdom; but lost their Favour when he took Arms against them: tho' he only obey'd your Majesty's Orders in punishing their Treason, which was so great, that they deserved to be treated by him, as the most cruel of your Ene∣mies.

The Parliament past divers Sentences against your Minister, without at all consulting your Ma∣jesty: They caus'd his Library to be sold by Out-cry, they set a Price upon his Head, and did many other things of like Nature: which your

Majesty very prudently Dissembled, because it had beeen a gross Fault to have oppos'd a Tor∣rent, which was become so violent. Your Ma∣jesty forgave Viscount Turenne, who having ac∣knowledged his Fault, came to ask Pardon for it: In the mean time, the Prince of Condé grew very Powerful; but your Minister was Faulty in not performing his Promise, to those who had taken part with him, in Arresting the Prince. Which was not warning sufficient to the Prince, to keep him from doing the like. For he began to despise, and disoblige his Friends. Viscount Turenne was one of the first of those who were so treated by him; for having desir'd the Prince to give good Winter-Quarters to some Troops which he look'd upon as his own, tho' your Ma∣jesty pay'd 'em, the Prince took no notice of his Request: The Viscovnt also knew, the Prince us'd to rally him for his Love to his Sister, and made it a common talk among those who were most in his Favour; which touch'd the Viscount so much to the Quick, that he came to the Queen, your Mother, and promis'd her, that nothing in the World should make him fall into the same fault he had committed; and that for the future, he would do all he could, to blot out the Me∣mory of it; assuring her Majesty, she might rely upon his Fidelity.

He said as much to your Majesty, and oblig'd his Brother the Duke of Bouillon to make you the same Protestations: This Example teacheth us how dangerous Railery is, and how much it provokes Men of great Courage. But this is a needless Reflexion to be made to your Majesty,

who never speaks ill of any body, and when you speak of your greatest Enemies, 'tis only of those Qualities you know commendable in them; neither will your Majesty suffer any to speak evil of others in your presence, wherein your Majesty is much in the Right, seeing there is little difference, between evil speaking and ap∣proving it.

The Prince did very ill in another thing; He had assured the Duke of Beaufort, the Dutchess of Cheveruse, and the Coad jutor, that for the future his Interest and theirs should be the same, and that the Prince of Conti should Marry the Dutchess's Daughter. This Promise being made when he was in Prison, was not thought Valid by the Dutchess, because it looked as if it had been forced; she therefore came to the Prince, and releas'd him of it: But he told her, tho' he was not oblig'd, yet because she treated him in so civil a manner, the thing should be done. Tho' he was now doubly oblig'd, yet such was his Hu∣mour, that he would not be beholding to any body. He quickly forgot his Obligation, nor was he so Civil, as to do any thing to dis∣charge himself of it.

In the mean time, your Majesty, who did not like your Minister's being forc'd from you, try∣ed all ways to have him return handsomly, without causing any new Troubles in your King∣dom: But the aversion which every one had a∣gainst him, and the Arrests that had past to ex∣clude all Foreigners from the Ministry, would have made it very difficult, had it not been for the Prince's ill Conduct, which daily increas'd, be∣ing

press'd by the Prince of Conti, passionately in Love with Mademoiselle Chevereuse, to consent to his Marriage, he told him he would not, and that he would not have him take the Coadjutor's, the Marquess of Laicques, and Caumartin's leav∣ings.

These Three often visited her, and there needed no more to make the Prince of Conti be∣lieve that what the Prince of Condé had said was true: He presently quitted her, in spite of his Love, and seriously told all the World, how much he was oblig'd to his Brother, who had drawn him from a Precepice, from whence he was falling headlong. This Discourse was car∣ried to Madam Chevereuse, and to those who were concern'd in it, and wrought more for the return of your Minister, than all that your Majesty could have done. So true is it, that Chance produceth many unforeseen Accidents, which prevail over all humane Reason and Pru∣dence. The Dutchess of Chevereuse, whose Ca∣bal was very strong, offer'd your Majesty to employ her Friends to facilitate your Minister's return. And now your Majesty being in your Fourteenth Year, you were declared of full Age, you went to the Parliament to have the Decla∣ration register'd, and at the same time carried thither two Edicts, which serv'd for marks to Posterity of your Piety towards God, and of your Love to your People. The first, was a∣gainst those that blasphem'd God's holy Name. The other was against Duels, which you swore on the holy Bible to see exactly executed, that

you might never be importun'd concerning it; and resolv'd never to retract what you had sworn.

In this you did not like many others, who in a few days forget their Promises: For, ten or twelve Years after, some considerable Persons of your Nobility, having fought, contrary to this E∣dict; you had made them an Example, had they not gone out of the Kingdom; but that which is more remarkable is, that the Pope interceded with you for them, and offer'd to absolve you from your Oath; but the tenderness of your Conscience would not suffer you to grant what he desir'd. You thought that when once People believ'd your Pardon might be obtain'd by Mediation, those disorders would never cease, to which your Majesty was fully resolv'd to put an end. Beside, you would not let it be said, that Recommendation had a greater Power over you, than Justice.

Your Majesty could not endure your People shou'd give Law to you, concerning your Mini∣nister Cardinal Mazarin's return. You retir'd a second time from Paris. The Duke of Orleans your Uncle would not follow you, neither would the Prince of Condé, who a few Days after, pos∣sest with a Panick Fear he should be Arrested, left the City; and being gone to his House at St. Maur, you did all you could to cure him of this Suspicion; but because when a Man knows himself guilty, he never thinks himself secure from Punishment; he went into the Country and retir'd to Montrond. The Prince of Conti, the Prince Marsillac, and some others, at the same time took up their Quarters in Guyenne: The

Duke of Rochefoucaut having stir'd up some Trou∣bles in Poitou, you had those two Provinces to reduce, as well as the City of Paris, which o∣penly declar'd against your Majesty.

The Pretence of all these Revolts was, that you would have Cardinal Mazarin return, against your Word given to the contrary. But seeing most of the Heads of this Party had promis'd you to consent to his Return, for Favours done them; you could not believe that was the true Reason: You plainly saw, that Ambition had a greater share in their Disobedience, than the Ha∣tred they had for the Cardinal.

It was easie for the Spaniards, at this time, to do their Business: They re-took most of the Places you had conquer'd since you ascended the Throne: But your Majesty thought the safety of your Kingdom to be of greater Consequence to you, than any thing else: You ran to the Place where there was most Danger, you went into Poitou, after you had in Person reduc'd Berri, where the Prince of Condé had rais'd some Trou∣bles. You declar'd him a Rebel, and a Disturber of the publick Peace, with all his Adherents. But this made none of 'em return to their Du∣ty, and your Authority was so little regarded, that in two Months time, the Parliament wou'd not register your Declaration; tho' their Interest were different from the Prince of Condé's, and with whom they did not act in concert.

The strongest Cabal which took part with your Majesty, was that of the Duke of Vendosm and the Coadjutor: But you were necessitated to buy both; which was by giving one the place of

Admiral of France; and by promising the other you would nominate him for a Cardinal's Cap, at the next promotion that should happen. You thought these Favours nothing in comparison of the Services these Men cou'd do you in so nice a Conjuncture; especially in relation to Paris, which had not yet declared for the Prince of Condé, and where they had many Friends.

Your Presence in Poitou quickly suppress'd the Rebellion there; the capital City of that Pro∣vince open'd its Gates to you, and the Cardinal being come thither to you with some Troops which he had rais'd in Germany, you forced the Rebels to quit the Siege of Coynac; you drove them also out of some Posts they had possest; but could not reduce 'em in Bourdeaux; for the Prince of Condé, who was come thither, had in∣fus'd new Courage into those, who before seem'd dispos'd to submit to your Majesty.

In the mean time, Paris (which went nearer, your Heart than any thing else) seeing Cardinal Mazarin return, publickly declar'd for the Prince of Condé. Monsieur the Duke of Orleans like∣wise acted against your Majesty, tho' he had ma∣ny times said, he was not to be suspected for his not being at Court. But how cou'd he clear him∣self from Suspicion, who had hearken'd to evil Counsel all his Life, and alway had near him the Bishop of Langres, who was enrag'd to miss the Cardinal's Cap, which had been so often pro∣mis'd him. Beside, Mademoisolle de Montpensier, who had a great desire to be Marry'd, feeding her self with the hope the Prince of Condé gave her, she should have his Son; spoke for him to

her Father, without making any Reflection, that she was old enough to be the Mother of him she had a mind to make her Husband.

Among so many declared Enemies there were some secret ones, whom your Majesty did not di∣strust; but on the contrary, had reason to think them your most Faithful Subjects. The Duke of Beaufort for a time was one of this Number, notwithstanding all you had done for him and his Family. But weary of wearing the Foxes Skin, he put on the Lions, and took the Field against your Majesty. The Coadjutor did not declare himself so openly, but vex'd to see that by Car∣dinal Mazarin's Return, he was never like to come into his place; did, underhand, all he could to ruin him, tho' he was sure it would very much displease your Majesty. The Jealousie which arose between the Duke of Beaufort, and the Duke of Nemours, who were both joyntly to command an Army; gave your Majesty an Op∣portunity to draw near to them, that you might take some Advantage of their division: But the Prince of Condé prevented you, by passing incog∣nito through all the Provinces beyond the Loire; and by putting himself at the Head of the Army, where his Presence was necessary to settle a right understanding between the two Princes; of whose disagreement, the only cause was their Ambition to command singly and exclusively to one ano∣ther. Your Majesty did all you could to have ta∣ken the Prince in so long a March, and where there were so many Rivers to pass; you set guards upon all the Fords, and sent out many Parties into the field, which was all you could

do. But since all the care in the World is to no purpose, where Men will be false and treache∣rous; Bussy Rabutin let him pass, so that he came safe to his Army, which was then near Chatillon upon Loin.

Your Majesty, who knew not at first in what manner he had escap'd, thought to repair this Blow by a Battel, wherein you hop'd to have the better. The two Armies join'd near Bleneau, where the Avantguard of yours, commanded by Mareschal Hoquincourt, was so ill treated, that if Viscount Turenne had not come to his Relief, your Majesty, who was at Gergeau, had been in danger of being taken: But his Experience ha∣ving placed you Beyond a narrow Pass, he de∣fended it with so much Courage till Night came on, that the Prince, who promis'd himself an en∣tire Victory, could he have pass'd the Defile; was oblig'd to be contented with that advantage he had gotten.

Your Majesty was happy, that the Prince had then so great a desire to go to Paris, where he thought this new beam of Glory, would procure him a Reception with some kind of Triumph. 'Tis certain that Ambiton was not the sole cause of this Voyage; and that Love had a great part in it: For he had given up his Heart to the Dutchess of Chatillon, and the desire he had to see her, made him lose the Advantage he might have drawn from this Victory. This was a Fault which many great Princes commit, and 'tis a Miracle if they conquer their Passion. The Prince of Condé is not the only Person that hath been faulty in this kind, and your Majesty knows, that

there is a Prince beside him, whose Reputation is much greater than his, that is fallen into the same Fault. A Man may be in Love, and yet do his Duty; for tho' it be dificult, yet 'tis but to remember, that every one hath his Eyes up∣on what he doth, and nothing can stop their ob∣servation. A Prince, who hath care of his Ho∣nour, will never suffer such hold to be taken of him; he will rather conquer himself for a time, than give the least Stain to his Reputation: Be∣side, an Opportunity once lost, is not easily re∣triev'd; whence we are to conclude, that when a thing can be done, it never ought to be put off till to Morrow.

The Prince of Condé's Absence, gave your Majesty an Opportunity to recruit your Army with ease; so that in some time after, it was a∣gain in a Condition to be fear'd. The Duke of Orleans, who had wholly declar'd himself against your Majesty, fearing to be run down, sent to his Brother-in-Law the Duke of Lorrain for his Assistance; and the Spaniards, who every Year hir'd his Troops, consented to it. He enter'd France, and march'd toward Estampes, which Vis∣count Turenne had besieg'd. The Place of it self was not considerable, but being defended by a good Garrison, it held out longer than People thought it wou'd; so that the Duke of Lorrain might have come time enough to have reliev'd it, which much troubled your Majesty; but ac∣cording to his ordinary Practice, being more us'd to Plunder than to Fight, he made such lit∣tle Marches, that the Place was taken before he came to it.

Viscount Turenne in perfect spite march'd a∣gainst him, and forc'd him to repass the Seine; he encamp'd at Villaneue St. Georges, where with∣out great disadvantage, he could not be forc'd to fight, he pillag'd all Brie▪ as well as the plain Country about Paris, for which he had the Cur∣ses of the Parisiens, who flatter'd themselves, he was come to relieve, and not to Plunder 'em: But all their Complaints were to no purpose; your Majesty, who was as much concern'd as they, seeing they cou'd not be ruin'd without your be∣ing sensible of it; endeavour'd to gain the Duke of Lorrain, that he might cease pillaging the Country: there was some appearance of prevail∣ing with him, your Majesty having wherewith to tempt him; for you were possest of his Country which you offer'd to restore upon reasonable Conditions: But he lov'd ready Money, better than Offers so advantagious to him; your Maje∣sty having granted him a Pass, he went out of the Kingdom to their great astonishment who called him in: Your Majesty was likewise much sur∣pris'd, not believing a Prince of his Birth, cou'd act in such a manner, upon so base an Account: But Kindness to his Children, which he had by the Princess de Cantecroix, made him think of nothing but getting Money, seeing he cou'd not settle the Country of Lorrain upon 'em, for two Reasons; the one was, because it was his Wife's Inheritance; the other was, he had those Chil∣dren not by his Wife, and therefore being inca∣pable of succeeding him, he resolv'd to give them Portions in Money for their Mainte∣nance.

The King of England, the unfortunate Son of a more unhappy Father, who was come to seek Refuge and Relief from your Majesty, serv'd you perfectly well in this Treaty, which troubled you very much, till it was ended: For if the Duke of Lorrain wou'd, he might have put Vis∣count Turenne hard to it, whom you thought for some time in great danger, because he was come too near his Camp; but he happily got out of the Briars by his admirable Conduct, which gain'd him a great deal of Reputation, as well with the Enemy as among his own Souldiers.

Your Majesty having made a good end of so difficult an Affair, gave no leisure to the Rebels, and by your Presence so encourag'd your Ar∣my, that the Prince of Condé saw himself, and his Troops ready to fall into your Hands: For you pursued him so hotly, that he was forced to possess himself of the Bridge of St. Cloud, by which he thought to avoid a Battel, but your Majesty having laid a Bridge over the Seine, he saw himself ready to be attaqu'd in Front and Rear, he then got under the Walls of Paris, and march'd round it to get to Charenton; Viscount Turenne who observ'd it, follow'd him so close, that he begun to charge his Reer near Port du Temple and Port St. Martin; which oblig'd him to hasten his March, and being come to the height of the Fauxbourg St. Antoin, he made use of some Retrenchments which Chance afforded him, they having been made to secure the Citi∣zens against the Thievery of the Duke of Lor∣rain's Troops.

There he lodg'd his Foot, in better Order than the shortness of the time seem'd to permit, and drew in his Cavalry; he sent the Duke of Beau∣fort into the City, to perswade the Citizens to let in and secure his Baggage, and declare for the Prince: But the Fear the Parisiens had to be pil∣lag'd, made them shut and place Guards at their Gates. The Prince of Condé, when he saw this, rang'd all his Baggage along the Ditch, and caus'd Holes to be made through the Houses, where he saw your Forces advance. Your Maje∣sty was posted at Menill to see this Attack, which would have rejoyc'd your great Heart, had it been to fight with your Enemies, and not a∣gainst your Subjects: The Onset was furious, and your Troops having forc'd the Retrench∣ments, Vicount Turenne brought up his Canon to a Place call'd the Throne; because one had been there erected, to receive your Majesty, when after your Marriage you made your en∣trance into the City. The Prince of Condé did all he cou'd to sustain your Peoples Efforts, who encourag'd by your Presence did Wonders, and God, who would not suffer the Rebellion to continue, gave your Majesty an entire Victory; so that the Prince of Condé had been utterly lost, if Paris had not open'd its Gates to him, where he sav'd his remaining Troops. Mademoiselle Montpensier did the Prince this Service, and caus'd the Canon to be discharg'd upon your Ma∣jesty, and your Minister, who was very near you.

This Victory astonish'd the Parisiens, and those who were of the Prince of Condé's Party;

your Majesty having some faithful Subjects in this great City, who made People sensible how much they had fail'd in their Duty to your Majesty, so that they were a long time in suspence, be∣fore they agree'd to give the Prince that Assist∣ance, he so much wanted. This occasion'd an Assembly, which met two Days after at the Town-House, where were a great many Persons, who, in some manner, represented the States general, of whom a Convocation had been de∣manded of your Majesty, and which you had promis'd, to free your self of their Importuni∣ties: But as you had there your Creatures, as well as the Prince had his, while they were dis∣puting what Resolutions to take, the Mutineers broke open the Doors, and kill'd some of the Deputies, an only Son of a Councellor of the great Chamber, a considerable quality in that time, was with some others slain. This Murder having caus'd great Confusion, those of your Ma∣jesty's Party, put Paper in their Hats to be known by one another; the other Party wore Straw in theirs, which Mark, some of the greatest Lords in your Court, were forc'd to wear, as well as o∣thers in Paris: They that put Straw in their Hats, quickly became the stronger Party, and falling upon those that wore Paper, the Mares∣chal de L' Hopitall Governour of the City, had much ado to save himself. Many were of Opini∣on, that it was the Prince of Condé who stir'd up this Tumult, and wou'd have charg'd it on Car∣dinal Mazarin, to render him the more Odious, but whether the truth were discover'd, or Peo∣ple begun to be weary of disobeying their Master,

every one thought of making Peace with your Majesty; the Duke of Orleans made Propositions to you, and so did the Parliament; but you found them so high, and so void of that respect which was due to you; that instead of hearing them, you were so angry with the Parliament, that you remov'd it to Ponthoise.

This Action accompany'd with many other of the like Nature, quite astonish'd the Mutineers; the Prince of Condé nevertheless endeavour'd to warm his Party again, who were ready to leave him: But the Parliament being upon the point of turning their backs upon him, as well as your Uncle the Duke of Orleans; he threw himself into the Arms of the Spaniards. Your Majesty made a prudent use of this Conjuncture, and to unite all Parties, you feign'd to send Car∣dinal Mazarin away a second time, whom many made the pretence of their Rebellion; so that no longer having a Cloak to cover it, they all resolv'd to return to their Duty, provided your Majesty would grant them a general Act of Ob∣livion; you did not think sit to refuse it,* 1.1 and the Duke of Orleans being retir'd to Blois, a Town as∣sign'd him for part of his Appanage, your Majesty had now no more to do, but to return to the Capital City of your Kingdom.

You were humbly importun'd to do it by your Parliament, and in the Name of the Cler∣gy by the Coadjutor; who according to the promise given him, had been made a Car∣dinal, and who came expresly to wait upon you

at Compiegne; your Majesty call'd a Council there to be advis'd, whether you should not cause him to be Arrested, to punish him for his breach of Faith, in not performing the Promi∣ses he had made you: But it was thought sit, first to make a firm settlement of your Authori∣ty, and when that was done, you would be much better able to do what you thought good. 'Tis indeed Prudence to let things ripen, and to do a thing out of season, is to spoil all.

Some blame the Prince, who might have had your Majesty's Pardon, had he sought it in a de∣cent manner: because he took a fancy to follow the Duke of Lorrain's example, who pillag'd and plunder'd Friends and Enemies without any di∣stinction; but it is not to be believ'd, that a Prince of his Birth and great Mind, cou'd have any Thoughts unworthy of the one or the other; yet he ransack'd the Frontier of Campagne as he went off, and after he had taken Rhetel and St. Menehout, he retir'd to Namur.

He had there some Conference with a Mini∣ster of the Arch-Duke's, who before he wou'd let the Prince come to Bruxells, would know whe∣ther he would give him the Hand. This Pro∣position made the Prince sensible, to what Dis∣pleasures he had expos'd himself by his Disobe∣dience; but his great Courage not suffering him to hesitate what answer to make; he sent the Arch-Duke word, that the Honour he had to be the first Prince of the Blood of France, had too well taught him, what was his Right for him, ever to part with it: He therefore pretended to take place of the Arch-Duke were he not in the Low-Countries,

where he represented his Catholick Majesty, in that Quality he would give him the upper Hand when he went to visit him; but when the Arch-Duke in his turn came to see him, he expected the same. The Arch-Duke was not pleas'd with so haughty an Answer, and belie∣ving that after what the Prince had done, there was no more returning for him into France; he insisted upon the Prince's giving him place every where, to which the Prince wou'd never con∣sent: The thing at last went so far, that he caus'd the Arch-Duke to be told, that unless he accepted the Offer he made him, he would in eight Days be gone; and that he was not yet so to seek, but he knew very well where to go. the Arch-Duke was then forc'd to let him have his Will; but seeing it was much against the Arch-Duke's, it shew'd the Prince what Incon∣veniences attend a Man's forsaking his own Coun∣try, and going into a Foreign Court, especially, when a Man is look'd upon as a Rebel, and is ob∣lig'd to buy his Protection, whatever the Price be, he must pay for it.

He had the same dispute with the Duke of Lorrain, who liv'd for the most part at Bruxells; and many times, 'twas thought, they wou'd come to Blows; but 'twas hinder'd by their Friends, without undertaking to decide the Difference about eithers Pretentions; for the Duke of Lor∣rain wou'd not endure any Competition, and the Prince of Condé cou'd not hear of giving place, without falling into great Passion; but that which gave him the greatest Distaste in that Court, was, that Prince Francis, the Duke's Brother,

did likewise dispute Precedency with him; which caus'd such Heats, as were not like to end with∣out Fighting: That which most anger'd the Prince of Condé was, that the Arch-Duke wou'd not re∣gulate the business, tho' the Prince pray'd him to do it, confiding in the Justice of his Cause. The Arch-Duke had a mind to mortify the Prince of Condé, and would not disoblige Prince Francis, whom he resolv'd to keep still with him; especially at that time when he fear'd he wou'd be gone into France, where many endea∣vours were us'd to gain him.

See what unexpected Displeasures Men meet with, when they put themselves into the Service of a Foreign Prince; but 'tis otherwise, when a Man stays in his own Country, where the Place due to his Quality, is not only regulated; but it is also the Sovereign's Interest, to do nothing to the prejudice of a Prince of his Blood. 'Tis but just a Man should do Pennance for his Faults, because it brings him again to himself, and there is nothing which makes us wiser, than those Mortifications which we did not expect; they that have the Wind still with them, run the hazard of never knowing themselves.

The Prince having quitted his party, your Ma∣jesty thought rather of pacifying your Kingdom, than of driving the Enemy from the Frontiers, which you flatter'd your self might be easily done, when it was at Peace within it self: The Province of Guyenne was still in Arms for the Prince of Condé; the Prince of Conti was in Bour∣deaux, where, as a Prince of the Blood, he was so considerable, as to draw many to take part

with him in his Disobedience; the Count d'Og∣non was in Brouage, where ill Example made him play the Tyrant. Great Forces were requir'd to reduce those People, because of their Intelli∣gence with the Spaniards, from whom they re∣ceiv'd Assistance: But your Majesty considering it wou'd be easier to gain them by fair means, you made the one Mareschal of France, upon Condition, he deliver'd up the Place he kept in∣to your Majesty's Hands; and granted the other very considerable Terms, if he wou'd quit his Brother's Party.

Your Majesty who had found a way to make Cardinal Mazarin return, and to settle Peace in Paris, where you had again fixt the Parliament in its usual Seat. And having now no more Do∣mestick Troubles to fear, you did not only raise Forces to secure your Frontiers; but to raise your Reputation very much lessen'd a∣broad. You had lost all you had in Catalonia, your Affairs in Italy, were also in an ill Condi∣tion, those in Flanders not in a much better Case, and of so many Conquests, which I have already mention'd, no more remain'd to your Majesty, but Arras in Campagn; the Enemy kept St. Menehout, Mouzon and Rhetel; upon the Frontier of Picardie, Le Catelet and Capelle; in Bourgundy, Bellegard, wherein were the remains of the Prince of Condé's Faction. Here was work enough for a young Prince, who had not yet the experience of Riper Years; but your Majesty having prudently begun with that which seem'd to be of greatest Consequence; you besieg'd Bel∣legard and became Master of it, having thereby

cut off the Head of the Rebellion. You hardly knew what to do next, so much were you press'd on all sides: The Prince of Condé was enter'd into Picardy where he had taken Roye; the Arch-Duke threaten'd Campagn, these two Places were of like Importance to you; but you cou'd not remedy all at once, the Forces of your King∣dom were exhausted; so that your Majesty was oblig'd to do things by degrees, one after ano∣ther. You march'd to the Relief of Picardy, made the Enemy quit Roy; and afterwards, be∣sieg'd Rhetel, which being taken, you made your self Master of Mouzon: In the mean time the Enemy possess'd themselves of Rocroy; for which you were reveng'd, by reducing St. Menehout to your Obedience.

Your Arms in Catalonia began to be dreaded; you took there several strong Places, and you had taken the Town of Gironne, had it not been for a Miracle wrought by Heav'n, in favour of your Enemies: They plac'd on the Rampart a little Cabinet, wherein were the Reliques of a holy Bishop of that City; and presently there appear'd such an infinite number of Flies, which fell upon your Army, that all your Cavalry was astonish'd at it. The Horses, not being able to abide it, broke their Bridles, and run cross the Fields, they roll'd themselves in the Mire to get rid of the Flies, and many perish'd; so that see∣ing the Enemy was ready to make use of the Ad∣vantage they had by so favourable an Accident, it was thought fit to raise the Siege.

In Italy, you carry'd the War into Milanez, where the Count de Grancé, whom you had made

a Mareschal of France, took Carpignan, and beat the Marquess Caracene, whom the King of Spain sent against him.

You were now oblig'd to acknowledge the Go∣vernment of England, tho' at the same time, your Kindness and Justice, led you to protect him who was the lawful Prince thereof: But the Spaniards, who sought to make an Advantage of your Aversion to Cromwell's Usurpation and were treating with him to your Prejudice; you had recourse to the only means left you, to secure your self against the Mischief they intended you. You offer'd him your Mediation to accomodate the differences amicably, which were then between England and Holland, of which you were very willing to see an End, because they might have proved very much to your Enemies Advan∣tage.

This was a great deal for a State which had been so Sick, to be free from Convulsions which had like to have brought it to its Grave: But as in long Sicknesses there are often Relapses, Count Harcourt, whom your Majesty had made use of to reduce the Rebels to their Duty, became one himself. He found a way to get into Brisac, where the Garrison being at his Devotion, he de∣sign'd to erect a Kind of Soveraignty in Alsatia, if he had been strong enough to support the Bur∣then. The Spaniards did all they cou'd to oblige him to put the Place into their Hands; but not offering enough to tempt him, he refus'd them, and thought of agreeing with the Duke of Lor∣rain, who had enough to pay him well; for there was not a Prince, who had so much ready

Money as he; but being an Idolater of it, he could not resolve to part with so much as Count Harcourt demanded; so that the Business hang∣ing long in Suspence, it came at last to nothing, because the Spaniards, who distrusted him, caus'd him soon after to be arrested.

Your Majesty, to whom this Business appear'd to be of great importance, as indeed it was; sent often to and again to make him return to his Duty: But seeing he cou'd not come to any Resolution, you besieg'd Beffort to cut off all Re∣lief which he might hope to have from that side; you made your self Master of it in the midst of Winter; for it is fit the French should learn to make War in any Season, they who under your Majesty ought to despise Heat and Cold, and to habituate themselves to either: This Conquest joyn'd to the very good Terms you offer'd Count Harcourt, prevail'd with him to accept 'em: You gave him the Government of Anjou, you let him enjoy all his Estate, and his Place of Grand Ecuyerr; he being to deliver up all he held in Alsatia.

This Business being thus over, and so well for your Majesty; you next thought of re-taking Rocroy, where the Garrison spoil'd all the Country round about it, under the Command of a Governour who was not a sleep, and had learnt his Trade under the Prince of Condé; I mean Montall, whom your Majesty hath so succesfully employ'd, and who did you great Service in the last War. But you believ'd the taking of Stenay was of much greater Advantage; and therefore you march'd your Army thither under the command

of Mareschal Fabert: This General was much to be valued for his great Fidelity to your Majesty, because he was almost the only Man, among those who were Governours of Places, who refus'd the Prince of Condé's Offers, who did all he cou'd to debauch him out of your Service: But he resolv'd not to follow the Example of others, and kept Sedan, which your Majesty put into his Hands.

The Prince to whom Stenay belong'd, de∣sir'd Forces from the Arch-Duke to relieve it. The Arch-Duke promis'd him, and indeed did all he cou'd to oblige Prince Francis to lend him his Troops: But because this Place had been dis∣membred from Lorrain, he would not but upon Condition it should be re-united; to which the Prince would not yield, and this Business having encreas'd the mis-understanding that was between 'em, the Arch-Duke had much ado to keep 'em from coming to down right Blows. Your Maje∣sty came in Person to the Siege, after you had been at Reins, where the Ceremonies of your Consecration had been perform'd: Your Majesty was very liberal to your Souldiers, who all ad∣mir'd the Inclination they saw you had to War. While your Forces were before Stenay, the Prince of Condé prevail'd with the Spaniards to besiege Arras; supposing, that because this Place was of much greater consequence to you, than the other, you wou'd raise the Siege of Stenay to relieve it. But they were deceiv'd in their ex∣pectation, it only made your Majesty the more diligent to take it, and you were no sooner pos∣sest of it, but you made hast to relieve Arras.

The taking of Arras was of such importance to the Spaniards, that they neglected nothing to make themselves sure of it: Their Lines were the best that ever was seen, and at equal distan∣ces they had rais'd Redoubts, by which they were the more secur'd; and not content with all this Precaution, they had made Holes in the Ground within, to stop the Cavalry: But the Siege began with an ill Omen; for the Chevalier Crequi who had not yet any great Reputation for a Souldier; but hath since so well behav'd him∣self, that your Majesty, after making him a Ma∣reschal of France, hath given him the Command of your best Armies; threw himself into the Place, at the Head of Five Hundred Horse.

This Relief did Montjeu great Service, who commanded within, and who to spare his Purse, had but an indifferent Garrison: for in those Days, your Majesty, not being able your self to order your own Affairs, the Governors of Places appropriated to themselves the Contributions without rendring any Accompt to your Majesty, with which they undertook to defend the Place wherein they commanded; which was very inconvenient, for instead of maintaining a good Garrison, they thought of nothing but heaping up Treasure; this your Majesty cou'd not remedy; but by changing this Custom, and putting things into the State they are at present. And indeed, as now your Safety is greater than it was before; so you have taken away a Company of petty Tyrants, who as soon as they were put into the command of any place, thought them∣selves as great as your Majesty.

Montjeu, who was a brave Man, held out near two Months, without letting the Enemy get much Ground upon him: in the mean time, your Army under the Command of Vicount Tu∣renne appear'd in view of their Lines, and be∣gun to intrench, because he fear'd they would come out and fight him, and that they being stronger than he, he might receive some Affront. It was the Prince of Condé's Advice, that they should go out of their Lines, and fight Turenne, because, said he, they expect the coming of Ma∣reschal Hoquincourt, with the Troops he com∣mands, and then they will know how to talk with us. But the Arch-Duke maintain'd, that they cou'd not go out of their Lines, without quitting some Out-works which they had taken, and if they did not quit 'em, the Garrison would again beat them out of 'em, which was still the same thing; and therefore they were better continue their Attaques, and endeauour to take the Town before Hoquincourt should arrive.

The Arch-Duke's opinion was follow'd, be∣cause amongst the Officers that were in a Coun∣cil of War, there was none but the Prince of Condé, who durst contradict him. This gave Vicount Turenne time, to put his Army into a condition not to be insulted, and to expect the coming of Mareschal Hoquincourt; who as soon as he came, attack'd the Abby of St. Eloi, and carried it. He lodged there with his Army round about him, and acting in concert with Vicount Turenne who was on the other side of the Lines, they cut off the Enemies Provisions, and

hinder'd all Convoys from coming into their Camp.

Montjeu seeing himself so near being reliev'd, felt his courage encrease; and having repuls'd the Besiegers in two Assaults they made upon one of his Outworks; they were in such conster∣nation, that Viscount Turenne thought it a fit time to set upon them in that disorder. The Prince of Condé who foresaw they could make no resistance, said to the Archduke, That since he would not believe him at first, he hoped he would now; and seeing there was no more time to be lost, the only way they were to take in their present condition, was to raise the Siege and fall upon Hoquincourt, to whom Turenne could give no assistance. The Archduke seem'd well enough inclin'd to it, and fell into par∣ticular discourse of their Retreat; but having consulted Count Fuensaldagne, who past for a great Souldier among his Country-men, was by him wholly disswaded from it.

St. Louis's day being come, which Viscount Turenne had chosen to make his Attack, he gave the Signal agreed on with Mareschal Ho∣quincourt; so that both having marched, Viscount Turenne forced the Lines in that part, which was guarded by Fernando Solis. But Mareschal Hoquincourt miss'd his way, which gave the Archduke time to think of Retreating; but Vis∣count Turenne following his blow, beat the Lor∣rainers in their Quarter, which was next to So∣lis. The Prince of Condé seeing the disorder, ad∣vanced to a little Rivulet, which separated his Quarter from the rest; and there making head

against Vicount Turenne, and Mareschal Hoquin∣court, who had now joyn'd him, he gave the Arch∣duke and the Troops he had brought out of France, time to retreat in good order; his infan∣try never the less suffer'd very much in their Retreat with the Prince, who was the last man, and which he managed with so much prudence, that the Spaniards admired him; among whom he got very great credit for so brave an action.

The Enemy's Cannon and Baggage fell into Your Majesties hands. You went to the Cathedral Church of the City, and there gave God thanks for the Victory he had given you; for you still attributed all things to him like a good Christi∣an, believing that your good conduct, or the force of your Arms could do nothing without his aid. The taking of Quesnoi was the fruit of this Victory, and therewith ended this pros∣perous Campagne.

Your Conquests were likewise increased in Catalonia, by the taking of Villafranca and Pui∣cerda; from whence the Enemies continually made Inroads into Rousillon; but you did not make the same Progress in Italy, tho' you spared nothing on that side, to signalize the Glory of your Arms. For the Duke of Guise who had en∣gaged you in great Expences, under pretence of his maintaining correspondence with Naples, and that he should no sooner appear but that whole Kingdom would rise; yet came back with∣out taking any thing but Castellamar, which he was forced to quit.

This Enterprize however gave Your Majesty Reputation, tho' the Spaniards endeavour'd in

that Country, to make people believe you were a Prince that could not easily get out of that confusion, into which the Civil Wars had cast you; tho' you now scarce feel the effects of it, having put all things into so good order every where; for it is not only on the Frontiers that you have establish'd your power; but you have likewise done it in the heart of your Kingdom, where there remain'd but two things to be done, and which appear'd very pressing and absolutely necessary. The one was, so to settle again the Power and Authority of your Minister, that he might meet with no more such Strokes as had like to have tumbled him quite down. The other was, to punish those, who under pretence of be∣ing your Friends betray'd you.

You did the first, by marrying his Eminencies Nieces, to such great Lords, that the chief Per∣sons in your Court, were engag'd to preserve him; one of his Nieces was married to the Duke of Mercoeur, and another to the Prince of Conti. This begot a great desire in the greatest and most Eminent Men about you, to court the o∣ther, who were not yet old enough to be Mar∣ried, and who might pretend to any thing, after their other two Sisters had gotten Husbands of such Quality.

As to the Punishment of those who had de∣ceiv'd you, you made that Exemplary in the Person of Cardinal de Rets; whom you caus'd to be Arrested; but because the regard you had to his Character, would not permit you to punish him according to what your Justice requir'd, you therefore only resolv'd to take from him his

Arch-Bishoprick, which gave him by the Digni∣ty of it, so much Power over the Clergy, as to be able to engage them in Factions prejudi∣cial to your Service; you propos'd to him a Resignation of his Bishoprick into the Hands of the Pope, and that then he should have his Li∣berty. Monsieur Bellievre first President of the Parliament, who was sent to him to let him know your Majesty's Pleasure, was his Friend, but none to your Minister; so that instead of counselling him to accept of the Pro∣position; he advis'd him to the contrary; say∣ing, he spoke to him as a Friend, and not as one sent from the Court.

Now seeing this Magistrate had the Reputati∣on of being one of the Honestest Men in France, and a Judge of as great integrity, as hath been a long time in Parliament. It will not be imper∣tinent to give your Majesty a Character of the Man; 'tis very true, that he was an Honest Man, and incapable of doing a base thing; however, I can say, your Majesty did your self no good when you prefer'd him; if he were a Vertuous Man, his Vertue was very Austere, and would never consider the necessitie of your State: He affected the Name of being a Man for the Publick Good, which kept him without any other con∣sideration from acting conjunctly with your Majesty, for the Good of your Affairs: He was also of so high a Spirit, that if Cardinal Mazarin had sent for him, unless it were in your Majesty's Name, he would not come; and then if your self were not upon the Place to tell him what your Pleasure was, he would not stay; yea,

such was his Pride, that he could not endure his Eminence should think, there was any diffe∣rence between them.

But your Majesty should never put such frow∣ard untractable Men, at the Head of your Par∣liaments, which have already done enough to convince you, that you ought never to let them have a President, that will joyn with them to usurp upon your Authority. Nothing is of greater Consequence to your Kingdom; and when there wants such a Head, you ought to prefer a Sub∣ject who will be a Curb to them. Your Parliament hath already Power enough not to covet more, and that which I have before said of them, rela∣ting to the War of Paris, is a sufficient Reason for you to set Bounds to their Power: But the Inclination you always had to reward your Servants, joyn'd with the necessity wherein you then were, made you take the first comer, who offer'd to repair his ill Fortune, who before had the Place, and whose extream Poverty you could not see without blushing, being not then in a Condition to help him; so that you permit∣ted this Magistrate to treat with his Predecessor, which nothing but the Misery of the times could excuse: For I can assure your Majesty, it may occasion many Inconveniences, as your self will confess, when you consider, that they who arrive to Places of Honour, for which they think they have no Obligation to their Master, are never so submissive to him, as they are, who for the Places they hold, depend solely on him.

The Cardinal de Rets took his Friend's Ad∣vice,

because there is nothing so grievous to a Man, as the loss of his Liberty, he thought to procure his, by feigning to hearken to what was proposed: He sent your Majesty word, he was ready to sign a blank Resignation, but when that was done, since the Price offer'd for it, was what depen∣ded only upon the Cardinal, whom he could not trust; he would be glad to know before hand, what assurance you would give him he should have his Liberty. Your Majesty, who acted with great since∣rity, but would not be trick'd; gave him to under∣stand, that you left it to his choice, to take such Measures as he best lik'd; and that you would be contented, provided you might be se∣cure: So that now the matter being left to him to resolve, he agreed with your Majesty, that if you would let him out of Vincennes, he would remain under the Guard of Mareschal Meilleray, who had marry'd one of his Relations, till the Pope had accepted his Resignation.

He was conducted to Nantes, where the Ma∣reschal was, whose Vigilance he design'd to deceive, because he well knew, that the Pope, with whom he dealt underhand, to make him refuse that which the Cardinal seem'd to de∣sire, would not fail to declare himself against your Majesty. The Mareschal, who was a good ho∣nest Man, and did not think the Cardinal a double Dealer, commanded that he should not be kept too close, but some Liberty should be allow'd him, so that the Guards let him go daily out up∣on a Bastion, and did not keep the Door by which he went to it; but he, who thought of nothing but escaping, got a Rope made of Silk,

of the heighth of the Bastion, and his Physician, who was with him, holding it, he let himself down by it, and got away upon a Horse, pur∣posely brought thither. Some thought his De∣sign was to go to Paris, there to foment new Disorders; but his Horse falling on the Pave∣ment of Nantes, which is very bad, he fled to Machcoul, a Castle which belong'd to the Duke of Rets, his Brother.

Mareschal Meilleray prepar'd to go thither and besiege it; which made the Cardinal go thence to Bellisle. The Mareschal would likewise have follow'd him, if your Majesty would have given him leave; but one Reason of State why you would not permit him, was, because you fear'd that the Mareschal, who was very powerful in that Province, would not keep it for you; and that after your Endeavours to put things in∣to good Order, you your self might be the oc∣casion of new Disorders.

But seeing it had been a kind of braving your Majesty, to have stay'd in your Kingdom, after he had been so unhappy to incur your Indigna∣tion, he went into Spain, and from thence to Rome, from whence, your Majesty would not suf∣fer him to return, till he had given you the Sa∣tisfaction you expected. Indeed, it concerns the Majesty of a great King, not to suffer a Subject to beard him, but to reduce him to his Duty; otherwise it would be an Example to others of dangerous consequence.

Your Majesty knowing that the Spaniards had not well recover'd their Rout at Arras, hasten'd to take the Field; where after having taken Lan∣drecis,

Condé and St. Guillain, the Arch-Duke was so allarm'd, that he thought every Moment you would attack him in Bruxells, the fear of it made him employ ten thousand Peasants, to make a kind of Fortification about it, and 'tis for your Majesty's Reputation Posterity should know it; because it cannot but take notice, that after the Arch-Duke had made you trem∣ble in your Capital City of Paris, you should do the like by him in so short a time, and that you must be a great King to do such Miracles: But what I can say, is, That you forget nothing which is for the publick good of your Kingdom, and that then you knew as well how to Treat, as to make War.

It plainly appear'd in the Treaty you made with Prince Francis, whose Design you disco∣ver'd, by his letting the Lord Inchequin who manag'd all his Affairs, fall into your Hands at the Rout of Arras: For instead of thinking he was taken Prisoner by chance, you concluded it to be a premeditated Contrivance, which made you stand so stiff upon the Propositions that Lord then made. Who still pretended all that he said was from himself, without having any Or∣der from the Prince his Master: But even from his Feign'd Story, your Majesty rightly judg'd necessity oblig'd him to treat with you, which shew'd you a prudent, and well advis'd Prince, seeing to conclude only from appearances, is the way to be deceiv'd in all a Man doth.

It were to be wish'd, your Majesty had been able to be present in all your Armies, as well as in that of Flanders; you then had seen with

your own Eyes, in what manner things went; you might then have weigh'd all Enterprizes, be∣fore you gave your consent to their being put in execution; but seeing your knowledge of Places, and your Enemies Forces were but imperfect, you met with a check in Italy, of which only Cardinal Mazarin's easiness can be accus'd.

He was so fast tyed to his own Country, not∣withstanding all the Wealth and Honours he had heap'd in France, which ought to have made him forget it; that he endeavour'd to get a Hus∣band there, for the Sister of the Princess of Con∣ti, and the Dutchess of Mercoeur, but of all those that presented themselves, he lik'd none so well as the Duke of Modena. This Allyance the Cardinal repre∣sented so considerable to your Majesty, as if he had no other end, than drawing in this Prince to espouse your Interest; so that he prevail'd with you, to give the Duke the command of your Army in that Country, jointly with Prince Thomas; and these two Generals being joyn'd, broke the Marquess of Caracene's Measures, who design'd to surprize Regio; which so rais'd their Courage, that they thought themselves in a condition to besiege Pa∣vie: But they were forc'd to quit the Siege, which had very much lessen'd your Majesty's Glo∣ry, if that which happen'd elsewhere had not repair'd your Reputation; for beside that which you did in Flanders, your Army in Catalonia did not only preserve its Conquests; but enlarg'd 'em: For it seis'd upon Cap-daquiers, and being enter'd into the Campourda, put all under Con∣tribution home to Gironne.

The Fault whereof your Minister was guilty

in Italy, was not the only one of which his Mi∣nistry may be accus'd; he was very fond of a Maxime, which no body but himself approv'd, and which your Majesty suffer'd, because you had so much confidence in him; he employ'd in all your Affairs two Persons instead of one, which was always the Ground of perpetual jealousie be∣tween 'em, and which must necessarily produce very ill Effects: For two Men with equal Power and Authority, look upon one another as two Enemies, tho' they seem not to do it, and they will never let slip an Opportunity of doing one another an ill turn; they are never better pleas'd, than when one of them doth a Fault; and they commonly suborn People to procure each other's Ruine. To redress this, is very difficult; but 'tis absolutely necessary for the good of your Kingdom.

Your Majesty is far from liking this Maxim; you know, that the most perfect Government is, that which comes nearest to GOD's; and therefore you give absolute Power, to those that act under your Orders: 'Tis enough, that they render you an Account of what they do; but you do not put Persons in equal Ballance one with another, if you did, you should be sure to be but ill served; for if they that have Commission to do a thing, do it not with all the Authority of their Master, they are always ill obey'd: Beside, if two Persons have Power to command the same thing, one usually crosseth what the other under∣takes; their differing in Opinion, produceth this Effect, as well as the Jealousie which is be∣tween 'em; so that we ought to conclude a State

is ill govern'd, where there are so many Masters. We likewise see, that Monarchical Government is counted the most perfect, and that the best Policy'd Republicks are those, where there is the least Confusion.

Whatever was the matter, this Disorder reign'd in your Revenue, and in your Armies; you know that in Italy there were two Generals; in Flanders likewise, Cardinal Mazarin was pleas'd this Year, to joyn two Men together, whose Humours and Inclinations, were quite contrary to one another's; I mean, Viscount Tu∣renne and Mareschal de la Ferté, who could ne∣ver agree, and who also had lately quarrel'd. The Mareschal took out of the Viscounts Hands a Prisoner, under pretence of exchanging him for one of his Men taken by the Enemy; but in truth it was to hang him, in revenge for a Lor∣rainer in your Majesty's Service, whom they had put to Death. The Mareschal had reason to do it, and no body can say the contrary; for other∣wise, no Lorrainer would take Arms to serve you; but your Majesty will confess, that Vis∣count Turenne had just cause to complain of the Mareschal's abusing his Credulity, and tho' it concern'd your Service, yet there is no Pleasure in being made an Instrument to the bringing a Poor Man to the Gallows.

These two Generals, whose Army consisted of Thirty Thousand Men, resolving to imploy it in some glorious Enterprize, thought none greater than the besieging of Valenciennes, each took his Quarter opposite to one another: Your Majesty instead of expecting every Moment to receive

News of the Town's being taken, heard that Don John of Austria in the Arch-Duke's room, was marching with the Prince of Condé to re∣lieve it. Viscount Turenne, who always us'd to be cautious and stand upon his Guard, was now in so good a Posture, that Don John to succeed in his Design, thought the best way, was to fall upon Mareschal de la Fertè's Quarter. Turenne, who spent a great deal upon Spyes, acquainted the Mareschal with it, and offer'd to send some Troops to help him to repulse the Enemy; but his Jealousie would not let him accept the Offer, so that Don John, tho' he did not find him un∣provided, yet he fell upon him with so much Advantage, that he defeated the Mareschal, and took him Prisoner: Don John would have gon on, and attack'd Viscount Turenne's Quarter; but he was ready to receive him in so good Or∣der, that he saw he had to do with another guess Man than the Mareschal: Turenne retreated to Quesnoy, where he stay'd to expect those that fled, and kept so good a Countenance, that Don John durst not offer him Battel; but thought it better to take the Town of Condé, which Tu∣renne could not relieve; but to repair that loss, he made himself Master of Capelle, which your Majesty had no opportunity to re-take, since you lost it.

Another, not so couragious as your Majesty, would have been very much troubled with the ill Success of this Siege, and would have vented his anger upon the Prisoner; but you did not only appear unmov'd in this reverse of Fortune; but took it upon your self to justifie the Mares∣chal's

Conduct, whose Ransome you also pay'd; for you are always bountiful to them that serve you, and the greater their Misfortunes are, the more consideration you have for 'em.

You were not so ill treated by Fortune in Italy this Year, as you were the last: Your Army, commanded by the Dukes of Mercoeur and Mode∣na, took there the Town of Valence, in sight of the Spanish Troops, who durst not come to a Battel. In Catalonia you likewise maintain'd the Honour which your Arms had there acquir'd, so that the Lustre of your Crown, obscur'd that of Spain, and every one strove to be your Al∣lye.

Indeed, you forgot nothing to make your self considerable, and the Swiss, your antient Allyes, falling out among themselves, you, by your Mediation, happily ended their Differences: For your Majesty knows, that nothing is to pass in Europe, without your taking notice of it; and that such great Princes as you, ought so to inter∣pose their Authority, that no body may take Arms, without their consent.

You receiv'd into your Dominions the Queen of Sweeden, who had resign'd her Crown to her Cousin-German; she was extremely pleas'd with the Reception you gave her; but you were not so with her Proceedings; for in one of your Royal Houses, she caus'd one of her principal Officers to be assassinated, who it seems had dis∣pleas'd her; they who pretend to penetrate into secrets, believe there was some Mystery between them; and that the Gentleman's Indiscretion, was the cause of his Misfortune: Discourses so

much to the Dishonour of this Princess, with the little satisfaction you had in what had hap∣pen'd, put her upon parting sooner than she in∣tended; she went to Rome, the place she had chosen for her Retreat, and there having abjur'd her Religion, she found, that there are a thou∣sand Disgusts in a private Life, which People, who never tasted any before, would never have expected.

Your Majesty, about this time, was ingag'd in so nice a Business, that you never met with the like, since you ascended the Throne.

I mean that of the Jansenists, a Sect so much the more dangerous, because it cover'd it self with the Cloak of Piety: It was condemn'd at Rome, and then you thought you were not to tolerate it in your Dominions; so that you would not permit those to stay, who would not subscribe to the Pope's Decree: But their Facti∣on being strong, tho' they were out of your Kingdom, they kept intelligence with some in it; all Paris was full of their Books, and Peo∣ple ran so eagerly to read 'em, that they said, Rome was mistaken in condemning 'em: Their manner of Living, wrought much upon the People in their Favour; for they did nothing, in appea∣rance, but what tended to Perfection; and all that could be objected against their Doctrine, was, that they made the Gates of Paradise too narrow: It was indeed dangerous to hear 'em; for their Words were perfect Honey to purify'd Souls, and those were hardly able to return from their Errours, whom they had once thrown into Despair: But your Majesty belie∣ving

you were not concern'd to enter into a thorough examination of such matters, kept close to the Pope's Decree, and order'd the Sor∣bonne to confute their Writings, which were Publick: They took great Pains to do it; but some Doctors refusing to submit to the Opinion of others, conformable to what had been de∣creed at Rome, they were expell'd the Colledge, which was approved by your Majesty, because 'twas the only way to suppress the Schism, which was ready to break out.

Indeed, a Wise and Prudent King, ought to cut off the Current of all Innovations, especial∣ly in matters of Religion, whereof the Conse∣quences are always greater than in other things; unless it be done, there can be no safety either for Kingdoms, or Consciences; and it would be in the Power of every false Zealot, to make a Religion according to his own Mode; he would not fail of having Disciples, provided he carry'd things to extremity; for the Mind of Man, is of that Temper, that at first sight, he finds himself taken with great Respect, for those things, which he thinks most perfect, without conside∣ring that when they are carry'd to so high a Pitch, they are far above the reach of Hu∣mane Frailty, to which there ought still some regard to be had.

Your Majesty, soon after, undertook the Siege of Cambray; and tho' it were with your usual Prudence, and therefore might hope for good Success; yet your Conduct was forc'd to give place to Fortune; the Enterprize wholly de∣pended upon Diligence, and Your Majesty made

account your Lines should be perfected, before the Enemy, who was a pretty way off, should have notice of it; but the Prince of Condé, who unluckily took a review of his Troops, the Day after yours, encamp'd before the Place, and be∣ing on Horseback, when the News was brought him, he presently March'd, and so well took his time, that he pass'd through your Army, with∣out being known; after which you were oblig'd to raise the Siege; but resolving to repair this Affront by some considerable enterprize, you besieg'd Montmedi. The Enemy's Army full of Pride for that which had happen'd to you at Cambray, flatter'd themselves, they could give you the like Check before Montmedi.

The Prince of Condé, who was their Hero, was pray'd to undertake the care of it; but Vis∣count Turenne who observ'd him, having march'd Night and Day, with a Party of the Troops which he commanded, and Mareschal la Ferté, whom you had charg'd with this Expe∣dition, being in a good Posture, tho' his Lines were not yet finish'd: The Prince of Condé durst not undertake the Attack; so that you reduc'd this strong Place under your Obedience. Vis∣count Turenne went and rejoyn'd his Army, after the departure of the Prince of Condé, who, as great a Captain as he was, could not hinder Turenne from taking St. Venant.

When the Prince of Condé saw that; he with Don John of Austria, went and besieg'd Ardres, hoping, that Viscount Turenne, would either quit his Enterprize, or let him finish his, without giving him any Trouble: The Prince thought he

should sooner do his Work than Turenne; because St. Venant was defended by a good Garrison, and that there was scarce any body in Ardres: But Viscount Turenne, who knew that one of the best Qualities in a General, was not to lose a Mo∣ment of time, us'd such Diligence, that he ob∣lig'd the Enemy to Capitulate two days sooner than the Prince of Condé imagin'd; and present∣ly march'd against the Prince; who having notice of it, was half Mad; for had he given the Prince but four Hours time more, he had made him∣self Master of Ardres: being just ready to spring a Mine, which had done all that he could desire, and then there was no appearance the Governour could have held out longer; but he knowing he was so near being reliev'd, refus'd to hearken to any Capitulation. The Prince, not being so strong as Turenne, resolv'd to raise the Siege, which was no little Honour to the Vis∣count, whose Diligence had made the Prince fail both of relieving Montmedi, and of taking Ardres.

Not to lose any time, is so necessary a Qua∣lity in a General, that without it, no Man can ever hope to be a good Captain: For in War, some times All depends upon an Instant, and he that knows not how to make use of it, doth not deserve any great Esteem.

Turenne did not yet end his Campagne, he likewise took La Motthe au Bois, and many o∣ther Forts upon the Canal of Bourbourg, after which he made himself Master of Mardik.

That which pass'd in Catalonia, would not de∣serve to be told, were it not convenient it should

be known, that the Reason why your Majesty made no more Conquests there, was, because you thought it enough, to keep those you had alrea∣dy. The Country which is divided from Rousil∣lon and Cerdaigne, by a Chain of Mountains of a prodigious Heighth, and whose Avenues are so narrow, that two Men can hardly pass in Front, seems to be made for another Soveraign, and it would be to force Nature, to unite them under one Government; so that your Majesty, con∣tenting your self with the Bounds, which God seem'd to have set between your Kingdom, and that of the King of Spain, you resolv'd not to enter into his, but only to let him see, you had Troops sufficient to guard your own; so that all which afterward pass'd, was only some light Skirmishes, (which caus'd little alteration) till a Peace was concluded.

The Prince of Conti, who commanded in this Country the last Year, seeing there was now lit∣tle Honour to be gotten by him there, pray'd your Majesty's leave, to go and supply the Place of Prince Thomas, who was dead: You granted his Request; but it had been much better for his Reputation, to have stay'd in Rousillon, than to go into Italy, and be forc'd to raise the Siege of Alexandria de la Paille, which he had joyntly undertaken with the Duke of Modena.

If your Majesty would know, why you met with more ill turns of Fortune in that Country, than in any other; 'tis easie to give your Majesty a Reason for it. The Spaniards look upon the Milanez of very great Consequence to them, the loss of which, would certainly draw after it

other Places they possess in that Country; so that whenever they are attack'd, they use all imaginable means to relieve them: Beside, the Princes of Italy do not ordinarily Pray for you, when your Armies come amongst 'em: They are very well pleas'd with your Protection, but do not care for your Neighbourhood. It is enough for your Majesty to have a Door open to help 'em in time of need, and if you suffer no body, especially Spain, to meddle with 'em, you shall still be in great Reputation among 'em: All then, which I think you ought to do in that Country, is to continue the Allyance which you have with the Duke of Savoy; with whom, a good Correspondence is not only necessary for the keeping of Cazall; but likewise of Pignerol: That of other Princes is of no use to you, but may prove prejudicial, by making others believe, you have great Designs upon their Liberty; and therefore may put them upon entring into a Confederacy against you. I know, that at this time your Majesty is in so great Reputation, that a League of the Princes of Italy against you, would turn to their Confusion, if it were not sup∣ported by the Forces of all Europe. But your Majesty must take heed, the Italian Princes do not serve for Trumpets to other Potentates, who are Jealous enough of your Majesty, and would readily joyn to interrupt your Prosperity. Beside, you must do all you can, to avoid allarm∣ing the Swiss, of whom you have more need than you Imagin; for should they recall the Troops they lend you, it would deprive you of a Strength you cannot spare: To which I may add,

that in such a Revolution, the Duke of Savoy may leave you, and then by his Defection, your Frontiers, which are not fortify'd on that side, will suffer very much.

I know very well, that when a Prince resolves to make War, he ought not only to think, by what means he may succeed; but also, what is like to be the Sequel and End of it. I conse∣quently know, that the Princes of Italy, are too well advis'd, to declare themselves against your Majesty, from whom only they can hope for help, when they are oppress'd, and against whom they cannot arm any other Potentates; but those of whom they ought to be extreamly jealous: To which Branch soever of the House of Austria they address themselves, they have reason to fear it; for that of Germany, pretends they are Feudataries of the Empire, of which the Empe∣rour holds the Reins, and consequently ought to command them. That of Spain, hath upon 'em the right of Convenience, which is as good a Title as any other; so that to which side soever they turn, they will find it much safer for 'em to maintain Friendship with your Majesty, than to address elsewhere; but then your Majesty ought to perform your Part, because, when People see themselves neglected, their Resentment of it will not alway permit them to Reflect on what they should do; and the Desire of being re∣veng'd, is sometimes so deeply rooted in their Hearts, that they will buy Vengeance at any Rate.

Amidst so many important Affairs, which your Majesty had on all sides, your Mind was ne∣ver

the less set, upon all that might procure the ease and quiet of your Subjects; there was not a Year pass'd, wherein you did not publish some good Laws; among which, I cannot forget that excellent Edict, which did forbid all Pages and Footmen to wear Swords. You commanded that it should be so exactly observ'd, that those Disorders which before daily happen'd, begun to cease; your People were also very much oblig'd to your Majesty, for delivering them from the troublesom Importunitys of Beggars, of whom Idleness, for the most part, made so great a Multitude, (who would rather beg than work;) that no body in any place could be quiet for 'em, the Streets were full of 'em, as well as the Churches, where People could not say their Prayers, without being every Moment inter∣rupted by 'em. You commanded, that they should be shut up in the Hospital General; your Edict concerning it, made the Deaf to hear, the Dumb to speak, and the Lame to walk; this Law wrought more Miracles, than ever were seen done at one time under the Gospel; it was an intolerable Abuse, to see so many Idle People lying in all Passages upon Bundles of Straw, with Limbs, to appearance, Distorted and out of Joynt, to move Compassion; yet, when they were to be shut up, were all Sound and Streight, and could work as well as others.

The League, which your Majesty made with the English, procur'd you the Year following the Service of their Ships, to besiege Dunkirk, which you invested both by Sea and Land: Don John of Austria and the Prince of Condé came to

relieve it; their Army had in it a new Rebell, upon whom your Majesty had heap'd many Fa∣vours; but he cover'd his Ingratitude and Breach of Faith, with pretending he had cause to com∣plain against your Minister; it was Mareschal Hoquincourt; he endeavour'd to make the Town of Peronne, whereof he was Governour, to de∣clare for that Party, into which he had thrown himself; but the Fidelity of his Son, and of the Inhabitants, kept the Place for your Majesty.

The Importance of Dunkirk, oblig'd the Eenmy to hazard all, rather than suffer it to be lost; so that being come to view the Lines, Viscount Turenne went out, and gave them Battel: Your Troops an∣swer'd the hope you had conceiv'd of their Cou∣rage, and having beaten the Enemy's Army, the Town Render'd it self to your General; you came your self thither, to put it into the Hands of the English, who, according to the Treaty made with them, were to have it; which you were necessitated to do, to keep them from joyning with your Enemies; but it was a vexation to you, to see so fine and considerable a Town, fall into any other Hands but your own: You contented your self with requiring a Condition to be made good, which was very advantage∣ous to the Catholicks, they being thereby allow'd to enjoy their Liberty of Conscience, contrary to the practice of the English in their own Country; but the necessity which oblig'd you to give them the Possession of the Town, oblig'd them like∣wise to yield to so just a Demand.

The Defeat of the Enemy before Dunkirk, o∣pen'd to you a Door to greater Conquests;

Gravelin, Bergues, Furnes, Dixmude, Menim, Oudenard, Ypres, and some other Places, fell un∣der your Dominion; for which Success, your Peoples Joy had been much greater, had it not been lessen'd by the fear of losing you; for it was about this time, you were so sick at Calais, that it was believ'd you could not recover. Great was the Grief of your Court and Army, every one was in such a Consternation as cannot be exprest; you only appear'd every Day the same, endeavouring to Comfort the Queen your Mother, and the Cardinal, who stood despairing at your Bed's side. You were at last given over by all your Physicians, so that the last Remedy thought of, was to give you a Vomit, which▪ tho not then in use, was ordered by a Man, expresly sent for from Abbeville, upon the Reputation he had, for having done many great Cures: You were thought to be so near lost, that there were two or three of your Cour∣tiers, who complemented Monsieur your Bro∣ther, upon his being in so fair a way to succeed you: Indeed the Curtains of your Bed were drawn, and it was believ'd, you were so near dead, that your Almoners were ready to begin the De Profundis: But at that very Instant, you gave some Signs of Life; so that People seeing they were mistaken, they gave you the Vomit, which you would not take, till you had ask'd Cardinal Mazarin, whether he thought it wou'd cure You.

He told you, he hop'd it might; which so en∣courag'd you, that you drank it all at a Draught, and without making any Face: You had that

day a hopeful Crisis, and People begun to per∣ceive some Change, which made the Man, in whose Hands you were, give you another Dose, which perfected the Cure. Your Majesty's Youth contributed very much to it, as it doth in all kinds of Diseases, you so perfectly recover'd your Health, that a Month after, it could not be perceiv'd that you had been Sick.

The Loss which your People fear'd of your Majesty's sacred Person, made the Queen your Mother, Earnestly desire to Marry you. The Queen's Inclination, as well as your own, was to the Infanta of Spain, which Allyance had pro∣duc'd a general Peace, and also given your Ma∣jesty a Princess of exemplary Vertue, whose Beauty was not to be despis'd. But the Spani∣ards, who fear'd this Match might one day bring them under your Dominion, because she was the presumptive Heir of their Kingdom, shew'd shuch an horrible Aversion to it, that you were oblig'd to cast your Eyes on the Prin∣cess of Savoy. Your Majesty went to Lions to see her, and conclude the Business. The Dutchess of Savoy came with her Daughter to meet you, and you were so well pleas'd with the young Princess, that the Dutchess her Mo∣ther was over-joy'd, thinking she could never expect a greater Happiness: All your Courtiers likewise believing it was a done business, be∣gun to look on the Princess, as she that was to be their Queen. But the Spaniards, foreseeing that if this happen'd, all Flanders would fall under your Majesty's Power, and after that you would force them to restore Navarre, which

they ujustly kept from you, they sent Pimentel to Lions, with Power to break this Marriage, and propose that of the Infanta.

Your Majesty acquainted the young Princess with this Proposal, and withal told her, that the Inclination you had for her, made you less sensible of this News, than you should have been at another time. But these Words, how sincere soever they were, not being able to comfort her, she return'd to Turin, very much afflicted for missing such a Fortune.

Monsieur de Lionne having personally conferr'd with Pimentel, made a rough Draught of the Treaty of Peace, of which Cardinal Mazarin would have all the Honour: He went to the Frontier of Spain, where his Catholick Majesty on his Part, sent Don Lewis de Haro, his prime Minister; their Conferences were held in the Island of Phosants, upon the River Bidassoa, which separates your Majesty's Dominions from the King of Spain's; and there having agreed all that de Lionne and Pimentel had left to be done; your Majesty sent Mareschal de Grammont to Madrid, to demand the Infanta of her Fa∣ther; which Ceremony being over, with all o∣thers that were to precede the Marriage, you came to Bayonne, with a Magnificent and Splen∣did Court, after having punisht the Inhabitants of Marscilles, who took a very ill time to rebel, when you were so near having a Peace; your Majesty there espous'd the Infanta, and pardon'd the Prince of Condé, to whom you restor'd all the Places and Governments which he had be∣fore his Rebellion. The greatest part of your

Conquests you still kept by this Treaty; but you were to restore all Lorrain, excepting only a High-Way, which was to remain to you in Soveraignty, to go into Alsatia; and the Dutchy of Bar; which was still to continue under your Majesty's Subjection.

As to the Spaniards Fear, whereof I have already spoken, your Majesty, in that Particular, gave them all the Satisfaction they could desire; you renounc'd your Succession to Spain, in ex∣press Terms, and with all the Clauses that Crown requir'd; so that having given your Sub∣jects Peace, after so long a War, you thought of nothing but of letting them enjoy it, and of enjoying it your self.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Appanage signifies the Portion given to the King of Franc's younger Children.