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. III. Containing what past since the Treaty of the Pyrenes, to the Treaty of Aix la Chapelle.

BEfore your Majesty came back to Paris, you stay'd a while at Fountainbleau, to give the Inhabitants of that great City, time to prepare for your Reception. The Entry they made for you, was so Stately and Magnificent, that in the Memory of Man, never was any thing seen like it: Your Majesty stopp'd, when you came into the Suburb of St. Antoin, where was erected so glo∣rious a Throne, that it was fit only for you, and the Queen your Wife; you there receiv'd the Compliments of the Supream Courts, and of the

whole Body of the City; after which you went to the Louvre, preceded by your Nobility, and in the midst of so great a Concourse of People, that it look'd as if all France had come together to admire your Majesty.

Amidst so many things, wherewith your Ma∣jesty could not chuse but be very well pleas'd, you apply'd your self, as you us'd to do, to the Government of your Kingdom, and taking care of your Allyes, as well as of your own People; you pacified a great Difference which had hap∣pen'd between the two Northern Crowns, and which had produc'd a cruel War. All Europe was likewise ready to be engag'd in it; so true is it, that a little Spark will kindle a great Fire: But you, by your Prudence having quench'd the Flame, found your self daily in a better Condi∣tion to enjoy the Repose, which by your Ver∣tue you had acquir'd.

I had not yet the Honour to be known by your Majesty, tho' upon the Death of Monsieur Roy, chief under Secretary to Monsieur Tellier, Secre∣tary of State for the War, I was by him put in∣to Monsieur Roy's Place, to keep it for Monsieur Villacerf, a Relation of his and mind, who was not then of Age to execute it; after which, I enter'd into the Service of Cardinal Mazarin; when I was with him, I had the Honour to speak to your Majesty; but it being only as you were passing by, and to answer some Questions you ask'd me, it might perhaps have been a long time before I had been known to you, if the Cardinal, who found himself daily dying, had not recommended me to your Majesty, as a Man,

who very well understood your Revenue, and was able to discover their Frauds who had the Administration of it.

Two Things made him say this Good of me to your Majesty; the one was, The Abuses which were really committed by those who manag'd your Revenue. The other was, The good Order into which I had brought his own Affairs, which he had trusted to my Care. I know not whether I may not put two other Things into the Account; the one was, The Hatred he bore to Monsieur Fouquet, Superin∣tendant of the Finances, with whom he had some Words a few Days before, and who was a very proud Man, because he had been the Parliaments Attorney General. The other was, because the Cardinal saw himself on the Bri•••• of his Grave, which made him think of quitting the World, and all its Grandeurs. Whatever it were, it was your Majesty's Pleasure to have some private Conference with me, wherein I was so Happy, to give your Majesty Satisfaction: Your Majesty then commanded me to draw you up some large Memoirs of that, wherewith I had the Honour to entertain you; which I did the next Day, and with which your Majesty seem'd very well pleas'd.

In the mean time, the Duke of Lorrain, who complain'd he had been sacrifis'd in the late Treaty, came to Paris, where he us'd all possi∣ble Endeavours, to have the Treaty alter'd, in those Articles which concern'd him: But after all that he had done in your Father's Life time, and in your Reign; for which he had his Coun∣try

taken from him; there was little appearance he would succeed. Indeed your Majesty judg'd with a great deal of Reason, by what had past; it was not safe to take his Word for the future; so that you rejected all he propos'd, and signi∣fy'd to him, he must rest satisfy'd with what had been done. When he saw this, he apply'd him∣self to the Cardinal's weak side, and propos'd to him a Marriage of one of his Neices, either with himself, or with Prince Charles, his Ne∣phew, feigning he was not yet fully resolv'd, whether he should Marry again or no; for the Dutchess of Nicolle was then Dead, and his Mar∣riage now would be much firmer, and more le∣gitimate, than that was, which during her Life, he had made with the Princess de Cantecroix. The Proposition was so much to your Minister's Advantage, that it made him forget your Maje∣sty's Interest; wherein he was very much to be blam'd, because he, upon whom a Prince relys in all his Affairs, ought to prefer them, be∣fore all that can be propos'd, for his own parti∣cular Benefit. I have lately in my own Case, put this Rule in practice; for a very good Match being offer'd to me for my eldest Son, it did not move, or at all tempt me, because it consisted not with your Majesty's Service.

The Duke of Lorrain, knowing that by his Address, he had put his Business into a fair way, feigns himself in Love; because he found the Cardinal had more mind his Niece should Marry him, than his Nephew; for he thought thereby to gain time, and to put in practice some new Invention: To this piece of Dissimulation, he

adds another, to deferr the propos'd Marriage: He pretended he was Sick; but this feigned Sick∣ness, did not hinder him from pursuing the Suc∣cess of his Business; he engag'd the Duke of Guise in it, deceiving him first; so that he very faithfully promoted the Duke of Lorrain's In∣terest.

The Duke of Guise, who indeed was a Prince of great Sincerity, and whose great and gene∣rous Soul would never have suffer'd him to be instrumental in deceiving any body; this Duke, I say, believing the Duke of Lorrain to be a Man of his Word, acted for him with as much Zeal, as he could expect from so noble a Prince; and the Cardinal knowing him to be a Man, upon whose Honour and Faith he might rely, put so much Confidence in him, that he sign'd a Trea∣ty in your Majesty's Name, much more to the Duke of Lorrain's Advantage, than that which past in the Isle of Phesants. The Cardinal now expected his Niece should be Dutchess of Lorrain, either by being marry'd to the Duke himself, or to his Nephew Prince Charles: But the Duke, who glory'd in never performing any thing he promis'd, and having obtain'd all that he could desire, disclaims what was promis'd by the Duke of Guise, which was, that he should Marry the Cardinal's Niece presently after the Signing of the Treaty.

It may, perhaps, be thought Strange, that this Cardinal, who was so very cunning, did not cause the Treaty to be ratify'd by the Duke of Lorrain, before the performance of that which the Duke of Guise promis'd in his behalf. But

the Reason was, because your Minister would not have your Majesty know, what was the Price the Duke of Lorrain was to pay for this new Treaty, which was so much in his Favour: So that for being too Crafty, the Cardinal was de∣ceiv'd; which teacheth us, that there is no trusting Men of a certain Character, and that too much Cunning sometimes doth Men more Harm, than less would do.

There was Reason to think, that the Cardi∣nal, who was an Italian, and consequently loving Revenge, as all that Nation do, would never pardon the Duke of Lorrain; and in the Post the Cardinal was, it was almost impossible, but he should meet with a very fit Opportunity of be∣ing reveng'd. But having now taken his Bed, he was to think of Things of much greater Conse∣quence; which was, to render an Account to God. It was his Custom, to make every one pay him, and he to pay no body: The Account he was to make up with Heaven so much perplexed him, that he fell into great Convulsions; but be∣lieving, in the Condition he was, he should ha∣zard nothing if he told the Truth, he confess'd he had robb'd your Majesty, and your People. Mr. Joly, Curate of St. Nicholas in the Fields, who was his Confessor, told him he could not give him Absolution, unless he made Restituti∣on; which, as Rich as he was, was more than he could do; and beside, he lov'd his Wealth so well, that he could not find in his Heart to part with it. He had run a Risque of dying, without being absolv'd, if your Majesty had not had the Goodness to make a Gift to him of all he had

taken from you. Mr. Joly satisfy'd himself with the Declaration your Majesty made to that purpose, which so quieted the Cardinal's Con∣science, that he dy'd much more peaceably than he would have done without it.

Your Majesty, that very Night, came into your Closet; where you ask'd me, whether the Cardinal had not hid some Effects, and the Place where I thought they might be: I told your Majesty all I knew, and you seis'd upon what was of great value; but yet left a great deal to his Niece Hortensia, whom he made his Heir, upon Condition, that her Husband should bear the Name and Arms of Mazarin, which gave great distast to all the Princes of the Blood; but your Majesty, who was alway very kind to him, continued it after his Death; for you would let no body touch any thing of that which he left to his Niece.

All France, now fix'd their Eyes upon your Majesty, to observe how you would behave your self, being, upon the Cardinal's Death, left to your own Conduct: For tho' by what you had done before, it appear'd by a thousand Things, you wou'd one Day be a Great King; yet the ill Education you had had, with your having been alway, if I may so say, under the Ferule of that Minister, made People doubt, whether you had been guided by your own Dis∣cretion, or by his Dictates. Beside, as the Vi∣vacity of our Nation, doth not incline us to have any great esteem for that which looks Hea∣vy and Dull; there were a great many who found fault with your looking so Grave and Seri∣ous

in all your Actions; they could not believe that a Prince of your Age, could be so Wise; especially in a Court where there were so many weak Heads, who without making the least Re∣flexion, said all that they thought.

But I made a contrary Judgment of your Ma∣jesty, by the first Conference I had the Honour to have with you; you weigh'd all things so well, that I was perswaded, the Advantages of a good natural Disposition, very much prevail over an ill Education. It was not long e're all your Subjects were of my Opinion; especially when they saw you knew so well how to Act the King. You obliged them to pay as much Re∣spect to you, as they had taken Liberty, under your Minister Cardinal Mazarin; the just An∣swers, and so much to the purpose, which you gave to those Ambassadors that resided in your Court, begot a great Opinion of your Wisdom; so that in a little time, Foreigners, as well as the French, were undeceiv'd, in some Discourses that had past to your Prejudice. The least appear∣ances are enough to make People speak ill of a Prince upon the Throne; but a Multitude of E∣vents, and considerable Actions full of prudent Conduct, are requir'd to give him Reputation; which teacheth Princes, that they ought always to do Good, when Occasion requires it. Every one hath his Eyes upon 'em to give them their due, according to their Actions, whether Good or Bad.

But your Majesty had nothing to fear upon that Account: I can bear Witness to Posterity, that you did an Action, worthy of immortal

Glory. As I have already said, you were edu∣cated among Women, and you fell in Love with the Eldest of Cardinal Mazarin's four Nieces, then at Court; you lov'd her so despe∣rately, that they, who had not the Honour to know you, believ'd your Passion would make you forget your Duty to your self. This Niece, fomented your Passion cunningly enough; and every day, more and more to enflame you, us'd those Arts, which crafty Women practise, who are proud of their Conquests. But your Majesty, instead of running into the Snares she laid for you, consented she should be Marry'd; and saw her part, notwithstanding all her tender Repro∣ches, and tho' your own Heart told you, you were cruel to your self, in resolving not to en∣joy, (in the Condition you then were,) the sweet∣est of all the Pleasures of this Life.

This Victory over your self, was follow'd by another relating to the same Person: The Plea∣sures which she had tasted at Court, and per∣haps also, the Remembrance of your Majesty, which she could not blot out of her Mind, ha∣ving made her not live so very well with her Husband, she quickly return'd into France. Many believ'd, that she had great Hopes, that the Fire which had been so quick and ardent, would be easily rekindled: She was therefore returning to Court, with full Sailes; but your Majesty, having Notice of it, sent a Courrier to tell her, she must retire into a Monastery. I know very well, Sir, I have antedated the time when this past; and to do things in order, I should not have spoken of this, in this Place;

but the connexion which is between this Cir∣cumstance, and the other I have mention'd, would not suffer me any longer to forbear speak∣ing of it; I do not undertake to write your Histo∣ry in due Method therefore this Transposition may be pardon'd.

Your Majesty, having no confidence in the in∣constant and unquiet Humour of the Duke of Lorrain, and fearing he might enter into Cabals, which might be to your prejudice; you design'd to Marry his Nephew, Prince Charles, who was right Heir to the Dukedom of Lorrain and Bar, to some Person in France: His Father, who stay'd in Paris, was ravish'd that your Majesty had so good Intentions for his Son, whose Uncle, without you, could never be brought to do him right. He propos'd to you his Son's Marrying Mademoiselle Montpensier, and your Majesty consented to it, because it was indifferent to you, what Lady he chose, provi∣ded he put it out of the Duke of Lorrain's Pow∣er, to do you any mischief. Mademoiselle, who had willingly hearkend to the Proposal that had been made her of the Duke d' Anguien, who was then but a Boy; was much more pleas'd with this of a Handsom Prince, and of an Age more suitable to hers. She grew so much in Love with him, that she became jealous of her Sister, whom the Prince of Lorrain could have better lik'd, had she not been design'd by your Majesty for another; you had indeed promis'd her to the Duke of Tuscany, eldest Son to the Duke of Florence; who not long after Marryed her. She, and the Prince of Lorrain, tho' both

knew they were not born for one another, could not refrain from being often together; and the Prince, growing daily more and more enamour'd of her, gave her a Picture which he had from Mademoiselle Montpensier. The Vanity which all Women have to boast of their Conquests, especially when they think they can vex a Rival, made her discover what the Prince had given her, tho' it concern'd her very much, to have kept the thing secret. Your Majesty did not like it, and she being to go so speedily into Italy to be married, it was not fit her Husband should suspect her guilty of any amorous Intriegue; but all those Reflections did not hinder her from making this false step. So true is it, that Youth, Prudence, and Love, very seldom keep Company. Mademoiselle Montpensier no sooner knew this, but she broke with Prince Charles; his Father, who was extreamly troubled that his Son should miss in all respects so considerable a Match, did what he could to bring the Business about again; but Mademoiselle, whose high Spirit, was answerable to the greatness of her Birth, despis'd all the Promises which were made to appease her.

Your Majesty would not force her, tho' you thought this Marriage necessary for the good of your State. In the mean time, Prince Charles having lost so good a Fortune by his own Fault; some body propos'd to him the Dutchess of Longue∣ville, newly become a Widow, and who was very Rich: Were it that the Prince could not forget the Dutchess of Tuscany, or that the Wi∣dow had some Defects, he did so little relish the

Proposition, that he could not make one Step towards her.

The Duke of Lorrain, who could not part with his Dukedom, was much troubled, that his Nephew should marry Mademoiselle Mont∣pensier; tho' it appear'd 'twas a thing to which he had given his consent: But knowing his aver∣sion to the Dutchess of Nemours, he press'd him to marry her, purposely to clear himself from the Suspicion your Majesty had, of his playing a Thousand Tricks to hinder the other Match with Madam Montpensier: But the more Pains he took to bring him to it, the further was Prince Charles from it; yet he felt in himself an Inclination for Mademoiselle Nemours the Dutchess's deceas'd Husband's Niece, who had somewhat more than her Aunt to engage the Prince; so that at last he became so entirely hers, that he quite forgot the Dutchess of Tus∣cany. Your Majesty, being told of it by the Prince's Father, who at first did not ap∣prove of this Match, because he valued Wealth more than Beauty; your Majesty made him con∣sent to it, and there was no Qestion of your ma∣king the Duke of Lorrain do the same: But the little disposition he had to give him his Estate, made him make a thousand Excuses; which your Majesty finding very frivolous, and without any Foundation, you told the Duke, if he did not take a Resolution conformable to your Will, and to Reason; the thing should be done, without con∣sulting him any further. This Declaration was like a Clap of Thunder to him, and believing it was impossible to prevail with your Majesty to

altar your Resolution; he offer'd to declare you Heir to all his Dominions, if you would grant him the Honour of your Protection against his Nephew.

His Design in making this Proposition was to deceive your Majesty, and having cunningly in∣sinuated, that his Nephews Right and Title to the Dukedoms of Lorrain and Bar, was not so firm∣ly establish'd, but that he could dispute it with him; and quoting some Precedents, to prove the Salique-Law was still in force in his two Dutchies; your Majesty treated with him, and left the Prosecution of the Marriage with Made∣moiselle Nemours, which wanted nothing but Consummation, all the Ceremonies having been perform'd by Proxy.

See how Interest sometimes works upon great Souls, as well as upon those of meaner Quality; which yet is not so pardonable in them, because they ought to have more care of their Reputa∣tion, than of their Fortune, which is already great enough, not to purchase new Establish∣ments, with the loss of their Honour. In con∣troversies of Things dubious, let justice still carry the Cause, and let no man think to main∣tain a Title by force, which cannot support it self. That of which I am now speaking, was of this Nature, and it were to be wish'd, your Majesty had seriously consider'd it: You would then have seen, that this was only a Bait thrown out, the better to deceive you, and also that this Treaty contain'd some things in it, which render'd the Execution of it impossible, as I shall hereafter plainly shew your Majesty.

This Business, of which I have spoken all in a Breath, because I was ingag'd in it, by mention∣ing your Majesty's Design to marry Mademoiselle Montpensier to Prince Charles, ought not (to do things in order) have been plac'd here; but the Excuse I made before, must serve me again, without making any other.

Your Majesty, having declar'd in all the Con∣ferences I had with you, the great Desire you had to do something effectually toward the Re∣formation of your Kingdom; call'd for those Memoirs that had been drawn up in Cardinal Richelieu's time concerning it: The suddain Death of that Minister having prevented the do∣ing of it himself: You found, in those Papers, many things, against which you had reason to object; because the time which had past since that Cardinal's Death, had chang'd the State of Affairs; and that which was good under his Mi∣nistry, was not so now: But your Majesty made choice of the Good, and left the Bad; wherein you shew'd so much Judgment, that I can never enough commend you.

You resolv'd to make the Parti∣sans render again what they had swal∣low'd; for, abusing your Minority, they had fill'd their own Coffers, by emptying yours. You intended to begin with their Master, who was, as you thought, most faulty; I mean the Superintendant of the Finan∣ces, whose Abuses I had discover'd to your Ma∣jesty, and who was himself so conscious, that to avoid the Punishment he deserv'd, he thought of saving himself by a greater Crime. To that

purpose, he had bought Belle Isle of the Family of de Rets, where he intended to stand upon his Guard against your Majesty, having by Pensions, made several Governours of Provinces, and Frontier Places, of his Party; of which a Draught was found amongst his Papers, when he was seiz'd; so that if Justice had been done upon him, he should have been brought to a Scaffold.

The Place which he had in Parliament, made your Majesty think it dangerous to prosecute him, till he had quitted it. You perswaded him to part with it, under pretence, that all the Af∣fairs of State, being since the Death of the Car∣dinal in his Hands, his Place in Parliament would be now of little worth to him. Fouquet ran into the Trap, and having sold his Place to one of his Friends, you went into Britany, and there had him arrested. At the same time you seiz'd upon Belle Isle: The thing was executed in the same manner your projected it, and having appointed Commissioners to try him, you caus'd him to be prosecuted.

Monsieur Tellier was his capital Enemy; but his trimming Politicks would not let him act a∣gainst him. He begun to be jealous of your Ma∣jesty's shewing me so much Favour, and as he would not have been displeas'd if you had not put so much confidence in my Services; so he would, if he could, have made the Prosecution of Monsieur Fouquet pass for Injustice. See how they, who desire to pass for Wise Men in Pub∣lick; yet cannot dissemble, when they think their own Interest is at stake; so that to judge of Things rightly, a Man must not do it rashly

by appearances: A Prudent Man ought to stay till such Accidents happen, as use to move Peo∣ples Passions; for 'tis then we are to make a Judgment of Mens Wisdom, and not where that which passeth doth not concern 'em; for then 'tis no wonder if they appear insensible.

Your Majesty erected a Court of Justice, to en∣quire how the Farmers of your Revenue had be∣hav'd themselves; which drew upon me the pub∣lick hatred, because the number of those who had robb'd your Majesty, was so great, that half Paris was concern'd in it, either by themselves, or by their Friends and Relations. Indeed, the prodigious Wealth of those Blood-suckers of your People, was so great, that they were ally'd to most of the Considerable Military, or Gown∣men: They had also brought the Sale of all Places to so excessive a Price, that no body but them∣selves were able to buy: Fieubet offer'd for the Attorney-General's Place, sixteen hundred thou∣sand Francks. That of a Chief Judge, was not less worth. That of a Master of Requests, was valued at a Hundred and ten thousand Crowns. A simple Councellor of Parliament's Place, at two Hun∣dred and I know not how many thousand Li∣vers.

I very plainly foresaw what effect this would have against me; and that it would be said also, there was no Faith in your Majesty, who after People had serv'd you with their Purses, you paid your Debts with excessive Taxes, and sent such People to Hospitals, who before had liv'd as handsomly as any in Paris; tho' the baseness of their Original, was an infallible Proof

that they had gotten their Wealth by Rapine; and consequently, there was no Injustice in obli∣ging them to disgorge it: But there was a great deal of difference between what was done du∣ring your Minority, and what you did your self: The one requires, that a Prince should make good his Word, otherwise he would find none to serve him in his necessity, whence would happen greater Inconveniences, than any humane Prudence would be able to remedy: So that a Prince would be very ill advis'd, who should by his ill Conduct deprive himself of that Assistance, which sooner or later he shall be sure to want: For tho' he may Reign but a little time, yet those Things may fall out, wich he could not foresee, let his Management be never so frugal: They may sometimes be of such consequence, that the funds which he hath provided, are not sufficient to help him. There ought to be no greater a Provision of Ready Money, than what is proportion'd to the running Cash of a King∣dom; otherwise, a Prince would bring his own Revenue to nothing, by rendring his People una∣ble to assist him with their Purses, the Prince himself having all the ready Money in his own Hands.

A Consequence so dangerous obligeth a Prince to keep his Word; but yet he ought not to let his Farmers get so excessively, as to ruine his People and himself too: for 'tis manifest, if he doth not manage his Affairs like a good Father of a Family, he will be oblig'd to lay Tax upon Tax. The Farmers on their side, must not think to grow vastly Rich in a short time: be∣cause

then it will be no Injustice to Fleece 'em, whereas, when their Gain is moderate, they are suffer'd to enjoy the Fruit of their Labour.

After these Remarks, I return to what I just touch'd upon before, when I said, there was great difference, between what a Prince doth himself, and that which during his Minority is done by his Minister; for if his Minister hath mismanag'd, and not taken care of his Affairs, he is not bound to approve of those Faults he committed; for a Prince ought not to be in a worse Condition than a Private Man, who can help himself against that which his Guardian hath done prejudicial to his Interest. Beside, the People having usually an irreconcilable Ha∣tred against those that Farm the publick Revenue, 'tis a Pleasure to them to see 'em lose some of their Grease: To this I add, that the time of a Prince's Minority being commonly troublesom, and his Coffers charged with a great many Debts; he cannot take an easier course to pay them, or that which will make less noise; because it toucheth none but some particular Persons, and the generality is so far from being discontended, that they rejoice at it; because they had rather the Prince should have their Substance, than those wretches, who in Fattening themselves with it, often do the People a thousand Injuries.

By this way of prosecuting the Partisans, your Majesty paid a vast number of Debts; and in the mean time, God blessed your Marriage with a Son, who inherits his Father's Vertues, your Majesty hath taken such care of his Education, that joyn'd with his natural disposition, it must

be a wonder if he prove a Prince less perfect than your self.

About this time, you marry'd Monsieur your Brother, to a Princess of England; he took the Title of Duke of Orleans, after the Death of Monsieur your Uncle, who left no Male Issue. This Allyance maintain'd a good Correspondence between your Majesty and the English, who after the Death of Cromwell, in the Year 1658. found his Son Richard so unfit to succeed him, that they set their Lawful King again upon the Throne. About that time fell out an Accident in that Country, which had like to have ingag'd your Majesty in a new War: Your Ambassador having sent his Coaches to meet the Sweedish Embassador, who was to make his Publick Entry, the Spanish Embassador, that his Coach might go before yours, hir'd Men to cut the Traces of your Embassador's Coach, so that the Spaniard had what he desir'd: But his Triumph lasted not long; for your Majesty being justly incens'd against what he had done, demanded Satisfaction of the King of Spain, who seem'd a while Deaf before he would yield to what you requir'd: But your Majesty having commanded your Embassador at Madrid, to tell the King of Spain, unless he gave you the Satisfaction you expected, there must be a Rupture between the two Crowns. The fear the King of Spain had of your Majesty's Arms, made him not only disclaim what his Em∣bassador had done; but also declare it was not his Intention to dispute precedency with your Majesty.

This Declaration was made by the Marquess de la Fuentes, his Catholick Majesty's Minister, resi∣ding in your Court, in Presence of other Embas∣sadors and Ministers who were also there; and their Masters were by them certify'd, this Diffe∣rence was ended to your Majesty's Satisfaction. After this, you supprest the Place of Collonel-General of the French Infantry, vacant by the Death of the Duke d' Epernon, who had carry'd the Authority of this Place so high, that he seem'd to have almost a mind to contest it with your Majesty, pretending to dispose of all Com∣mands in the Infantry, without excepting so much as the Companies of your Guards; which was of such Consequence, that it might have been the Cause of many Inconveniences.

You made many excellent Regulations among the Souldiery; so that they became subject to Discipline, which before they were not; for such Disorder reign'd among 'em, that there was as many Masters as Captains; especially in the old Corps, where they were so far from acknow∣ledging the Authority of Collonels, that they would hardly submit to that of a General. You likewise positively Commanded that all the Soul∣diers should have what they wanted; and where∣as before they went almost naked, and in the same Company one was Cloath'd in Grey, ano∣ther in Blue, Red, or any other Colour; you Order'd they should have Shoes and Stockings, and that every Companies Cloaths should be all of one Colour. This other Princes lik'd so well, and thought so necessary, that they have all since follow'd your Example; and your Majesty may

boast, that all the Souldiers in Europe, owe to you the Conveniences they now enjoy.

But you have not done any thing so much to their Advantage, as the taking away from their Captains the Power of trying them for their Crimes; because the impunity which they hop'd for, encourag'd them to commit many Disorders. Certainly, there is nothing more unjust, than to leave the Punishment of an Offence, to them whose Interest it is to save the Offender: and 'tis well known, that a Captain, who must give money for a Souldier, in the room of one that is Cashier'd or Hang'd, is seldom so great a Lover of Justice, as to buy it at his own Cost.

This Reformation among your Partisans and Souldiers, preceded all others; because you look'd upon it, to be the Foundation of all sure and solid Government; rationally concluding, that when you were Powerful in both, all the rest, without meeting with any difficuly, would do well of it self. For certainly, a Prince that hath Money and a good Army, is not only sure of his own Peoples Respect, but of his Neighbours al∣so. 'Tis that which gives him Reputation, and without which a Kingdom cannot Flourish. So likewise a Prince who takes care of his Affairs, will make it his chief Business to gain Reputation; wherein he will find more Advantage, than in making himself fear'd by unjust Enterprizes, tho' they should meet with Success: For the one draws upon him the Enmity of all other Princes, when the other procures him their Respect and E∣steem: When a Kingdom hath many Enemies, it sooner or later receives some deadly Blow, all

striving against it: Whereas, when its Power is founded upon Right and Reason, it hath always faithful Allyes, who will never fail to assist it in time of need. A Prince therefore, who is well advis'd, ought not to undertake any War that is unjust; for if nothing but Ambition puts Arms into his Hands, his old Friends presently become his Enemies; for which they are not to be blam'd, since their safety is no greater than others. Yet this Truth, as Evident as it is, and from which Princes should never depart, is not always the rule of their Actions: A corrupt Minister often endeavours to insinuate other Maxims, and instead of taking good Heed, they mistake the Shadow for the Substance: I am troubled that this may be said of your Majesty; but because you are to fear Flatterers more than declared Enemies, I am re∣solv'd to be none of the first Number; but will in due time make it appear, that Monsieur Louvoy, abusing the Credit he hath with you, hath advis'd you to do that which is directly contrary to your Interest, and hath stirr'd up a world of Enemies against you: For tho' the prosperous Condition wherein you now are, keeps them yet silent; nevertheless, to make good what I have said, there needs no other Proof, than the Answer which the Baron Delval made to your Minister Monsi∣eur Louvoy, when shewing him the Arsenal at Douay; he said, if ever your Majesty had a War, this would make a brave Noise. I believe it answer'd the Baron, and I am sure, such a Noise, as will awaken all Europe. I think there is no need of explaining this Answer to your Majesty, it sufficiently expounds it self; and no∣thing

could more ingeniously reproach your Ma∣jesty, for the many Enemies your Minister hath rais'd against you. I know his Enterprizes have been prosperous, which keeps him still in your Favour; but upon serious Reflection, your Ma∣jesty will find, it had been a thousand times bet∣ter for you, you had never been so Powerful, and that you had been much happier had you been quiet: For now your Mind must be still ta∣ken up with the Intriegues, which you know are daily hatching against you in Princes Courts, heretofore full of Affection toward you; but as things now stand, instead of concurring with you for your Safety, there is not one but is now to be suspected by you.

If your Majesty be not sensible enough of these Truths, that you may be fully convinc'd of 'em, I beseech you to call to Mind that which happen'd in the Year 1662. and compare it with what hath past since; and you may thereby judge, what Power, Justice supported by a good Reputation, had over those, who were not ac∣custom'd to bow: And I believe, if the like should fall out now, Satisfaction would not be so speedily given you; the hope of being assisted by your Enemies, would encourage People to af∣front and oppose you, and your Majesty would be oblig'd by actual Arms, to obtain that Satis∣faction, which in those Days cost you but a Threat to make use of 'em. I might likewise mention what happen'd to your Embassador at Rome, to whom the Corses of the Pope's Guard shew'd so little Respect, that to Revenge some of their Comrades, who had been ill treated

by your Embassador's People, they affronted him in his very Palace. The Dutchess of Crequi his Wife, was likewise in danger of her Life; for in her Return out of the Countrey to the City, they shot at her, as they had at her Husband, so that she had a Page kill'd, and some of her Ser∣vants wounded: The Tumult, at last grew so great, that they both left Rome, and went to St. Quirico; of which, when your Majesty had notice, you sent your Complaint to the Pope, who, encourag'd by some Cardinals that were no Friends to your Majesty, seem'd to approve what the Corses had done; but you firmly and posi∣tively resolving to have Reparation for the Af∣front, Ambition having no part in the Quarrel; the Pope's Quality did not hinder you from re∣quiring Satisfaction; and tho' his Holiness did not think you would have push'd things on so far, yet because you demanded nothing but what was just, it was agree'd, that the Corses, who always us'd to guard the Pope, should not only be cashier'd, but a Pyramid should be erect∣ed, whereon should be inscrib'd in golden Let∣ters, what Satisfaction had been given you: His Holiness also consented, that Cardinal Chigi should come into France, and pray your Majesty to accept this Reparation, and to forget what had past.

Behold an Effect and Proof of what I have been saying; and as I have already observ'd, I very much doubt, should the like happen now, whether your Majesty would meet with the like Satisfaction. I have already given you Reasons for it, to which I will only add, that Reputati∣on

is as necessary for a Prince among his own Subjects, as his Neighbours; for Power is not founded upon Force and Injustice; his Subjects may Fear him, but they will never Love him, and by Fear without Love, he will never com∣pass his Ends: The one without the other com∣monly does more Harm than Good; Fear conti∣nues no longer, than People see the Prince in a Condition, to make all bow and submit to his Pleasure; but as soon as his Fortune changes, they presently despise him. On the contrary, tho' Fortune changes, Love doth not; and the more unfortunate a Prince is, the greater Endea∣vours are us'd to restore him to the Prosperity he hath lost.

Your Majesty, who so Gloriously supported your Interest in Foreign Countries, did that up∣on your Frontier, which was of very great Ad∣vantage to you; you bought the Town of Dun∣kirk of the English, for Two Millions and Two Hundred Thousand Livers, which you gave for it, and thereby safe-guarded your Kingdom.

The Treaty which you made with the Duke of Lorrain, so much displeas'd his Nephew, that leaving a Ball, where he danc'd with your Majesty, he got out of the Kingdom, and went to Rome, where he thought the Pope would es∣pouse his Interest. But his Holiness desiring to be excus'd, he went to Vienna, where the Em∣perour gave him a Retreat; at which you were not troubled, because you had nothing to do with him to make good your Title. But it ap∣pear'd his Presence was necessary to the Treaty, because of the express Terms in it, that it

should be ratify'd by him, and all the Princes of the Family. You went to the Parliament to have it register'd; but your Majesty fearing you might meet with opposition, because there was a Clause in the Treaty that all of the Family were to be acknowledged Princes of the Blood, and capable of succeeding to the Crown, in case the House of Bourbon should come to fail, you went thither with your Regiment of Guards, which consisted of Three Thousand Men.

The Respect which was paid to your Pre∣sence, was the Reason why your Majesty was not told that this Treaty wanted other Solemnities to make it valid; for it was not the Parliament's Business to examine it, but the States of the Kingdom, to whom it belong'd to chuse a Master when they had none: And it was this Clause I meant, when I said it was an invincible Obstacle to your Designs. For beside this Difficulty, there were many others, among which the most considerable was, that which concern'd other Foreign Princes, now naturaliz'd and setled in your Kingdom, who would receive Wrong by it; paticulatly the House of Longueville, which pretends the States of the Kingdom heretofore declar'd, that for a Reward of the Services done by the Count de Dunois to the Crown, it should belong to that Family, whenever the Throne be∣came Vacant. The Dukes and Peers, who like∣wise would not give Place to any of these Lorrain Princes, were also a great Obstacle to this Affair. Nevertheless, your Majesty flattering your self, that you should effect this Business by your Pow∣er, press'd the Duke of Lorrain, according to this

Treaty, to put into your Hands the Town of Marsall; and because he doubted what Resoluti∣to take, you threatned by Force of Arms to make him do it. But notwithstanding all your Threats, he continued irresolute, and you went towards Lorrain, with so great a number of your Nobility, that never were so many seen to∣gether at one time: You found the secret of making People pay that Respect which was due to your Majesty, by the Favours you so seasonably bestow'd, and which engag'd a great Number of Gentlemen to wait on you, who in the time of your Minority, would not have taken the Pains to have gone out of their Doors. Your Court shin'd brighter than ever it had done, and the more, for the many Blue Ribbands you made, which were no little Ornament about your Person.

Soon after this, you also created a great many Dukes and Peers, wherein you shew'd a great deal of Policy; for most of the Grandees, who had no mind to this Dignity, kept close to your Majesty, to avoid the like Reward.

The Prince of Condé, who at his Return thought to find you the same you were in Cardi∣nal Mazarin's time, was much surpriz'd to see you so different from what he thought you. He look'd so little in your Majesty's Presence, and you took so little notice of him, that scarce any body would believe when they saw him, this was the Famous Rebel that had been so much talkt of. But you took Pleasure to mortifie him at his first coming, to make him leave his Proud Humour, of expecting to be every where Lord and Ma∣ster.

If you made the Prince of Condé tremble, I need not say his Example taught others not to depart from that Duty, which by their Birth they were oblig'd to pay your Majesty. All Per∣sons appear'd in your Presence with a Respect that added Lustre to your Royalty; and gave it quite another Figure than it had in the time of which I have already spoken. The Desire every one had to please you, made People apply them∣selves to that which before they scorn'd to do. All the young Gentlemen of good Families, list∣ed themselves either in your Company of Mus∣queteers, which your Majesty had again set on foot, or in your Regiment of Guards; and seeing you took delight in all that look'd like War, which your greatest Enemies cannot deny, you spent a great part of your time in disciplining this Company; so that If I may make a Com∣parison, which perhaps some will not like, I will presume to say, never did any Spanish Jennet better perform the Exercises of Manage under a skilful Rider, than this Company did every thing that was commanded by your Majesty.

Of this I can yet say more, which others observ'd as well as my self, and by which a Man might judge, what you one Day would be able to do; seeing you did it in your Youth. What could those Seven or Eight Hours together signi∣fie, which your Majesty stay'd in the Court of the Louvre exercising that Company in the depth of Winter? But the Application wherewith you would in time to come do your Duty, and that you would despise both Heat and Cold, when you design'd to get Glory.

But yet it cannot be said, this was a domi∣neering Humour in your Majesty, because you took the like care of all that concern'd your Royalty. I have already said, your Majesty commanded me to bring you Cardinal Richelieu's Memoirs; the esteem you had for the Memory of that great Man, and your own sincere Piety, without Ostentation, inclin'd you to perfect what he had so happily begun; which was the extirpation of all the Hereticks in your Kingdom. But your Majesty knowing that it is very dange∣rous to pass from one Extreme to another, you have by little and little so prepar'd things to ripen, that in Twenty Years time the Work may come to Perfection.

Your Majesty's Presence brought the Duke of Lorrain to a fix'd Resolution, he having agreed to the Terms upon which he was to deliver the Town of Marsall to your Majesty. You came back from Metz in so little time, that the Post could not make more haste; you having order'd the best running Horses in your Stables to be laid on the Way: Every one took the Liberty of enquiring why your Majesty made such Haste, and as there are always some that guess right, what you intended to keep secret, was presently talk'd of all the Town over. Which ought to teach Princes not to undertake any thing which they would not have People know. For they cannot with all their Power keep Mens Curiosity from prying narrowly into all their Actions.

Your Majesty being pleas'd with my Services, I took the Liberty to lay before you all that Cardinal Richelieu had design'd for the Glory of

your Realm. There was nothing of so great importance in his Papers, as Trade and Naviga∣tion; but neither could be maintain'd without making your self strong at Sea, which was pro∣perly your Majesty's Work: To me you com∣mitted the care of this, as well as of your Buildings, wherein there were great Disorders; I acquitted my self in both to the best of my Power. In the mean time your Majesty having thought sit to attempt something on the Coast of Gigeri, the Success whereof promis'd great Advantage to the Trade of the Levant, and to your Majesty's Reputation in that Country; you caus'd some Troops to pass into Provence, where Vessels lay ready to receive 'em. They were safely Transported, and Landed almost without any Opposition made by the Barbarians: But the chief Commanders, on whom you rely'd, ha∣ving taken ill Measures, the Business miscarry'd, tho' well design'd, and better digested: For 'tis not enough for a thing to be so well order'd in Council, as that none can object against it, un∣less it be likewise well executed. So that a Prince cannot take too much care, to make a good choice of those he employs, seeing his Reputation depends upon it; especially when his Enterprises lie so far off, that he is not able to remedy the Faults that are there committed.

Some would make me believe, that Monsieur Tellier was not well pleas'd with that free access I had to your Majesty's Person, nor with my be∣ing trusted with what concern'd the War: He would have had your Majesty chuse more experi∣enc'd Officers, in whose Hands the B••••••ness

would have prosper'd better; but tho' I have heard such Reports, I will do him right, and I had rather attribute that which happen'd at Gi∣geri to Fate, which sometimes ruines the best laid Designs; rather than wrong Monsieur Telli∣er's Reputation. To make that Misfortune yet greater, the Vessel upon which the Chief Officers of the Regiment were embarqu'd, was so Leaky that it sunk, which extreamly troubled your Majesty. My Enemies, who must be many after that which I have said, would have imputed the Misfortune to my Fault, pretending that I ha∣ving the Oversight of the Marine Affairs ought to have taken care the Vessel had been good; but it having been visited by experienc'd Shipwrights before it was put to Sea, your Majesty, who doth Right to all the World, was not at all displeas'd with me. The Fault was that the Ship had not for a long time been in Service, which doth Vessels more harm, than if they were continu∣ally at Sea.

This ill News, because it came after that which is better, did not make that impression, which otherwise it might have done upon your Majesty's Mind. You were pleas'd with the good News you receiv'd out of Hungary, where your Arms had acquir'd you no little Glory, and where without them the Emperour, who had already receiv'd a Check, had been totally de∣feated: For when the right Wing of his Army had been beaten by the Turks, which gave them hopes of an entire Victory, your Troops, which were in the Left, charg'd so bravely, that they trod down all that oppos'd 'em, and ha∣ving,

by their making a Stand, renew'd the Fight, they beat the Turks; shewing so much re∣solution and Courage, that the Emperour, instead of returning them Thanks, grew Jealous of 'em; and instead of resolving to improve the Victory, which had caus'd a great Consternation among the Turks, he made a precipitate Peace; as if he had been afraid your Trops would have taken his Crown from him.

These two particular Events, of good and bad Fortune, hinder'd your Majesty from mounting to that high pitch of Glory where you now are. The excellent Order which you setled ev'ry where throughout your Kingdom, which was still sensible of the Abuses which in Cardinal Mazarin's Time had crept into it, are an evi∣dent Proof that you were a great King. You reform'd the Order of St. Michel, which before that of the St. Esprit was the Reward where∣with Kings your Predecessors honour'd the greatest Men in their Kingdom; but was so little estem'd after the Institution of the other, that all Sorts of People were indifferently re∣ceiv'd into it; and at last became like the Or∣der of the Star, which in time was so despis'd, that one of your Predecessors, to make it more Vile and Despicable, bestow'd it upon the Ar∣chers of the City Watch. Your Majesty prudent∣ly resolv'd to reform this Abuse, especially because the Order of St. Michel is joyn'd to that of the St. Esprit, and that the Knights of this last Order, could not be receiv'd into it, unless they had been before of the first.

However, I must say that your Majesty did not so throughly purge it of the mean Persons that were in it; but that some still remain. For it is the inevitable Misfortune of all Princes, that when they rely wholly upon others, it would be a wonder if Favour or Faction should not prevail against Justice. Therefore if Princes would have things done according to their own dire∣ctions, they ought to overlook those they depute to see their Pleasure perform'd. For if they trust wholly to their Fidelity, 'tis the way to have their work but half done.

Your Majesty for the good of your Kingdom Incorporated likewise a Company for the Trade of the Indies; and indeed a Kingdom cannot flourish so long as that Trade is driven by Stran∣gers. It should be taken out of the hands of the English and Dutch, who were suffer'd by your Predecessors to be the sole Masters of that Com∣merce. This Establishment very much displeas'd those two Nations, who were so jealous of one another, that after some coldness they were rea∣dy to quarrel. 'Tis Interest that sets all People together by the Ears. After some flashes of Light∣ning followed Thunder, and after a Breach, the English and Dutch came to an open War.

Your Majesty offer'd to both your Mediation, that things might go no further; but the English, who pretend to the dominion of the Sea, and to impose Conditions upon all others, stood so stiff upon their Points, that your Majesty thought your self oblig'd to take the part of your Ancient Friends, against the Old Enemies of your Crown. Your Majesty put out a Fleet at Sea in favour of

the Hollanders, and equipp'd another at the same time against the Algerines. The Duke of Beaufort, who commanded it, having receiv'd your Orders, fought the Algerines with such suc∣cess, that he beat them twice in three Months; he took several of their Ships, among which was the Admiral: This Advantage wrought a good Effect among those Barbarous People; who en∣deavour'd to lessen your Reputation, by what had happen'd at Gigeri. But that which increas'd their Terrour, was your setting out new Ships on the Ocean, and in the Mediterranean, which made all Europe think, that in a little time you would be in a Condition, not only to dispute the Empire of the Sea with the English, but with any other Nation whatever. Beside, these Ships, which considerably increas'd your Fleet, you had Magazines full of Stores, Materials and Work∣men; you wanted no Seamen or Pilots, so that it was thought you intended to dispute that Do∣minion, which belongs only to him that is strongest.

I do not pretend to magnifie my self by what I have said; tho' I have done the best I could in it. To speak the truth, I must confess this De∣sign was not mine, I did but finish what Cardi∣nal Richelieu first began. I know it was he that put the King your Father upon augmenting his Power at Sea; or I should rather say, to make himself known there: For before him, all his Predecessors, even Henry the 4^th. himself, had not one single Ship. But this Project was but lamely carried on, under the ministry of that

great Man; so that it may be truly said, the Glory of it was reserv'd for your Majesty.

About this time your Majesty did two things, very much for the good of your self and People; and which the deceased King your Father at∣tempted in vain. You reduc'd Persons of Qua∣lity, and those of the Long Robe, to perfect Obe∣dience. You did the one under the pretence of Justice; the other by your absolute Power: Ma∣ny Gentlemen, by the licentiousness of the times, had usurp'd so much Authority, that they were in their Provinces like so many petty Tyrants, and made all tremble under 'em. The Judges in those Provinces, who were bound by the Duty of their Places to oppose such Innovations, did not dare to do it, in a time when they fear'd to be run down. Beside, they were unwilling to concern themselves; for People commonly pre∣fer their private Interest, before the publick good. They were afraid to contest with those petty Kings of the Country, so that they stirr'd no more, than as if all that past had been indif∣ferent to 'em. But your Majesty who thought your self oblig'd not to suffer such Abuses, be∣cause none but you could pretend to Supremacy; being bound to protect your Subjects, and secure them from Violence; your Majesty, I say, not being any longer able to suffer what was dero∣gatory to your Authority, and so contrary to the Peace of your People, you Establisht the Grands-jours, that is a certain number of Justices in every Province, where they were to take Cognizance of those that were guilty of vexati∣on. Many were Imprison'd, others ran away,

and some having been punish'd by demolishing their Castles, or by the loss of their Heads, you got the love of all your People, who found them∣selves freed from Slavery by your Justice.

Behold how a wise and a judicious King, doth at one and the same time his own and his Subjects business. Your Majesty did not tell them, that what you did was as much for your own sake as for theirs; but on the contrary, it was neces∣sary they should believe all you aim'd at, was only to deliver 'em from Oppression. Other∣wise, as they would have thought you had not merited much from them, so certainly this was the way to meet with no opposition from the common People; for could the Gentry have per∣swaded them you had other designs, it was to be fear'd they might have mutually assisted each other; which perhaps might have given your Majesty trouble. When a King would lessen the Power of his Nobility, he must irritate the com∣mon People against them; which is not difficult, because Noblemen are naturally inclin'd to do∣mineer, 'tis easy therefore to make the Multitude Jealous of 'em. Now seeing the Nobility can be so easily humbled, they should renounce all kind of Cabals, especially such wherein the People are engag'd: For the Nobility ought to believe, they have no Enemy greater than the Common-People, what Countenance soever they carry to∣ward 'em: Tho' the People may in appearance shew them Respect, yet they are in continual fear of their Lording it over 'em, from which they still seek to be freed. Undeniable Truth makes it evident, that their Interests are direct∣ly

repugnant to one another's, which plainly proves, that the Nobility cannot hope for any Advantage, but from a perfect Union with their Prince; whose Interest likewise 'tis to use them well: They ought alway so to agree, that 'tis not possible to divide 'em. The Foundation of this Union ought to be perfect Obedience on the Subjects part, and a just Retribution on the So∣veraign's; they ought to do their Duty, and he must do his.

The other thing which your Majesty did for your own and your Peoples Good, was to take away the Abuse crept into the Sale of Places of Judicature; grown to that heighth I have already mention'd; which was the Reason why those that had Places were so Proud; and why many, made ne∣cessitous by paying Interest for the Money they borrow'd to buy their Offices, did not scruple the selling of Justice. This was a nice Business, because what Regulation soever your Majesty made, they were, to speak properly, both Judg∣es and Parties; for they were to register the E∣dict: But if a Man were to judge what would be done now, by what had pass'd heretofore; there was no likelihood the thing would succeed; because this would be a considerable Prejudice to them, by lessening the value of their Places; when some Years before they rebell'd only for retrenching their Wages. But your Majesty go∣ing to the Parliament, accompanied with Four Thousand Men, as soon as you presented to them the Edict, they not only Register'd it, but also gave your Majesty Thanks for the care you

took to reform the Abuses which were crept in∣to your Kingdom.

I do not pretend to perswade your Majesty, that these Thanks were given you willingly; for I believe they were a little forc'd, and that the Four Thousand Men you had with you, did more contribute to the Parliaments Grati∣tude, than any esteem they had for your Govern∣ment. However, this serves to let all Princes know, that there are proper Seasons to cause their Will and Pleasure to be obey'd; and that at other Times 'tis dangerous to require it. They must therefore undertake no more, than they have Strength to perform; for their being born Soveraigns, is not enough to enable them to command absolutely, they are more than others subject to the Vicissitude of Times; and For∣tune hath as much Power over them, as over the meanest of all their People. A Prince ought likewise to be very Prudent, because the Failings of a private Man, can at most but pre∣judice himself and his Family; but when a Prince doth ill, he sometimes involves his whole Realm in such fatal Consequences, as can never be remedy'd.

The Jansenists endeavour'd again to stir up new Troubles in the Church; which oblig'd the Pope to condemn their Doctrine a Second Time. Your Majesty follow'd his Example, and shew'd the more Circumspection in this Affair, because you saw the Consequences of it might be conside∣rable. Some Persons of the best Quality in your Court, had suffer'd themselves to be seduc'd, as well as some Religious Societies, whose Heads were

so full of it, that you were forc'd to employ your Royal Authority, to bring 'em again to their right Senses. They suffer'd very much, before they could resolve to acknowledge their Errour; So true is it, that People are very obstinate in Matters of Religion, and there is nothing more dangerous, than Contests about it, under pre∣tence of Devotion.

The Clergy by your Command assembled at Ponthoise, as well to remedy this Abuse, as to take necessary Resolutions concerning other Mat∣ters of great Importance then before 'em. They were extreamly pleas'd with the Piety where∣with you enter'd into their Interests; which likewise procur'd you the Esteem of your Peo∣ple, because there is nothing gives a Prince more, than his rendring to God that which is his due.

Many things contributed to celebrate your Name both at home and abroad. One single Ship of yours fought with so much Resolution against Thirty Three Turkish Galleys, that they left the Vessel, not being able to take it. The Succours which you sent to the Hollanders against the Bishop of Munster, who had attack'd 'em, kept 'em from receiving an Affront: For tho' their State in it self was more Powerful than his, yet after the Peace they made with Spain, they took more care to maintain their Trade, than the Repu∣tation they had gotten by their Arms; and there fore they were in a much different and weaker Con∣dition than they had formerly been. People are very much deceiv'd, that think their Strength consists in Riches; they are indeed needful to

make a State Powerful; but 'tis an Army that ••s more necessary, and without which it cannot subsist. A Country ought to have Souldiers e∣nough to defend its Frontiers, and likewise to keep its Neighbours in Awe: For if they see a Country so weak, that they may without Fear invade it; 'tis Folly to trust to their Promises or Treaties. If People will live in Peace, they must take care not to be despis'd; the Richer and more Flourishing any People are, the more jealous they ought to be of their Safety: For there are so many who will envy their Prosperi∣ty, that some of their Neighbours will endea∣vour to rob 'em of what they have.

It was about this time, that your Majesty be∣gan to employ Marquess Louvoy, to whom you had granted the Reversion of his Father's Place. He was so rough-hewn, and so little inclin'd to Business, that Monsieur Tellier desir'd your Ma∣jesty, not to trouble your self any more, with one that was never like to come to Good: He was so given to his Pleasures, that his Father look'd upon him as a Son more like to spend the Estate he had gotten, than to add any thing to it by his Industry. But your Majesty, having a very great Kindness for Monsieur Tellier's Family, told him he must have a little Patience, what was not done in One Day, might be effected in Two; and therefore you did not despair but some good might be done with his Son; that Youth was to be indulg'd and reclaim'd by Kindness, and not by Threats.

Your Majesty took Pains to frame and fashion him; and, as it must be confest, notwithstanding

what I have already said, and shall say hereafter, the Man hath many good Qualities; so it ought to teach us, that time is to be given to Men, as to Fruits to ripen: Whoever hastens things too fast, rather spoils than brings 'em to Maturity. There are some, whose Parts advance so slowly, that it would turn their Brains to endeavour to make 'em understand any thing be∣fore their time; they must be brought to it by Degrees, without using the least Violence. Be∣side, 'tis not to be thought Men can be presently made fit for business, especially Youth, that can∣not endure Pains, and loves nothing but Pleasure. Application to Business comes not till the Judg∣ment be form'd, and 'tis then we insensibly ha∣bituate our selves to it, and afterwards think it little or no trouble. 'Tis Business makes Men; as the common saying is, Forging makes a Smith.

Monsieur Louvoy did not at first much love taking Pains; yet had the same Faults, which those have that grow Proud of their Services, he grew jealous of all those to whom your Ma∣jesty was pleas'd to shew any Kindness, more particularly of me, who had the Honour to dis∣course often with your Majesty, as superinten∣dant of your Finances and Buildings: For your Majesty, who is great in all Things, did then build at Versailles and at the Louvre, of which I was to give you an Account every Week, and sometimes every Day, because you often chang'd somewhat in your Design, which I was to see done.

But because Monsieur Louvoy's Employment did not require his conferring with your Majesty so often in times of Peace, as when you were engag'd in an actual War; he did all he could by the Counsel of his Father, to perswade your Ma∣jesty to begin a War: he took an Opportunity to do it upon the King of Spain's Death, which hap∣pen'd much about this time. He told your Ma∣jesty that some Provinces in the Low-Countries were fallen to the Queen your Wife, according to the Custom of those Places, which made her Heir to her Brother Don Balthazar, who, had he liv'd, was to have succeeded his Father, before his Catholick Majesty now Dead.

This was the Gilded Pill the Marquess offer'd to your Majesty, and knowing you would not swallow it, unless he cover'd the Poison it con∣tain'd, with the Shadow and Colour of Justice: He therefore did not speak of it, as a depen∣dence upon the Succession of the King your Fa∣ther-in-Law, which you had so solemnly re∣nounc'd by the Pyronean Treaty; but he disguis'd the Business under the Name of Don Balthazar, making your Majesty believe it had no relation at all to your Renunciation. Which was an Artifice very gross, for Prince Balthazar had no Right to succeed his Father, till his Father was Dead; nor had the Queen your Wife any Right to succeed Prince Balthazar, but what was meer∣ly imaginary; because he died before his Father. That Law also with which Monsieur Louvoy kept such a stir, in Favour of Daughters suc∣ceeding before the Children of a Second Bed, signified nothing to the purpose: For had Prince

Balthazar surviv'd his Father, you had so for∣mally renounc'd all claim to that whereto the Queen your Wife could pretend any Right, that you could have no Colour of Title to it, unless you would declare your self a Perjur'd Person to all the World. But this suppos'd Succession to Don Balthazar; your Martial Humour, and the desire of perpetuating your Name, put you up∣on what was not so much to be blam'd, because it seem'd necessary to be done for your Justifi∣cation, before you began a War. You caus'd the Lawyers to consult what Title you had to the Succession which you claim'd in Right of your Queen: The Person you sent to these Law∣yers, was Monsieur Louvoy, who was too much concern'd, to bring any Opinion against what he had maintain'd to your Majesty; those Advo∣cates therefore, whom the Marquess had feed, maintain'd by long, but very weak Arguments, that your Majesty's Renunciation was absolutely null, and not at all binding; because it was contra∣ry to the constitutions of your Kingdom; which are, that the King may make void what he hath done, and relieve himself against it, as if it had been done in perfect Minority. They chiefly insisted upon the pretended Prejudice they said you had done to the Dauphin your Son, by the Renun∣ciation; and enlarg'd themselves upon this fur∣ther Argument, that neither Divine or Humane Laws did permit, any Fathers to dispose (accor∣ding to their own Fancy) of their Sons Inheri∣tance; concluding, that this alone nullified all that you had done, and consequently you had Reason to

pursue your own and your Son's Right by force of Arms.

But there were many things to be objected a∣gainst all this. The first was, That it would be dangerous to set the Crown upon such a Foot, that there could be no security in treating or con∣tracting with it: For if 'tis sufficient to say your Majesty is always a Minor, what Trust or Con∣fidence can any body put in your Promises? Or when a War is once begun, what way can be found to end it? This Argument is so full of Reason, and may be carried so high, as to con∣found all those who maintain such pernicious Maxims. Your Majesty is too knowing, to want any Instruction in a Matter so clear and indispu∣table; I will not therefore trouble you with Rea∣sons, but shew that they by whom you are so ill advis'd, give just Occasion to the whole World, to accuse you of intolerable Ambition; which is so ill a Character, that it turns your ancient Friends into Enemies, and indispensibly stirs up all Princes against you: For who can ever think himself secure against your Injustice? Or who will trust a Prince, whose Word is not to be ta∣ken in Peace or War? People are not safe in either; in the one, they are in perpetual Distrust, and in the other in continual Perplexity, not knowing what to fear.

While these things were transacting, the Queen your Mother dyed; who, had she liv'd, would have been very much troubled, to see a Peace broken, upon which she had set her Heart. You oblig'd the Bishop of Munster to make Peace with the Hollanders; but you found it more dif∣ficult

to bring the Duke of Lorrain to any compli∣ance with your Majesty, tho one would have thought by the Mortifications you had given him, he would have been more flexible.

This Duke, who was a Riddle to all Mankind, came after the Business of Marsall to Paris; where he seem'd to have so little Sence of the ill condition of his Affairs, that he would have marry'd a mean Citizen's Daughter, that was one of Mademoiselle Montpensier's Domestick Servants; and the Busi∣ness was so far advanc'd, as to come to a Con∣tract of Marriage: But your Majesty was re∣quested, by his Friends, to interpose your Roy∣al Authority to hinder the Match.

The Duke's Relations had again recourse to your Majesty in another Business of the same Na∣ture, but somewhat less Shameful; because the Woman he courted was the Daughter of a Gen∣tleman. Your Majesty being extremely angry, that the Duke would so dishonour himself, com∣manded the Maid's Father not to suffer his Daughter to marry him. The Duke at last see∣ing your Majesty would not let him marry so Dishonourably in your Dominons, went to seek a Mistress in his own; where he marry'd the Daughter of Count Appremont; she was hardly Thirteen Years of Age, and he above Threescore.

Having gratify'd his Love, his next Business was to satisfie his Ambition, which would not suffer him to live quiet a Moment. He begun to make Levies, under pretence that the Elector Palatin committed hostilities upon his Frontiers. Your Majesty, by your Authority, appeasing that Disorder, he had no other Pretence to continue in

Arms; yet his Falshood still readily furnish'd him with another; as oft as your Majesty gave him Reasons, why he ought to prefer your Frienship before all other Considerations. Your Envoy often discours'd him upon that Subject, and told him that since he had so often abus'd your Ma∣jesty's Patience, it was to be feard you would deal with him as he had deserv'd. But he seem'd to be, or indeed was insensible, or did not re∣member what had past: For he could not resolve to do what your Majesty requir'd of him; tho' he knew there was not any Body in all Europe that could take his Part, and save him from being ru∣in'd, if your Majesty should once fall upon him.

While this Business was in agitation, Louvoy doubled his Endeavours, to perswade your Maje∣sty to undertake the War of Flanders; whereof he pretended the Success must be Infallible, be∣cause the English and Hollanders were engag'd in a War, wherein your Majesty had taken part with the Dutch, more out of Pollicy, than any real Intention to assist your ancient Allyes. For if you resolv'd to conquer the Low Countreys, it was not likely this Allyance would continue long, because the Dutch were highly concern'd, not to suffer a Potent King to become their Neighbour: So that what you had done in taking their part, was only to keep up the Quarrel the longer between them and the English, and that it should not end, unless you were call'd in to the making up a Peace; for your Design was to know what pass'd, that you might not take false Measures.

Indeed your Conduct was suitable to your In∣terest, and the Succours you lent the Dutch, were

neither proportionable to your Forces, nor to the Promise you made them, of doing your utmost to enable 'em to beat their Enemies. You de∣clar'd your self for 'em; but they beginning to suspect the great Preparations you made, thought it better to make a Peace with the English, than to prosecute the Advantage they had, and which gave them a prospect of greater, after that fa∣tal Disaster which befel the English, by the burn∣ing of Three Parts of the City of London; which cast the Inhabitants into so great a Consternation, that the Dutch if they pleas'd might have done their Business. Nevertheless, you did yours; for you drove the English out of the Island of St. Christopher's, and took from them the Fort they had built; but resolving no longer to delay the War of Flanders, you went thither in Per∣son, at the Head of a brave Army.

The Spaniards were sufficiently frighted, and not without Cause; for your Majesty had taken care (ever since the Peace of the Pyrenées) to keep your Troops in as good Martial Discipline, as if they had been continually in the Field. You caus'd them to be frequently muster'd, you cashier'd all that were unfit for service, and dis∣charg'd those who had Listed themselves in your Guards, on purpose to be free'd from paying Taxes; this Reform went so high as Of∣ficers, many of whom were never in Service, and were much fitter for a Court, than to look an Enemy in the Face.

Turenne commanded this Army under your Majesty, and the Confidence you repos'd in him, made you prefer him before all others to teach

you the Art of War, wherein you look'd upon him as the most experienc'd in all your Kingdom. Therefore to reward his Services, and to let all the World see how great an esteem you had of his Conduct and Courage; you declar'd him Camp Mareschal General of your Armies, a little before the Peace between the Two Crowns; a Ti∣tle that set him above all the Mareschals of France, and which in some manner reviv'd the Place of Constable, which was supprest after the Death of the Duke de Lediguieres, who was the last that enjoy'd it.

The Confidence which you had in this great Man, displeas'd Monsieur Louvoy, whose Am∣bition was already grown to that heighth, as not to be willing your Majesty should consult with a∣ny body but himself: But he had many bitter Pills to swallow.

Your Majesty sometimes stay'd till Noon shut up with Turenne, while Louvoy waited in your Antichamber. This begot in him that Hatred which he always had for Turenne, and which hath been often prejudicial to your Majesty's Af∣fairs, as I shall make appear in the sequel of this Discourse. Upon which be pleas'd to permit me to make a Reflexion, which your Majesty will find very Just, viz. That there is nothing so dangerous, as the giving too much Credit to Men puft up with Pride and vain Glory. The Reason is, because such Men still envy the Reputation o∣thers deserve for their good Counsel, and dispa∣rage every thing which proceeds not from them∣selves; wishing nothing should prosper, rather than the Glory of it should be attributed to a∣nother.

So that a Prince cannot be too reserv'd and cautions in the choice of a Minister; for tho' he should find in him all the Qualities requisite for so great an Employment; yet if he hath not that of preferring the Publick, before his own Private Interest, 'tis vain to expect any good from him. To perform the Duty of a Publick Minister, a Man ought to be Proof both against Love and Hatred, and do nothing but for the Publick Good. What is done for other ends, may prejudice his Master, whose Service re∣quires, that his Minister should not be subject to any Passion.

The Spaniards, upon your Majesty's approach, blew up the Fortifications they had made in a new Place, which they called Charleroy. So that in less than Eight Days, they demolish'd all that which with Prodigious Labour they had been building a Year, at the Expence of more than Three Millions. Your Majesty resolving to con∣tinue the Fortifications they had begun, to keep a Pass upon the Sambre, where this Place is sci∣tuated, made your Army work so hard, that in Three Weeks the Place was made defen∣fible. After this you went on, and in so short a time as is almost incredible, you took the Towns of Aoth, Tournay, Douay, and the Forts round about it. Oudenard and Alost likewise sub∣mitted to your Arms, while the Mareschal d' Aumont took in Armentieres, Bergues, Furnes, Dixmude and Courtray. The English and Dutch hasten'd to clap up a Peace; but your Majesty, keeping on your Way, besieg'd Lisle, wherein were Four Thousand Men, all regular Troops,

and Ten times as many Burghers, able to bear Arms; which made the Spaniards believe you could not take the Town, having call'd to their Relief Count Marcin, who commanded their Army: He drew near the Place to fall upon you, and thought you so weaken'd as to be easily beaten; but your Majesty, having in a little time taken the Town, so totally defeated Marcin, that he was forc'd to save himself on Foot through a Marish.

This Victory promis'd you more; the Season not being yet far advanc'd: But your Majesty was so set upon returning to Paris, that you contented your self with what you had done.

There is a Time when a Man will prefer his Pleasure before his Business; which however much lessens his Reputation: For the least fail∣ing in the Life of a great Man, is a Stain which clouds the Glory and Lustre of his Actions. But who in this World is free from Faults? Espe∣cially when they proceed from a Passion to which Heroes are usually more inclin'd than other Men.

Your Majesty's Success augmented your Mini∣ster's Reputation, who became so proud of your Favour, that he did all he could to ruine me▪ But your Majesty was just to me, notwithstand∣ing all his Endeavours; and in truth your Maje∣sty was bound to protect me, since it was for you alone I expos'd my self to the Hatred of the People. I had advis'd you some Years before to suppress a a part of the Rents of the Hotel de Ville; which were establish'd on

so small a Consideration, that the very Arrears they demanded, exceeded the Principal they were bought for: So that one might properly say, there was Money due to your Majesty, in∣stead of your being in Debt. But seeing it would have made those People desperate who were concern'd therein, had your Majesty sup∣prest that Fund, which you might have done with very great Justice, you resolv'd I should only fright them to retrench those Rents, that they might not be so chargeable to your Majesty for the future. But People will be blind, where their Interest is concern'd, for I was like to be torn to Pieces by the Multitude, particu∣larly being one Day with the Chancellor, some of 'em were so bold to threaten me. I pre∣tended I was willing to hear what they had to say, that I might know their Names, and your Majesty might cause 'em to be imprison'd, which I thought would keep 'em in Awe. However, they continu'd to insult me every Day; so that my Deputies, who were more terrify'd than I, did all they could to perswade me to meddle no more in the Business.

The Zeal I had to serve your Majesty, made me take little notice of my Servants Fear, which was so great, that one of them, who was a very industrious Fellow, but guilty of beeing a little too much given to Wine, which was his greatest Fault, started one Night out of his Sleep, fan∣cying some of the Hotel Ville Men were come to cut his Throat. The Fumes of the Wine had so clouded his Brain, that he did not perceive his Fear proceeded only from a Dream; so

that he put all my House into an Uproar, which frighted my Wife and Children; I awak'd with the Noise he made, and had I believ'd my Wife and Servants, I had run out of the House to save my self: But thinking it fit to know first what was the Matter, I quickly perceiv'd it was but a Drunkard's Vision, so that my House was quiet again. Next Morning I turn'd him away, because I resolv'd not to keep him after he had caus'd such a disturbance in my Family; especially, after I had so often told him, if he did not mend, I would not keep him any longer. But there are some things to which People are so addicted, that they cannot leave 'em if they would, especially when they are become habitual. Drinking is one of those Habits, which the older a Man grows, the more subject he is to it; the Reason is, because the Natural Heat decaying, he fancies that Wine gives him new Strength, whereas the excess of it takes away that which he hath yet left: The cause is not the same in Mens Inclinations to Women, which for a natural reason cannot be so great when Men grow Old, as when they are but Five and Twenty. Of all the Passions wherewith Men are Troubled, I know none so dangerous as this; beside, how little doth it sute with those, who find themselves totally dis∣abled by Age. Whence we ought to conclude, that we must endeavour from our very Infancy to conquer this Inclination, especially, when we consider it renders a Man unsit for every thing, and consequently is to be trusted in no∣thing.

Your Majesty doubting that your Neighbours would grow jealous of your Conquests, made a League offensive and defensive with Portugal; which by the Succours you lent, kept it self from falling again under the Dominion of the Spaniards; of which they often complain'd du∣ring the Peace; because your Majesty was ob∣lig'd by one of the Articles of the Pyrenean Treaty, not to give Portugal the least Assistance. But 'tis in vain to Promise some things, which Men when they promise know they can never perform; and which are always to be reckon'd in the Number of those Things, which are direct∣ly contrary to the Interest of a Crown. So that Whatever Allyances are made between neighbouring States, their Promises last no longer, than they are for the Common and Publick Good. There is lit∣le ground therefore to depend upon 'em, and they that do, deceive themselves.

The Duke of Lorrain, who had always mis∣chievous Designs against your Majesty, was by your Precaution render'd utterly unable to put 'em in execution. You made him (much against his Will) lend you his Troops to assist you in your Conquests. This made him endeavour to stir up the Spaniards and Dutch against you, who envy'd your Prosperity, and enter'd into a Treaty with the Kings of England and Sweeden, to compel you to make a Peace; into which the Duke re∣solv'd to enter, to be in a Condition to make you fear him: He demanded his Troops again, to come and take Winter Quarters with him, under pretence of defending his own Do∣minions, that were environ'd on both sides by

the Spaniards; and that he might dispose of his Troops as he pleas'd; but you were as cunning as he, and would not let them go out of Flan∣ders; which made him try to debauch 'em.

Your Majesty seem'd to take no notice of it, because you had Business of greater concern on your Hands; therefore narrowly watching those Troops, to hinder 'em from deserting, you went in the sharpest Season of Winter into the Coun∣ty of Burgundy, being well assur'd of conquer∣ing it, because the Prince of Condé had before∣hand treated with the Marquess of Hienne, who was Governour there. A thing not to be blam'd, it being Wisdom and Prudence in a Soveraign, to spare the Blood of his Subjects as much as 'tis possible; and therefore when it costs him nothing but Money to get the Keys of a Town, he is much better advis'd than they, who venture ma∣ny a Thousand Mens Lives for it, and yet often receive a Baffle, and go without it: For let a Prince's Forces be what they will, Success doth not always answer his Expectation; so that 'tis a certain conclusion, that when a Man hath found out a sure way to do his Business, he must not scruple to put it in practice. I except Poyson∣ing and Assassination; two things which are so base, and ought to be so far from the Thoughts of a Prince; that there can be nothing more shameful and dishonourable to him.

The War which you maintain'd, did not hin∣der you from taking care to see Justice done to your Subjects: You oblig'd your Parliaments to follow the Code Civil and Criminal, you em∣ploy'd

some about it before your departure for Flanders, it being a Work that would very much shorten Proceedings in Law-Suits. Some Judges, who did not find their Account in it, and who be∣liev'd it would be in this, as it us'd to be in o∣ther Cases, where Penalties are threaten'd, but seldom exacted; they took their Liberty to do as their Fancy led 'em; but your Majesty being inform'd of it, suspended them from their Offi∣ces; which Punishment so scared others, that they learnt to be Honest and Wise at other Mens Cost.

Notes

• Finances signifie all Taxes and Du∣tys whatever paid to the King to make up his Revenue.
• Farmers of the King's Re∣venue.
• The Town-House like the Guild-Hall of London.