The history of the life of the Duke of Espernon, the great favourite of France Englished by Charles Cotton, Esq. ; in three parts, containing twelve books ; wherein the history of France is continued from the year 1598 where D'Avila leaves off, down to our own times, 1642.

THE HISTORY Of the LIFE of the Duke of Espernon. (Book 5)

THE SECOND PART. (Book 5)

The Fifth Book. (Book 5)

THE Duke of Espernon, having (as before is said) taken his leave of Provence, in the company of the Marquiss of Roquelaure, soon after presented himself before his Majesty at Paris, who was then but newly return'd from his Voyage of Pi∣cardy:* 1.1 an expedition wherein he had met with very various success, Fortune having plaid with both hands in the distribution of Honour and Disgrace. She had indeed shew'd her self favourable to him in the Enterprize of la Fere, a place, that being one of the most important upon the Frontier, and ha∣ving by the League been put into the Spaniards hands, had been so Fortified and Victualled by the new Possessors, that the King judging it not to be recover'd by fine force, without the manifest loss of an infin••te number of good men, thought it better to streighten it at a distance, by blocking up, and building Forts up∣on all the Avenues, by which it could any way be supply'd, or

reliev'd, than to hazard his men by a nearer and more regular Siege; a way, that doubtless was the safest, and most likely in the end to succeed: but as no Counsels are so perfect, as to point out the certain event of things, this way of proceeding prov'd so slow, as gave the Enemy in the interim time and opportunity to bring about other designs of such importance, as made the King sick of the success of his own enterprize, even before it took effect.

Albert Arch-Duke, and also Cardinal of Austria, was now newly enter'd upon the Government of the hereditary Countries of Flanders, from whence the King of Spain had lately call'd home the ••ondé de Fuentes; •• Prince, that stirr'd 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the emul••tion of this Predecessor's exploits (who the year before had won ••rom France le Catelet, Dourlens, and Cambray) had put on a resolution to do things, that should as far out-shine the Conde's less atchieve∣ments, as he himself, in Birth, and Quality was superior to him in Name, and Person: wher••fore▪ at his entring upon h••s com∣mand, having found the King set down before la Fere, he thought he could not give a more glorious beginning to his admi∣nistration, than by force or policy to defeat that his Majesties de∣sign. An undertaking which for the difficulty and danger thereof, was every way worthy the greatness of his mind; for the King having foreseen the Spaniard would infallibly attempt a relief, had forgot nothing that might serve to frustrate their endeavours. His Forces were great, his works about the place compleat, and per∣fect, and almost all the most experienc'd Captains of his King∣dom were come in from all parts, to attend his Majesties Person, and to signalize themselves in so brave an occasion: all which being very well known to the Cardinal of Austria, he durst not (notwithstanding his earnest desire to relieve that 〈◊〉〈◊〉) en∣gage his Army in▪ so dangerous an attempt, but rather ••earken'd to the Counsels of such as more warily advis'd to raise that 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ by an attempt upon some other place of a greater, or no 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••∣portance.

Amongst the many opinions that were deliver'd in the Cardi∣nals Council abovt this Affair, the ill Fortune of France would have the counsel of a Frenchman to prevail; that by the procure∣ment of one of her own Sons, this Kingdom might receive the greatest dishonour it could possibly sustain. And this was the ad∣vice of Rhosne a Gentleman born in Champagne upon the Fron∣tiers of Lorain, one, who having in the infancy of the League devoted himself to the Duke of Guise, and done him many sig∣nal services in his life; after his death persevering in the evil cause

he had before embrac'd, had put himself under the Duke of Mayenne, and so far his too violent zeal to Religion; or the error of his judgment (which might be deluded amongst the rest) were rather to be excus'd, and pittied, than his carriage absolutely to be condemn'd: but after the Duke of Mayenne was reduc'd to rea∣son, and had given up his cause, his yet engaging himself with the King's most implacable enemies made it manifest to all, that his turbulent spirit would stick at no mischief he could any ways effect against his Prince and Country. This man then discredit∣ing in the Cardinals Council all the diversions had been there propos'd, as by making an attempt upon St. Quintin, Montreuille, Boulogne, or Guise, gave advice to fall upon Calice, at the same time offering himself to be the man that would undertake, and accomplish the design. A proposition of so high,* 1.2 and generous a nature, that the Cardinals ambition, which was bent ••pon some noble atchievement, being fir'd thereby, he was afterwards deaf to all other Counsels, and so wholly bent upon an en∣terprize so suitable to the greatness of his mind, that without fur∣ther delay he gave immediate order to dispose all things for the ex∣ecution of that design. To which end his Army was forthwith drawn into the Field, and there divided into three several bodies, to amuse the King, and to keep him in doubt of the course he in∣tended to steer: a policy not very necessary to the concealment of his design, it being impossible any one could imagine he durst so much as meditate the thoughts of an enterprize, which, to all mens astonishment, he so suddenly effected, that the King had no sooner intelligence of his motion, but that withal news was brought him of the loss of the place.

Bidossan Governour of Calice, surpriz'd with so unexpected a Siege, was in a few days reduc'd to so great an extremity, that he was forc'd to dispatch a Post to the King, to acquaint his Majesty with the Articles of his capitulation, which was to make a posi∣tive surrender, if within six days he was not reliev'd: at which unhappy, and unexpected news, his Majesty being beyond all expression afflicted, he advanc'd with all diligence as far as Bou∣logne, in hope that the convenient vicinity of that place would give him some opportunity or other to send in some relief to the besieged before the time of limitation should expire: neither did he fail to try all possible ways by which he conceiv'd it might be done; but all in vain, the contrary winds by Sea, and the Ene∣mies vigilancy by Land still frustrating what ever endeavour he could use: when one sole Servant of the Duke of Espernon's had the good hap beyond all humane expectation to put himself

into the place, Fortune being (it should seem) resolv'd by the per∣formance of one of his Servants to confer upon the Master, though absent,* 1.3 the honour of the bravest exploit that pass'd upon this occasion. The man whose resolution was so eminent in this affair, was commonly call'd the black* 1.4 Cadet, a Gentleman of the house of Campagnol, who bravely undertook, and as bravely perform'd the Action. His elder Brother by the Duke's Favour, was preferr'd to be Captain of a Company in the Regiment of Guards, and his own Lieutenant in the Government of Boulogne, as this also had a Company in the Regiment of Picardy, with which he had likewise been gratified by the Dukes Bounty. This Gentleman no sooner receiv'd intelligence of the Enemies motion towards Calice, but that he immediately repair'd to his Brother at Boulogne, where he was at his Majesties arrival there, and where his courage not permitting him to sit still in so general a conster∣nation, as appear'd in all persons about the King, he made a vo∣luntary offer of himself to pass through the Enemies Guards into the Town of Calice, with any number of men his Majesty would please to commit to his charge, or to perish in the attempt. The valour of the man was so well try'd, and known, that the King doubted not in the least of his performance to the utmost of what could by man be done: but the danger was such,* 1.5 that his Majesty was very unwilling to expose so brave a Gentleman to so manifest a ruine; yet such was his importunity, and the occa∣sion of such importance, that at last three hundred men only were assign'd him, with which, by the favour of the night, and his own good conduct, he arriv'd safe at Calice, without the loss of so much as any one man; so that certainly had he carried a more consider∣able number of men, the Town had been sav'd: but as the case then stood the must content himself with the honour of his own bravery, without reaping any other benefit from the success of his attempt. The term of six days being expir'd, the Enemy sent to summon the Town to a surrender, according to the Articles of Capitulation betwixt them; to which summons they had no other return than this, that the besieg'd were now acquit of their promise, and that they had receiv'd a relief; an answer at which R••osne being more enrag'd than the Arch-Duke himself, he pre∣sently caus'd the Cannon to play with greater fury, than at any time before during the Siege; when a sufficient breach being made, he prepar'd the Army for a general assault. The assault was ac∣cordingly given, in the beginning of which Bedossan being slain, Campagnol took upon him his Authority, and Command, giving the Enemy after two hours sharp fight a brave, and notable re∣pulse

which notwithstanding the breach was so wide as was im∣possible long to be defended, by so few men as he had left; which made the Enemy by frequent Messages often put him in mind of what he himself knew as well as they, by representing to him the desperate condition the place was in, and his own inevitable ruine should be longer persist in his defense; offering him at the same time conditions of Honour, and Advantage if he would deliver up the Town: but all to no purpose, he had not put himself in∣to that place with so much hazard of his life to depart thence in so great security: the assault therefore was again renew'd, and the Enemy again beaten back: but coming up the third time with greater fury than ever before, and bringing up still fresh Compa∣nies to succeed those who were beaten off, Campagnol's men were in fine overcome by numbers, and constrain'd to retire; a thing their Captain scorn'd to do, who, though alone and aban∣don'd by all, still fought with the same courage, and vigour, when his resistance, how brave soever, being too weak to stop the tor∣rent of a victorious crowd, he was at last rather overwhelm'd than overcome, and by a multitude taken prisoner: with this resemblance nevertheless betwixt his honour and disgrace, that, as he had appear'd single in the defense of the Town, so was he also alone in his imprisonment, the Enemy killing all that fled before them without humanity, or respect of persons, excepting of his, who had so undauntedly stood alone in his defense, wherein his Vertue was his refuge. D' Avila attributes this Action to the Sieur de Matelet, whom he qualifies Governour of Foix, although Cardinal Bentivoglio in his description of this Siege, Mounsieur de Thou, and D' Aubigné make no mention of any such man. Yet it is true that Matelet had so great a share in the business, as ought not to be pass'd over without its due report of honour; for the King having commanded him with an hundred Gentlemen of his Court to cut his way through the Enemies Army during the heat of the Assault, and to put himself into the Town, it was no fault of his that his Majesty fail'd of his desire: he did what was by valour to be done, though he was not so fortunate as to per∣form his Majesties command; neither was the Enemies Army so thin, but that they had men enough to maintain the Assault, and at the same time to intercept such petty succours as those: so that those hundred Gentlemen were almost all cut to pieces with very little resistance; a panick fear having made them blind to their own safety, and honour, excepting Matelet, who bravely fighting as fortunately escap'd.

Thus was Calice lost, the King himself in a manner looking

on; after which Guines and Ham were carried without resistance: successes with which Rhosne being yet unsatisfied, he had moreover the confidence to undertake the Siege of Ardres, which the same day that la Fere was surrendred to the King, surrendred also to him; as if he had been in fee with Fortune, and that she had been oblig'd to give him all the respite was necessary for the execution of his Designs: for in effect, the same day that concluded the Car∣dinals Conquests, had in all probability determin'd of his honour, and put a ruinous period to all his Affairs, had his successes gone on with never so little a slower pace.

The King in the whole course of his life,* 1.6 was never perhaps more astonish'd, and afflicted, than at these disgraces; and his great spirit was prone enough to prompt him on to an immedi∣ate revenge, by obstinately settling himself to the recovery of the Places he had lately lost, since the Cardinal's sudden retreat had put him out of all possibility of fighting: but his prudence lay∣ing before him the difficulty of the enterprize, he rather chose to give his Army some refreshment, which had been tir'd out with the tedious Siege of la Fere, than anew to expose them to other dangers, and such as were like enough to be the ruine of them all. Wherefore having distributed them into the most commodious quarters upon the Frontier, to be in readiness against the next fair season, he left the Mareschal de Biron to command them, with order upon the first opportunity, to enter into the Enemies Coun∣try, and to make them feel his Majesties Arms, whilst himself re∣tir'd to Paris, to consult with his Subjects, about the means he was to pursue in the vindication of his own, and the Nations ho∣nour, for the Attempts the Enemy had made upon his Crown, and Kingdom.

The King being come to Paris, and either not expecting, or not finding that readiness, or ability he expected in his own peo∣ple; who having been harrass'd, and impoverish'd with past mis∣chiefs, were now very unfit to supply him with mony, propor∣tionable to the greatness of his designs: he saw he must of ne∣cessity have recourse to Strangers, his ancient Consederates, and Allies: to which purpose he dispatch'd away Ambassadors to Elizabeth Queen of England, to the States of Holland, and to some Princes of Germany; during which Negotiations, the Pope, who from the month of September, 1595. had given the King Absolution in the persons of Messieurs du Perron, and d' Os∣sat, his Majesties Agents at Rome, desiring now to see an effectual re-establishment of the Catholick Religion in France, and a re∣formation of such abuses as were crept into the Church, during

the disorders of the Kingdom, resolv'd upon sending a Legat at this time, to appoint what was necessary to be done for his entire satisfaction.* 1.7 Neither was this the only, though the principal end of this dispatch, this good, and holy Pope having further a de∣sign to set on foot a Treaty of Accommodation betwixt the two Crowns; conceiving he did not fully discharge the Duty of the Common Father of Christians, if, after having given repose to the King's Conscience, he did not also procure a good, and last∣ing Peace, betwixt two the greatest Princes of the Holy Church.

To this good end Cardinal de Medicis the Pope's Legat fail'd not, according to his Instructions, so soon as he arriv'd in France, to offer some propositions of Reconciliation betwixt the two Crowns; which, though well receiv'd by the King, yet did they not hinder him from making his preparations for a smart, and vindictive War: he had (as has been said) renew'd his Alliances with his Confederates, and had further call'd an Assembly of se∣veral the most intelligent persons of his Kingdom, by their joynt advice to find out the most easie, and indifferent ways of raising mony upon his people for the prosecution of the War; which As∣sembly, by reason of the Plague which was that year exceeding rise in Paris, being not conveniently there to be Assembled, his Majesty transferr'd it to Roan,* 1.8 where they opened their Session in October, and continued it to the beginning of the ensuing year. The Duke of Espernon had the honour to attend his Majesty in this Voyage, and was also made privy to whatsoever pass'd in the Assembly, where many grave directions were propos'd for the Reformation of several Abuses that were practis'd in all parts of the Kingdom; but very little satisfaction to the King concern∣ing mony, which was the main design in calling that Assembly, rather than reformation of abuses: which notwithstanding his Majesty wounded with the grief of his losses, what by husband∣ing his Revenue, what by lessening his Expense, by augmentati∣ons upon his Farms, and other extraordinary ways made shift to get up such a stock, as was enough to set a powerful Army on foot, and such a one as should be sufficient to repair all his former disgraces.

After the dissolution of this Assembly, his Majesty retiring himself for some indisposition into the Air of the Country, the Duke of Espernon conceiv'd he could not take a fitter opportunity than this, to ask leave to go look after his own particular Affairs, and to settle his Governments in a posture of Security, and Obe∣dience; a request no sooner made to the King, but that he gave his free consent, dismissing the Duke with all demonstration of

respect and kindness; and then it was that his Patent was seal'd for the Government of Limousin, instead of Provence, and dated at Folembray, a house of Pleasure, to which his Majesty had re∣tir'd himself to provide for his health at greater liberty and ease. With this new Commission the Duke then departed from Court towards Angoulesme, where his Children were bred, which he had scarce seen since their Birth, especially the youngest whom he had never seen; a motive of it self sufficient for a longer Journey: but neither the repose the Duke intended to take, nor the vacati∣on his Majesty intended to give, were of any long continuance; for he was scarce arriv'd at Angoulesme, when he receiv'd a Dis∣patch under the Kings own hand (his Majesty not at all thinking it below his Greatness, that his Nobility should receive the Honour of his Commands immediately from himself) wherein he acquain∣ted him with the surprizal of Amiens, as also of his resolution suddenly to sit down before it, for the recovery of so important a place: at the same time conjuring him to make all possible haste to come, and serve him in so glorious an occasion.

I shall not here enlarge my self in a relation of this surprize, it being an action that made so much noise at that time, and that gave to great a reputation to* 1.9 Hernando-Telles Portocarrero, who was the contriver and executor of it, that there is scarce any Hi∣storian of our own, or any other Nation, who has not particu∣larly insisted upon this, above any other enterprize of the like na∣ture; wherein they all agree that it was a design the best contriv'd, the braveliest carried on, and the most fortunately perform'd of any whatever of that kind.

The nearness of this place to Paris, it being but three little days journey from thence, having alarm'd the Parisians to such a de∣gree, that they thought the Spaniard already at their Gates, begat such clamours, and publick complaints amongst the people, that every one made very bold with the Royal Name, accusing the King, as if he had held intelligence with the Enemy, and as if he alone were the Author of this mischance: so that as if his Ma∣jesty had not been sufficiently afflicted with the loss of this City (which more concern'd him, than them all) he must also endure the unjust reproaches of his Subjects; the little respite he had ta∣ken for the recovery of his health, passing, in minds prepossess'd with fear, for supineness, and sloth; and his love to the Dut∣chess of Beaufort giving every one occasion to censure, and con∣demn his Passions, by which, they said, he lay buried in negli∣gence, and pleasure, whilst the Enemy was in action, taking, and surprizing his best Towns, and Cities.

It was therefore necessary for the King without further delay to betake himself again to Arms, and that (equally stirr'd up by his own immediate danger, and the clamours of his people) he should abandon the care of his health, to go expose his life to the hazards of War and Sickness. It was upon the tenth day of March, that Amiens had been surpriz'd, upon notice whereof, his Majesty without loss of time, had writ to the Mareschal de Biron, (who (as has been said) he had left upon the Frontier) that he should with all expedition, gather the Army together, and to sit down before Amiens to begin the Siege. A command that could not have been sent to a more diligent, a braver, or more able Souldier; and one, who so well knew how to manage such En∣gines, and provisions of War, as the King (who himself was advanc'd as far as Corbie) had taken care to send him; that his Ma∣jesty a•• his arrival before the place found nothing wanting, or un∣done, he could at a distance have desir'd; or have order'd him∣self, had he been there in person. A diligence his Majesty did highly, and publickly commend, giving the Mareschal a very no∣ble Character for the progress he had made in his works, and ap∣proaches, which could not have been perform'd by any with greater care, courage, and conduct, according to all the Rules and Discipline of War. Neither is it to be denied, but that Bi∣ron serv'd the King as bravely, as is to be imagin'd upon this oc∣casion: wherein he also knew well enough, if not too well, his own merit; his brave Service in this, and other occasions having rais'd him to that degree of presumption, and insolence, that he afterwards, by his saucy reproaches to the King his Master, de∣priv'd himself of those Honours, and Rewards, his Valour might otherwise, with great justice have expected; and his vanity con∣verting those actions, which modestly carried would have been his immortal glory, into the instruments of his disgrace, and ruine: of which in its due place I shall give a more full accompt, as also of every circumstance that helpt to precipitate him into those misfortunes whereinto he afterwards fell: and that because his Interests went, for many years hand in hand, with those of the Duke of Espernon, they two being link'd together in an extraor∣dinary strict League of Affection, and Friendship.

The King during his abode at Corbie, having taken care to send such numbers of men, as the Mareschal de Biron stood in need of for carrying on the Siege, return'd back to Paris, there to take order about Artillery for the Leaguer, and mony for the support of his Army; when all things being ready in Iune, his Majesty accompanied with the Duke of Montpensier, the Count de Soissons,

the Constable de Montmorency, the Duke of Mayenne, the Prince of Ioinville, and many other Lords of great quality, advanc'd himself to the Siege. Cardinal Bentivoglio, who is very exact in the description of this Leaguer, has, amongst the rest, nam'd the Duke of Espernon for one of those who attended his Majesty in this expedition: a mistake I do not so much wonder at in him, who of necessity must take many things upon trust, as I do at d'Avila, who says the same thing, and yet pretends to have been present, and wounded at this Siege; when it is most certain the Duke was not there. I would not willingly deprive him of any honour is his due; neither would I attribute to him contrary to the known truth, things wherein he had no share: but the truth is, the Duke was so long in making his preparation, and would come in so handsome an equipage to the Army, that it was two days after the surrender of the place, before he came up to the King:* 1.10 perhaps one of the worst occurrences, and that did him the greatest prejudice of any that befel him in his whole life; it being certain, that if, in this expedition, he had by greater di∣ligence express'd to his Majesty the real Passion he had for his Ser∣vice, he had so blotted out of his memory, all former jealousies, and discontents, that no ill office could ever after have done him harm: whereas his Enemies took now occasion to possess the King, that he had either staid to expect the issue of this Siege, to make his own use of such disorders in the State, as must necessarily at∣tend any ill success; or that (at the best) he had a mind the Roy∣al Affairs should fall into the last necessity, by that means to put a greater value upon his own Service: So that although he arriv'd very seasonably for the recruit of the Royal Army, very much tir'd, and worn out with the length of the Siege, and that he brought along with him 300. Horse, an hundred and fifty Har∣quebusiers on horseback, and four Regiments of Foot, as well equipt as men could be: yet was not his reception such, as he had good reason to expect, his zeal to the Service having made him lose the honour of the Service it self. It was nevertheless but two days after the King's entry into Amiens, that the Duke came up to the Army; by which it appears he did not in his Govern∣ment lie expecting the event of the Siege, having been a month upon his March; neither did he long lie idle after he was come, for ambitious by some notable Action to make amends for his former default,* 1.11 he meditated a surprize upon Arras; an enter∣prize that having been communicated to Mareschal Biron, the man∣ner of it was soon concluded on betwixt them, and as soon con∣sented to by the King, who by his own presence would favour the success.

His Majesty after the surrender of Amiens staid no longer there than was requisite for the ceremony of his entry, but put him∣self immediately in pursuit of the Enemy; to let them see, that notwithstanding he had been so drain'd of men, he was yet strong enough to remove the Scene of War to their own doors; when, being advanc'd with his Army as far as Arras, the Duke of Espernon took those Forces he had brought, and advanc'd to give a Scalado to a Fort, that was a little separated from the main wall of the City; which he assaulted with such vigour and bravery in his own person, that his men encourag'd by his exam∣ple soon made themselves masters of the place. A success that gave the Inhabitants, and Garrison of Arras so great an Alarm, that they all ran to that side to beat the Duke back, and to secure that part of their Walls; where betwixt them the conflict grew so hot, that the Mareschal de Biron, who was at the same time to Petarre one of the Gates of the City, had all leisure to perform it, without any danger from the Curtain. And accordingly his first Petard play'd, and to so good effect, that it laid all flat, which shut up the Raveline: The second beat down the Draw-Bridge, and carried away the bottom of the Portcullice it self, though by the Petard's being fixt too low, the perpendicular Bars remain'd yet long enough to defend the passage, when the third Petard being brought up (which doubtless had it play'd, had put an end to the Dispute) and the Engineer just ready to give fire, he was from the top of the Gate taken upon the head with a stone; by which blow Man and Engine were both beaten headlong into the Ditch: an accident by which they were put to look out for an∣other, but in vain. there being never another to be found. In the mean time the Duke of Espernon, who was still fighting with the Enemy, had no little to do to make head against the Forces of so great, and populous a City; which nevertheless he bravely did until the Mareschal de Biron sending him word of his misfortune, desir'd him to retire, as himself was constrain'd to do for want of a fourth Petard.

Aubigné is the man,* 1.12 of all our Historians that makes mention of this Enterprize, where he adds one thing that is very remark∣able, and very true, and that is, that the Mareschal enrag'd to the last degree, at the miscarriage of so brave a design, went up and down cursing, and swearing, and railing at the King before all the Army, and almost to his own face, that he had made him fail in the conquest of so important a place for want of a Petard, ac∣cusing him of Avarice, where his Honour and Safety were con∣cern'd; whilst he was prodigiously Profuse in the entertainment

of his Mistrisses, and in the procurements of his own desires: Lan∣guage, that, how indiscreetly soever spoken, was maliciously enough soon convey'd to the King's ear, and which I have heard the Duke say, perhaps sowed the first seeds of hatred in his Ma∣jesties heart against him: Neither did the Duke fail, like a true friend, to conjure him into a better government of his passion, left his wild tongue might at some time or other, be the instru∣ment of his own ruine; although whatever power he might have with him in other things, (as with a man that still mindful of the Duke's past obligations, when his favour had given him many opportunities to express his affection to him, was much at his de∣votion) yet could he never so govern the unbridled fierceness of his 〈◊〉〈◊〉; but that he would break often out into extravagancies of that kind.

As the surprizal of Amiens had suspended all propositions of Peace,* 1.13 that had before been preferr'd by the Pope's Legat, so did the retaking of it (almost of course) set them again on foot; for the Spaniard seeing he had not been able to keep a place of that importance when he had it in his hands, and apprehending by that, the King's Power (which had been sufficiently manifested at this Siege) would now extend it self into their own Territories, to the danger of their strongest, and best Towns, of themselves renew'd the interrupted Treaty of Peace; in order whereunto, the Deputies of both Crowns being met at Vervins, it was there, to their common satisfaction happily concluded.

That which I observe to be most remarkable in this Peace, is, that the King, what necessity soever there was upon him of re∣gulating the disorders of his own Kingdom, which were many (a thing neuer to be well done in the confusions of War) would notwithstanding never consent his Deputies should meet to Treat, till first the King of Spain had given him assurance, that all the places had been taken from him in this last War should be re∣stor'd: His Majesty choosing rather to expose his Person, and Kingdom to the uncertain event of another War, than that his Crown should suffer the l••ast prejudice by a Treaty of Peace; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 although he had hitherto been the loser, yet did ••is courage 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him hope so well of his Fortune, as to believe he should in the end bring her over to his own side. So brisk an Article as this at first dash, and before the King would proceed to any further Treaty, it is to be suppos'd would startle the Spanish Gravity, and must reasonably meet with great difficulty, as it did in the Coun∣cils of War, and Privy Council of Spain, it being evident that, in this demand, the King would impose upon them who were

the Conquerors the same conditions he should have done, had they been already overcome, which made it suffer a long Debate, though at last it was condescended to;* 1.14 and that being granted, no other difficulties were likely to arise: so that this happy Peace was Concluded, and Sign'd by the Commissioners on both sides, the second of May 1598. By the Articles of this Treaty the King was to restore the County of Charolois, to the King of Spain, to be by him held of the Crown of France; who in exchange re∣stor'd the Towns of Calice, Ardres, Monthulin, Dourlens, la Capelle, and le Catelet in Picardy, and Blavet in Britanny: which Articles were Ratifi'd, and Sign'd by his Majesty the eleventh of Iune; who in gayety of humour, at so happy a conclusion, told the Duke of Espernon, That with one dash of his Pen he had done greater things, than he could of a long time have perform'd with the best Swords of his Kingdom.

This Peace was no sooner concluded, but that the Court put on a Face far different from that wherewith it had appear••d when shaded, and overcast, with the tumult and trouble of War and Business: nothing now was to be seen, but State, and Lustre; nor was any thing now thought on, but Feasting, and Mirth, which also was much added to, by the celebration of several Mar∣riages, which were at this time consummate betwixt some per∣sons of the greatest quality of the Kingdom:* 1.15 For Katharine the King's only Sister was Married to the Duke of Bar, Son to the Duke of Lorain; and Henry of Bourbon Duke of Montpensier Married Katharine de ••oyeuse, with many other Marriages betwixt Persons of great Quality, that were also solemniz'd at the same time: but it not being my design to meddle with those wherein the Duke of Espernon was not immediately concern'd, I shall on∣ly insist upon that of the Duke of Montpensier who contracting himself to so near a Relation of the Duke's, that he, in a man∣ner supply'd the place of a Father to her, it will be necessary I should say something of the reasons, and conclusion of this par∣ticular Match.

The King since the Duke's return from Provence, had never exceeded to him the favour of meer justice; he had, it is true, left him free in the enjoyment of his Offices, his Estate, and Degree, without doing him any the least injury in any thing that was his just, and immediate right: But as to the rest, his Majesty not being able to forget his formention'd discontents against him, he thought he did him a signal favour, in that he forbore to do him any publick disgrace. In this condition, the Duke, who saw himself seated at Court in a station far inferiour to that wherein

he had formerly been, suffer'd not a little in his own bosom from the King's coldness, and indifferency to him: yet concealing his discontent with the true respect he ought to pay his Prince, and Master, he avoided, at least, all occasions (the only refuge of a su∣spected Minister) that might any way bring him into a greater disgrace: Yet even in this condition his fortune would not forsake him, who, when all other means seem'd to be lost, that could pro∣bably restore him to any degree of his former prosperity, sprung him a new tide to his stranded greatness, and such an one, as not only lifted him off those sands wherein he was like to sink, and perish, but rais'd him again to such a reputation, as was no little support to his declining name, and power.

Kat••arine de Ioyeuse (whom I have already nam'd) was only Daughter and Heir to the Count de Bouchage, and Katharine de No∣garet, and de la Valette, the Duke of Espernon's Sister; a young Lady, that besides the advantages of her Birth, and Beauty, was also Mi••tr•••••• of very great possessions, having to her paternal Estate added that of the great Favourite the Duke of Ioyeuse, as she also was in expectation of that of the Cardinal de Ioyeuse her Uncle; which reckon'd altogether must needs make up so vast an estate, as must without dispute, entitle her the greatest Fortune of France. The Duke of Montpensier likewise, as born a Prince of the Blood, was also in high consideration, wherein the advantage of his Fortune concurr'd with the eminency of his Birth, he having alone a greater Revenue, than all the other Princes of the Blood: to which his Valour, Liberality, and Courtesie, with other good qua∣lities he was Master of, had rais'd him to a very great esteem with the King, and made him no less a Favourite to the People: so that he was not only the Aim and Ambition of the best Matches of France; but stood also in the prospect of some Forein Princes: Amongst these the Duke of Lorain proceeded so far, as to offer him his Daughter (who was afterwards Married to the Duke of Cleve's) with eight hundred thousand Crowns to her Dowry: a proposition that, being debated in the Duke of Montpensier's Council, was very much lik'd of by some of his Servants, who advis'd him to prefer this Match to the other Inheretrix of the House of Ioyeuse; the fortune of the last, being part of it yet de∣pending; whereas the offers of the Duke of Lorain being present, and effectual, would very much advance his Affairs, and establish his greatness at great liberty and ease. I have been inform'd, and that by a person of Quality, who was consulted about this busi∣ness, that one main reason which induc'd this Prince to prefer Madam••iselle de Ioyeuse before the other, was the consideration of

the Duke of Esperno••, because in marrying her, he conceiv'd he should at the same time espouse her Uncles Interests; from whose Authority he promis'd to himself greater assistance, and support, than from any other Peer of the Kingdom. A consideration that, prevailing above all other with the Duke of Montpensier, dispos'd him determinately to resolve upon this Match, to which, by a particular li••ing, he was before enclin'd. Wherefore having without further deliberation caus'd it, by some Friends of his, to be propos'd to the Duke of Espernon, the motion was by him, who took it for a great honour, receiv'd with all imaginable re∣spect, and as readily consented to; by which the Duke being encourag'd, proceeded further to move it to the King himself; not without some apprehension nevertheless, that the aversion his Majesty daily discover'd to the Duke might raise some diffi∣culties at the first overture of his design, though his fear prov'd vain: for his Majesty seeing it would be a Match of considerable advantage to his Kinsman, and in his heart acknowledging the Duke of Espernon to be a Subject of great merit, though, for some private discontents, not very acceptable to himself, was not unwilling to oblige both the one, and the other, by giving his free consent.

By this Marriage the Duke of Espernon's Affairs were not a little improv'd, and if, on the one side, he (by the considerati∣on of his desert) had preferr'd his Niece before the Daughter of a Sovereign Prince; she on the other side, by a very good return was acquit of that obligation, by introducing her Uncle into the relation and support of a great Prince of the Blood, by whose means he was soon after honour'd with a very near alliance to the Royal Family.

The Feasting,* 1.16 and other entertainments of the Court, did not so wholly take up the King, that his Majesty was not never∣theless very intent upon his Affairs, he had a mind to see an end of the Treaty with Savoy, which was not yet dispatch'd, though it had been compriz'd in the Peace concluded betwixt the two Crowns at Vervins: The Duke of Savoy had desir'd some re∣spite to consider before he would Seal; which having been gran∣ted to him, and he not being able to perswade himself to the re∣stitution of those places he had, contrary to the publick Faith, surpriz'd during the disorders of the State, as by the Articles of the Treaty he had been oblig'd to do: he had no mind, to put a thing to Arbitration he was certain that way never to obtain, and that he was likewise resolv'd never to part withal. The Pope whom himself had nam'd Arbiter of all differences betwixt the

King, and him, was so far disoblig'd by the diffidence he had manifested of his equal judgment (which the Duke had cun∣ningly published to that end) that his Holiness had excus'd himself from intermedling any more betwixt them; a thing that having fall'n out according to the Duke of Savoy's hearts desire, he resolv'd now upon a Journey into France, to try if by his submissions to the King, his dexterity with his Ministers, or his liberalities in his Court, he could not procure, or purchase that, to which he could with no shew of equity otherwise pretend: but all his po∣licy prov'd vain, and his hopes were deluded, as they were like to be in a Court where the King himself was alone the greatest, and wisest part of the Council; he must first corrupt him, or at least very much deceive him, before he could perswade him to consent to any thing prejudicial to his Crown, and Honour. The Duke of Savoy then, being able to effect nothing by artifice, re∣solv'd at last upon returning into his own Dukedom: yet, that his Journey might not be altogether without fruit, he first caus'd the Mareschal de Biron to be dealt withal, a man whom he con∣ceiv'd his many discontents had laid open to his temptation; and him he first tasted by Lafin, the same who had made himself a Mediator betwixt the Duke of Espernon and l'Esdiguieres in Pro∣vence,* 1.17 and who therein had abus'd them both. This fellow of a tur∣bulent unquiet Spirit, and one of those who had rather be doing mischief, than not to be doing at all, was of late wrigled into the Duke of Savoy's Favour, and had tasted of his bounty; by which he was qualified to offer from the Duke one of his Daughters to the Mareschal de Biron in Marriage, and with her several Seigniories to be held in Sovereignty, with the assistance of the Forces both of Spain, and Savoy, to maintain him in Burgundy: A Province con∣tiguous to their own Territories. Allurements so fitted to Birons ambitious and mutinous nature, that he lent a willing ear to those dangerous propositions, and, as some have believ'd, engag'd him∣self without much Ceremony in the Treason, which prov'd at last his dishonour and ruine.

This practice with Biron was the only thing the Duke of Savoy, with all his policy, effected in France: which nevertheless he thought to be of such moment, as made him afterwards refuse to give the King that satisfaction he had promis'd, and so to build upon the confidence of Biron's revolt, that having, before his de∣parture from Paris, engag'd either to surrender to his Majesty the Marquisate of Saluzzo, or la Bresse, with other Dominions at his own choice in lieu thereof, and within three months time to per∣form it; he had now no more regard to his word: neither would

do the one nor the other, which oblig'd the King to seek that sa∣tisfaction by force of Arms, he could by no other means obtain, as he evidently saw by the delays and equivocations of this subtle Prince.

His Majesty had before he resolv'd upon this expedition been sufficiently enform'd of what means had been us'd to corrupt the Mareschal de Biron: but whether it were that he really believ'd the Mareschal had been deaf to all such propositions; or that by the testimony of an entire confidence in his Loyalty this generous Prince would oblige a Subject to continue firm in his duty, who by his brave Service had deserv'd so well of the Crown, and to look back into his error, before he was gone too far; he gave him the Command of an Army against the Duke of Savoy him∣self, with orders to enter by the way of his own Government of Burgundy into Bress; in which employment Biron so well con∣ceal'd his practice, and so smartly pursu'd the War, that no action of his confess'd, the least intelligence with the Enemy. L'Esdi∣guieres also, who at the same time enter'd by the way of Dau∣phiné into Savoy, by his Valour, and conduct made so consider∣able advances into that Dutchy, that betwixt them in few days all the Territories the Savoyard possess'd on this side the Alpes, were over-run by the Royal Arms, except Montmelian, which was not but by Siege to be reduc'd.

It was in this occasion of Montmelian that the Duke of Esper∣pernon did the King a very signal service: A place reputed so strong, and that had been so fortified, and furnish'd, with all provisions of War by the Duke of Savoy, that he was nothing startled at his other losses, as supposing this City to be an inexpugnable Bul∣wark against whatever could be attempted against him. A confi∣dence wherein he found himself very much mistaken; for the Duke of Espernon having the command of one quarter at this Siege, as Biron and L' Esdiguieres had of the other two, whilst they were on all hands busie in their approaches, found opportu∣nity sometimes to confer with the Count de Brandis Governour of the place, interviews, that being frequent, and allow'd by the King, wrought at last so good an effect, that the Governour pro∣mis'd to surrender the City to the King, if within a month the Duke of Savoy did not raise the Siege. A Capitulation of that dangerous importance to the Duke that he labour'd by all possible ways, during the limited term to perswade the Governour into a better resolution, and had so wrought upon him, what by en∣treaty, promises, and threats, that he was grown infinitely waver∣ing, and uncertain what to do; which notwithstanding the

Duke of Espernon who had drawn the first plot of this great de∣sign, happily brought it to perfection in the end; he absolutely confirm'd by his perswasion the anxious Count in the terms of his first Treaty, and thereupon receiv'd new Hostages from him: by which dexterity he rendred himself the principal, and most ef∣fectual instrument of his Majesties victories in that Country, as also of the Peace which immediately follow'd the Surrender of this important City.

Whilst the King's Designs succeeded at this fortunate rate in this little Dukedom, the Princes of Italy apprehending, that af∣ter the ruine of the Duke of Savoy, the sweetness, and facility of that Conquest would tempt the King to advance further into the Country to seek new Victories, were instant with the Pope to interpose his Authority with the King, to dispose his Majesty to accept of satisfaction from the Duke of Savoy for what had past, that an Accommodation might ensue: to which his Holiness be∣ing enclin'd, both by his own interests (which could by no means admit of a War in Italy) and by the importunity of the Princes of the Country,* 1.18 he dispatch'd away Cardinal Aldobrandino his own Nephew to the King, to be in his name the Mediator of this Peace, as the Cardinal de Medicis had been before of that which had been concluded with Spain.

Never Prince came from that Country in a prouder Equipage, nor with a more honourable train, than did this Cardinal; a Magnificence to which his Majesty being willing to hold propor∣tion, both in regard to his own greatness, as also to express there∣by a greater respect to the Pope (to whom he was highly oblig'd) in the person of a Kinsman so near, and dear unto him, he made choice of the Duke of Espernon, amongst all the other Grandees of his Court, to be the man should receive him; and that because he both knew him to be a person very acceptable to the Holy Sea, as also one who knew as well how to behave himself for his Masters honour, as any whoever, that was about his person. Neither did the Duke deceive his Majesty in his choice; he receiv'd the Cardi∣nal at the head of the Army, which before had been drawn up in∣to Battalia for that purpose, accompanied with the most sprightly and gay Nobility, and Gentry of the Court, conducting him with infinite demonstrations of Honour, and Respect through the several divisions, until he brought him into the presence of the King himself; and though I must tell you by the way, that the Duke's imperious, and haughty humour was naturally very averse to the humility of Complement, and the submission of ex∣cessive Civilities; yet when such an occasion as this oblig'd him

to it; no man of his time could perform such a Ceremony with a better grace: and doubtless, if at ordinary times he would have been more liberal of his courtesie, and have added that to those other excellent qualities, which made him admir'd by all, he might have acquir'd thereby what Friends and Servants he had pleas'd.

Soon after the Legat's arrival the Peace of Savoy was conclu∣ded,* 1.19 wherein a Prince, whose interest it was to recover his own Dominions almost entirely over-run by the King's Victorious Arms, was now to redeem his own with what he had surreptiti∣ously, and contrary to the publick Faith snatch'd from the King, during the disorders of his Kingdom, and which his Majesty was now also ready to force from him, as he had already done the greatest part of his own hereditary Territories in pursuit of that Quarrel: So that the Duke of Savoy bought his Peace at a cheap rate through the Pope's timely mediation, and all things were accommodated that were in dispute betwixt the King, and him: although his Majesty, who very well knew what little trust was to be repos'd in the Faith of this Prince (a man that would never keep his word when it was for his advantage to break it) would by no means be perswaded to withdraw his Ar∣my out of his Dukedom, till first the Articles of the Treaty were perform'd. But it neither suiting with decency, nor the dignity of his Majesties Royal Person himself to attend the exe∣cution of a thing already concluded, he return'd into France, lea∣ving the command of his Army to the Count de Soissons, offering at the same time the command of Lieutenant General to the Duke of Espernon who excus'd himself; having taken up a resolution never to serve under less than the Person of a King; as hitherto he had never done, nor ever after did in the whole course of his life.* 1.20 He therefore went back with the King, whom he attended as far as Grenoble; from whence when his Majesty departed for Lyons to consummate his Marriage, he at the same time took his leave to return again into his Governments of Xaintonge and An∣goumois.

The Duke's journey into that Country gave him opportunity to pass over into Gascony to view the Progress of his Building there,* 1.21 of which he had laid the foundation at Cadillac in the year 1598. For the King, after he had concluded the Peace with Spain, from that time forwards, not only wholly bent his own thoughts to the Embellishment of his Kingdom (in which his principal design was first to Build his Houses, and to Beautifie Paris with many great and noble Structures; for at this time the Buildings of

the Louvre, Fountain-bleau, and other Royal Palaces were begun; as also the designs of the Pont-neuf, the Place Royal, with other proud and stately AEdifices were continued) but would likewise that other men should fall in love with the same humour; and whether it were that his Majesty had a mind his greatest Subjects should by his example employ themselves in the same designs, or that he intended (as some have suppos'd) insensibly to drein their purses by this chargeable employment; fearing perhaps that too great abundance of wealth might make them more apt to enter∣tain thoughts, and practices, that might discompose the calm of Peace his Kingdom was now settled in: but so it was, that for one or both these reasons, he engag'd the greatest part of his Nobility, whom he knew to be monied men, in vast designs of this kind: amongst whom his Majesty conceiving the Duke of Espernon to be one the most at his ease, he was so importunate with him, as to cause a plot for Cadillac to be design'd in his own Presence, or∣der'd the charge of the whole to be cast up, and made one of his own Architects to undertake for an hundred thousand Crowns to begin, and perfect the work; upon which assurance the Duke (as has been said) in the year 1598 began the foundation; concei∣ving that such a summe, as that, he might without inconvenience spare to gratifie his Masters humour; though time afterwards gave him to understand how hard a thing it is to contain a man's self within a determinate charge, after he has once set his hand to so tempting a work as Building: this Pile, before it was finish'd, having cost him above two millions of Livres. 'Tis very true, (and which seldom happens to undertakers of such vast designs) that with this infinite expense, he brought the grea∣test, and most stately pile of Building (the Royal Houses excepted) in France, very near to perfection, the whole body of the Building being perfected before his death, and nothing, save some few Or∣naments left to finish; neither had he left those to his Successors, had not the disgrace of being withdrawn from his Government, which still afflicted him, diverted his thoughts from the sole care of that design.

The Duke (as has been said) being come into Guienne to take a view of his Building,* 1.22 arriv'd at the City of Bourdeaux in the beginning of August, where he found the Mareschal d' Ornano, but newly there establish'd Lieutenant for the King by the decease of the Mareschal de Matignon, who died of an Apoplexy, and where their old Animosities, though great, were nevertheless on both sides so well dissembled, as not to hinder a mutual Civility betwixt them, no more than these civilities could hinder past jea∣lousies

from breaking out upon the first occasion into a new and open rupture. This Mareschal though an Alien born, had yet by his Valour and Fidelity acquir'd so great a reputation in France, as in the Reign of Henry the III. to be a great confident to that Prince; to whom the Duke of Espernon having been a principal Favou∣rite, it is nothing strange, that a man of inferiour credit should envy another in a higher degree of Favour: neither if the Ma∣reschal were prepossess'd with this antiquated jealousie, was the Duke on his part insensible of the recent traverses he had in Pro∣vence receiv'd from him; the greatest part of the disgraces he had met with in that Country having been laid in his way by the op∣position of l' Esdiguieres, and him: all which put together, it may easily be imagin'd were likely to beget no very good blood between them. To this the Mareschal, a man of an imperious, and haughty temper, and who only under a forc'd smoothness con∣ceal'd a natural arrogance, could with no patience endure a Supe∣riour; an humour that made him with great anxiety look upon the Honours, which at the Duke's arrival at Burdeaux, he re∣ceiv'd from the Parliament, with the other Orders of the City, and which were also continued to him by the Nobility at Cadillac, who from all parts came in to do him Honour: But if his impa∣tience were great before, it was rais'd up to the height, when he knew the Duke (who well enform'd of his dissatisfaction, to make it yet more) had invited all the Nobility, and Gentry of the Country to Bordeaux to a publick running at the Ring; a solem∣nity that being there to be kept where he was in Supreme Com∣mand, the Duke knew would much more nettle, and afflict him.

It is very true, that the Duke might have forborn this Bra∣vado to a man, whom he knew to be so tender of his Honour, as the Mareschal d' Ornano was; and perhaps it was not well done to offer that to another, he himself would never have endur'd from any man living in a place where he had commanded in Chief: but having once engag'd in the business, his great spirit (whatever might succeed) would by no means give him leave to desist, especially when he knew the Mareschal was resolv'd by open force to oppose him. This was that, which made what was be∣fore only a private discontent, to break out into open quarrel, which grew so high that the Mareschal address'd himself to the Parliament; where, in the presence of them all, he complain'd what a commotion the Duke went about to stir up amongst the people, to the prejudice, as he pretended, of his Majesties Af∣fairs; acquainting them at the same time with his resolution to

make his Garrison stand to their Arms, to play his Cannon, and in fine to do what in him lay, with all the power, and authority he had to break that appointment, and to drive the Duke from the City. This declaration from a man of his furious spirit, as it very much troubled the whole Assembly, so it gave the first Pre∣sident D' Affis (one of the greatest men that Society ever had since its first institution, and a particular friend of the Duke's, having by him in his times of favour been rais'd to that dignity) occasi∣on to make use of his Eloquence in the best Arguments he could contrive to disswade the Mareschal from that determination; but all in vain, he had already given out his orders, and summon'd the Gentry to come in to his assistance, though not a man, save only one call'd Ruat, would appear: a thing, which though perfectly true, appears almost incredible, that a Governour of so great Au∣thority and Repute should be able to procure no more than one single man, to serve him against the Duke of Espernon in his own Government. Neither were the people better dispos'd, than the Nobility and Gentry, to take Arms against the Duke; all men on the contrary, of any note, both within, and without the City, so manifestly appearing for him, that the Governour was forc'd to arm his Garrison of Corses, and to call his Company of Gens∣d' Armes out of their Country Quarters into the Town, which were yet apparently too weak to execute the Mareschal's design. And this was in effect the main cause that hindred things from proceeding into a greater disorder, the Duke, satisfied with the advantage every one plainly saw he had over his Enemy, being the more easily enclin'd to the Parliaments solicitations; who had sent their second President Nesmond to him, to entreat he would not persist in his first resolution: at whose instance, and being loath to disturb the Peace of his Country, as also to expose the great number of Gentlemen of Quality, who were about him against a Garrison in his own particular quarrel, and having a greater inclination to decide it in his own person (when it might be done with less noise and tumult) with the Mareschal man to man, he was content to let things rest, till a fitter opportunity, and quietly departed the City to his own house.

In this Journey to Cadillac he was accompanied with President Nesmond, a Gentleman of great merit, and his particular friend (for whom after the death of President D' Affis he obtained the Dignity of first President during the Regency of the Queen Mo∣ther) with many other Principal Members of that Parliament and City; whither he was no sooner come, but that the Gentry of the Higher Gascony, at the report of this Quarrel, flock'd to

him in so great a number, that scarce any occasion could have hapned, wherein his interest in that Country could have been more manifestly seen. And here the Duke, environ'd with so ma∣ny of his Friends, pass'd his time in that jollity and mirth, and appear'd so little concern'd at any thing that had pass'd betwixt the Mareschal d' Ornano and him, as made every one certainly believe all had been absolutely forgot: where, after having spent some days, and his company being retir'd to their own houses, he himself also departed to go visit his paternal estate, and from thence to Tholouse. From hence it was, that whilst every one thought him more intent upon his recreations, than mindful of his quarrel, he dispatch'd away a Page of his call'd Talanges, who continued long after in his Service, to the Mareschal d' Ornano with a Challenge, which I will here present my Reader word for word, as I tran∣scrib'd it from the original draught under the Duke's own hand; wherein, though there be no studied stile, there is nevertheless something of a natural, and easie bluntness, that methinks sounds better, than if it had been couch'd with greater care and art: the words are these.

Sir, I make no doubt, but that, when the toy took you to commit the action, and to make the bustle you did against me at Bordeaux, the last of August, you did then believe, knowing me for such, as the men of Honour of this Kingdom know me to be, that that Carri∣age of yours must needs give me a just desire to talk with you, as indeed I passionately do, and that after the manner commonly practis'd by men of honour of my Profession; which is the reason I have sent this Page on purpose to let you know, that I am going to Court, where I shall wait four months in expectation, either by return of this Bearer, or by what other honourable way you shall think fit, of an assignment from you, of a day, and place where I may have the happiness to embrace you in your Shirt, with the Arms of a Cavalier, which are a Sword, and Poignard: that I may there let you see it is not in the power of a Corse to affront a Gentleman of France, who remains yours to serve you as much as by the courtesie you have shew'd to him he stands oblig'd.

From Tholouse the 7th. of September.

Sign'd, I. Lewis de la Valette.

And in a Postscript,

I do assure you upon my Faith, that no one living knows a syllable of what I have written to you, not the Page himself; and I do believe you to be so much a man of Honour, as to carry it with the same secresie.

The Page arriv'd in a disguise at Bordeaux, where he found opportunity to deliver his Letter, and, without being discover'd by any, return'd to seek out his Master at Paris: but the Mares∣chals action had made such a noise, that (what secresie soever could be us'd) it was hardly possible, but it must come to the King's knowledge; and accordingly at the Duke's arrival at Court, his Majesty question'd him about it, when, although the Duke made a shew of being wholly unconcern'd, yet his Maje∣sty having had intelligence, by other hands, than either by the Duke, or any of his people of the Challenge that had pass'd, po∣sitively commanded him to engage his word that things should proceed no further; promising him withal, that he should have all satisfaction he could himself in Honour desire: a thing the Duke in obedience to his Masters absolute pleasure could by no means refuse; though by some Libels that came out after in the Mareschals name, he was infinitely exasperated, and desir'd no∣thing more, than to come to the decision of Arms.

The Mareschal was soon after summon'd to Court,* 2.1 where be∣ing arriv'd, and his Majesty having heard both parties concerning the occasion of their Quarrel, order'd for the Duke this satisfacti∣on: which Writing I found in the same bundle with the Challenge.

That which was said by the Mareschal d' Ornano in the presence of the King, to the Duke of Espernon.

My Lord,

To explain my self,* 3.1 and to satisfie you concerning what late∣ly pass'd at Bordeaux, I shall in the first place assure you, that I never knew, or esteem'd you for other, than his Majesties most faithful Subject, and Servant; that such I ever have, and ever shall declare you to be. It is very true that a jealousie, some flying rumours, which I too easily believ'd, possess'd me with∣all, made me do things, which having found those reports al∣together false, I have since been very much afflicted at, I never having any intention to offend you; and I could wish I had gi∣ven a great deal I had never done them: I do therefore entreat you to excuse me, and to believe me to be your Friend, and one that has a desire to do you Service. As for the Manifesto, I am so far from approving any such thing, that I never so much as saw it, never caus'd it to be writ; and ever have, and do now disown the man that did it.

This was that which was said in the presence of the King by the Duke of Espernon to the Mareschal d' Ornano.

Sir,

Since the King is pleas'd to think what you have said to be a sufficient satisfaction, that you entreat me to forget what is past, and desire my friendship, I rest satisfied; and shall be, as I have been heretofore your friend to serve you.

At St. Germans en Laye the 25. of March, 1601.

Sign'd Henry, and below Potier.

It was not without many difficulties that matters were thus compos'd betwixt them, the Duke desiring something more for his satisfaction, and the Mareschal on his part ill digesting the distinction the King had made betwixt to serve you, and to do you service: but that which touch'd him most to the quick was, that his Majesty by one of the conditions of Accommodation, gave the Duke, liberty when ever he thought fit, to call together the same Assembly in Bordeaux, which had begot the former dis∣pute; commanding the Mareschal not to oppose it: A Licence without which the Duke conceiv'd his affront could not be wip'd off. And accordingly he some time after return'd to Bordeaux, to have made use of his Priviledge, though it was then also in∣terrupted by an accident, of which in its due place we shall give a further accompt.

This satisfaction the King order'd for the Duke, though very sufficient of it self, was not however the only testimony his Maje∣sty gave him of his Royal Bounty and Justice in this occasion; for the offence having been publick, his Majesty thought fit that beside the satisfaction had been given in private, the Mareschal should moreover pay the Duke some publick civilities, to evidence an absolute disowning of the Act: it was therefore order'd, that the Duke going to Loches, as it was determined he should do, (I believe for that purpose) the Mareschal, who at the same time was upon his Journey into his Government, should give him a visit by the way, as he did••; by whom the King writ a very obliging Letter to the Duke, wherein he commanded him to entertain the Mareschal as His Friend; a command that was also on the Duke's part so punctually obey'd, that the visit was pass'd over with great civility on both sides: wherein the justice of this generous, and excellent Prince was eminently manifest, who would use a man at this obliging rate, that had no share in his Royal Favour.

Not long after this Accommodation, the 11th. of September the same year, the Court was wholly possess'd with the joy all good

Frenchmen were full of, for the Birth of the young Dolphin, whom we have since seen live a long and a glorious Reign, under the name of Lewis the XIII,* 4.1 of all other, a blessing of the greatest importance that could at that time possibly have hapned to the King, and Kingdom: in him all pretense of past disturbances being determined, as the publick Peace seem'd to be for ever se∣cur'd. There was now no mutinous Subject, nor no ambitious Neighbour, who seeing themselves fall'n from their unjust, and imaginary pretensions to the Crown, did not covet the favour, and friendship of a Prince so apparently favour'd by the care of Heaven: but if on that side the Duke with other vertuous Sub∣jects of his condition, was in a high rapture of joy, there hap∣ned to him soon after great occasions of affliction, that involv'd him in no few, not no little inconveniencies, which befel him by the discovery of the Conspiracy of the Mareschal Biron, that came to light in the beginning of the ensuing year; wherein we shall notwithstanding see, that although this business begat him trouble, and disgrace in the beginning, yet it brought him ho∣nour and satisfaction in the end: having given him opportunity at once to express his constant affection to his friend, and his in∣violate Fidelity to the King his Master.

I have already made mention of the great friendship that was contracted betwixt the Duke,* 4.2 and the Mareschal Biron, one of the most constant,* 4.3 and sincere I have known, their interests ever being one, and the same, and their affections so united in all things, that nothing was a secret betwixt them, if not in what concern'd the interest of the King and Kingdom: but as to con∣cerns of that nature, what confidence soever the Mareschal had in the Duke's friendship it is certain, he had ever so great a respect to his fidelity, and did believe him so impossible to be debauch'd from his duty, that he never communicated to him the least syllable of any thought he had conceiv'd to the prejudice of the one, or the other: though it is to be wish'd, for the preservation of so brave a man he had done it, because then the Duke would doubtless have perswaded him into better resolutions. The King, who was very well acquainted with all his designs, would himself sometimes talk to him in terms easie enough to be understood, on purpose to make him come to himself, to see his error, and to re∣concile himself sincerely to a Prince, who proceeded with that tenderness towards him, and who was pleas'd in his behalf to moderate the absolute Authority, the knowledge of his Crime, and his own Royal Power gave him over his Life, and Fortune; but that would not reclaim him: That way then failing, and his

Majesties obliging language to him wanting force to make that impression upon his obstinate spirit, he could have desir'd, his Majesty try'd yet further to overcome him by testimonies of con∣fidence in his Loyalty, and to divert him from criminal thoughts by conferring upon him his employments of Trust, and Honour; amongst which that of Ambassador into England was one.

The King being in Picardy, receiv'd a Complement from Eli∣zabeth Queen of England, wherein she earnestly solicited the King for an enterview betwixt them, at any place he himself would ap∣point; a request that his Majesty not thinking it convenient to gra∣tifie her in, he dispatch'd away to her the Mareschal Biron, as it were his second self, to make his excuse, and to Treat with her with all freedom of their most private Affairs. An employment wherein Biron receiv'd extraordinary Honours, as also several cautions from this prudent Princess, enough to have diverted him from his evil designs, had not his destiny already blinded his judgment, and rendred him incapable of counsel. She often laid before him the recent, and sad example of the late Earl of Essex; she repre∣sented unto him what a Subject ought to apprehend even from the greatness of his own Service, and Merit, if his Ambition was not moderated by prudence, and whether it were that she had had some inckling (as many have believ'd) of Biron's designs, or that she only intended by such discourses to justifie the execution of that unfortunate Earl, she laid before him a perfect image of his own unhappy destiny; though all was lost to a man obstinately bent to his own ruine.

This Queen also having heard of the strict friendship betwixt the Mareschal, and the Duke of Espernon, desir'd him at parting to tell the Duke from her, that if, of his three Sons (which she own'd for her Kinsmen, and Princes of her Kingdom) he would send her one, she should gladly receive him upon his accompt; and that the world might see the esteem she had of the Fathers Me∣rit, would not deprive his Posterity of that place in her Kingdom, which was due to the House of Candale; wherein she had only one condition to make, which was, that the Duke should give way, that a Son of his so sent, should be bred up in her Religion; the only one she could by any means suffer in her Kingdom: A Complement that the Duke thinking himself oblig'd to take no∣tice of, he presented her Majesty with his most humble thanks for the Honour she was pleas'd to do him, and his Family in so gra∣cious an offer; but that he should ever prefer any Fortune or Con∣dition his Children could attain unto in France, making profession of the Catholick Religion, before any advantages could derive to them in a belief contrary to his own.

The Mareschal, at his return from England puff'd up more than ever with the vanity of his Ambition, and big with the Idea of those imaginary Principalities, the Spaniard, and the Duke of Savoy had baited their practices withal to catch him, could now no longer contain himself within the simple meditation of his Treason, but began to deal with some persons of Quality in the Kingdom, and endeavour'd to raise a commotion in Perigort, where the best part of his Estate, his Relations, and chiefest Friendships lay: amongst whom the Duke de Bouillion is said to be invited into his party to introduce those of the Reformed Re∣ligion into that Country: Intelligence whereof being brought to the King, his Majesty concern'd at the importance of the thing, and justly provok'd at the Mareschals ingratitude, immediately took the Field, with a resolution to stifle these disorders in their birth; when considering with himself, that if he should fail of securing the Head of the Faction, whatever he could do besides, would signifie nothing to the remedy of the disease, and that whilst he should be upon his March, his own promptitude and vigilancy would but serve to alarm Subjects already made jealous by the conscience of their own Crimes; he broke off his inten∣ded expedition, and return'd back again to Fountain-bleau, from whence he had before departed: and where being settled, he wholly bent his thoughts how to get the Mareschal into his power; who being in Burgundy (the neighbourhood of that Pro∣vince to Savoy favouring his designs) did at great ease maintain his Correspondence with the Confederate Princes. Neither was this a thing to be effected without great conduct, that a person of his merit and reputation might not be driven to the last extremi∣ties of despair. His Majesty therefore, that he might effect his design without noise, spake upon all occasions in publick, very much to the Mareschals advantage; nor was that all, he gave him moreover a very honourable,* 4.4 and a very important Commission, to go renew an Alliance with the Swisse: an Affair wherein, though many difficulties arose, yet the King who would by no means have Biron baffled in his Negotiation, by sending a million of Livers along with him, put him into a condition of making all things succeed according to his Majesties own desire. This was the last Service this Mareschal perform'd for the Crown, wherein he acquitted himself very much to his Honour, and wherein the reputation of his Valour prevail'd much upon that warlike Peo∣ple; it has been said his dexterity did no less. And here I shall insert by the way, that those who have believ'd the Mareschal to have no more in his conduct, than the meer brutality of a rough

humourous Souldier, were not at all acquainted with him: he was read to a sufficient knowledge of Latin, and Greek Letters; and when ever he would make use of his Judgment and Eloquence, whether in Negotiations, or Councils, in War or Affairs of State, he ever express'd himself to be a man of no common qualities.

His Majesty had thought by these testimonies of his trust, the Mareschal would have been allur'd to Court, to have given an ac∣compt of the good success of his Negotiation; where he hop'd, without further trouble, he might easily secure his Person; but with what gentle language soever the King could flatter his va∣nity, it was impossible to perswade him into that Journey, so ma∣ny Accusers, and Witnesses of his Guilt he found in his own Conscience against him. His Majesty therefore not being able to bring about his design by this way, and unwilling to live any longer in the apprehensions he had been put into by the Mareschal's practice, resolv'd at last by a manifest disobedience to extract from him a confession of his fault, which should either give him a rea∣sonable colour to proceed against the Mareschal as a Criminal, and a Rebel; or otherwise oblige him to come, and deliver himself into his hands. He therefore first dispatch'd away to him the Sieur d' Escures, Quartermaster-General of his Armies; a man very acceptable to the Mareschal, and in great credit with him, for ha∣ving long serv'd under his Command, and immediately after President Ianin, who also by his wisdom, and experience had won so great an esteem with the foresaid Mareschal, that he would sel∣dom undertake any business of any great moment without first consulting this politick Minister.

These two were sent with express Orders to represent to Biron part of the ill Offices had been done him to the King; to which they added,

That all the endeavour of his best Friends could not so justifie his actions to the King, that his Majesty had not his fidelity in suspicion, until he should receive his justification from his own mouth: that since only himself could defend himself from Calumny, there was nothing to be deliberated of in the case, and that he must suddenly resolve, either to give an accompt of his actions to the King, or declare himself his Majesties open Enemy, maintain an impudent War against his Prince, and have himself and his Posterity branded with the durtiest and most hateful of all Crimes, to wit, a Traytor to his Benefactor, King, and Country, that he had to do with a Prince, whose Clemency was so well known to none, as to himself, who had his great Services fresh in his memory, who expected no less from his Courage and Fidelity for the

time to come, and whose interest it was as much to preserve him (knowing, as his Majesty very well did, the utility of his Service) as it was to preserve himself, whose authority was to be maintain'd, and establish'd by men of his Conduct and Va∣lour.

Remonstrances from men he lov'd, and esteem'd, by which Biron was so encourag'd, and believing that Lafin had said nothing against him (as he had often, and fasly assur'd him) that he resolv'd upon going to Court; in order whereunto he presently set forth, taking the Road of Paris in the Company of President Ianin only, d' Escures having been sent away before to carry news of his coming.

The strict, and inviolate Friendship that all the world knew to be betwixt the Duke, and the Mareschal, soon rendred the first suspected of having a hand in the other's designs; neither was the Duke ignorant that his Enemies labour'd with all the Artifice they had, to involve him in his Friends Treason; but how perfect soever he was in their malicious practice, and how clearly soever he foresaw the dangerous consequences were likely to attend a bu∣siness of this nature, he was resolute nevertheless, with a genero∣sity hardly to be parallel'd in so critical an occasion, to be no ways wanting to his friend: wherefore having notice that the Mares∣chal was drawing near to Paris, and that a caution, which would now come too late to divert him from coming to the King (a thing he would by no means have advis'd him from) might per∣haps awake his judgment, and make him appeal to his Majesties mercy, he sent the Sieur du Plessis Baussonniere, a man in whom he had an absolute confidence, to meet him upon the way.

This Gentleman had put himself into the Duke's dependence in his younger years, and having left his Studies, wherein he had made a considerable progress, had follow'd, and serv'd him in Provence, commanding the Regiment of Pernes his Brother in∣law, all the while the Duke was there in action; after which, du∣ring the whole time of the Duke's life, which was very long, he was by him continually employ'd in his greatest, and most impor∣tant Affairs; in which he ever gave so good an accompt of his Con∣duct, and Fidelity, that there was scarce any Gentleman of his time in a higher reputation for Valour, Prudence, and Inte∣grity; insomuch that I have often heard the Duke say, if he were to corrupt le Plessis, he should be to seek on which side to assault him, his soul was so bravely fortified throughout. This le Plessis, according to his Masters order, puts himself upon his way to go meet the Mareschal: but as his Errand could not but be dange∣rous both for the Master, and the Servant, the one, and the other

sufficiently knowing the violent suspicion the King had of the Ma∣reschal's proceeding; so did he endeavour with all imaginable cau∣tion, if possible, to entertain him alone. I have often heard him tell the story, and do very well remember every circumstance, which put altogether will make this appear an affair of the grea∣test difficulty, and the best carried on, that perhaps you shall meet with in the Duke's whole History; and wherein the generous spi∣rit an innocent Servant, and the Clemency and Justice of a good Master, will as evidently appear. Le Plessis, perceiving the Mareschal's Equipage coming at a pretty distance, lighted at a Barn a little wide of the High-way, where, having with him one of the Duke's Footmen without a Livery, he commanded him to call the first of the Mareschal's that appear'd upon the Road; which he having done, and le Plessis being not unknown to the fellow, he sent him to tell his Master in his ear, that le Plessis staid to speak with him a word or two in private. The Footman ac∣cordingly deliver'd his Message, whereupon Biron stragling from his company upon some pretense or other, came to the place where le Plessis stood to expect him, and where without being observ'd by any, he had all liberty to discourse at leisure. Le Plessis had in charge to tell him,

That the Journey he was now upon to the King requir'd his most serious deliberation, and that he was now in good earnest to reflect upon his own condition: That if he came with a confidence, some possibly might have possess'd him withal, that Lafin had not spoken to the King, he was abus'd: That the Duke of Espernon did not know what had pass'd betwixt Lafin and him; neither did he desire to in∣form himself: but that he might be assur'd, that whatever he had done, or negotiated with him, or by him, was every tit∣tle discover'd to the King; acquainting him with the several times and places, and how oft Lafin had been in private Confe∣rence with him: That he was herein to be advis'd by his own Conscience, and to rely upon his Majesties Grace, and Bounty, if he conceiv'd there was any thing that might justly be con∣demn'd in his former Actions; there being much better to be hop'd for, from his Majesties Clemency, and noble nature, than from the secresie of what had pass'd betwixt Lafin and him.

This obliging and prudent advice, which ought to have been re∣ceiv'd by the Mareschal with so much the greater tenderness, by how much it was preferr'd with the infinite hazard of him that sent it, did on the contrary put him into so great a rage, that I have heard le Plessis say, he never in his life saw any thing in so ex∣travagant a fury. Biron ask'd him first of all,

If the Duke of

Espernon esteem'd him for other, than an honest man?

To whom du Plessis having reply'd,

That had he had any other opinion of him, he would not have persisted in his Friend∣ship so long;

he proceeded to tell him,

That he was come to give the lye, and to be the death of all those, who durst blemish his Actions: That he was the same the Duke of Espernon and he Plessis himself had ever known him to be: That for what con∣cern'd him, Mounsieur d' Espernon might set his heart at rest.

And then clapping his hand upon his Sword, after a hundred wild po∣stures, he further told du Plessis,

That if any one durst make an attempt upon his Person, he would make more arms and heads flie, than would stand before him:

So that instead of making use of his Friend's caution, and good advice, he continued his way in his first obstinacy, and the same night arriv'd at Fountain∣bleau.

At his arrival the King spoke to him of the business himself, gently admonishing him withal to make an ingenuous confession of his fault: a thing he was so far from being perswaded to do, that he seem'd discontented and angry at the motion.

Soon after he went to Paris, and din'd at the Hostel d' Espernon, when the King returning the same day from Fountain-bleau, the Duke and he went together in the afternoon to the Louvre, to at∣tend his Majesty; who having notice of their coming went to the Window, through the glass to observe their carriage, and countenance; which a friend of the Duke's, who was then with the King, gave the Duke timely caution of, to the end he might comport himself so, as that his Majesty might not by any beha∣viour of his be fortified in those evil impressions, with which he had before by his Enemies been prepossess'd: though the Duke carried himself quite contrary to his advice; and being more and more confirm'd, in the testimony of a good Consci∣ence, and full of a just and generous indignation to see his Fide∣lity suspected, walk'd with his face erect, and his eyes fix'd upon the Window where he knew the King stood: A carriage the King very well observ'd, as he made others about him to do also. They were no sooner come both of them into his Majesties Chamber, who as yet had express'd no publick dissatisfaction with Biron (as being still in hope to regain him, and to have an occasion to pardon him by the confession of his fault) but that he presently made a Match at Tennis, wherein the King and the Count de Soissons were to play against the Duke of Espernon, and the Mareschal: and upon this occasion it was that the Historians of that time make the Duke say, as a piece of wit, speaking to

the Mareschal, That he played well, but that he made his matches ill; as if by those words, which may admit of a double interpretation, he would obliquely condemn Biron's designs, which never came into his thought; it being his custom when ever he talk'd with the Mareschal about that business, not to do it in such ambiguous terms; nor so out of season, but seriously and plainly, and in a secresie, the safest for him he would advise. He several times re∣presented to him the ill Offices he had receiv'd, he confirm'd to him the same thing he had sent him word of before concerning Lafin, conjuring him not to rely upon his Faith, which would certainly deceive him: But these second admonitions were as fruitless as the first; and the King seeing that he could neither by himself, nor by the Count de Soissons, the Mareschals intimate Friend, who had dealt with him by his Majesties absolute com∣mand, and in his name, reclaim this obstinate spirit, nor make him reconcile himself to his duty, by acknowledging his offence; he gave him over at last to the rigor of Law, and Justice, who punish'd his Crime, by the forfeiture of his Head.

Whilst they were drawing up the Mareschal's Charge, his Ma∣jesty well enform'd of le Plessis Envoy (it being a thing hard to be kept secret, in an Affair where all things were so narrowly ob∣serv'd) referr'd the intelligence to the deliberation of his Coun∣cil. The Cabinet Council at that time consisted of the Count de Soissons, de Sillery Keeper of the Seal, Sully superintendent of the Exchequer, President Ianin, Bellieure, and Villeroy: In which Assembly divers conjectures being set on foot, to fortifie the jea∣lousies his Majesty had been perswaded into against the Duke, it was by the major part voted necessary to secure his person, or at least to make sure of le Plessis, and to put him to the wrack, that from a confession extorted from him sufficient evidence might be drawn to convince his Master: A result so approv'd by all, that the King was himself almost the only man that oppos'd those two propositions.

He told them that as for the Duke, a man of his quality was never to be arrested, unless to be condemn'd, that as yet there was nothing but suspicion, and conjectures against him; which should they prove idle, and vain, he was never af∣ter to repose any trust in a man, so undeservedly, and so unjustly offended: That for le Plessis he was no more to be meddled withal than the other, without giving a manifest distaste to his Master: That if one of them were to be secur'd, he should rather begin with the Master, than the Servant; because the confinement of the last would be an equal injury to the other; but that the effect would by no means be the same, being the

Duke, if he knew himself guilty, would by the seizing of le Plessis be forwarn'd to make his escape: That he was therefore of opinion to expect if in the Tryal of Mareschal Biron, nothing would come to light that might justly bring the Duke in que∣stion, which if there did, and that he should be found a Com∣plice, there was no place he could fly to so remote, where his arm would not be long enough to reach him.

If the King had intelligence of le Plessis's Envoy to the Mares∣chal Biron, the Duke was no less faithfully inform'd of what had pass'd in the Cabinet Council concerning him; by which he un∣derstood that le Plessis Journey was not so great a secret, as it had been convenient for both their safeties it had been, which made him consult with le Plessis what was best to be done in so dange∣rous an occasion. The Duke was not secure, the King would continue so constant in his favour, that his Majesty might not at another Council be over-rul'd into other resolutions, and perswa∣ded at last to put le Plessis to the question; a doubt that made him think it expedient he should retire; that he being gone, no evi∣dence might appear against him, he having been alone entrusted with the secret of this Affair: but le Plessis, who very well fore∣saw his flight, though it might procure his own particular safety, would certainly be his Master's ruine, could by no means consent to the motion. He rather chose to run the hazard of the Wrack, (which he was ready to undergo, and of which, I have heard him say, he had already the terrors in his imagination) than to expose the Life, and Honour of his Master, which, after so strong a presumption, as his withdrawing himself must of necessity give, would be in an apparent danger. He therefore humbly entreated the Duke not to concern himself at the thought of any thing that threatned him; assuring him withal, that as he had done nothing contrary to his Majesties Service, so all the Wracks and Tortures in the world could never force him to say any thing contrary to the truth. Settled then in this resolution, from which I do believe nothing upon earth could have remov'd him, his wit suggested to him an expedient, by which in the end he secur'd both his Masters Person and his own. He advis'd the Duke to prevent his Majesty by an ingenuous confession of the truth, and to tell him himself what he had done: for as the King could not imagine that the Duke could have had any notice of that secret, it being improbable, the result of a Council held but that morning, and consisting of men of so approv'd Fidelity and Trust, could be so suddenly reveal'd; so was it not to be believ'd, that the Duke's voluntary discovery of what he had done, could pass in

his Majesties opinion for a premeditated thing. The Duke ap∣proving of this advice, put it as speedily into execution; and the King intending to hunt in the afternoon, he mounted on horseback, as he us'd to do, to attend him; where having fol∣low'd and observ'd his Majesties motion with an extraordinary diligence, that he might find an opportunity for his purpose, they light by chance into a solitary place, into which his Majesty being insensibly stragled from the gross of his Train, there were very few left about him. And here it was that the King turning towards the Duke, fell upon the Discoure of Mareschal Biron, who was now in the heat of his Tryal, complaining how ill he had us'd him, and how ungrateful a man he was: To which the Duke reply'd,

That as a Relation, and a Friend to the Mares∣chal, he could not without great affliction see so evident testi∣monies of his guilt, that he had been at first very unwilling to believe he could be guilty of so foul a Crime: but that now it did so manifestly appear, he could not think any punishment enough to chastise so foul an Offence:

To whom the King ha∣ving return'd,

What, it seems then you know nothing of the business?

The Duke made answer,

Sir, I knew so little of it, that at his coming to this Town, I sent le Plessis to meet him, and to welcome him to Court, which I should never have done, had I thought him guilty.

At which words, which touch'd the King to the quick, his Majesty set spurs to his Horse, with an extravagance not very natural to him, but which that unexpected answer had put him into: when having taken a Career, and turning again to the Duke, with a countenance that sufficiently express'd that he was angry at a discovery he had no mind should have come from the Duke's own mouth.

It seems then, said he, you sent to Mareschal Biron without my knowledge?

To whom the Duke reply'd again,

That he did not conceive it necessary to ask his Majestie's leave to send a meer Complement to his Friend: That seeing him come without a Guard, or any apparent marks of disgrace, and his Majesty treating him with the same favour he us'd to do, he had on his part us'd him at the same rate he had ever done: That it had been a custom long observ'd betwixt them, that which of them soever had been any time absent from Court, was at his return by some Servant of trust enform'd by the other of all the little passages had hapned during his absence: That it was true, he had in this occasion continued this custom: That he humbly besought his Majesty to believe nothing more particular had pass'd be∣twixt them, and that he had rather dye, than once conceive a

thought to the prejudice of his Majesties Service, or his own duty: That he hop'd the event would more clearly evidence the integrity of his actions; but that nevertheless he thought it fit to give his Majesty that security in hand.

The King being well satisfied with the Duke's Reasons, but much more with the Confidence he perceiv'd him to repose in his Justice, and his own Innocency, all jealousies, that before had been infus'd into him, to the prejudice of the Duke's Fidelity, and Honour, vanish'd away, and he with the greatest care and assiduity, was more than ever about his Majesties Person. His Children (which a little before he had brought to Court) had order to continue about the young Dolphin's Person, to be as it were Hostages of their Father's In∣nocence, and the Mareschal's Tryal being at last over, all Witnes∣ses and Parties examin'd, and heard without the least mention of the Duke of Espernon's name in all their practice, his Majesty was not a little satisfied with himself, that he had carried things with that moderation towards the Duke upon this occasion.

This untoward business was soon after seconded by another, which, though of far less dangerous consequence, bega•• the Duke nevertheless as much trouble as the first. The Duke as he was ever very circumspect in his duty, to preserve his Fidelity entire to the King, so was he no less solicitous to maintain himself in all ad∣vantages deriving to him as particles of any of his Commands. That of Colonel therefore having been conferr'd upon him by Henry III. with extraordinary priviledges, as by his Patent does appear, he could not endure the least violation of his Interest; but with a stiffness (that doubtless would have offended a less equitable Prince, than that under whom he had the honour to serve) was ever obstinate to maintain every punctilio of his right. One of the greatest, and of the greatest Honour that was an∣nex'd to this Command, was the power he had to name the Camp-Master to the Regiment of Guards when ever that place should be void; and it hapned now that Grillon, who had been possess'd of this Command before the Duke was created Colonel, was fail'n into infirmities, that rendred him incapable of his Charge: Yet had his former Services been such as made it very reasonable he should however make his best advantage of it, as his Majesty was content he should; but having a singular, and a very just re∣spect for the Mareschal de l' Esdiguieres, and a very great affection for his Son-in-law Crequy, he intended the latter, having first com∣pounded with Grillon, should be preferr'd to that Command, in∣tending perhaps hereby, as much to clip the wings of the Duke's Authority, which he had as Colonel over the Regiment of

Guards, as altogether to oblige Crequy. The Duke, advertis'd of his Majesties purpose, could not forbear giving out aloud, that he would never consent to it, and the King on the contrary was resolv'd his pleasure should prevail: But in the end after many oppositions (which this good Prince was pleas'd to endure from a Servant) the Duke, who had never discover'd his mind to the King, but by the mediation of others, was resolv'd to deliver it to his Majesty with his own mouth, as accordingly he did; re∣presenting to him with a liberty (which to his Subjects was none of the least felicities of his happy Reign) the Justice of his Cause. All which, notwithstanding his reasons, could not so prevail up∣on his Majesties temper, but that he remain'd as firm as ever in his first resolution. Which the Duke seeing, and conceiving he could not consent to his Majesties desire, without going less in the dignity of his place, he rather chose to absent himself from Court, than to be compell'd by an express, and positive com∣mand to do a thing so much to the prejudice of his Authority, and Honour; and accordingly very much dissatisfied, retir'd himself to Angoulesme. The King, who was not yet totally cur'd of a jealousie, still kept awake by the practices, the remainder of Biron's Faction (not quiet extinct) yet kept on foot in his King∣dom, gave manifest signs of discontent at the Duke's departure; and as he knew the alliance the Duke of Montpensier had contra∣cted with his Family, by his Match, had begot a strict friendship betwixt them, so was it to him especially that he spoke of it with the greatest freedom, and in terms (not without threats) of the highest indignation. This Prince, who concern'd himself as much at the Duke's Interest, as his own, dispatch'd away to him in great diligence the Sieur de la Chetardie, in whom he had an especial confidence, to let him understand the King's displeasure, and to remonstrate to him the danger he would expose himself unto, should he longer persist in opposition to his Majesties plea∣sure, who would herein be absolutely obey'd: A caution by which the Duke plainly seeing he was reduc'd to a necessity either to bow, or break; he indeed chose the latter, though not with∣out high complaints of the injustice was done him, which were neither so modest, nor so private, that they were not soon carried to the King's ear: And though so stubborn an opposition in the Duke might reasonably enough have more exasperated the King against him, yet such was the noble nature of this great Prince, that it would not suffer him long to bear in mind the memory of his offense; for the Duke had no sooner given his consent to Cre∣quy's admission, but that his Majesty commanded him the first

thing he did, to take a Journey a hundred Leagues from Paris, to see his Colonel, to take his Oath betwixt his hands, to obtain his hand to his Commission, and to receive his Order for his ad∣mission into his place: Civilities by which although the King en∣deavour'd to give the Duke all satisfaction; yet could they not so far reconcile him, but that at Crequy's arrival, he made him wait a whole day together at his Chamber door, and expect some days after before he would receive his Oath, or Sign his Commis∣sion: And although he was himself very sensible that so many manifest aversions were sufficient to beget new distastes in the King against him; yet was he not so much master of himself, nor had so much command over his own Nature; but that he must put those affronts upon Crequy, or rather upon the King, who made this business his own.

By these disputes (which in another time might have turn'd very much to the Duke's prejudice) he got nevertheless this advan∣tage, that the King to satisfie him for the future in the interests of his Command, made a kind of agreement with him (if a lar∣gess from a Master to his Servant may be so call'd) which was, That his Majesty would indeed really, and effectually reserve to himself the nomination of Camp-Master to the Regiment of Guards;* 4.5 as also to the other old Regiments: but with this con∣dition, that the Colonel should swear them, that they should be conceiv'd to have their admission from him, without which they were not to be receiv'd into the employment: That his Ma∣jesty having provided for one Company in the Regiment of Guards, he was content the Duke should in turn do the same for the next at his own appointment: That of all the Foot Compa∣nies of the other Regiments, new and old, the Duke when ever any should be vacant, should have the naming of the Captains to the King to fill them up; and that no Captain soever, whether of the Regiment of Guards, or any other Regiment should be admitted into, or establish'd in his Command till first his Com∣mission was Sign'd by the Colonel: But for what concern'd those Offices, that depended upon the Duke's Command, as Lieute∣nants, Ensigns, Colonel-Ensigns, Serjeants, and Serjeant-Ma∣jors, Martials, Provost-Martials, Quarter-Masters, and other Of∣ficers, that he should place and displace them by his sole Autho∣rity, without any order from the King, or his Majesties taking any notice thereof. According to which Agreement the Duke proceeded so regularly, and undisturb'd in the Priviledges of his Command, that there was never after, during this Kings Reign, the least Dispute betwixt them, saveing once, that the King think∣ing

it fit to add two Companies more to his Regiment of Guards, and having appointed their Captains, the Duke interpos'd his Majesties Royal Promise, humbly beseeching him to do him right: an Argument so powerful to this equitable Prince, that of two Captains he had nam'd, he only provided for one, which was the Sieur de la Courbe, who had but the second Company nei∣ther: the first being given to the Sieur de Bourdet by the Duke's Recommendation, whose turn it was to name the first vacant Company: yet did not the business pass without some dispute, though at last the King was pleas'd rather to give way to his Ser∣vant's just desires, than to fail in the least Article of his Word.

I shall here add (since I am upon this discourse of the Office of Colonel) a thing that time has sufficiently justified to all France, which is, that the Duke was so exceeding cautious in the dispensation of Commands, whether meerly depending upon his own Authority, or in his nomination only, that his Majesty would often say, he never had better Foot Officers, than those of the Duke's preferring. And in truth the French Infantry, whilst the Duke was permitted to execute his charge, were kept in so good order, that perhaps no Militia in Europe were better Disciplin'd, nor better Officer'd than they; a truth to this hour confirm'd by an infinite number of persons yet living, who have comman∣ded under him, and who were witnesses of his conduct. To which I shall further add, and to his great commendation, a thing not to be contradicted; which is, that he neither directly, nor indirectly ever made the least benefit of any Command he dispos'd of, which I think had they been set to sale would, in the long course of his life, have amounted to above two Millions of Gold, after the rate they are sold now adays. And I do very well remember, that towards his latter end, when he saw the selling of Offices began to grow in fashion, he did all he could, and that the condition of the time would permit, to oppose it; represent∣ing to the King, with very convincing Arguments, what a pre∣judice such an abuse would be to his Service; although in the end seeing he could not prevail with the Council to alter that to∣leration, he also gave some of his own Servants, though very few, leave to make mony of the Offices he had conferr'd upon them: but I am certain, that for his own particular, he never converted any the least employment to his own p••ofit: A thing perhaps such as thought him solicitous of his own Interest, will hardly be perswaded to believe, as indeed he was enclin'd to the saving side, and wary enough when it was fit for him to be so: but never, upon any occasion where his Honour was concern'd,

that ever taking with him the upperhand of all other considera∣tions.

The business of Crequy, how troublesome, and how hard soever to digest, was not yet the last of the same nature the Duke was to wrestle withal in this years revolution, another following immedi∣ately after; which, as it nearer concern'd him, pierc'd deeper to the quick: neither had it so happy an issue as the first. The Duke having in the year 1582. been by King Henry the III. establish'd in the Government of Metz, he conferr'd the Lieutenancy of the City and Country upon Moncassin his Kinsman, and the Com∣mand of the Cittadel upon Sobole: but in process of time, which hapned in the year 1585. having withdrawn Moncassin from this employment to continue about his own person: Sobole, whom he had bred a Page, and in whom he had an entire confidence, was by his bounty rais'd to that degree, that he conferr'd upon him the command of the City, and Country, together with that of the Cittadel also; which was effectually one of the bravest enter∣tainments in France, Metz being at that time the most consider∣able place of the Kingdom, and the noblest member of the Duke's Command.

In the Year 1594. the King undertook the Siege of Laon, to which, as to an occasion wherein he expected to meet with great difficulties, he invited many of his Servants of the neighbouring Provinces. Amongst these Sobole was one, who by the Autho∣thority the Duke had given him in Metz, having got a great inte∣rest in the Country, might with great facility raise a considerable party of Horse, as he did, and at the Head of sixscore Light-Horse, very well appointed, and fourscore Carabins, went to serve his Majesty at this Siege. The King receiv'd him with great demonstrations of favour, and not being well satisfied with the Duke of Espernon, who being at that time in Provence, where he did not behave himself to his Majesties liking, after he had, as he conceiv'd, cut him out work enough there, he took occasion to raise him greater difficulties about Metz, by lessening the Authority he had till that time ever had over Sobole. And to that purpose after he had reduc'd Laon to his obedience, and about to dismiss those Auxiliaries who had come in to serve him in that Action, his Majesty sent Sobole word,

That after so great a sa∣tisfaction as he had receiv'd from his Services, he was as well dispos'd to gratifie him as he himself could desire; which ne∣vertheless the present condition of his Affairs not permitting him to do, at so honourable a rate, as he could wish, it was for him to look out for something he had a mind to, which should

be as readily conferr'd upon him.

Those who had order to make this overture to Sobole, were further intrusted to represent unto him,

That being Governour of Metz meerly by the Duke's toleration, he was subject upon the first capricio to be remov'd; after which from the honourable condition wherein he had liv'd for many years, he would find himself reduc'd to a very moderate fortune: That though he could be assur'd the Duke's humour would continue constant to him, yet ought the declining posture of his Affairs in Provence to give him a rea∣sonable Alarm: That all things in that Country were so averse to him, it was all the Duke could do to keep his head above water; and that his Affairs coming to an absolute ruine, as they evidently declin'd he would be in danger to be left in Metz, without any support, or any colourable claim, either to com∣mand, or recompense: That the King conceiving a Gentl••man of his Valour and Merit, worthy a more certain fortune, did voluntary offer to make him his own Lieutenant, in the Go∣vernment of the Place and Country, under the Duke; whose Authority being kept inviolate, he could have no just reason to reproach him; for seeking to establish his own Fortune, with∣out doing any prejudice to his.

It was no hard matter to per∣swade Sobole into a thing he believ'd would settle his Affairs so much to his advantage; so that he greedily swallow'd the bait, and receiving a new Commission from the King, retir'd very well satisfied with his Majesties bounty into his Government: But as the first step into a fault, makes men subject to stumble into an∣other, after having once fail'd in his Faith, he had now no more regard to his Duty; and conceiving he had good title for the fu∣ture to Lord it over the Inhabitants of Metz, with greater Au∣thority than he had formerly done; he grew insolent to the last degree. Complaints whereof were soon brought to the Duke; where to him they accus'd Sobole, for having rais'd mony upon them by his own private Authority, and to have committed ma∣ny other insolencies against them. The Duke was at this time disingag'd from the trouble of his Affairs in Provence, and the residence he had since that time made at Court having in∣form'd him of Sobole's deportment, he was questionless possess'd with an indignation proportionable to the offense: but he very well foresaw, that the King, who had in design rais'd Sobole against him, would doubtless uphold him, and justifie his own Commission; so that he durst by no means act any thing in pub∣lick against him, not go about by open force to displace him: but on the contrary dissembled as much as in him lay, both the

knowledge, and the trouble of his fault; and when continually importun'd by reiterated complaints from the Inhabitants of Metz, (a people he ever had in great consideration) he only ad∣monish'd him to behave himself with greater moderation to∣wards them: but Sobole was deaf to all those admonitions, and so far from slackning his hand, that on the contrary, to render the Duke's good Offices fruitless to them, he contriv'd with himself to accuse many of the principal among them to the King, for ha∣ving (as he said) endeavour'd to betray the Town, and Cittadel of Metz to Count Mansfield, Governour of Luxenbourg, for the King of Spain: Which he did, to the end that his Majesty being prepossess'd with so black an accusation, no one, not so much as the Duke himself might dare to speak in their behalf. The busi∣ness was very strictly examin'd, and in the end discover'd to be a meer calumny, which made all the world conclude it had been inv••••••ted by Sobole in spite to deprive the Inhabitants of their Lives and Estates: a malice so notorious, that the Duke could no longer endure a people, whom he lov'd, and had ever protected, should be so ill us'd by a man he himself had appointed to govern, but not to destroy them: Which made him openly undertake their protection against Sobole's violence, against whom the hatred the people had conceiv'd, having provok'd them into arms, they besieg'd him in the Cittadel; a thing the Duke was not sorry for, hoping this would counsel the King to remove him, and that he being out, the place could be supply'd by none, from whom he might not promise to himself better things than from Sobole.

What the Duke had so prudently foreseen,* 4.6 fell out exactly, as he imagin'd it would; for the King alarm'd at the danger of so important a place (it being very much to be fear'd his ill neigh∣bours would take the advantage of the evil intelligence betwixt the Governour and the people, to seize the Town, resolv'd to go thither in person; and accordingly with the Queen, and all the Court set forward in the beginning of the year 1603. A journy in which the Duke of Espernon was too much concern'd to stay be∣hind; and in the issue whereof Sobole was depos'd from his Go∣vernment with a pardon for all that was pass'd; which his ill carriage had made the reward of his Service, and all the recompense he receiv'd for so brave a Command. After his departure his Ma∣jesty resolv'd himself to dispose of his places; a thing wherein the Duke of Espernon's interest did most of all consist, who till that time had ever had the disposition of all Offices inferiour to his own in that Government; and by that means had been absolute

over the City: but his Authority being suspected to the King, who would have no other than his own acknowledg'd in his Kingdom, his Majesty gave the Duke to understand, that Sobole having resign'd unto him his Lieutenancy to the Government of the City, and Cittadel of Metz, and the Messin Country, which his Majesty had formerly seated him in, he was now resolv'd to settle men of Condition, and approv'd Fidelity in his room, al∣ways reserving (which his Majesty would by no means diminish) for the Duke his Authority in the place; that in order thereunto he had cast his eye upon the two Brothers les Sieurs de Montigny, and d' Arquien; to the first of which he would give his Lieute∣nancy to the City, and Country; and to the other the command of the Cittadel: but that the one and the other should render him an obedience equal to his own person. The Duke, having well enough foreseen how things would be, had nothing to op∣pose against his Majesties Royal Pleasure; but without co••••••adi∣ction gave way to necessity, and with patience (the only remedy remain'd) was content to expect some happy opportunity that might re-establish him in the possession of a place so important to his fortune, and whereof he saw himself at present absolutely depriv'd.

During his Majesties abode at Metz, the Provincial of the Fa∣thers Jesuits was by the Duke of Espernon presented to him; where the proposition preferr'd by the Provincial for the re-esta∣blishment of his fraternity in France, was so promoted by the Duke's mediation, that it was concluded on to his great satisfa∣ction. Neither was this the first good office the Duke had done them, nor the sole testimony he had given of his affection, and respect to that Society; he having ever been one of their most constant, and most powerful Protectors in the time of their per∣secution, as he was one of their principal benefactors after their re-establishment. Metz, that ever till then had made many, and almost invincible difficulties of ever admitting them into their Corporation, receiv'd them upon the Duke's single accompt, as he also procur'd their admission into Angoulesme before he left that Government: Their Colledge of Xaints has no other foundation than what he bestow'd upon it of four thousand Livers a year in two fair Benefices, which put all together have rendred him one of the principal Benefactors of that Society, by the acknowledg∣ment, and testimony of the most ancient, and most eminent men of the Order.

The variety of accidents,* 4.7 and business that had befallen the King in these last years, were yet too few to take him wholly up,

he still found leisure enough for his delights; and although he himself took a particular accompt of all. Affairs, and was ever the main director in all things; yet his abilities (which nothing was too big for) rendred him so excellent at dispatch, that he still made way for his vacation and pleasure. The Peace concluded with all his Neighbours, and his domestick troubles extinguish'd, either by the punishment of the offenders, or by the excess of his own cle∣mency, gave him now sufficient leisure to look after the refor∣mation of such abuses as were crept into the state during the li∣cence of War; an employment which, how becoming soever his Royal care, and how profitable soever to the Kingdom, took up but a very inconsiderable part of his time, the rest being dedica∣ted to the Chace, to play, and to the diversions of Love: enter∣tainments that (as the passions, and humours of Princes (who are the great examples of their people) do easily insinuate them∣selve•• ••nto their Subjects Affections, or at least their imitation) were grown so much in fashion at Court, that there was scarce any talk of any other thing; and if they had, during this Voyage to Metz, suffer'd a little intermission, they were, at the return of the Court to Paris, more than ever set on foot. It has been believ'd, that though the King in his hunting, and his Mistrisses altogether follow'd the pro••••ivity of his own nature; yet that for what con∣cern'd play, he had in that as much design at least, as inclination. I have already told you, that his Majesty having set down the bringing low the great men of his Kingdom by imperceptible ways, to render them more obedient, for a Maxime of State, had put them upon the humour of Building, to drain their purses: and doubtless his engaging them in play, was in order to the same design: amongst whom the Duke of Espernon, who already felt the smart of the first, and that very well understood his Ma∣jesties meaning in the latter, refus'd not nevertheless to make one for his Master's satisfaction: but if he did it at first meerly out of compliance, his ill fortune at last made it become his re∣venge, and enclin'd him so passionately to it, that he found himself in the end engag'd in so extraordinary losses, as were no little in∣convenience to him. His Majesty would often do him the ho∣nour to play at his house, ever inviting him to all his Matches: And whether he retir'd to Zamet, or to any other place to evade the tumult of Majesty and Greatness, the Duke of Espernon was always the first invited; so that although he was not in favour, he was nevertheless in great esteem: of which one of the most signal testimonies he could receive, was the honour the King did him in permitting him to enter the Louvre in his Coach; a favour

till this time reserv'd only for the Princes of the Blood, exclusive∣ly to all other persons of the Kingdom, the Duke being the first that unlock'd this Priviledge for the Dukes, and Peers, though he enjoy'd it alone during the King's life; his Majesty, though o••ten importun'd by others of the same quality, for the same honour, never consenting to have it drawn into example. 'Tis true, that after the King's death, the Queen Regent, to accommodate her self to the time, was content to abate much of the Royal State, and allow'd the Dukes, and Peers, and Officers of the Crown, the same Priviledge: but the respect to the Duke's person was that which first procur'd them that indulgence.

A famous Gamester call'd Pimentel,* 4.8 an Italian, came at this time into France, whose dexterity in gulling the Court was such▪ that I cannot forbear to mention him in this place. 'Tis said, and it is per∣fectly true, that this Cavalier hearing what an humour of play reign'd at the French Court, caus'd great number of false Dice to be made, of which he himsel•• only knew the high, and the low runners, hiring men to carry them into France, where af∣ter they had bought up, and convey'd away all that were in Paris, he supply'd all the Shops with his own: By which means having subjected the spirit of Play, and ty'd the hands of Fortune, he ar∣riv'd at last in France; where insinuating himself into the Court, he was by some of his own Nation, who had great interest there, soon brought acquainted with the King. Some have believ'd his Majesty understood the man well enough, and was content to ad∣mit him for a Gamester, the better to bring about his own design of impoverishing the Lords of his Court, whose Riches grew suspected to him. The Duke of Espernon was one from whom he drew the most considerable summes; who after having got all his ready mony, and many of his Jewels, he moreover won of him a piece of Ambergris, to the value of 20000. Crowns, the greatest that ever was seen in Europe; and which the Repub∣lick of Venice, to whom it was after sold, preserve to this day in their Treasure for a great rarity. The Duke had not long been Ma∣ster of it; a Country fellow that had found it upon the Coast of Medoc, having but a little before brought it to him, as a thing due to the House of Candale; of which the Duke was now the head. This Ancient and illustrious Family, are possessors of many goodly Mannors in Guienne, and principally in the Country of Medoc, with as ample priviledges as belong to any of the greatest Territo∣ries of the Kingdom; of which one of the most honourable is that of the Admiralty, which might also have been one of the most profitable, had the Duke when the Spanish Carricks suffer••d

Shipwrack upon that Coast in the year 1627▪ been countenanc'd in his right; which, however at that time set aside, derives to him nevertheless from a Title of above 300. years standing, to all the wracks that should happen any where within the extent of above fifty Leagues upon the Coast that bounds this Territory. But how just soever his claim might be, it was impossible for him to justifie his title against the Power, that then under his Majesties name exercis'd a more than Sovereign Authority. The Sea of Me∣doc, one of the most tempestuous of the Ocean, famous for Ship∣wracks, and for that reason call'd La Mer Sauvage, or the wild Sea, hath usually in stormy weather cast up Ambergris, and the best in the world, upon that Coast; a truth I can with confi∣dence aver, after having been an eye-witness of the difference be∣twixt that, and the other which was brought from the Indies in the Carricks. The people of the Country, by the profit invited to this search, never fail, after a storm to rake all along the Shoar for this Commodity, wherein they have often very good fortune; I having seen in my time a piece, which though much less than that I have already mention'd, weigh'd above twenty pound, and was valued at above 20000. Livers, found by a Country fellow in the year 1625. wherein he did all he could to cheat the Lord of his due; to whom two thirds of the thing found does of right belong, and the third to the finder, if he make a faithful discove∣ry: but this fellow's fraud being found out, the Duke was by ju∣stice favour'd in his claim, and made master of the whole.

Whilst the Duke on the one hand lost his Mony and Jewels at play, his liberality at the same time acquir'd a Treasure sufficient to recompense those losses, and that was the friendship of Messire Philip Cospean,* 4.9 first Bishop of Aire, afterwards of Nantes, and lastly of Lizieux, where a few years since he died in as high a re∣putation of Sanctity and Learning, as any Prelate of his time. This good Bishop was at this time a young man, newly arriv'd from Mons in Hainault, where he was born; who having run through his course of Study at Lovain, under the tuition of Iustus Lipsius, with great applause, had assurance enough to trust him∣self upon the great Theatre of Europe, and resolv'd upon a Journey to Paris: Thither being come, he first undertook the Education of Messieurs de Ramboüillet, and du Fargis, Pupils wor∣thy of so excellent a Tutor; when from private Precepts, proceed∣ing to publick Lectures, he became Philosophy Reader, which he so admirably perform'd, that he soon eclips'd the Reputation of the most famous Doctors of his time. Le Plessis Baussonniere, who in the profession of Arms retain'd yet a great inclination to

Learning, being invited by Cospean's Reputation to his Lectures, a particular friendship was soon contracted betwixt them; under the priviledge of which Le Plessis importun'd Cospean to leave the Schools, and to mount the Pulpit, incouraging his modesty with the applause he might infallibly promise to himself from the equi∣ty and opinion of all judicious men. With much ado Cospean was at last overcome by his Friends perswasions, so that he preach'd, and in a short time got so high a repute, that le Plessis made no difficulty to invite the Duke his Master to hear a stranger preach, that had no name at Court. The Duke went the first time to hear him upon le Plessis account, where being highly sa∣tisfied with the Eloquence of this new Orator, he afterwards drew most of the Court to hear him, where Cospean out-stripping the expectation of all his Auditories, arriv'd in a short space to such a degree of Reputation, that he became the model of queint Preaching; and doubtless by this stranger Eloquence first moun∣ted the Pulpit in France. The Duke of Espernon, not content on∣ly to countenance the Reputation of so deserving a man, would further by his bounty advance a Vertue, that he had first brought into the light; wherefore the Bishoprick of Aire having been some time vacant by the decease of Francis de Foix, and de Candale, and this Dignity being at his dispose, he preferr'd the Merit of his Friend, to the consideration and respect of many men of Qua∣lity, his Relations; and unknown to Cospean, dispatch'd his Man∣damus to the Bishoprick, procur'd Bulls from Rome at his own Charge, and gave him Furniture and Equipage necessary for the support of his Dignity, which would otherwise have been very chargeable to him. A bounty this good Prelate would often men∣tion to me in the story of his Life, with the greatest acknow∣ledgment; and never was man more grateful for a Benefit, than he made it appear he was for this all the days of his life. Neither if he, upon all occasions, highly magnified the Duke's Liberality, was the Duke less satisfied with his good Fortune, that had gi∣ven him so happy an opportunity to oblige so excellent a man; from whom, I have often heard him declare, he receiv'd more as∣sistance in his Affairs, more sweetness, and satisfaction in his con∣versation, and more comfort in his afflictions, than from all the advantages he had deriv'd from Fortune besides, during the whole course of his long life.

All these things past during the calm the Court at this time liv'd in, a tranquillity wherein the King, who by the sole reputation of his name kept all things quiet abroad, and who had very little to do at home, began seriously to think of improving his Revenue,

and of filling his Treasure; his great, and noble courage suggesting to him generous designs enough of employing it one day to the glory of his own name, and to the advantage of his Crown and Kingdom. A time wherein the presence of his great Ministers being not very necessary at Court, where all things were carried on by his Majesties own particular conduct, every man had leisure to look after his own private affairs.

It was after the foremention'd transactions that hapned in the Years 1602. and 1603.* 4.10 that the Duke of Espernon, willing to share in the liberty of the time, departed in the latter end of the last in∣to his Governments of Xaintonge, and Angoumois; where bear∣ing still in mind the affront offer'd him by the Mareschal d' Ornano,* 4.11 and thinking himself not clear in his Reputation, unless he return'd again to Bordeaux to renew the match had before by the Mares∣chals morosity been broken off, he went again to Bordeaux in the beginning of the year 1604. to make ready for a Carnaval; to which he had invited a far greater number of Nobility, and Gen∣try than before, and where the preparation for Masques, Run∣ning at the Ring, Balls, and Feasting, were made with great pomp, and vast expense. But the Mareschal, notwithstanding the Orders he had receiv'd from the King, conceiving this business, what gloss soever might be put upon it, would be interpreted to his disgrace, and would pass in the opinions of men at honour for a Bravado, and an affront to him in his Government, could by no means perswade himself to digest it, which made him very im∣portant with the King, that his Majesty would please to absolve him from so injurious a condition; a thing the King (who had him in great esteem) would as willingly have done: But his Royal Word being already pass'd to the Duke, whom he knew to be as obstinate as the other, in things wherein his Honour was concern'd, and not knowing how at once to satisfie two so dif∣ferent humours, matters were in all apparence going into as ill terms as at first, when an accident fell out that soon took the Duke off all thoughts of that Solemnity. The Dutchess of Bar the King's only Sister, hapned to dye at this time which gave the King occasion to write to the Duke of Espernon, that he assur'd himself all such good Subjects and Servants, as he was, would ra∣ther lament with him for the loss of so dear a Relation, than to think of Mirth and publick Solemnities of Joy, at so unseason∣able a time; a command so much the easier for the Duke to obey, by how much he himself had particular reason to be really afflict∣ed at the death of that excellent Lady. So that by this accident the Mareschal d' Ornano saw himself disingag'd from one of the greatest

extremities he had ever found himself involv'd in, it having been otherwise necessary for him, either absolutely to disobey the King, which he could not have done without incurring his disgrace, or patiently to submit to an affront he himself had declar'd to be the greatest he could possibly receive; and that ('tis said) he was re∣solv'd to have avoided by laying down his Commission: such as were most perfect in his passionate nature being confident, had it come to the push, he would certainly have ransom'd himself from that submission at the price of his Fortune.

The Duke continued some time after this in Guienne, and from thence returned into Angoumois, where he spent the remainder of the year, without being call'd thence upon any publick occasion. All things (as has been said) were quiet, and the King seem'd to be wholly taken up, with the care of husbanding and filling his Exchequer; wherein though some believ'd him to be meerly car∣ried on by a natural inclination to the love of mony; yet his de∣signs which a few years after disclos'd themselves gave the world an accompt, that there was more of design than avarice in the exact care he took to moderate the excessive expense had by his prede∣cessor been introduc'd into the Kingdom. The Duke of Espernon nevertheless could have wish'd his Majesty had been more open handed to the Garrisons in his Government, those of Angoulesme, and Xaintes being so ill paid that they could hardly subsist; which putting him into an apprehension, that those places (become now as it were Frontier Towns, since those of the Reformed Re∣ligion had made a kind of separation in the State, of which Ro∣chelle seem'd to be the Metropolitan City) might be lost in his hands, he continually represented to the King the danger those Cities were in, but without being regarded at all; which made him in the beginning of the ensuing year resolve upon a Journey to Court, to try, if in person, and by word of mouth he could not prevail more, than by continual importunities in writing he had hitherto done: where being arriv'd, and presenting himself be∣fore the King, his Majesty as'd him in what condition he had left his Governments? to whom the Duke reply'd, That they could not possibly be in a worse; the necessity of the Souldiery in Garri∣son being so great that he durst not undertake for the security of those places committed to his charge. To which the King having made answer, That they were us'd as others were: The Duke (who very well knew the difference his Majesty made betwixt his Catholick Garrisons, and the neighbouring places possess'd by those of the Reform'd Religion) took the liberty to tell him, that those who had so inform'd his Majesty had given him a very ill ac∣compt

of his Affairs, the Garrisons of those of the Religion, who perhaps were arm'd to the prejudice of his Service, being nothing in Arrear, whilst the Catholicks who were firm in their obedi∣ence, were ready to perish for want of pay. The King nettled at so tart a reply, and angry that the Duke should give him so pub∣lick a reproach in the discovery of a truth, he had a mind, for ma∣ny reasons, should have been conceal'd, suffer'd himself to be so far transported by his passion, that he could not forbear to tell the Duke,

He was perverse, and importunate: That he sought all occasions to displease him: That he would have done him a greater kindness to have kept still at the distance he was at, than to come into his presence only to offend him; and for the close of all, that he had long observ'd he did not love him.

To which the Duke without being thunder-struck at the King's an∣ger, which might perhaps have surpriz'd another man, less confi∣dent of his Fidelity than he, insisting upon the last words, an∣swered coldly, but after a serious manner,

Sir, your Majesty has not a more faithful Subject than my self in your Kingdom, and I had rather die, than do any thing contrary to the least particle of my duty:* 4.12 But Sir, for what concerns friendship, your Majesty knows very well, that is a thing not to be ac∣quir'd but by Friendship.

At so bold, and generous an answer, there was none who was not astonish'd at the Duke's freedom, and that was not ready to condemn his rashness; though the King himself, who knew how to put a just value upon great actions, and how to interpret language of this nature, was of a more fa∣vourable opinion, and gave no reply: but on the contrary, refle∣cting upon what the Duke had said, converted his indignation in∣to esteem; and interpreting what others thought temerity, for an effect of honest liberty, proceeding from a good conscience, re∣solv'd to make himself belov'd, by the way the Duke had laid him down, and from that time forward began to use him much better, than he had ever done. Neither was the Duke wanting on his part, but perceiving his Majesties good disposition to∣wards him, and adding the spur of affection to what he had for∣merly perform'd upon the meer accompt of duty, he at last ob∣tain'd so great a share in his Majesties favour, and good opinion, that before his death he receiv'd as many testimonies of his Royal good Will and Confidence,* 4.13 as any other person of his condition whatsoever in the Kingdom.

This confidence began soon after to appear,* 4.14 by the command the King was pleas'd to give the Duke over the Horse and Foot he sent into Limousin; when tir'd out with the continual disorders,

the excess of his clemency begat every day in his Kingdom, he was resolv'd to take order once for all, and by a severe and exem∣plary punishment to quiet the Rebellion some of Mounsieur de Boüillons Servants openly maintain'd after his departure out of the Kingdom in Perigord, Quercy, and Limousin. The Mareschal de Boüillon was seiz'd of many very fair possessions, and had ma∣ny Friends and Servants in those Provinces; where the Nobility, Gentry, and Commons being also naturally inclin'd to Arms, it was no hard matter to perswade them into commotion.

The King had been given to understand, that under the pre∣tense of seeking protection only from the Protestant Princes of Germany, and the Swisse Cantons; the Mareschal endeavour'd to interest them in the Quarrel of those of the Religion in France, by possessing them (as it was said) that since the King's Conversi∣on, their usage was far different from what it had formerly been, and the liberty of Conscience far more restrain'd, than it us'd to be. Neither did his Majesty doubt, but that all of his opinion in his Kingdom, would easily be induc'd to follow the Duke of Boüillon's discontent, who had acquir'd an absolute reputation among them. He farther saw that many Catholicks made no scruple to joyn with him, to the end they might re-enjoy the li∣cence of War, which would by no means be allow'd them in the better times of Peace: He knew that great summes of mony were distributed for the raising of men; which mony was sus∣pected to come from Spain, from whence all the intestine broils of his Kingdom had ever been countenanc'd, and promoted. Evil dispositions, that being all joyn'd together, were sufficient to pro∣duce great disorders in the State, and to reduce the King in spite of his heart to the necessity of a Civil War. His Majesty there∣fore thinking it very convenient to prevent all these disorders, and to suffocate them in their Birth, resolv'd to go in person to Li∣mousin, either by his Presence to appease, or by his Authority to suppress the begun Commotions: but to dispose them to their obedience if possible before his arrival, to chastise some Offen∣ders without drawing the Odium immediately upon himself, and to reduce every one to his Duty; he order'd the Duke of Esper∣non to go before with six Companies only of his Regiment of Guards, and four Troops of Horse; not doubting but with this little Body, together with the Duke's Interest (which was very considerable in those parts, of which some places were under his own Government) he would be able to give a better accompt of his Expedition, than another perhaps could do with greater For∣ces. And to the end that his Justice might accompany his Arms,

he joyn'd to the Duke Iean Iaques de Mesmes Segnieur de Roissy, Master of Requests, with Commission of Oyer and Terminer to sit upon the Life, and Death of the Offenders. This was he so famous for his Integrity, and Valour, that was afterwards Doyen to the Council of State, where, though the esteem every one had of his Vertue was very great; yet was it no more, than was due to his merit; although afterwards in the progress of a long life, he had this honour added to the rest he enjoy'd, to see his name illustrated by a noble Posterity; not any man scarce of his condition in the Kingdom having supply'd the State with so great and able Ministers. The Duke having taken his leave of the King, advanc'd into Limousin; where he would have Crequy Camp-Master to the Regiment of Guards to command in per∣son the Forces he took along with him, and where the most tur∣bulent spirits, at his unexpected arrival (which by his diligence had almost got the start of any intelligence of his coming) medi∣••ated nothing less than their defense; some of the most advis'd fearing to have to do with the Duke, or de Roissy, appeal'd to his Majesties mercy, and by the acknowledgement of their offense, obtain'd their Pardon; others retir'd themselves to the Duke de Boüillon to Sedan, the most imprudent, or the most unfortunate only falling into the hands of Justice. Of which five or six suf∣fer'd death, though many others were punish'd by more mode∣rate ways: so that before the King's arrival at Limoges, all those Countries, that before breath'd nothing but Sedition and Disor∣der, were now so calm and still, that his Majesty had nothing to do, but by his Clemency to settle Rebels, newly reclaim'd from their Disobedience, in their Duty, and to reward his faithful Subjects, by the demonstrations of his Grace and Favour.

The end of the Fifth Book.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The posture of Affairs at the Duke of Espernon's arrival at Court.
• * 1.2

  A design up∣on Calice.
• * 1.3

  A remark∣able action of Campag∣••••••.
• * 1.4

  Or youn∣ger Bro∣ther.
• * 1.5

  Cardinal Bentiv••g••••o De Thou.
• * 1.6

  Anno 1597.
• * 1.7

  The Pope sends his Legat into France.
• * 1.8

  An Assem∣bly at Roan.
• * 1.9

  He is call'd by Iean de Serres, He••∣n••nl 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.10

  The Duke of Espernon comes to the King at Amiens.
• * 1.11

  A surprize design'd up∣on Arras.
• * 1.12

  〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.13

  Anno 1598.
• * 1.14

  The peace concluded 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Vervins.
• * 1.15

  The Marri∣age of the Duke of Montpensur with Katha∣rine de Ioy∣euse, now Dutchess of Guise, and Niece to the Duke of Es∣pernon.
• * 1.16

  Anno 1599.
• * 1.17

  The Duke of Savoy begins to practice with the Mareschal de Biron.
• * 1.18

  The Cardi∣nal Aldo∣brandino sent by the Pope into France.
• * 1.19

  The Peace with Savoy concluded.
• * 1.20

  The Duke of Espernon leaves the Court to go into Angou∣mois, and goes into Guienne.
• * 1.21

  Anno 1600.
• * 1.22

  A dispute betwixt the the Duke and the Ma∣reschald' Ornane.
• * 2.1

  Anno 1601.
• * 3.1

  The King reconciles the Duke and the Ma∣reschal.
• * 4.1

  The birth of the Dol∣phin, after∣wards Lewis the XIII.
• * 4.2

  Anno 1602.
• * 4.3

  The Conspi∣racy of M••∣reschal Bi∣ron, and the Duke's car∣riage in that business.
• * 4.4

  Bir••n in this Journey be∣twixt Dijon and Mont∣belli••rd, was for four hours toge∣ther in pri∣vate Confe∣rence with Watte∣vile the Duke of Savoy's Age••t. D▪ Serres, page 978.
• * 4.5

  Mounsieur Crequy made Camp-Ma∣ster to the Regiment of Guards.
• * 4.6

  Anno 1603.
• * 4.7

  The state of Affairs at Court du∣ring the Peace.
• * 4.8

  The story of Pimentel.
• * 4.9

  The ad∣vancement of Philip Cospean Bi∣shop of Li∣zieux by the Duke of Es∣pernon's means.
• * 4.10

  Anno 1604.
• * 4.11

  A ne•• q••ar∣rel like to rise betwixt the Duke o•• Espernon▪ and the Ma∣reschal d' Or∣nano.
• * 4.12

  A bold an∣swer from the Duke to the King, well re∣ceiv'd, and turn'd to his advantage.
• * 4.13

  Anno 1605.
• * 4.14

  The Duke's expedition into Li∣mousin.