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. IV. Containing that which past after the Treaty of Aix la Chapelle till the Holland War.

YOur Majesty now thought it a fit time to make Peace, that those Potentates who envy'd your Prosperity might not become your Enemies.

The Spaniards having consented by the Treaty of Aix la Chapelle, that you should keep your Con∣quests, restoring to them the County of Burgun∣dy; you became more Powerful in Flanders than ever you had been.

You caus'd so many Places to be fortify'd, that your Neighbours wonder'd how a Kingdom of no larger extent than yours, could do so ma∣ny things at once: For tho' these Fortifications cost a prodigious Summ; yet you went on

with your Buildings both at the Louvre and Ver∣sailles. Beside, you bought so great a Quantity of Rich Furniture, Antiquities, Jewels, and ge∣rally all Things which express the Magnificence of a Prince, that it may be said, your Predecessors were but little men compared to you: You caus'd a Coat to be made, which you wore at the ception of Embassadors, the Diamonds upon it, and on your Hat, were valued at more than Six∣teen Millions, and the Gallery before the ascent to your Throne, through which People were to pass, was so full of Rarities and Vassas of Massy Silver, that it might well be thought you had made a Collecti∣on of all that was in the Indies, to shew your Grandeur. The Matter or Substance of which these Things were made, was not so much to be consider'd, as the Workmanship; every thing was so curiously wrought, and by such admira∣ble Artificers, that the Fashion cost more, than the Matter whereof it was made.

People will wonder that your Majesty in this, differ'd so much from your Father, who car'd so little for Things of this kind, that Strangers who went to see his Royal Houses, wonder'd that such a Prince as he, should have no better Furniture; but you did not all this out of a vain Expensive Humour; but that you knew what People would think of it: For all that is Splendid and Great begets Admiration; of which Princes have sometimes as much need as of Power: For there

is nothing makes 'em more respected, which they seldom fail of, who know how to set a Value on themselves.

Your Majesty likewise gave Order, that your Tables should be furnish'd suitable to the State of so great a King. You had choice and plenty of all Things, and yet your Expences were less than they were before, because you would not suffer your Servants to cheat you, as they us'd to do. You did not think it beneath you, to see that your Liveries should be new, and chang'd every Year, to prevent their Abuses, who made them serve beyond the limited time, to put the Mo∣ney into their own Pockets.

So that all your People begun to have so great a Respect for your Reign, that it was now no more a Question, whether your Majesty should go your self to the Palace to see Edicts register'd. You thought it enough to send them by any body next at hand; a Thing which will astonish Po∣sterity, considering what I have here before said: But it was your Reputation that did all this, and you made your self obey'd, without using the least Rigour.

When Things are once setled upon a good Foot, they will then go well of themselves, without re∣quiring much Pain about 'em: Which ought to teach all People whoever they be, to put their Affairs into good Order and Method; without which they can never go well. This likewise must be done at first, and as soon as Men have a∣ny employment; for if they stay till they find their Business goes ill, then the case will be the same, as it is with neglected Buildings that

are falling into decay; for by not putting in one single Stone in time, they perhaps come to be so past all Repair, that of necessity they must be pull'd down and new built, to the great Charge and Prejudice of the Owner. How much therefore is every Man concern'd to be a good Husband?

Your Majesty, having concluded the Peace, made Three Mareschals of France, the Marquess Bellefonds, de Crequi, and Humieres. The French Gentry, who were always pleas'd with being in Arms, having now nothing to do on the Fron∣tiers, asked your Majesty leave to go to the Re∣lief of Candy, which had a long time been be∣sieg'd by the Turks: Your Majesty gave them leave, and appointed the Duke of Feuillade to be their Commander in chief. But because the Ve∣netians did not do their part in assisting the French to raise the Siege, they were never the better for those Succours. The Venetian Gene∣ral fell out with the Duke of Feuillade, who so despis'd the General, that he often affronted him to his Face. The French return'd without doing any thing that was considerable, so that the Turks hop'd to be Masters of the Town in a short time.

Notwithstanding the Discouragements given by the Duke of Feuillade, the Relief of the Place was of such importance to all Christendom, and so much desir'd by your Majesty, that you sent the Duke of Navailles with some regular Troops, convoy'd by a Squadron of your Fleet, commanded by the Duke of Beaufort. The Duke of Navailles landed his Troops, not∣withstanding

the continual Fire the Turks made with their Canon. As soon as he had rested his Forces, and sent out to view the Turkish Camp, they made so brisk a Salley, that all gave way be∣fore 'em: But a Turkish Magazine of Powder by chance taking Fire, and the French thinking it a Mine sprung on purpose, they were so fright∣ed, that they retreated. The Turks perceiving their Fear, charg'd them, and cut off some of their Heads, which so increas'd the Confusion of the rest, that several Persons of note were kill'd; of whom the only Son of Mareschal de Faber was one, because he was never seen after the Fight, nor found among the Dead, nor was the Duke of Beaufort ever heard of, who very imprudent∣ly went a Shore, against the Duty of an Admi∣ral, which is to fight at Sea only, and never to quit his Ship, unless it be when 'tis ready to sink. This Expedition having had no better Success than Feuillade's, you gave Navailles but an ill re∣ception, which made those that were present in the Action, lay all the Fault of what had hap∣pen'd upon him; tho' it did not appear there was any Reason to blame the Duke, since 'tis im∣possible for a General to foresee such an Acci∣dent as this was, or to rally Troops seis'd with a pannick Fear. But it being difficult to justifie a Man's self at Court, especially when a Minister is at his Back, or he is not well with the Ladies, Navailles was ordered to retire.

The Place held out but a little while longer; but it was so shatter'd and beaten with the Ca∣non, that the Turks were forc'd to rebuild it. There hath not been known a more memorable

Siege, wherein ever pass'd more warm or braver Actions: None can compare with it for the length of the Siege, or for the Number of Men kill'd on either Side: For it lasted many Years, the Besiegers lost before it a Hundred and Twenty Thousand Men, and the Besieg'd near Thirty Eight Thousand.

The Grand Signior was not at all pleas'd with the succours your Majesty lent the Venetians, and therefore sent a Chiaous to expostulate the Busi∣ness, and to renew the Treaty of Commerce that had still been between the Two Nations: but your Majesty had too much Courage to follow the Example of some of your Predecessors, who suffer'd Sultans, sometimes to send them rough Complements; for you silenc'd the Chiaous, as soon as ever he begun to talk higher than became him.

Notwithstanding the Peace which your Majesty setled in Europe, by the last Treaty concluded at Aix la Chapelle; the Duke of Lorrain daily went on arming, because he thought those Po∣tentates who were against it, yet would not suffer him to be quite ruin'd. That which en∣courag'd him, was the Dutch, who were become Rich and Powerful, did no longer keep any Mea∣sures or comply with your Majesty. Van Bennin∣gen often spoke of the Strength of the united Provinces, intimating, that they could not suffer your Majesty to disturb the Peace of their Neigh∣bours: His boldness came to that height, that he caus'd a Medal to be stamp'd, alluding to the Miracle of Josuah's stopping the Course of the Sun; thereby designing to pique your Majesty,

who had taken the Sun for your Device, and knew that Van Beningen's Name was Josuab: It was plain, that he meant he had stop'd your Course, by the Treaty he had oblig'd you to make. In the Medal (which was very well done) was his own Picture, about it were these Latin Words, in conspectu meo stetit Sol. From whence the Duke of Lorrain concluded, he might venture to provoke you. But your Maje∣sty having receiv'd notice of what the Duke did, you sent to tell him that if he were not Wiser, he would find himself deceiv'd; and if he forc'd you once more to seize upon his Country, he should never come into it again: You therefore requir'd him presently to disarm, and that you allow'd him but Six Weeks time for the doing it.

This Message sent in such plain and impera∣tive Terms, astonish'd the Duke. Nevertheless, endeavouring to cover his ill Intentions under a specious pretence, he told your Majesty he was not yet secure against the Elector Palatin, who from time to time made Incursions upon his Frontiers, and therefore pray'd you to accomo∣date the Business. Your Majesty knew very well it was but a feign'd Excuse; however, because what he demanded seem'd but Just, your Maje∣sty sent an Act of Guarranty both to him, and to the Elector Palatin; whereby you promis'd to aid either, in case any one of them should presume to break the Treaty made between 'em.

The Elector Palatine acquiesc'd presently; so that the Duke, having now nothing more to pre∣tend, was forc'd to obey you.

Your Majesty, seeing no appearance of any Broyls on that fide, desir'd nothing more, than to be reveng'd on the Dutch, whose Insolence you could not digest. The Marquess Louvoy, that wish'd for nothing but War, press'd you to it, by representing to you the Ingratitude of those People, who had so particular an Obliga∣tion to you; not mentioning what they ow'd to Lewis XIII. and to Henry IV. your Father and Grandfather, without whose Assistance they had never been able to make Head against the House of Austria: But had they had no more to do, than to shew they were Ungrateful, it had not been difficult; for whatever Obligation one State may have to another, yet no People are bound to put a Rope about their Necks. They therefore had done nothing, but what might by honest Policy be justify'd, when they hin∣der'd you from conquering the rest of Flanders. But the Case was not the same as to those other Causes of Complaint you had against them, and for which no body can excuse 'em.

Whatever was the Cause, your Majesty posi∣tively resolv'd to make the Dutch repent, as soon as you could find an Opportunity. You com∣manded me to fill your Coffers, which by your late prodigious Expence; were quite drain'd, tho' your Revenues had been considerably aug∣mented, and many extraordinary Courses had been taken, that rais'd a great deal of Money.

But I must confess, I did your Majesty but ill Service, in the Business of enquiring who were Gentlemen, and who were not; and if ever the like Inquisition be made in your Reign, or any

of your Successors, care ought to be taken to follow my Example: For Affairs of such a Na∣ture must not be put into the Hands of Partizans, whose only Business being to get Money, perse∣cute true Gentlemen who have none to give 'em, and substitute Plowmen in their Places, if they have ready Money to buy the Priviledge they have to declare whom they please Noble. This is an Abuse not to be suffer'd, and which will lose your Majesty the Love of your Gentry, when they have just Reason to complain, that the Persecution they suffer, is not to discover who are Ignoble and no Gentlemen; but to pick the Pockets of those who really are so. It is much better such an Inquisition should be made by your Attorney-general and his Substitutes, and that you should appoint Receivers, into whose Hands the Fines of such as are found and con∣demn'd to be no Gentlemen should be paid, and by them brought into your Majesty's Treasury. If this Course were taken, your Majesty, can ne∣ver be reproached, with delivering up Widows and Orphans to Blood-Suckers; but all you do will appear Just; then you will find a great many Gentlemen of a new Impression, who owe their Gentility to their Money. So that after having bought a Quality which doth not belong to 'em, 'tis but reasonable to make 'em pay some∣thing more for their Usurpation, because your Majesty is oblig'd to punish all those, who make use of Ill means to obtain their Ends.

The Command your Majesty gave me to fill your Coffers, made me think of an Edict which appear'd profitable to the Publick, and really is

so, if it be seriously consider'd. It was to esta∣blish a Controul upon all Acts and Proceedings in Law Courts, to prevent the Tricks and Cheats heretofore practis'd in them by Antedates: And tho perhaps it might not keep Sergeants from playing the Knave, because by this Controul they might render their Declarations and Falsificati∣ons more Authentick; yet all imaginable Care was taken against it, by obliging them to get Witnesses to testifie all they did; which I think was a certain Remedy against any ill that could happen by Antedates. Your Majesty finding it very Reasonable and Just, establish'd this Con∣troul throughout the Kingdom, tho' in many Places it met with opposition; whether from Judges that did not like it, for Reasons I do not understand, or that it displeas'd some particular Persons, whose Genius did not reach so far, as to understand of what consequence things are to them: But your Majesty was forc'd to do them good against their Wills.

That which I thought very strange, was, that the Parliament of Thoulouse were in this guilty of a Fault; for which, tho' your Majesty pardon'd the whole Body; yet you thought fit to punish the Particular Member who was most culpable; that the Punishment of one might serve for Ex∣ample to the rest; there would otherwise be still Danger of relapsing into the like Offence. The Matter of Fact was this; That Parliament had given Judgment that a Horse should be restor'd, which had been sold for the Payment of a Fine, Order'd by the Edict to be levy'd on such as offended against it. Now this was a very inso∣lent

Sentence, because it did indeed nullifie the Validity of your Majesty's Edict, or at least so little regarded it, that it was in a manner to say, no body should submit to it unless he pleas'd. But seeing in such Cases, nothing ought to be done imprudently, lest your Maje∣sty's Authority be made use of to no purpose; I caus'd the first President to be told, who had not medled in the Business, that if the Sentence they had pass'd were not revok'd, they must ex∣pect to be all Fin'd; which it was his Interest, as President, to prevent, and on whom the Fault would be laid, tho' he were Innocent. I wrote likewise to your Attorney General, and to your Advocates, without whose Knowledge the Sen∣tence had pass'd, that they should take better heed another time to do their Duty; and ha∣ving a little reprov'd 'em, the first President as∣sembled the Parliament in his own House, where the Farmer-general of your Majesty's Demeans was by my Order present: He desir'd to speak, and the Assembly having given him leave, he told them, That no Reparation could be made for the Fault they had committed, but by a Revoca∣tion of the Sentence that had been given. I was indeed desirous to spare your Majesty the trouble of punishing them: Beside, when a Minister can save the Appearances, and not bring his Master's Authority into dispute, 'tis Prudence in him so to do.

The Parliament would fain have shifted off this Affront, by proposing many Expedients, whereby they thought to have saved their Credit. But the Farmer stuck close to his Proposition,

so that the Parliament, to avoid the punishment due to them, revok'd the Sentence they had past.

I did not acquaint your Majesty with this Bu∣siness till it was ended, because when I took up∣on me the Administration of your Revenue, you declar'd you would trust to my Fidelity in all things relating to my Function. And indeed, whoever you chuse to execute that Office, his Authority must be absolute▪ otherwise, he can never discharge the Duty of his Place. Your Majesty in Affairs of this Nature, should consult none but such as are of your Council; for if you call in Judges of Courts to advise you, I dare say you will be sufficiently abused. Law∣yers understand nothing of the Business, but will be sure to perplex it; they will start a Thousand Difficulties about the Point of a Needle, which by all means is to be avoided, because in the Finances, all the Secret is Expe∣dition.

To prove it, I will mind your Majesty of that which I suppose you cannot but remember: You made Monsieur de la Reinie Governour of Paris, and that this great Capital City of your Kingdom, (which for its Beauty, Grandeur and Wealth, deserves to be the Metropolis of the whole World) might be better govern'd than formerly it had been; I say, Monsieur Reinie, who by his Place, was to have the Particular In∣spection and Oversight of all that past in it; would have oppos'd my requiring Security for a Duty belonging to your Majesty, which was to be paid for Scoops to clear Boats of Water:

He fancy'd, because it concern'd the Fish-Wo∣men, and other such clamarous People, it would raise a Tumult. His Fear was not to be blam'd, because he meant well; but he was mistaken, for no body stirr'd, and your Majesty had the Duty quietly paid.

I could quote many Examples of this nature whereby your Majesty would see, that such Peo∣ples Understanding reacheth no farther than their Trade; and the reason is, because their I∣maginations are false, they fancy Bugbears in e∣very thing, and fight with their own Shadows; they think that in your Finances, 'tis as in a Law-Suit, a Man ought to be always upon his Guard, against the Subtelties of a litigious Petty-fogger. They deceive themselves more than others, and rather than they will depart from their Maxims, they will consent the Government should be turn'd upside down.

Your Majesty approved of all I did, relating to the Parliament of Thoulouse. You sent a Let∣ter under the Privy Seal to displace the President of the Bench, who past the first Sentence; and gave a Pension of Two Thousand Livers, to the Premier President who past the Second: For Reward and Punishmeut ought to go an even Pace, to encourage those that do Well, and to terrify those that do Ill; otherwise there would be no such thing as Emulation or Restraint, both absolutely necessary to make a State flourish.

Yours hath flourish'd so much, that the very sound of your Name kept the Prince of Lorrain from being elected King of Poland, which other∣wise he might have been. That Nation chose a

Soveraign contrary to their usual Custom, and against the Constitution of the Kingdom, which they resolved rather not to observe, than dis∣content your Majesty, who would have been displeased, if the choice had fallen upon that Prince.

About this time, your Majesty appear'd very Pensive, and I taking the Liberty to ask why you were so; you did me the Honour to open your Heart, and tell me there was something a brewing against the Peace of your Kingdom; and that there was a Man whom you did not yet know, but whose Description had been sent you out of England, that went into all Courts, where under pretence of preserving the reformed Re∣ligion, he stirr'd up all Princes against you. That out of England he was gone to the Nor∣thern Kings, to perswade them to enter into the triple League. That this deserv'd Exemplary Punishment; but you knew not how to take this Fellow and make an Example of him, be∣cause you thought no Prince would deliver him up, and therefore you resolv'd to surprize and take him by force; which appear'd impossible, every one being jealous of his Liberty, it would expose those whom you employ'd in it to too much danger. Beside, you said, you knew not whom to trust, in an Affair of such Consequence that ought to be kept Secret, and which you had communicated to no body but my self.

I ask'd your Majesty, whether the Man of whom you spoke were a French-Man; you told me he was, and it was that which made you so very angry. I could not blame your Resent∣ment;

but said, my Opinion was, that your Majesty could do well to acquaint Monsieur Tu∣renne with the Business, who knew better than any body, who were Men of Courage and Reso∣lution; and that he could chuse such, as would undertake to seize this Man, and bring him in∣to France, or if that could not be done, they should kill him. Your Majesty said, you would not have him kill'd, because before you punish'd him, you would willingly know his Confede∣rates, believing he had many; but that in every thing else, you would follow my Counsel, which you approv'd of, because you were confident that Monsieur Turenne would be faithful to you, tho' he were a Hugonot, for he was not convert∣ed till about two or three Months after.

I took the Liberty to pray your Majesty, you would say nothing of the Business to the Mar∣quess de Louvoy; because I knew his Spleen a∣gainst Monsieur Turenne might perhaps prevent the Design's taking Effect; which was enough to let your Majesty know, I did not think Monsieur Louvoy so well affected to your Service, but that for his own Private Ends, he might forget the Publick Interest. Your Majesty, understanding what I meant, promis'd not to say a Word to any body; but yet reprov'd me for judging so ill of my Neighbour.

Your Majesty kept your Royal Word, and said nothing of what had past to any but Monsieur Turenne; who appointed Five Officers to under∣take the Business. And seeing your Majesty knew where the Man in question was, and what he had been doing, the Officers went into Swisserland,

where he had newly arriv'd; they seiz'd him as he was travelling from one Place to another, and brought him into France; having very prudently avoided the danger they were in if they had been taken. You put him into the Hands of Justice, to be immediately prosecuted.

This miserable Wretch was a Cittizen of Ro∣chel and a Hugonot, and tho' he was taken as it were in the Fact, and by the Proofs against him must conclude, that what he had been doing was discover'd; yet he would not confess a Syllable, nor answer to any thing that was ask'd him; so that he was Tried and Condemn'd. When he saw that he was to dye a shameful Death, God so forsook him, that he resolv'd to kill himself; and find∣ing some Pieces of Glass in the Dungeon where he was, he with the Glass made a shift to cut off his Privy Parts, hoping to Bleed to Death, and avoid the Punishment which he was condemn'd to suffer. His Keeper coming into the Room, and seeing him look very Pale, suspected what he had done, and found the Glass he had hid. Up∣on Notice given to your Judge of it, he was broke upon the Wheel within Two Hours after.

This was the end of this Miserable Man, who indeavour'd in those Courts to which he went, to cover his Crime with Zeal for Religion; and tho' People do not think they can be deceived in the Profession they make of it, because they verily believe 'tis the certain way to Salvation, especially when they have been educated in it; yet it is certain, their Religion, doth oblige them to be obedient to their Soveraign, and not to in∣stigate

other Princes to make War against him; because both Divine and Humane Laws condemn it. So that we see Religion is commonly made a Cloak to cover Mens Crimes, as it was in this Case; wherein all that was done, did plainly proceed from a false Zeal, seeing it was follow'd by a desperate Action, wherein there appear'd so little of God, that he who attempted it, must necessarily be forsaken by him.

I have been a little the larger upon this Sub∣ject, the Circumstances whereof are perhaps of no such great Concern to your Majesty, as to de∣serve so particular a Relation. But I am glad of this Occasion to mind your Majesty of all that past; that I might at the same time tell you, the Persons employ'd by Viscount Turenne, did you a piece of Service great enough, to have been better consider'd by Monsieur Louvoy. But he being angry that this Business was done with∣out acquainting him with it, he became so much the Officers mortal Enemy, that he caus'd them to be cashier'd one Year after another, un∣der divers pretences, and at last treated Brique∣maut a Collonel of Horse so ill, that to avoid his Persecution, he quitted his Country, and went to seek an Employment under the Mar∣quess of Brandenburg. It is impossible that your Majesty should know every thing that is done in your Kingdom, having so many weighty Af∣fairs to look after, and therefore ought not to be troubled with things of little Moment. Ne∣vertheless, your Majesty being often abus'd, I desire you should know it, because it concerns your Service.

While this pass'd, your Majesty being con∣vinc'd, that since it was the Duke of Lorrain's Interest to live in Amity with you, he would a∣void all occasions of giving you Distast; and that he could no longer retain the Suspicion he had, that you would take his Country from him; yet instead of dealing sincerely with you, he grew jealous of your endeavouring to get his Nephew out of the Emperour's Hands, believing still it was to keep him in awe.

His Trouble was so great, that tho' the thing did not succeed; yet without considering what would follow, he begun to fortifie Chaté, and Epinal, contrary to the Treaty he had made with your Majesty. He was likewise so bold, as to take away the Posts upon which were plac'd your Majesty's Arms, for a Testimony of your Juris∣diction there, which he would by no means al∣low. Beside, your Majesty knew that he rais'd Forces in Germany, and that he still kept up those Regiments which he pretended to disband. Your Majesty, being no longer able to bear this, sent the Marquess Fourilles into his Country, where he miss'd but a Quarter of an Hour of taking the Duke; who, as soon as your Troops appear'd, had notice given him time enough to get on Horseback, and being conscious of what he had done, sav'd himself in the Mountains of Voges, where not thinking himself secure, to a∣void your Displeasure, he went wandring up and down, sometimes not daring to tell who he was. A strange condition for a Prince to be brought to, who might have liv'd at his own ease, if he had been Wiser; which shews us, what diffe∣rence

there is between the Fortune of a Wise Man and a Fool's.

Your Majesty then took Possession of his Coun∣try, which made little resistance, and having de∣molish'd the Places you suspected, you acquaint∣ed the Dyet of Ratisbone, with those just Reasons you had for what you did; because you thought he would endeavour to make the Empire jealous of you, and consequently take Arms against you. You proceeded in this manner to prevent his evil Design, and that Europe might not attribute that to your Ambition, which was but the Ef∣fect of your Justice. Thus all Wise and Prudent Princes use to do; for should they be silent, and not justifie themselves, the World would say, they knew themselves to be Faulty, or that they presum'd upon their Power, and would not vouchsafe to give any Account of those Actions, which might be justly suspected; especially, when they carry Two Faces, and Ambition so plainly discovers it self, that People must be blind not to see it.

The Duke, after having been some time a Fu∣gitive, retir'd to Collen, where he stay'd brew∣ing new Mischief against your Majesty; and, in perfect spite to you, counsell'd the Town to re∣ceive a Dutch Garrison. He likewise treated with the Spaniards, to let them have some Regi∣ments he had still on Foot, giving the command of them to Prince Vaudemont his Son, by the Princess of Cantecroix, to whom he would wil∣lingly have given Lorrain, and disinherited his Nephew.

Your Majesty, who had now more mind than ever, to make War with the Hollanders, seeing the Duke not satisfied with what he had done, but still endeavouring to league the Princes of the Empire against you; you sent Ministers thither to counter and oppose all his Designs; and knowing that nothing could be a greater advan∣tage to you, than the breaking of the Triple League, which still continu'd; you drew near to England, upon pretence of visiting the Pla∣ces which belong'd to you on the Sea-Coast, and when you were there, Madam the Dutchess of Orleans, being now not far from England, was so desirous to see the King her Brother, that she ask'd your Majesty's Leave to go thither. You could not refuse her, all Things being be∣fore concerted between you; particularly, that when she was with her Brother, she should en∣deavour to draw him off from the Triple League, and perswade him to espouse your Interest. She carry'd with her a very pretty Woman called Madam Kerouel, who had done all she could to make your Majesty in Love with her; but her Stars being averse to your liking her so well as she wish'd, she descended to content her self with the Conquest of the King of England, whose Weak Side was the Fair Sex. The Dutch∣ess of Orleans, who knew his Constitution, had Madam Kerouel gloriously drest, and to make her Shine the more, presented her with fine Jewels. The Dutchess took her time, when her Brother was in a good Humour, to make her Propositions. Madam Kerouel, by her Mi∣stress's Order, very dextrously slides into the

Room, and promis'd the King, she would come back to him, as soon as your Sister-in-Law was return'd into France, if he would grant what her Mistress desir'd. Thus did this Prince sacrifice the Dutch to his new Passion, renounc'd the Triple League, and took new Measures with your Majesty, to humble that Commonwealth.

The Marquess de Vitry, whom at the same time you sent into Sweden, in the Quality of your Embassador extraordinary, prevail'd also with his Swedish Majesty to quit the Triple League, he being as much in Love with your Money, as the King of England was with Madam Kerouel. Every thing contributed to your good Fortune and Satisfaction. The Elector of Collen, who had a good while been your Friend, endeavour'd to make the Dutch recall the Garrison they had in the Capital City of his Electorate, which was very difficult; because the Inhabitants pretended to a greater Power there than the Elector; which is the Reason they are still jealous of him. But while this was a doing, your Sister-in-Law the Dutchess of Orleans dyed in an Hour's time, af∣ter she had drunk a glass of Succory-water. This sudden Accident, considering her Constitution, which in all appearance was very good, toge∣ther with her Youth, made many suspect she did not dye a natural Death; she her self saying before she dyed, that she was poyson'd. This was thought Probable, because your Brother the Duke of Orleans, kept a sort of People a∣bout him, who made it their Business to make him jealous of her. Your Majesty did all you could to find out the Truth of the Matter: For

as you were concern'd to punish so foul a Crime, if it had been prov'd, so you had Reason to fear it might have made a Breach between your Ma∣jesty and the King of England. Beside, it was necessary to search this Business to the Bottom, to discover from whence this Poyson came, whereof the Consequences were very dangerous. Especially, when many begun to talk of the like Accidents in Paris, where People every Day dyed suddenly, which could not be imputed to any Natural Cause.

Your Majesty caus'd the Dutchess's Body to be open'd by your Surgeons, your Physicians were likewise sent for, to declare their Opinions in the Presence of the English Embassador, whom you had also desir'd to be there. But tho' they narrowly inspected all her Entrails, they said, they saw nothing upon which to ground a Suspi∣cion of her being poyson'd; but it will be very difficult, to make Posterity believe the Truth of their Report.

Whatever was the Cause of her Death, yet the King of England was satisfied with what your Majesty did to make a Discovery of the Truth, and continued his Resolutions to humble the Hol∣landers. Your Brother the Duke of Orleans be∣ing now a Widdower, your Majesty thought of marrying him again into Germany, to secure to your self the Friendship of some Prince of the Empire. The Elector Palatin had a Daugh∣ter very fit for your Purpose, and your Majesty making her your Choice, you negotiated the Match with her Father. There was but one Ob∣stacle against it, which was difference of Reli∣gion;

but the Rub being quickly remov'd, both sides agree'd upon the Marriage Terms.

The Bishop of Munster likewise promis'd to joyn with your Majesty in abasing the Dutch; while you set upon them on your side, he de∣sign'd to attack them on his; so that they should hardly be able to defend themselves against both. But in such a Case, I do not comprehend the Policy of a little Prince, who is so blind to be∣lieve, he shall share with a greater in the Spoils of an Enemy, whose wealth is so great, that every Body envies, and is still contriving to get it. They must come to an Account sooner or later, where he that is strongest will be sure to give Law to the weaker.

I find this still practis'd, tho' 'tis dangerous for a weak Prince, to interest one that is very Powerful in his Affairs. When the Princes to whom appertain'd the Succession of the States of Juliers and Cleves, call'd in to their Assistance the House of Austria, the Emperour seiz'd up∣on the Succession, and could never be brought to restore it, but by down right Blows. For an Example of another kind, let what past in the War I am now about to speak of be remember'd; Would the Emperour ever part with Phillips∣bourg, tho' he promis'd before he took it, that as soon as he was Master of it, he would restore it to the right Owner, who is the Bishop of Spire? 'Tis great weakness in any Prince, to de∣pend upon one that is greater than himself. France is not freer than others, from Injustice of this kind; so that Princes, who are not very Po∣tent, ought to have a Care how they trust them∣selves

with those that can talk to them like Ma∣sters, and that make their own Interest the only Rule of their Actions.

The Dutch, when they saw themselves threaten'd on all sides, were in such a Consterna∣tion that may better be imagin'd than describ'd. There was likewise such a Division and Confusi∣on among 'em, that the Consequences of it were more to be fear'd, than the Danger wherewith they were threaten'd from abroad. They had not yet conferr'd any Authority upon the Prince of Orange, because applying themselves wholly to Trade, they thought of nothing but making it flourish in all Parts of the World; so that their Power and Strength was reduc'd only to that which they had at Sea, taking little or no Care to keep up any Forces at Land.

John de Wit, Pensionary of Holland, was at the Head of the Common-Wealth, a Man very well vers'd in the Government of it. But tho' he had many good Qualities, which his greatest E∣nemies cannot deny him; yet he was guilty of that Fault whereof I have already spoken; which was, to prefer his own Private Interest before the Publick. He resolutely oppos'd the Prince of Orange's being invested with any Power or Authority, because his Father had been ill trea∣ted by the Prince's Father, who kept him for some time in Prison. But seeing no State can long subsist without credit and Reputation, and that which this Commonwealth had, consisted only in their Riches and Strength at Sea; some of the Wisest Heads propos'd restoring to the Prince of O∣range, the same Power and Authority which

his Predecessors formerly had in the Government. The Reason they gave for it was, That they ought to have a Soveraign, whose Name carry'd some Stroke in Foreign Countries, where de Wit was known but to some particular Persons, who look'd upon him as a very good Merchant, but no great States-Man. That the Prince of Orange was an otherguess Man, whose Ancestors brave Actions spoke for him; that he was near of Kin to most of the Princes of Germany, which would facilitate making Allyances with them. That he was Nephew to the King of England, which deserv'd their Consideration in the present Juncture; the Prince being thereby capable of warding off England's Blows, and of managing their Interests.

These Reasons at last prevailing with the Ma∣jor Part, supported by the Prince, and by all those that were Friends to his Family; he was declared Stadholder; that is to say, Captain Ge∣neral and Governour of the Country. de Wit, who openly oppos'd it, because the Common-wealth, upon the Death of William II. had past a Decree, that those Places and Powers which that Prince enjoy'd, and which consisted in being Stadholder and great Admiral, should never more for the Future be conferr'd upon one single Person. De Wit, I say, seeing himself like to be discarded, us'd his Endeavours to have this Decree executed, and to cross the Prince all he could.

The Prince of Orange, on his Part, made it his Business to destroy de Wit's Cabals, whom he hated the more for being so Insolent, as to think

himself the Prince's Equal; and he had Reason, for there is nothing more provoking to a Person of great Birth, than to meet with a Minister, who so much forgets himself, as not to pay his Superior the Respect that is due to him. 'Tis what is unpardonable, and in any Government but a Republick, he that is Supream ought to take notice of it, and in a prudent Manner pu∣nish it; if he do not, the evil Consequences of it may fall on himself; for if a Person of Qua∣lity be Injur'd or Affronted, and his Prince will not take cognizance of it, nor resent it; he him∣self becomes the Object of the injur'd Person's Hatred; who because he hath not Right done him, may perhaps stir up great Troubles, which a little thing will do, and the least neglect some∣times hath very ill consequences. A Prince, nevertheless, is oblig'd to take his Minister's part against all the World, otherwise no body would care to serve him, especially in such a Post, wherein 'tis impossible for a Man not to create Enemies. But then a Prince ought to weigh things, and do according to what Justice requires of him; he ought to make a right Judgment of what his Minister doth, and to discern whether he acts out of Zeal for his Service; or abounding in his own Sense, doth things out of mere Humour and Caprice.

Notes

• Sixteen Millions of Livres computed, At 12 Livres to the Pound Sterling, amounts to One Mil∣lion Three Hundred Thirty Three Thousand Three Hundred Thirty Three Pounds Six Shillings and Eight Pence.