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.

The Sixth Book.

THE Affairs of Limousin, that had taken up the Duke of Espernon the whole year, having been compos'd with the facility you have heard, the King return'd again to Paris, attended by the Duke, who had now nothing left to do be∣hind. The antiquated enmity, that so many years had been nourish'd betwixt the House of Guise and him, continued still, which was ready to discover it self upon every light occasion, and almost as oft as they met to come to a bustle betwixt them: In all which disputes, the Duke (notwithstand∣ing that that Illustrious Family, by the greatness of their Birth, and by their Offices in the State, by their vast possessions in the Kingdom, and above all by the great number of generous Princes of which it was compos'd, as also by the potency of their Alliances, made up a great part of the Court) would never give them the least ground, but ever sustein'd their power with great Spirit, and Vigour; neither did he want such a number of Re∣lations, and Servants, as might secure him from the apprehension

of the greatness of any. He had sometime before this had a brisk dispute with the Duke of Guise, the King being at Lyons, which proceeded so far, that the Duke of Espernon by the hands of la Pierre, one of the Duke's Gentlemen, receiv'd a Challenge from him, though the Quarrel had been so publick, and the Duke of Guise was so narrowly watch'd by his Friends, that he could not get out into the Field; wherein the Duke of Espernon was better serv'd by his, who permitted him to go out of the City with Go∣has, whom he took with him for his second: but being call'd back by the King's Command, who would himself compose their difference, that Quarrel was soon at an end.

There hapned at this time another, betwixt the Duke of Esper∣non, and the Prince of Ioinville, now Duke of Chevreuse, and Brother to the Duke of Guise; for this Prince having staid the Coach of a Woman of Quality at the outer Gate of the Louvre, one night that the King had appointed a great Dancing at Court, and the Duke coming out, with the Duke of Montensier to go home, the Ladies Coach so stopt the Gate, that the Duke's could not possibly pass; wherefore he commanded the Coachman to make way: But the Duke of Chevreuse, who was lean'd upon one of the Boots of the Coach, on the dark side where he could not be per∣ceiv'd, commanded the Coach-man not to stir, seeking (as it was plain enough) out of youthful bravery, an occasion to quarrel: nor did the Duke fail to give him as good a one, as he could desire; for not being able longer to endure the insolency of so base a fellow, he cudgell'd the Coach-man so well, that he forc'd him at last to give back. The Prince de Ioinville, who perhaps forbore out of respect to the Duke of Montpensier, appear'd not at all in the busi∣ness at that time; but in the morning sent the Gentleman of his Horse, le Comté by name, to question the Duke about it: The Duke was yet in his bed, and asleep when the Gentleman came, but being wak'd by the Groom of his Chamber, who never refus'd admittance to any, he sent for him to his bed-side; where being come, the Gentleman told him that he was sent by the Prince of Ioinville his Master, to know, if when he beat the Coachman over night, he did it to affront him? To which the Duke return∣ing no answer, but only asking him where his Master was? and the other having answered that he staid at the foot of Montmar∣tre with a good Horse, and a good Sword to expect him, he, without more words leap'd out of his Bed, drest himself in the Gentleman's presence, and having led him into his Armory, took out thence two Swords of equal length; whereof he gave him the choice; by which time the Master of his own Horse, being also

come to him they went all three together to the place. Being there come, the Duke found the Prince de Ioinville ready to re∣ceive him, their Swords were already drawn, and they were just going to't; when the Prince, who had his face towards Paris, ••eeing a Party of ••orse coming that way, and suspecting it was with an intent to prevent them, shew'd them to the Duke, telling him withal that they must spur to gain the Bois de Boulogne, and without more words turn'd his Horse that way. The Duke, who by the distance of those he saw, conceiv'd they had yet time enough to end their dispute before they could come in to interrupt them, had a great mind, without going further, to have dispatch'd the business there: but being necessitated to follow the Prince, who was already upon the gallop towards the Wood, he spurr'd after, though they could not make such haste, but that they were interrupted before they could come there, and by their Friends carried back to the City. Where the King, having notice of their Quarrel, commanded them both to the Louvre, and there took up the bu••iness, making them embrace in his presence, and pro∣mise to be good friends. That which was most remarkable on the Duke's side in this occasion was, that the number of those who declar'd themselves of his Party was so great, that they took up all the space betwixt the Roule, to the Louvre; whilst the Duke of Ioinville was only countenanc'd by those of his own Relation, whose interest in Paris was at this time very much declin'd, from what it had formerly been in the life of the Duke his Father.

Although the residence of this great City was very pleasing to the King, yet could not the delights that entertain'd him there, de∣tain his Majesty from visiting all parts of his Kingdom, where he conceiv'd his presence to be necessary for the advancement of his Affairs. We saw him the last year in Limousin, and this invited him into Champagne, and as far as Sedan, to reduce the Duke of Boü∣illon to his duty. This Duke keeping himself still at a distance from the Court, and refractory to several Summons his Majesty had sent him to make his appearance, and by justifying himself to obtain his favour, it was plain that his refusing to come, was a contempt to the Sovereign Authority, and that therefore his Ma∣jesty in the vindication of his own honour, was oblig'd to cha∣stize him. Neither did he longer defer, for that purpose to make his preparation for a Journey to Sedan. In this expedition the Duke of Espernon, whom the King began now much better to relish, and whose admirable care, and vigilancy, upon all occasions, gave his Majesty infinite satisfaction, had the command of the Vant-Guard committed to him, and had matters proceeded to the ne∣cessity

of a Siege, was design'd for one of the most important Quarters against the Town: but the Duke of Boüillon having at last shut himself up in the place, and not willing to pull upon himself the utmost effects of the King's indignation, had recourse to his mercy; and by his submissions, together with the Queens intercession (who ordinarily accompanied the King in all his Motions) obtain'd of his Majesty an indempnity for all things past, upon the most favourable terms he could himself expect, or desire. Whereupon he receiv'd the King into the City the se∣venth of April 1606. with a Garrison of 300. men, which by the condition of the Accommodation were to remain four years in the Castle; during which time his Majesty would make tryal of this new Convert's perseverance in his duty: but that long space was, by his Majesties favour, reduc'd to a few months, the bounty of this generous Prince ever contracting the term of mens dis∣graces; his displeasure being short liv'd, and of no continuance; but his noble nature being ever constant to oblige all his Sub∣jects.

Though the following year was pass'd over without any di∣sturbance in the Kingdom; yet did his Majesties Name, and Re∣putation give him opportunity, and by his Authority, Power, to compose one of the most dangerous differences, that could pos∣sibly have hapned amongst Christian Princes, and that was the falling out betwixt the Pope Paul the V. and the Republick of Venice: a disorder, that had it not in time been taken up, would infallibly have involv'd all Christendom in the Quarrel, and it is infini••ely to be fear'd, have given the Turk opportunity in so great a confusion to have made a formidable advance into the ve∣ry heart of Europe. A danger that his Majesty (than whom none was clearer sighted) very well forsaw, and (retaining a grateful memory of the obligations he had receiv'd, both from the Holy Sea, and that Republick at his advancement to the Crown) as soon undertook to interpose betwixt those two powerful adversaries. The business was carried on by the mediation of the Cardinal de Ioyeuse, and Cardinal Perron; wherein the one, and the other pro∣ceeding according to his Majesties wise direction, their endeavours were at last crown'd with success, and all things concluded to the satisfaction of both parties, but chiefly to the Honour of France; which now appear'd to be the Arbiter of all the Estates of Eu∣rope. And indeed in those times all things in a manner were sway'd by his Majesties will; his desire being almost a rule to all Princes in all Affairs: Neither was there in the whole world a Kingdom to be found more glorious, more flourishing, or more

happy, than that of France, during the Reign of this mighty Prince.

Yet could not all this reputation abroad secure him from affli∣ctions at home; neither could his greatness and bounty exempt him from the power of Death; who first exercising his cruelty upon some of his Family, discharg'd in the end his whole rage and fury upon his own person. The precedent year had ravish'd from him one of the Princes his Children, and this depriv'd him of the Duke of Montp••nsier his Cousin; a Prince for whom his Majesty had as great a kindness, as for any whatsoever of his Blood, as he made it appear by the true sorrow he manifested for his death: but the Duke of Espernon was afflicted beyond all expression. I have already given an accompt of the Alliance betwixt these two, and of the particular Friendship that Alliance begot, I shall now further say, they were inseparable in their conversati∣on, their Interests went ever hand in hand with one another, and it will be hard to find a Friendship so pure, and constant betwixt two private persons, as they ever preserved entire, in the corru∣ptions and revolutions of the Court. Neither could the friend∣ship of a Prince of his extraction and vertue be otherwise than of great importance to the Duke; whose prosperity and advance∣ment had procur'd him so much envy, and consequently so many enemies: yet was he constrain'd to submit to the inevitable ne∣cessity of death, and to bear with patience a loss for which there was no other remedy.

This accident was yet follow'd by another the ensuing year, at which the Duke was almost equally afflicted: Pere Ange de Ioyeuse, Father-in-law to the Duke of Montpensier, had been return'd into the Order of Fathers Capuchins from the year 1599. from which time he had continued in the austerity of his Canon with so great zeal and sanctity, that he was become a president of Vertue, and Holy Living to all the Religious Men of his Order: Yet did he not (when returning to the observation of his Vow, he threw off all worldly vanities, and desires) banish from his breast those true affections which Nature and Reason had planted in his heart: but on the contrary had ever in his greatest retirement cherish'd the Duke's friendship, as if he had been his true Brother in Blood, as he was in Alliance and Affection. Neither was the Duke on his part less sedulous to improve so vertuous an Interest, ever ho∣nouring, and loving him, even in his penitential Sack-cloath, at as high a rate, as when he liv'd in the greatest Lustre, in the most honourable employments; and applying himself with greater diligence to the Interests of his House, and to the advancement of his Daughter, than when he himself liv'd upon the great Theatre

of the busie world: so that in different capacities of living, their friendship continued still one, and the same, till death came to cut the knot, which along had power to dissolve it. This Holy man died at Rivoly in Piedmont, in his return from Rome, in great repu∣tation of Sanctity and Vertue, which has since by time been made more manifest to all.

The following year affords so little considerable to be said of the Duke of Espernon in particular (the Court being at this time wrap'd in so great a calm and security, that there is nothing of mo∣ment to be reported of any save the King himself) that it might well enough be pass'd over in silence: But having hitherto found out something or other to record in the foregoing years, I had ra∣ther travel, not out of my subject only, but also out of the af∣fairs of the Kingdom, than to omit the most glorious proof his Majesty could possibly give of his Authority with all the Princes, and States of Christendom in the conclusion of the Truce be∣twixt the Crown of Spain, and the States of the United Pro∣vinces.

This great affair had been fruitlesly propos'd almost from the very first bustle of Arms in that Country; neither had endea∣vours been wanting even in the heat of the most bloody executi∣ons (that the fury of War has perhaps produc'd in any part of Eu∣rope) for the effecting of so good a work,, Treaties of Accom∣modation having every year, during those troubles been constantly by some or other set on foot: but the animosity of Factions, the difference of Religions, and the variety of Events, that had ever kept Affairs on both sides as it were in-equal balance, had so ex∣asperated the minds of men, that scarce any proposition of Peace would be endur'd. A work, it seems, reserv'd to be an additional Ray to the King's Glory, whose reputation only could cut the knot of all those difficulties. Spain had great need of Peace, which ha∣ving often, without interessing the King in the Affair, sought in vain, he was in fine constrain'd to apply himself to him to procure it, and wholly to submit all things to his Arbitration. A task the King (very well satisfied with so high, and publick an acknowledgment of his power) as readily undertook, and to that purpose dispatch'd away President Ianin, and the Sieur de R••issy, to manage the Work: by whose prudent conduct, forti∣fied by their Masters Reputation, they effected that by the weight of Authority, which perhaps their dexterity (how great soever) without great labour and expence of much time, could not other∣wise have brought to pass. So that things were reduc'd to the point the parties concern'd could themselves desire; from

whence followed an universal Peace amongst all Christian Princes.

It was into this tranquille condition, that the Affairs of Europe were first to be wrought, before the King could begin to form it into the new mould he had long design'd; for this great Prince, born to reconcile Monarchy and Justice, being unable to en∣dure the proud Authority, with which the Crown of Spain lor∣ded it over all her Neighbours, and more impatient that by the ex∣pansion of his Empire the Spaniard should reap advantages, which he conceiv'd were more justly due to his Birth, and Valour, he resolv'd to clip the wings of this soaring greatness, to make him give back those Territories he usurp'd from his Neighbours, to restore the Republicks their ancient liberty, and finally to reduce his power to the limits of his primitive possession. This in short is all that can be said of the King's designs, and all that such as conceiv'd they penetrated deepest into his most private thoughts, could possibly divine; it being most certain that he discover'd the bottom of his design to none, which had it been communicated to any, the Duke of Espernon would doubtless in this conjuncture have participated of the trust: but as this great Prince would ex∣ecute all things in his own person, so did he here reserve to him∣self the secret of his resolutions; insomuch that though his Ar∣my was all ready drawn into the Field, that he himself was imme∣diately to come up to them, and that in all probability there would be sudden action; yet durst no one venture positively to determine whither that preparation was directed, or who was to feel the first edge of his Arms: neither shall I presume to deliver these conje∣ctures for truth, nor suffer my curiosity to transgress the bounds this mighty Prince in his wisdom prescrib'd even to the most faithful Ministers of his Kingdom.

This brave and laudable ambition having long possess'd his generous heart, he had from the first Idea of his design wisely laid up for the means to effect it, that it might succeed to his glory: and to that end, from the time peace was first settled in his King∣dom, had been gathering, and had now got together a prodigious Treasure: His Artillery and Ammunitions were all ready, and in equipage fit to execute his vast designs. France was able to furnish him with an infinite number of old Souldiers; neither, in the fair weather he had been so solicitous to maintain at home, had he forgot to take a particular care of breeding so many brave Ca∣ptains, and good Souldiers in the Low-Country-Wars, as were sufficient, in a very short time, to bring such raw men as should be rais'd, into very good discipline. Besides the Forces of his own

Kingdom, he had made a League with all the neighbouring Prin∣ces: The Duke of Savoy, the Republick of Venice, the Duke of Florence, and almost all the Princes of Italy, the Prince of Orange, and most of the Princes of Germany, with the Hanse-Towns of the Empire were engag'd to joyn with him: And the King of England had made great preparation in favour of his designs; so that in all apparence, what, and how great soever these designs might be, they were very likely to succeed.

Nothing then being wanting, but a pretense to give colour to his action, the death of the Dukes of Cléves, soon supply'd him with one as good as he could desire; for after his death, the suc∣cession to his Dukedom being pretended to by all his Brothers-in-law, who were five, the Marquis of Brandebourg, the Duke of N••whourg, the Count Palatine, the Duke of Deux Ponts, and the Marquis of Burgau; all these Princes agreed to appeal to the King, and to stand to his Arbitration: but whilst they were plead∣ing their titles in the Court of France, the Emperour (pretending all vacant Jurisdictions to be Fiefs of the Empire, and that for want of Heirs Males, he had right to seize them in trust) had there establish'd the Arch-Duke Leopold his Cousin, as his Deputy and Governour, for, and under him: in order to which delega∣tion the Arch-Duke had already, by the assistance of the Austrian Forces, possess'd himself of the best part of the Dutchy by the ta∣king of Iuliers; notwithstanding that the King had publickly de∣clar'd, he desir'd things might remain suspended, till every man's Title was examin'd, and the true Heir could be known. And this was in effect, all the reason could be given for this mighty prepa∣ration, though an Army consisting of forty thousand French Foot, ten thousand Swisse, ten thousand Horse, and fifty pieces of Can∣non, with their Equipage; together with the Leavies the confe∣derate Princes were still, on all hands preparing to joyn with him; giving all the world to understand, that so great Forces were de∣sign'd for some other end, than only for the Accommodation of a particular Quarrel, all men were in suspense, and in great expe∣ctation of what the event would be.

The Army then being in the Field, and the King ready to de∣part from Paris, his Majesty would yet first take so good order to secure the interior Peace of his Kingdom, that he might not, when at a great distance, and in the heat of his Enterprizes, be call'd back by Domestick troubles: A consideration that made him determine to devolve his Royal Power to the Queen, and to cause her to be declar'd Regent in his absence; and knowing that how good soever her intentions were, and how sincere soever her

administration might be; yet that the sovereign Authority he left her invested withal, would require the Fidelity, Courage, and Prudence of some great and experienc'd Minister to support it, he cast his eye upon the Duke of Espernon, to confer upon him that great Trust and Honour. In this resolution therefore, having one day call'd for the Duke, and causing him to come into his Closet, where he was then with the Queen alone; the Duke was not a little surpriz'd at the favourable, and obliging Character, his Ma∣jesty was then pleas'd to give of him to the Queen, on so unex∣pected an occasion. He told her,

That being upon the point to go out of the Kingdom, the Government whereof he had, du∣ring his absence, committed to her care, he had consider'd how necessary it would be for her to have a faithful Servant about her person, upon all occurrences that might happen, and, in occa∣sions where the modesty of her Sex would not permit her to act in her own person, to be assisting to her with his Wis••om, and Valour: That having to that end severally weigh'd the abili∣ties of all the chief Officers of his Crown, he had found none, in whom the qualities necessary for so great an employment, were more eminent than in the person of the Duke of Esper∣non there present: That having had a long experience of his Fidelity, Wisdom, and Valour, he had determin'd to deprive himself of his Service, though infinitely necessary to him in the prosecution of his designs, and to send him back to her upon the first sally of his Arms. That she might repose an entire and perfect confidence in him, as he himself also did, who knew him to be a man of approv'd Fidelity, and Honour: That he was going to execute designs, wherein he was likely to meet with many difficulties, and perhaps some danger; but that whatever should happen, he desir'd her to rest secure in the Duke's vigilancy, and care, for which he would undertake both to himself and to her.

After which, turning to the Duke, he told him,

That he did not require from him any confirmation by new promises, of those things whereof he had assur'd the Queen in his behalf: That he had had so many proofs of his Vertue, in the integrity of his former Actions, it was not now to be suspected, that he conjur'd him by the esteem, and affecti∣on he had for him, to justifie his expectation, to serve the Queen, and the Princes his Children, with the same Fidelity he had serv'd him, and to promise to himself for his reward, all the acknowledgement he could reasonably expect from a grateful Prince, and a good Master.

The Duke a little out of counte∣nance at what the King had said in his favour, made answer in

few words,

That he did humbly acknowledge his obligation to his Majesty for so high a Character, and for the unexpected Ho∣nour he was pleas'd to confer upon him, which in the nature of it was far above all others, he had till then receiv'd from his Roy∣al bounty; and that if he had a thousand lives he would wil∣lingly lay them all at his feet to express his gratitude for so signal a favour: That he did humbly beseech their Majesties to retain that favourable opinion of him, and to conclude him the most unworthy of all their Subjects, and the worst of all men, if he ever fail'd in the least part of his Duty.

After this the King told him he could not leave him at present with the Queen, having occasion for him to command the Vant-Guard of his Army, till the Prince of Orange should come up to him, for whom he had reserv'd that employment. A thing the Duke knew before, as also that the King intended him the honour of that important command in the mean time: But the election of his person in that great employment of sitting at the Helm, did not a little displease, and increase the envy of many of the greatest men of the Kingdom, who had long look'd a squint upon the Duke's Prosperity and Favour; though his Majesty, having ma∣turely, and upon very good grounds proceeded to that choice, was not for any consideration, or by any arguments whatsoever to be disswaded from that resolution.

I know not how some, who envy the Duke's name, and me∣mory, may entertain a relation so much to his advantage; though were I put to prove the truth of what I report, I could bring a great many persons of Honour, and Quality to attest it; the Queen Mother, in the first Letter she writ to the King after her es∣cape from Blois, makes particular mention of it; than whom no one could be better inform'd in this Affair, and has also several times since declar'd by word of mouth, what she then publish'd in writing: neither was it a secret at that time, no more than I hope it will be suspected in this, where so many persons are living of Reputation enough to give it Authority, should it be contra∣dicted by any, who perhaps are not so well inform'd.

The King having, as has been said, taken order to secure all things that were likely in his absence, to disturb the peace of his Kingdom, prepar'd himself to be gone: The Queen had been Crown'd at St. Dennis the thirteenth of May, and her entry into Paris was design'd to have been, on Sunday the sixteenth, and on the seventeenth his Majesty intended, without further delay, to set out towards the Army. Nothing was now to be seen in Paris, but great preparations of joy, and triumph, to honour the re∣maining

Ceremony of the Queens Coronation; nothing but de∣monstrations of the Kings Magnificence, and of the felicity of his Reign, himself being most diligent in giving the Orders ne∣cessary for the state of that Solemnity; when this Great and Illu∣strious Prince, the terror of his Enemies, and the love and delight of his people, going abroad upon the fourteenth of the same month, to view the preparation of those Magnificences, was in a stop he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 upon the way in the street de la Ferronnerie, by Saint Innocents Church, with three stabs of a Villain's Knife, laid dead in his Coach. The Duke of Espernon had the honour to be seated by the King in the hinder part of the Coach, upon whom his Majesty was leaning to whisper something in his ear; the Duke of Monbazon, with the Mareschal de la Vardin, was in one of the Boo••s, and other persons of great Quality took up the rest: at the first stab the King cried out, I am hurt; at which the Duke of Espernon, who saw the next blow coming, holding up his arm to divert it, receiv'd part of it in the sleeve of his Doublet, that was strook through, though the King's Destiny would not suffer him to receive it all; nor permit, that at the peril of his own life, he should save that of his Master, as with all his soul he would have done. The cursed Parricide proceeded yet to a third stab, of which the two last were mortal, and with the second the King tumbled dead upon the Duke, who receiv'd him in his Arms, his blood boiling in great quantities out of his mouth. After this execrable act, the cursed Assassinate was soon discover'd, against whom those who attended the King, and amongst them Saint Michel, one of his Gentlemen in ordinary, prompted by a just fury, had already drawn his Sword to dispatch him; when the Duke, calling to mind, how much those Gentlemen had been condemn'd who kill'd Iaques Clement upon the Murther of Henry the III. by whose imprudent zeal, a further discovery from the wretches own mouth of the Authors of that abominable Treason, was preven∣ted, he cried out to Saint Michel, and to the Footmen, who had drawn their Swords to the same purpose, to hold, and upon pain of death not to kill him, but only to seize kis person, that he might be deliver'd into the hands of Iustice. A caution that serv'd not a little to the vindication of an infinite number of worthy men; on whom, without all doubt, the various Factions that af∣ter broke out in the Kingdom, would according to their several Animosities, have laid the blame of that detested Fact, to serve for a pretense to their Insurrection. The Duke having given this first order, commanded the Coach man to turn back to the Louvre, and having spied in the King's Train, the Marquis de Monferrant

his particular Friend and Servant, he intreated him to go before, and from him to command the Foot Companies that were upon the Guard before the Louvre, to stand immediately to their Arms, and to secure all the Gates, to prevent any disorder in the King's Houshold: In the execution of which command, and in the di∣straction the sight of so horrid, and so unexpected an accident might reasonably put him into, Monferrant met the Chancellour de Sillery, then going to Council in the Louvre; who asking him the reason of that hurly burly, and of the Souldiers running to their Arms, Monferrant told him the King was dead; at which the Chancellour amaz'd, and in suspense how to believe it, grasp∣ing him by the arm, and saying how's that Mounsieur de Monfer∣rant! do you know what you say? the Coach arriv'd with the Curtains drawn, out of which the King without any motion was carried up in a Cloak, and laid upon the Bed in his Wardrobe.

The Duke, after he had paid this last Office to his dead Master, though surpriz'd to the degree may be imagin'd at so tragical an accident, was not long nevertheless, before he recollected himself; when considering that the greatest testimony he could give of his gratitude to his dead Prince, was to serve those he had left to suc∣ceed him, he began to pay the Queen those services, he had but a few days before in the King's Closet engag'd himself to perform; though the Orders he there receiv'd were not intended to have been executed so soon, nor upon so fatal an occasion. The rumout of the King's death had already spread it self, not only throughout the Louvre, but also over all Paris; at which the Queen, being beyond all imagination afflicted, and dissolving her self into tears, without any other thought, than how to humour, and satisfie her own grief; the Duke of Espernon came into her Chamber, and after some expressions of sorrow, which as a true Frenchman, a good Subject, and an oblig'd Servant he could not forbear for the loss of so good a Master, he there told her:

That he did not come to her Majesty in hope to stop the current of her tears, the cause of her sorrow being too great to admit of any present consolation; but that she would ever have leisure enough to weep, when perhaps she might not always have opportunity to provide for the Fortune of her Children, and the Safety of the Kingdom, which in effect were one, and the same thing: That her Majesty might better judge than any, what envy the King's prosperity had drawn upon him, from all the neighbouring Princes; and how much it was to be fear'd lest his own Servants, no longer now restrain'd by the presence of this great Prince, might in hope of novelty be debauch'd from their duty, if some

good, and prudent order, for the settlement of Affairs, were not suddenly taken: That to keep things in the quiet posture they then were, her Majesty must speedily, and in the first place, secure the Domestick Peace of the Kingdom, by continuing Pa••is in the serenity, and calm of obedience, it then was: That the single strength of the Kingdom, if united, and in good intel∣ligence within it self, was of it self sufficient to frustrate the de∣signs of any that should attempt any thing against the Crown of France: That for his own part, who had taken upon him the boldness to give her Majesty this first advice, he there from his heart made her an humble tender of his Life, his Fortune, and his Friends to do her Service; that therefore she was only to command, what she would please should be done, and that he would perish, or cause her Royal will to be obey'd.

The Queen awak'd by so prudent a Counsel, and fortified by the re∣solution of so generous, and so considerable a Subject, told him:

That she wholly reserr'd all things to his Vigilancy, and Con∣duct, to be order'd, as he should in his wisdom think most fit; wherein she recommended to his Fidelity, the care of her Chil∣dren, much more than any concern of her own, and that she should rest very well satisfied with whatever he should do, knowing as she very well did, his prudence, and affection to be equally so great, that nothing was to be added to them.

The Duke without losing more time, went immediately out of the Louvre; where the first thing he did in order to the Queens commands, was to bid the Officers of the Regiment of Guards, to put their men suddenly into Arms. This great body consisting of four thousand effective men, and those of the best, and the best Disciplin'd in Europe, did not a little awe the Parisians, from leaping over the bounds of their Duty: a strength that as it was absolutely at the Duke's command, so did he upon this occasion know so well, how to dispose it into the most convenient Quar∣ters of the Town, that without all doubt, it was by vertue of those Forces, he secur'd the peace of that Seditious City, and kept the multitude from tumult and insurrection. Arquien, whom (as has been said) the King had put into the Cittadel of Metz, in the year 1604. was Lieutenant Colonel to the Regiment of Guards, and consequently in the absence of Crequy, who was Camp-Master to the said Regiment (and who was already gone up to the Ar∣my, with the greatest part of the Nobility of the Court) was un∣der the Authority of the Duke to command it. Him therefore the Duke speedily sent for to have given him orders, but he was no where to be found; for from the instant that the King's death

was certain, imagining the Duke would infalliby take the ad∣vantage of the time, and his own Authority, to remove him from Metz, he had taken post to put himself into the Cittadel, hoping there he should be able to maintain his ground: But the Duke who in the care of publick affairs, did not altogether neglect his own, which his Affection and Fidelity to the Crown, rendred one, and the same with the other, judged by Arquiens absence what his design might be, dispatch'd Mun de Sarlaboust Captain to one of the Companies of the Guards, immediately after him, if possible to prevent him, or at least to follow him so close, that he might arrive at Metz before Arquien could have time to pra∣ctice any thing to his disadvantage. The Duke had in Metz, be∣sides the ordinary Garrison of eight Companies (of which he had compos'd a Regiment, call'd the Old Garrison) two Companies of the Regiment of Guards commanded by Tilladet, and Fromi∣gieres, since Grand Prior of Tholouze; all which were so absolute∣ly at his devotion, and their Captains so link'd to his Interests, their Fortunes wholly depending upon his Favour, as they had been rais'd by his bounty, that not a man of them but was ready upon all occasions to be absolutely commanded by him. To this he was confident of the Inhabitants good affection towards him, who by the moderation of his Government, and by the protection with which he had sheltred them from Sobole's Insolence, were wholly acquir'd unto him: which interests, joyn'd together, made the Duke confident he should not want Forces sufficient to hinder Arquien from being receiv'd into the Cittadel, if Mun could get thither before him; or even there to force him, should he happen to put himself into it, before his Orders could arrive. And indeed all things succeeded to his desire, as shall in its due place be de∣clar'd. But we must first return to Paris, which at this time was the Scene of the most, and the most important Affairs.

The Regiment of Guards being in the absence of Arquien drawn together by Saint Coulombe, the eldest Captain, the Duke sent them order to advance; which being done, he appointed part thereof for the Guard of the Louvre, with the Regiment of Swisse which he (extending the Authority the Queen had given him, as French Guards over that Nation also) had likewise com∣manded into Arms: The other part were dispos'd upon the Pont-Neuf towards la rüe Dauphine, and upon the principal avenues that lead to the Convent des Augustins. He further intreated Mounsieur de Liancourt Governour of Paris speedily to assemble the Prevos•• des Marchands, and the Eschevins in the Hostel de Ville offering him withal a sufficient Guard to secure them; as accordingly he

he sent five hundred of the Regiment of Guards, under the com∣mand of Captain Dnoüet who remain'd there two days together upon Duty. These Orders being given, the Duke himself moun∣ted on Horseback, went towards the Pont-Neuf to go to the Cloi∣stre Nostre dame, there to confer with President Seguier, without whose advice he resolv'd to proceed no further. This man whose in∣tegrity, judgment, and affection, the Duke had in equal esteem, had ever even in the time of his Favour, and in the greatest difficulties of his Affairs, been with his Counsel assisting to him; neither didt he Duke at this time, or since, resolve almost upon any thing (whe∣ther of general, or particular concern) without first communi∣cating the business to him, and consulting his Advice. There was at this time none of the Princes of the Blood at Court, for the Prince of Cond•• had some time before the King's death retir'd in∣to Flanders, and was at this time at Milan; and the Count de Sois∣sons was at his house at Champigny; so that no body being at Court considerable enough to make a party, the Duke at his going out of the Louvre, found almost all the Lords, and Gentlemen, who were then in Paris (and whom the suddenness and great concern of that bloody Accident had assembled together) at the Gate ready to attend him.

Being upon the way with this great Train, he had not gone far before he met with the Duke of Guise, whom he found also very well accompanied, though with a Train far inferiour to his own. These two Dukes, nor their Families, were not as yet so well united (the paternal hatred having been rather fomented by the quarrels the Duke had lately had with both the Sons, notwith∣standing his Majesties endeavour to reconcile them) but that there was greater expectation this meeting should beget some new disorder, than that men so disunited betwixt themselves should concur so suddenly, and happily in the publick Service; inso∣much that their followers on both sides seem'd only to expect a signal from their Leaders to fall to blows: when the Duke of Guise, having with great civility saluted the Duke, ask'd him how that sad misfortune had hapned? to whom the Duke in short re∣lated the manner of the King's death, with what had after pass'd betwixt the Queen and him, and the Order he was by her Maje∣sties Command going to take to prevent any tumult in the City: Whereupon the Duke of Guise asking him, if there were not something for him to do in the Queens Service also? the Duke reply'd,

That since he ask'd his advice, he conceiv'd he might do both the Queen and the Kingdom a signal Service, by only shewing himself in the streets of Paris: Th••t the people aw'd

within their duty, by the presence of a man of his condition, would be less apt to be seduc'd into commotion; and that by the calm which would by that means be preserv'd in the City, they might doubtless more effectually proceed to the establish∣ment of such good orders, as would for the future secure the peace of the whole Kingdom.

A counsel the Duke of Guise as readily follow'd, and the good Fortune of France, having upon the instant extiguish'd all particular Animosities, betwixt these two great Persons, so as to make them, beyond all expectation, joyn in the common Service of the State. This happy union, and concurrence was of no little importance to the conservation of the Peace in that mutinous City. The Duke after continued his way to the President's House, to whom having communica∣ted his designs, he found them to be generally approv'd by him; insomuch that before they parted it was concluded betwixt them, that that very day, and as soon as it was possible, the Parliament should be intreated to Assemble: the management of which be∣ing undertaken by the President, the Duke went in the mean time to provide for the rest.

He began with the Hostel de Ville, where having found the Prevost des Marchands, the Eschevins, and Burgesses met together, after he had first given them an accompt in brief of the sad Acci∣dent had hapned, he proceeded to exhort them,

To confirm to his Majesties Successors the Love and Obedience they had paid to him during his happy Reign. He told them that by perseve∣ring in their Duty, they might secure their own Lives, and Estates, which would otherwise be certainly expos'd to the vio∣lence and licence of Seditious men: That the least disorder of this nature, that should happen in the City, would put the whole Kingdom into Confusion: That he therefore intreated them to cause all their Gates to be shut, to the end that no one might be permitted, either to go out, or to come in, who were either thought able, or likely, to breed any disturbance in the publick peace, to give order to the Capains of the Train'd-Bands to have their Companies in readiness upon any occasion might happen, and to walk themselves the round of the City, the bet∣ter by their Presence and Authority to keep every one in his Du∣ty. He further gave them notice, that he had already caus'd the Regiment of Guards both French, and Swisse, to stand to their Arms, on purpose to suppress those who should first make the least shew of Insurrection; but that he hop'd their wisdoms would prevent a confusion, which would not so easily be com∣pos'd, if once grown to a head, as it might be suppress'd in the

beginning.

A Remonstrance, that, being deliver'd with great plainness, and vigour, wrought so good an effect, that all the Ma∣gistrates unanimously engag'd to do their utmost endeavours for the conservation of the publick Peace; as they accordingly did: which was none of the weakest links that curb'd the head-strong multitude of that unruly City.

From the Hostel de Ville, the Duke went to the Augustins, where that Session of Parliament had by the King been appointed to be kept; the Palace having been before furnish'd, for the Ceremo∣ny of the Queens Coronation, and where by the diligence of Pre∣sident Segnier, he found them already Assembled. The Regi∣ment of Guards had already possess'd themselves of the Pont-Neuf, and stood in order all along the Rüe Dauphine, to guard, ac∣cording to the Duke's command, all the passes round about the Convent des Augustins; a precaution, which though by the Duke meerly intended for the Parliaments security, was nevertheless misinterpreted by some to be rather design'd to compel them to execute his own particular Counsels, than that every man at grea∣ter liberty might have freedom to deliver his own Opinion; nei∣ther were the most prudent, and best dispos'd sorry (as has been said) that the world should conceive there was some necessity up∣on them of a speedy resolution in the present juncture of Affairs, forasmuch also as some, who were prepossess'd in their judgments, would be oblig'd to concur with them, and disappointed, either from opposing, or deferring to declare the Queen Mother Regent during the King's Minority, which was the only thing then to be debated.

The Duke being come into the Hall where the Parliament was set with his Sword in his hand, though not drawn, and in some disorder both in his Cloaths, and Countenance, began his Speech with some excuses;

For appearing in that honourable Assembly in so undecent a posture; after which he told them that his Sword was yet in the Scabbard (his own words) but that if before he went thence there was not order taken, for the security of the City, and Kingdom, by declaring the Queen Regent, he foresaw (to his great grief) he must be compell'd to draw it against the Enemies of the Crown, and to fill the City with Bl••od, and Confusion: That he knew there were some amongst them who would ask respite to deliberate upon the things propos'd; but that he must tell them beforehand, no∣thing was so dangerous as delay: That in many great occurren∣ces it was wisdom, not to be too precipitous, and to proceed slowly, and by degrees to a final determination; but that here

it was quite otherwise, it being necessary in this Crisis of Af∣fairs to cut off all difficulties, and immediately to resolve upon the thing propounded: That what might to day be concluded without danger, could not be done to morrow without Blood and Slaughter; and indeed what pretense could any man have to ask respi••e in this case? what was requir'd of them out of the rule of Equity, and nature? To whom was the King's Fortune more properly to be intrusted, than to her who brought him into the world, or to whose care the safety of the King∣dom, than to her, who for the space of ten years, had with the late King been a Coadjutrix in raising it to that degree of height, and reputation, wherein it now stood. He told them that the Queen was a Princess for whom his Majesty from the hour of his Marriage had never had any reservation in his most weighty and most ••ecret Affairs: That he had made her his Companion in all his Expeditions: That he had already deputed the Regen∣cy of the Kingdom during his absence into her hands; a pre∣ordination after which he could not believe any one would dare to contradict the Judgment of a Prince so great in himself, and so solicitous of the good and welfare of his Kingdom: That therefore the most effectual means to preserve the Peace and Tranquillity wherein France had been happy many years, was to concur in the King's Judgment, and to justifie his Election: That the discontents, which govern'd in the minds of many men of very eminent condition, were very well known to all: That those persons (it might easily be believ'd) wanted no ad∣herents: That the impatient humour of the French, in hopes to make their advantage of any disorder in the State, would be apt to create more Mutineers, if things were not settled in due season: That there was no time so fruitful in Sedition, nor so proper for mischief, as when mutinous spirits were in suspense whom to obey: That if ever this evil disposition was to be fear'd it was chiefly now, when all the Forces of the Kingdom were on foot: That they would doubtless soon be practis'd on all hands; so that if by the prudence of that Assembly such tem∣ptations were not prevented, those noble Troops design'd for the enlargement of the Borders of France, and for the glory of the French name, would by an unhappy, and a sad revolution be seen to employ their Arms to the ruine of their own Coun∣try: That they were therefore to take time whilst things remain'd yet inviolate, and capable of the best impressions, to mould them into the best form, which depended upon their immediate Ele∣ction: That he had put the Regiment of Guards, all the King's

Servants, and his own particular Friends into Arms, that they might at convenient liberty, and security deliberate of what he then propos'd that he knew very well what he now advis'd them to, was without President; but that he hop'd an Act of so great utility and importance to the publick good, would one day ob∣tain the Authority of Example, and add to the Dignity and Re∣putation of that Honourable Body; a priviledge, by so much the more their due, by how much they had never till then possess'd it: That they did not need to apprehend herein their Authority should be prostituted to Arbitration, or be disputed by any; but that, how high and generous soever their results might be, they should infallibly be executed, and that he, and all his Friends were ready to lose their lives, or to cause them to be inviolably obey'd.

The Duke's Oration being ended, the whole Assembly re∣main'd in a profound silence, and being equally astonish'd at the Accident had hapned, and surpriz'd at the Proposition was made, not a man on the sudden, durst either by word, or action express his thoughts: only President Harlay in few words

Gave the Duke thanks for the affection he had manifested to the Ser∣vice of the Kingdom, and to the Honour of that Assembly; exhorting him to persevere in a passion so worthy of his Vertue, and so becoming the place and honour he possess'd amongst them.

Whereupon the Duke perceiving their silence still to continue, and unwilling to give them occasion to complain that by his presence he had extorted from them a resolution contrary to their sense and opinion, he retir'd himself: But at his depar∣ture, that they might understand there was something of necessity in the case, he told them aloud,

That what he had propounded was the best course they could take, and that they were therefore absolutely, and suddenly to resolve upon it.

Upon which last words the Sieur de la Guesle the Attorny General taking hold, began in a short Speech to break the Ice, by representing to the Assembly,

That though what had been propounded by the Duke of Esper∣non, seem'd by the respect wherewith it had been deliver'd to be a thing wherein they were free to determine; yet that what he had last said imply'd a kind of necessity: but a necessity by so much the more, just, and honourable, by how much the Peace of the Kingdom would not only be secur'd thereby; but also a great advantage to their Body would certainly accrue: That it was therefore in his opinion better immediately, and volunta∣rily to declare the Regency to be in the Queen, than to stay till their consent should be wrested from them upon compulsion,

and perhaps in a season, when they should have no thanks for their labour.

Which being said, the whole Assembly forthwith concluded upon the business, by that Act not only securing the Peace of the Kingdom, but also introducing a great example to pitch upon the same, and an equally salutiferous resolution in our days, when out great Queen Anne of Austria was settled in the Re∣gency, by virtue of the same Election.

I have often heard the Duke discourse of this Transaction, wherein though he acknowledg'd his proceeding to be by an un∣usual, and something an irregular way;

Yet that the Queens Regency being as yet not authorized by the Suffrages of any of the Princes of the Blood (whose arrival also should it have been expected, would probably have put all things into Confusion) he thought it necessary to have it ratified by the consent of the people: That to procure their consents, there was no way so plausible and consonant to Law, as therein to interest all the Parliaments of France, by prevailing with that of Paris, whose whose Act would be a kind of Warranty to the rest: That should they have staid the coming of the Count de Soissons, he would by his presence infallibly have sway'd all things, accord∣ing to his inclination: That the Prince of Condé coming after would have been impatient at his younger Brother's getting the start of him in an Affair where the priority of Vote in the Election was in him: by which means the variety of their in∣terests not permitting them to concur in an Act, wherein each of them would be ambitious to precede, a fraction betwixt them must of necessity ensue: That for that reason he had us'd all diligence in pressing the Parliament to a speedy resolution in fa∣vour of the Queen.

In the carrying on of which Affair, it is in my opinion something hard to determine, whether the Stars of France, or the Duke's Prudence did most prevail: It is not to be denied but that both the one and the other contributed very much to the happy performance of this great work: But it is likewise most certain that the business had never been so fortunately effe∣cted, if the Duke had less prudently foreseen what was likely to ensue, or had proceeded with less diligence and vigour to the establishment of this Election, to the general benefit of the King∣dom: wherein if he perform'd a signal Service to the State, he did no less for the Prince, who would have met with no little im∣pediments to his rising greatness, had he at his return, found the Count de Soissons settled, as it were a Co-partner in the Govern∣ment, by being possess'd of some of the most important Employ∣ments of the Kingdom.

Thus was this business carried on, France being, from the high∣est step of her Glory, precipitated into the greatest extream of her Misfortune; and the King's Triumphs being in a moment overcast with the Funeral Black of his Obsequies: but the re-esta∣blishment of the State, overthrown by so great, and so tragick a Revolution, and the publick happiness in an instant secur'd with∣out one drop of Blood; was it not an afternoons work of the Duke of Espernon? and can so great a success without injustice, be attributed to any thing but to his prudent Conduct? In the Narrative whereof I have not added one syllable more than the truth: and doubtless there are many yet alive that can justifie all I have said. I know very well that the Historians of that time have not mention'd all the particularities I have, as material to my purpose, insisted upon, and that those who have been most exact have recorded but very few in their Relations; which is in part the reason why I have more willingly enlarg'd my self in this discourse, that I might impartially render, what is so justly due to Truth, and Virtue.

The sad accident of the King's Death was so suddenly spread all over Europe, that it seem'd, as if his person, rais'd to the high∣est pitch of Honour to which man can arrive, had fall'n in the sight of all the world. The Prince of Condé, who (as has been said) resided then at Milan, receiv'd the first news of it from the Condé de Fuentes, which was immediately after confirm'd by a Courrier dispatch'd purposely to him from the Queen Regent, to invite him back into France. The Count de Soissons, who was but two little days journey from Paris, was much sooner inform'd, and at the same instant in all diligence repair'd thither, to see what this accident might produce; where he arriv'd the sixteenth of May, two days only after the King's Death; but late enough notwithstanding to find all things dispatch'd to his hand. So that matters being already concluded, the Queens Authority esta∣blish'd, the Parliament, People, Souldiery, and whole City settled in their Duty, and nothing lest for him to do, but to approve what was already done (and which he could no ways hope to overthrow, had he dislik'd it) he was fain whether sincerely, or otherwise to concur in the Election, and thereupon went to pre∣sent himself to the Queen, where he assur'd her Majesty of his Faith and absolute Obedience.

The Count at his arrival at Court, observing the Duke of Es∣pernon to be seated in that degree of Favour and Reputation, to which by his signal, and recent Services to the Queen, he might justly pretend, he forthwith resolv'd to contract a strict connexion

with him, as accordingly by making him a tender of his Friend∣ship and assistance against all whomsoever, he endeavour'd to do: neither did he do it but upon very good consideration; for foreseeing that the Prince of Condé returning to Court (as he soon after did) would infallibly take upon him the preeminence, and degree due to his Quality, and Birth, he would by that means labour so to establish himself before his arrival, that it should not be in the Princes Power to shake him. To which end he could pitch upon none so proper to support his Interest, as the Duke of Espernon, who was, at that time, the most considerable person in the Kingdom. The Queen had appointed him Lodgings in the Louvre, not conceiving her self secure (as she was pleas'd to say) but under his Vigilancy and Valour; all dispatches were commu∣nicated to him; his Orders and Advice were in all things follow'd and observ'd, so that would he have stretch'd his Authority to the utmost, or had he been ambitious of favour, he might doubt∣less with great facility have made himself sole Master of Affairs: but so far was he from desiring to appear necessary (though effe∣ctually so) to the excluding those who had right to the Council, that on the contrary he entreated the Queen to call, and admit into it, all such as either by the priviledge of their Birth, or by the repute of their capacities, might reasonably pretend to that Honour; coveting no greater advantage, than to have a concurrence with worthy men for the publick Safety; and seeing he could not, with∣out drawing great envy upon himself, possess alone that preemi∣nence in the Administration, to which the King had design'd him, he was content with the rest to share that part, which could not equitably be denied to his approv'd Fidelity and Wisdom.

Though the Count de Soissons had the foremention'd reasons to seek the Duke of Espernon's friendship, he had yet therein a further and a more important design, and that was by the Duke's assi∣stance to procure a Match betwixt Madamoiselle ••de Montpen••ier the Duke's Niece, and his own Son Lewis of Bourbon, since Count de Soissons: neither was the Duke so ill read in this Princes intenti∣on, that he did not very well perceive at what part he took his aim, which made him, though he receiv'd the offer of his friend∣ship with the respect due to a Prince of the Blood, nevertheless ac∣cept it with such a gravity, and reservation as should no ways en∣gage him to any partiality in his favour, nor in the least restrain the liberty of his proceeding in that concern. A coldness that so much disgusted the Count de Soissens, who expected a greater complacen∣cy and freedom from him, that his affection so violently begun, was not likely long to last. The first opposition he met with in the

Duke to his desires, was in the proposal he made him to give way that he might cause the Duke of Sully to be stab'd in the Louvre. He was their common Enemy, and the sole cause of all the trouble had befall'n this Prince, and of his retirement from Court, wherein the inury he had receiv'd was such, that although the King had laid upon him his positive command to be reconcil'd, he had notwithstanding rather chosen to abandon the Court, than to do it. The Duke had also receiv'd from the Duke of Sully (a great Creature of the late King's) all the ill Offices could possibly have been done by the most implacable Enemy; which being not unknown to the Count de Soissons, he doubted not to have met an Animosity in the Duke against him as great as his own, and to have found him as prompt to his revenge: but he was deceiv'd, the Duke excusing himself by telling the Count he could by no means permit so great a violence to be offer'd in the King's Pa∣lace; beseeching him to consider, that the Guards which he had the honour to command, being principally design'd to preserve the respect due to his Majesties Person, and Presence inviolate; and such as it ought to be, he should commit an irreparable offense to his Duty, should he consent to favour an act of so dangerous Ex∣ample. An answer at which the Count, a man of a furious, and cholerick temper, was infinitely mov'd; yet his interest not permitting him to break with the Duke, he for that time with an extraordinary patience made the best shift he could to dissemble his discontent.

During these transactions at Court, there was something pass'd also at Metz, wherein the Duke was no little concern'd: you have already heard how Arquien, Lieutenant Colonel to the Regiment of Guards, had immediately upon the King's Death taken post to retire himself into the Cittadel, of which he was Governour, af•••••• whom the Duke had sent Mun, to spoil his De∣sign; so that Mun, who was much the younger man, having po∣sted in great diligence, overtook him some six Stages short of Metz; where he found him so bruis'd with riding, that he was scarce in a condition to perform the rest of his Journey: When Arquien who saw himself likely to be prevented, and in danger to be deny'd admittance into Metz, by the Duke's Servants, plainly told Mun,

That he made no doubt, but that his Journey was occasion'd by a just suspicion the Duke had conceiv'd of his sud∣den departure without his Order, and Command; that therein he must needs confess he had been to blame; but that he had been prompted to that diligence by a jealousie the Duke might perhaps have detain'd him by force in Paris, with an intent to

deprive him of his command in the Cittadel: That he therefore had undertaken that journey simply, and for no other end, than to keep his possession of that place, which was the most consi∣derable member of his Fortune, and the only reward of his Service, but with no design to disserve the Duke: That he was his Servant; neither did he desire to govern so much as in the Cittadel, but under his Authority, and Command: That for a testimony of his Candour, and good intention herein, he pro∣mis'd Mun, if he would slack his diligence, and let them go to∣gether, not to enter the Cittadel, till first he should by the con∣sent of the Duke's own Creatures be permitted so to do, sub∣mitting moreover, till it should be by them determin'd, that the Garrison there should be divided betwixt them.

A proposition that Mun conceiving to be as fair as the Duke could himself de∣sire, he condescended to the condition, and accordingly in his company perform'd the rest of the Journey, arriving both toge∣ther at the City. Where being come, they immediately assembled the Duke's Friends and Servants, which were Tilladet, and Fro∣migieres Captains of the two Companies of the Guards, who were in Garrison at Metz, and Momas Camp-Master to the old Gar∣rison; amongst whom it was concluded, that Tilladet the elder Captain should with an hundred men only of his Company en∣ter the Cittadel, till the Duke's further pleasure could be known: a number that to the Duke's Friends seem'd sufficient to make good their Quarter, should Arquien intend any thing but fair; as Arquien thought his would be able to maintain his Authority, and to over-power the other, should the Duke be obstinately bent to exclude him absolutely from his Command.

Things then being thus concluded, Arquien, whilst yet in the City, sent order to his Lieutenant to receive Tilladet into the Citta∣del, with such Souldiers as he should bring alon•• with him, not naming any number, as not suspecting any foul play; a negligence which the Duke's Servants making use of to his advantage, they caus'd above fifty more, and those the best men they could chuse out of all the Companies, to be added to the hundred, that by Article were to be admitted; who being all without any difficulty receiv'd into the Cittadel it soon appear'd Arquien's was not the strongest Party, and that the advantage he had in number (his Garrison consisting of two hundred men) being balanc'd by the quality of the Souldiers, Tilladet was rather in a condition to give, than to receive the Law from him.

Arquien having thus, by an excess of faithful dealing, perform'd his promise, went himself last of all into the Cittadel, where he

was no sooner come, but that his Lieutenant at the first word told him he was no longer Master of the place; to whom Ar∣quien having reply'd, that an hundred men could not dispute his Authority there, the Lieutenant gave him to understand, that al∣most twice so many were already got in, which he had not dar'd but to receive, not knowing the precise number of those he was to admit; at which Arquien, now sensible of the oversight he had committed, was so enrag'd that he would presently revenge him∣self upon Tilladet, and was ready to fall on, Tilladet also on his part preparing for the Encounter; when the Friends of both par∣ties, who were in the City, came in at the first noise of the dis∣order. At their first coming they found the Gates of the Cittadel shut; but being opened in the end to such as pretended to endea∣vour an Accommodation, it was with much ado concluded, that for Arquiens satisfaction, Tilladet, to whom he chiefly laid the blame, as contriver of the Treachery, and Surprize, should de∣part the place; but that those Souldiers, already enter'd, should continue there, and that Fromigieres should come in to command them. Thus ended this dispute, and thus was the Duke of Esper∣non's absolute Authority, though with some trouble, re-establish'd in Metz, which from the time of Sobole's dereliction, until now, he had altogether lost.

Fromigieres being receiv'd into the Cittadel was still more and more fortified by new Souldiers, which the Duke's friends conti∣nually slipt in from the City; so that Arquien seeing himself in a lost condition, and also stung with the conscience of his own fault, he return'd in all haste back to Paris, at once to beg the Duke of Es∣pernon's pardon, and to implore the Queen Regents Justice. Where being come, and finding the Duke inflexible to his submissions, and positively resolute to hold what he had, seeing he was to ex∣pect no good accompt from him, he thought fit, as his last refuge to appeal to the Queen. Neither did he want interest at Court to support, and countenance his cause, where besides de Montigny his Brother (a man of great merit and esteem, and afterwards Mareschal of France) he had many Relations, and Friends, toge∣ther with the Duke's Enemies, who could not, without great heart-burning, see him re-settled in so considerable a command. Of this number were the Lords of the House of Guise, and their Family, who made up a great part of the Court, and who being all averse to the Duke's greatness, endeavour'd by possessing the Queen, that the action of Metz was an intolerable affront to her Authority, to make her restore Arquien to his Command.

They represented to her that this was an Affair by the late King

conceiv'd to be of such importance to the State, that his Majesty had made no difficulty to make a Journey thither in person, and on purpose to retrive this place out of the Duke of Esper∣non's hands: That his Fidelity ought at this time to be much the rather suspected, by how much his Ambition was more in∣ordinate, and less easie to be cur'd: That having, under pretense of some trivial Services to her Majesty in the beginning of her Administration, committed a violence of this high nature, he made it plain that his sole aim was in this new face of Affairs to establish his own particular greatness: and that, instead of en∣deavouring to continue Subjects in their Duty, by the example of a Subjects Obedience, he had himself committed the great∣est insolence imaginable against the Sovereign Power, by dis∣possessing one of the most ancient and faithful Servants of the Crown, from a place wherein he had serv'd, without the least blemish, or reproach.

It is certain that the Queen, how well sa∣tisfied soever with the Duke of Espernon, was notwithstanding something stagger'd in her resolution at this Remonstrance: but the Duke having also given his reasons, and represented to her of what importance it was to have his Majesties Authority in the Ci∣ty and Cittadel of Metz, conjoyn'd in one man, that the emulati∣on of two Governours might not produce mutiny, such as would endanger the introducing of Forein Power into the place; with how long, and with what Fidelity he had serv'd his Kings in that Government, the Authority being united in his Person; he found the Queen so well dispos'd to accept of his justification, that she was absolutely satisfied: so that from that time forward, nothing was more thought of in that business, save only how to content Arquien, in finding out for him some other command, that might hold proportion with that Employment.

In the transaction of this Affair, Fortune, as upon other occa∣sions, would needs interest her self to appear in the Duke's Fa∣vour. De Vic Governour of Calice was one of the principal Me∣diators in this difference, who on the one side making profession of great respect to the Duke's Service, and on the other of a strict friendship with Arquien, labour'd with extraordinary passion, and diligence to satisfie both parties in their pretense, and had brought matters to so good an issue, that nothing remain'd to their mutu∣al satisfaction, save only to find out a Government for Arquien, equal to that whereof he was now divested: but there was none at this time vacant of equal value, which was the only knot in the Affair. At last this poor Gentleman prov'd both the Mediator, and the price of their Accommodation, who had acted so vigo∣rously

in the Treaty, that, with posting to and again in the most violent heats of Summer, he was surpriz'd with a Pleurisie; whereof in six days he dy'd. With his Government Arquien was recompens'd, who after that quit claim to the Cittadel of Metz, leaving the Duke absolute Master of it, as before; a possession he afterwards kept, till that a few years before his death he demised it in favour of Cardinal de la Valette his Son.

Amidst these many important Affairs, the Duke was not un∣mindful of his particular Duties; whereof one, and to which he conceiv'd himself most particularly oblig'd, was to manifest his gratitude to Henry the III. his Master, and Benefactor. He had for∣merly after his death attended his Body to Compiegne, where the misfortunes of War, and the confusion of Affairs, not permitting at that time a performance of his Funeral Rites; and the Queen now resolving to begin the Regency with those of the late King, he humbly begg'd of her to give him leave to make use of that opportunity for the interment of Henry the III. wherein her Majesty, doing an Act worthy her Piety, would add little or no∣thing to the expense she was already resolv'd to make. The Queen readily consented to his request; so that the Duke, accompanied with a great number of Lords and Gentlemen, went to fetch the Body from Compiegne, from whence he convey'd it to St. Denis, where it was deposited in the ancient Sepulchre of the Kings of France. Neither was this the sole testimony the Duke gave of his grati∣tude to his old Master, the Records of his Bounty and Favour being so impress'd in his memory, that they perish'd not, but in his Grave, where all things are buried in Oblivion. A little before his death, causing a Marble Pillar, one of the most celebrated pieces of Architecture of these late times, to be carried, and set up in the Church of St. Clou; wherein he was so curious, as to make it be wrought in his own House, and almost in his own sight; his design being to found a Revenue of a thousand Livers yearly for the Service of the Chappel where it was erected; which was also adorn'd with Pictures, and pav'd with Marble at his own charge: but some difficulties arising about the settlement of that Foundation, which could not be clear'd before his death, the thing (to his great grief) remain'd imperfect.

The Ceremony of these Obsequies, perform'd in the end of Iune, was immediately follow'd by the return of the Prince of Condé to Court, where he arriv'd in Iuly, and where all the men of condition contended who should give him the greatest testi∣monies of joy for his return. Amongst whom, although the Duke of Espernon was none of the latest, yet was he not the best

receiv'd. The Duke of Sully, who had great need of this Prin∣ces Protection, had prevented others in the possession of his Fa∣vour, and conceiving he should make himself more acceptable by rendring the affection of other Grandees suspected to him; he had (amongst others) pointed out the Duke of Espernon for one of those of whom he had most reason to complain. An ill Of∣fice, that having at first preferr'd in general terms, he afterwards pursu'd by particular circumstance, telling the Prince that the Duke had doubled the Guards of the Louvre at his arrival, and put all the King's Family into Arms, as they had been to defend it against a common Enemy. Which impression the Prince was more apt to receive, by how much he believ'd, that the Duke be∣ing already in a great degree of Favour with the Queen, and very intimate with the Count de Soissons, must needs be jealous of his re∣turn, which he could not consider, but as a great power directly opposite to all his concerns; which made him at the first inter∣view receive him, not only with apparent coldness, but also, not able to dissemble his dissatisfaction, reproach him for having en∣deavour'd to possess the Queen with some suspicions to his pre∣judice. The Duke, surpriz'd at so unexpected an entertainment and so groundless a reproach (he having alter'd nothing in the usual Guards that had been kept in the Louvre since the King's Death) and nettled with the sense of so injurious an Office, gave aloud the Lye to all those who had branded him with so false a Ca∣lumny. Yet would not this publick and generous profession of the truth so satisfie and appease the Prince, that there was not still some remains of discontent in his mind against the Duke. He did not think him so affectionate to him, as to the Count de Soissons; and seeing him advanc'd to that height of Reputation with the Queen, could not expect he should be favourable to him, in the design he had to assume that place in Court, and to share that Authority in the management of Affairs, which were due to his Birth and Greatness. So that here the Court was divided, the Prince of Con∣dé having his Faction, and the Count of Soissons his, amongst whom the Duke of Espernon was the chief, and most considerable member.

Yet did not this diversity of Interests produce any sudden ill ef∣fect, the Princes paying a due respect to the Queen, and being by her admitted into the debate of Affairs, though the most im∣portant were carried on by other hands. The Cabinet Council at this time consisted of the Duke of Espernon, the Chancellour de Sillery, President Ianin, and Mounsieur de Villeroy; wherein the Duke's Vote had the greatest sway, and his Opinions did usually

prevail; by whom it being conceiv'd necessary for the honour of the Nation, and the memory of the late King to pursue the Enter∣prize of Iuliers, which had been the pretense of his Majesties Arms, he propounded, and got it to be concluded that the Ma∣reschal de la Chasire, with an Army of 10000 Foot, and 1200. Horse, should be sent to assist the interested Princes in the restitu∣tion of this Place. The issue of which expedition was as succes∣ful as could be wish'd; the places possess'd by the Arch-Duke Leopold were restor'd into the hands of the Marquis of Brande∣bourg, and the Duke of Newbourg; so that Affairs on that side re∣main'd in as good a forwardness as could be desir'd to be shortly compos'd (as they were) to the satisfaction of the German Princes.

As in the occasion we spoke of last things were carried on for the honour, so was it no less necessary for the safety of the King∣dom to give some satisfaction, and assurance to those of the Re∣form'd Religion in the beginning of this new Reign; it being very much to be fear'd this Faction (which at this time was very powerful) pretending a violation of the Edicts formerly publish'd in their toleration, might run into insurrection, to the ruine of the publick peace. Wherein the Duke was of opinion to prevent either the real jealousie, or else the evil intentions of those who were likely to breed any Commotion, by Declarations to con∣firm the ancient Edicts granted in their favour. It is very true, that he had no kindness for their Religion; but he thought it never∣theless unfit to violate the publick Faith, where what he did then for reason of State, he has ever since observ'd in his own parti∣cular administration; so that though an enemy to new opinions, he was notwithstanding ever very solicitous to maintain the pro∣fessors of them within his Governments in peace, and safety; and it has been observ'd, that although at Metz the best Families of the City were of that perswasion, that they abounded in Xain∣tongue, and Angoumois, and that Guienne was not free, it could ne∣ver be perceiv'd, that he made any distinction betwixt them and other the Kings Subjects, except where he found them refractory and disobedient to his Commands.

These precautions, so seasonably apply'd in this turn of State, secur'd the Peace of the Kingdom both within, and without to so fortunate a degree, that a more happy Government could not pos∣sibly have been wish'd. Which certainly if we consider the great number of discontents within, before the King's death, the distastes many persons of great Quality had taken, who breath'd nothing but revenge, with the Ambition that reigns in all Courts

able to overthrow the surest foundations, is infinitely to be won∣dred at. To which may be added the envy of neighbouring Princes, who could not without anxiety, and apprehension suf∣fer the height of prosperity to which France was already advanc'd; together with the Artifices of such as usually in the troubles of a State seek to repair the ruines of their own desperate Fortunes: all which evil dispositions could not, according to humane imagina∣tion have found a more favourable juncture, than during a Re∣gency, to have produc'd their fatal effects; and yet never was France at greater peace within it self, nor more respected of her Neighbours, than in all the whole time of the Queens admini∣stration. Wherein though I dare not, I confess, attribute the whole reputation of the good Government to the Duke of Es∣pernon alone (who having call'd the most prudent and experienc'd Ministers of the latter Reign into his Councils, they ought also to share in the praise) yet can I not in equity deny him the first place of Honour, he having (without dispute, the greatest Authority, and consequently having ever carried the greatest sway in the re∣sults of the most important Affairs.

This Power and Reputation being the ordinary objects of en∣vy even amongst men of equal condition, it is no wonder if the Princes of the Blood were jealous of the Duke of Espernon's greatness; who (as they said) unknown to them dispos'd the greatest Affairs of the Kingdom, wherein they particulary com∣plain'd, that he had perswaded the Queen to resolve upon a match, betwixt the King and the Infanta of Spain; a thing which in his Minority was not to be done without the consent of the Princes of the Blood, by reason of the interest which, by vir∣tue of their proximity, they had in his Majesties Person. But the Duke was so well read in their Priviledges, that it is not to be suppos'd he could commit so great an error; and he had divers times propos'd this Marriage to them, for the most honourable, and most advantageous match could be found out for the King in all Europe: although the Princes who began to suffer themselves to be led away by the perswasions of those who could no longer contain themselves within those bounds, which the virtue of Peace prescrib'd to their Ambition, had ever oppos'd that propo∣sition, and would never consent unto it. The Duke nevertheless, as if he had foreseen the happiness would accrue to the State by this Alliance, ceas'd not continually to fortifie the Queen Mother in the resolution she had taken to pursue that Treaty, and to bring it to a conclusion; which, because it was carried on without their consents, they pretended it to be without their knowledge: and this was all the ground of their complaint.

In this point the Count de Soissons concurr'd with the Prince of Condé; he was already broken off with the Duke of Espernon, and that to such a degree, that he appear'd now more implacable in his hatred, than he had before seem'd violent in his love. I have al∣ready said, that amongst the reasons which induc'd him to seek the Duke's friendship, the chiefest was the Marriage of Mada∣moiselle de Montpensier with the Prince his Son: A Princess, who had been so far honour'd by the late King, that he had cast his eye upon her for a Match betwixt her, and the Duke of Or∣leans, his second Son, and had spoke to the Duke of Espernon to that purpose; so that it cannot appear strange in him, if after being prepossess'd with the hope of so glorious a fortune for his Niece, and so great an honour to his whole Family he could not easily condescend to the Count's motion, wherein nevertheless he excus'd himself with all imaginable Civility and Respect: But this Prince, of a hot and violent nature, taking for injury the least contradiction to his will, was so highly transported with fury at this refusal, that there was no extreme to which he would not hurry his revenge, publickly threatning to assault the Duke in the Streets, in the Louvre, nay in his own House. Thus do we see the Duke at once oppress'd with the open hatred of two of the Princes of the Blood; upon which occasion, although he very well understood the deference due to their persons, and upon that accompt declar'd he would ever give them way, and retire before them; yet did he not conceive it convenient to have the same respect, and consideration for such as under their counte∣nance and protection should make any attempts upon him. And it was in this occurrence, that the Reputation and interest he had at Court did most evidently appear; so many persons, who by his bounty he had oblig'd (principally in the dispensation of those offices depended upon his own of Colonel) so many others who expected their advancement from him, so many Lords of great Quality, who either by Relation or Friendship were united to him; and so many others out of the sole regard of his Virtue flocking about his Person, that he has often been seen in the streets of Paris with seven or eight hundred Gentlemen waiting upon him: And I have heard many of very good quality, who in those times declar'd themselves his Friends and Servants, af∣firm, that when he has gone on foot to the Louvre, as he would sometimes purposely do, his attendance, marching in order, have taken up all the space betwixt the Hostel d' Espernon, and the Court, which is at least 2000 paces; insomuch that the Van of his Train has reach'd the Barriers of the Louvre, before almost the Rear was

out of his own Gates. Which (how strange soever it may appear) is nothing more than truth; as an infinite number of persons yet living can witness. Neither was the Queen (who had great in∣terest in the preservation of a man had merited so highly from her) sorry to see him in so good a posture, conceiving it of no lit∣tle moment to her service, to have a person at Court able to make a Power, that might otherwise have been turn'd against her, and her Authority: and indeed it was upon him she principally rely'd, as the chief of all her Servants, and the most considerable person of her Party.

The Queen made this most manifestly appear in a very remark∣able occasion that hapned at this time; of which take here the true story. The Baron de la Chastagneraye after the Service he had so fortunately done the Queen in recovering her out of the River Seine, at the passage of the Port de Neully (relations of which you will find at large in many of our French Histories) had been gratified for that action with the command of Captain of her Majesties Guard, and was moreover very graciously receiv'd by the Queen; advantages that creating him much envy, either her Majesties Favour, or his own Spirit, or both, engag'd him in ma∣ny Disputes with several persons of the most eminent condition at Court; amongst which he had principally one with Mounsieur le Grand Escuyer, since Duke de Bellegarde; wherein his passion one day transporting him so far, as to speak unhandsomly of him in the Queens presence, and before the Duke of Espernon who was his Cousin German, the Duke conceiv'd himself oblig'd to say something in the behalf of so near a Relation, and thereupon gave la Chastagneraye some smart reply, which he, unable to en∣dure, as briskly return'd upon the Duke himself; who with-held by the reverence of the place, said to him only this,

That her Majesties presence which had encourag'd him to that offensive language, ty'd his hands, and oblig'd him from taking any fur∣ther notice of it;

resolving within himself to let the Quarrel alone at that time, and to call him to an accompt at fitter leisure: but the Queen both to satisfie the Duke of Espernon, and to do her self right, la Chastagneraye having violated the respect due to her Person and Presence, committed him immediately to the Bastile; from whence though he was the next day enlarg'd, yet the sense of his disgrace having wounded him to the quick, the common bruit went that he would revenge himself upon the Duke's per∣son, and that he was countenanc'd in that resolution by the pro∣tection of the Princes. A thing which above all other men he was the most fit to undertake, both for his courage which was very

well known; and also having the command of the Queens Guards, he had better opportunity than any to execute his design, and to practice upon the Duke in the very Louvre it self, than in any other place, who never went accompanied in her Majesties pre∣sence, as he did in all other places. The first intimation of this design the Duke receiv'd from the Queens own mouth, who, by a favour never before, or since granted to any, permitted him to take a number of select Souldiers in his own Livery for the Guard of his Person, to attend him in all places, so much as into the Louvre it self; which favour was highly improved to him, when for his greater security, she moreover gave way that he should chuse some Gentlemen of Quality of his most confident Friends to enter with him arm'd, even into her own Cabinet. Those whom the Duke made choice of for this purpose were Chetin, Brother to the Mareschal de St. Geran, Sauue-Baeuf, Bonneval, the Count de Maillé, Castelbaiart, and Marillac, all men of approved Valour: a Grace which though it gave great jealousie and distaste to the Princes and Grandees of the Court, who were the Duke's Adver∣saries, her Majesty thought it fit notwithstanding, to give him leave to defend his own life against whomsoever would make any attempt against it.

Amongst these many and great disputes wherein the Duke saw himself involv'd, he forgot not the care of his Childrens Educa∣tion; whom he brought up to the most laborious Exercises, and for whom after a foundation of Letters, not only of a bare know∣ledge in the Latine Tongue, but in the Principles of Philosophy also, he took care to provide the greatest man, without contra∣diction, in Europe, for the Exercises of the Body, especially that of Riding, which was the Sieur de la Bro••e formerly in the Con∣stable de Montmorencies entertainment; after whose Death, the Duke gain'd him to himself by so great Benefits, that he gave him at one clap ten thousand Crowns in Gold, with an Annuity of a thousand Crowns issuing out of the Hostel de Ville of Paris, the most certain Revenue at that time in France: Neither did he here limit his Bounties. Under this Gentleman's excellent Discipline, his two eldest Sons arriv'd to such a perfection in their exercises, that no young Lords of their condition in the Kingdom went be∣fore them.

When they had acquir'd as much by precept as seem'd necessa∣ry, he conceiv'd it time they should establish that knowledge by experience, and by observing the manners and ways of living of other Countries; to which purpose having put them into an Equipage suiting their quality, he sent them into Germany, to the

end that by the different Governments of the several little Repub∣licks of which the vast body of that Empire is compos'd, they might be better enabled to judge of good and evil customs, and extract a more certain knowledge for their own future conduct in the Employments to which they were by him design'd. They ar∣riv'd in that Country in a very troublesome time, when all ways were very difficult, and unsafe; but the illustrious name of the Fa∣ther, in greater repute in any part of Europe, than in France it self (present vertues being for the most part less consider'd) did not only open all ways, and secure all passes to them; but made them also receiv'd with great respect, and honour'd with many ci∣vilities, and favours by all the Princes, and Republicks of both par∣ties. After having staid some time in Germany, and visited at lei∣sure the Cities, and most eminent places there, they went from thence into Italy; where they made a considerable stay, and where for the greatest part they made their residence at Rome, continu∣ing still their Exercises; from whence they went to visit the most eminent Cities of that sweetest part of Europe; where having made an acquaintance with most of the Princes and Lords of that Nation, they return'd into France.

Whilst the two eldest were thus forming their minds and bo∣dies to such qualities as were either necessary, or at least becoming their condition; Lewis the youngest of the three, design'd for the Church, was with no less care brought up in the knowledge of Letters; whom so soon as the Duke his Father conceiv'd to be of a fit age, he sent him to La Flesche to the Colledge of the Father Je∣suits, where the discipline requisite for the profession he was to take upon him, was in very great repute. He there continued se∣veral years, and came not thence till he had first run through all the degrees, by which men climb to the highest pitch of know∣ledge; and in effect, when he was call'd thence to come to Court, he had made so happy a progress, that Cardinal Perron, a great friend of his Fathers, having been by him intreated to dis∣course with his Son, had an exceeding great opinion of him, and believ'd him likely to make one of the greatest men of that age, if he proceeded in his profession with a diligence proportionable to the great parts wherewith he enter'd into it.

The three Brothers arriving almost all at the same time at Court, the Duke their Father began to think of establishing the greatness of his Family upon the surest foundation; and thereupon consider'd each of them by himself, for the dividing his Estate amongst them: wherein though they were all embellish'd with so many excellent qualities, that it could hardly be discern'd which

had the greatest merit; yet the Duke having design'd to confer his own name upon the second, that consideration enclin'd him a little more to him than the other two. By Article at his Marriage with Margaret de Foix, Countess of Candale, his eldest Son was to carry the name of Foix, and to inherit his Mothers Estate, clear'd, and augmented by the Duke's mony: and his own name was also so great, what by the vertue of his Ancestors, and what by his own, that he would not leave him on whom it was con∣ferr'd, inferiour either in Reputation, or Estate to any whomso∣ever of his condition, in the Kingdom. He had already by his Service obtain'd from the Queen Regent the Reversion of all his Offices; viz. of that of Colonel General of the Infantry of France; of first Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber, an Office he had ever kept since his first Favour; of Governour of the City, and Cittadel of Metz and of the Messin Country; of the Pro∣vinces, Cities, and Castles of Xaintes, and Angoulesme; of the City and Government of Rochelle, the Country of Aulins, with the higher and lower Limousin; of the City, Castle, and Territo∣ry of Boulogne, and of the City, Country, and Castle of Loches: all which he at this time thus divided amongst his three Sons. To his eldest, the Count of Candale, he assign'd in present (causing him forthwith to be admitted into it) the Office of first Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber, with the Governments of Angoumois, Xain∣tonge, Aulins, and Limousin in Remainder; to which he added the whole Estate of the House of Candale, amounting to above four∣score thousand Livers yearly revenue in goodly Lordships; as al∣so the Dutchy of Espernon, with the Earldom of Montfort, toge∣ther with other Lands arising to above fifty thousand Crowns a year: to which the Duke having obtain'd an assurance of a Ma∣reschal's Staff for this Son, so soon as a more mature age and ex∣perience should render him capable of that Employment, he con∣ceiv'd that a high Spirit, as his was, ought to rest very well satisfied with so fair a Fortune.

To the Marquis de la Valette, his second Son, he assign'd his Of∣fice of Colonel, and the Government of Metz in reversion, with the rest of his Estate whether hereditary or purchas'd; which made up a Revenue equal to the first, together with his share of the Rents, and personal Estate.

For his third Son also he provided to the value of fifty thousand Crowns a year at least in Church preferments; of which he was not content only to put him into present possession, but gave him moreover a years Revenue advance, that he might have where∣withal to maintain a port suitable to his condition: to which he

further added the survivancy of the Government of Boulogne, and Loches, with the Office of chief Almoner to the King, which was a leading step to that of great Almoner of France.

In this distribution of his Fortune, the Duke's paternal care and liberality, might (a man would have thought) have amply satisfied the most aspiring Ambitions, and the most avaritious Natures; neither could the two youngest enough magnifie the bounty of so good a Father, who by his Industry, and his Blood had rais'd them to such a height of Riches and Honour: but some malevolent Spirits, enemies to the peace and happiness of the el∣dest, by a violence upon his nature, perswaded him he had not been kindly us'd in this partition; that therein his younger Bro∣ther had the best, and most solid Employments assign'd to him; whereof one was a Command of it self sufficient to oblige all the Gentlemen of France, together with a Frontier much more considerable, than the best Province of the Kingdom; whereas what was consign'd to him, was only an Office of little value, and no great repute at Court, with the expectation of a Mares∣chal's Staff, considerable 'twas true, but a great way off; and that for his Governments, they lay so in the heart of the Kingdom, that his Authority would be very little, or nothing at all; by which means making him at first undervalue the benefits he had receiv'd, they so debauch'd his gratitude at last, as to make him publickly complain of his Fathers proceeding, and to despise all he had, seeing he had not all he desir'd.

The Duke, advertis'd of his Sons discontent, labour'd all he could to reclaim him, and make him see his error, which he af∣terwards did; neither could any thing be more grateful, and obe∣dient, than he ever carried himself, so oft as he suffer'd himself to be govern'd by his own natural inclination.

Even before the King's death, the Fortune and Greatness of the Father, with the merit, and Riches of the Sons, had rendred their Alliances so considerable, that there were few persons of great Quality at Court, who had not been offer'd to the Duke in Mar∣riage with them; but amongst the several Matches propos'd for the Count de Candale, his eldest Son, the Duke preferr'd that with the Dutchess of Haluin, Grand-child to the Duke of Haluin, and Daughter to the Marquis de Megnelay, the inheritrix of a rich and illustrious Family, before all the rest, Whereupon a Marriage be∣twixt them shortly ensu'd, though discontents soon after arising, grew at last to that height, that in a few years they came to an ab∣solute separation. Those who had the power to sow division in the Marriage-Bed, had the same to perswade the Count de Candale into

an open breach with the Duke his Father; the grief whereof (the most sensible of any he had ever met with in the whole course of his life) as it was the cause of infinite others, which be∣fel him afterwards, had like to have brought him to his Grave. Yet did the Duke (as if he had already foreseen what did after fall out) all an indulgent Father could possibly do, to reconcile him∣self to his Son, and his Son to his Duty: wherein though Le Plessis (the usual mediator of all differences in that Family) did as much as could be expected from an extraordinary prudence, and a sincere affection, it proved all to no effect; the Count either unable to support the injury he believ'd had been done him in the partition of the Offices, or not well enduring the presence of a Father, he was conscious to himself he had not kindly us'd, being resolv'd by a voluntary Exile, to seek some repose for his troubled mind. He determin'd therefore to forsake France, but the end of his Travel was not simply for diversion; neither could he satisfie himself with the meer exercise of some Vertues only to be practis'd in the obscurity of retirement, and in the privacy of a Closet; it was by painful, and perillous actions, and by ex∣posing his life to the uncertain event of great Enterprizes, that he would qualifie and sweeten his discontents. Spurr'd on there∣fore by this generous resolution, he took the second time the way of Italy, where arriving at the Court of the great Duke of Tus∣cany, at a time when he was equipping some Gallies for the Le∣vant, he entreated that Prince to permit him with his friends to put himself aboard those Vessels. There had not any person of his condition, for many years, gone out of the Kingdom with so honourable a Train of Gentlemen, and those in so handsome an Equipage, as the Count did; having above fifty Gentlemen of good quality in his company, whom either their respect to the Fa∣ther, or the esteem of his own person, had prevail'd upon to run the same fortune with him: Loziere, de Themines, Monberaut, Ca∣longes, Magnas, the two Brothers de la Tour, Villandry, Cipierre, Vernegue, Monplaisir, de Vic, la Boissiere, with many other Gentle∣men of note, were of this number; when the Duke his Father, how afflicted soever at his resolution, yet unwilling he should be expos'd to so infinite, and almost inevitable dangers, without some prudent and faithful person to stand by him in all hazards, per∣mitted Le Plessis likewise, who had been very useful to him in his former Travels, to attend him in this sally also; not doubting but he would by his conduct be as serviceable to him in his mili∣tary undertakings, as he had formerly been by his dexterity in other Affairs.

The Duke of Florence having consented that the Count de Can∣dale with his Companions should embarque in his Gallies, they cours'd up and down the Coasts of the Levant, performing some exploits by Sea, and making some attempts by Land, and always with good success: but the particular design of this expedition being upon the Fortress of Aglimant, the most important of all Caramania, they were to steer their course that way, and to pre∣pare themselves to assault it. This Fortress, favour'd by a good Harbour, was man'd with six hundred Turks, and moreover fur∣nish'd with Artillery, Ammunition, and all things necessary for its defense; which, as it lay expos'd to the inroads of the Chri∣stians, those who had the Guard of it, were so vigilant to its pre∣servation, that there could be no hope of effecting any thing by surprize. Neither could the Admiral of the Tuscan Gallies (Signior Enguerrany by name) who was to answer for any miscarriage in the Enterprize, resolve to hazard an attempt, in which he evi∣dently saw so many, and almost invincible difficulties: but the Count de Candale, having generously desir'd the greatest danger might be conferr'd upon him, and his, his noble resolution cut off all disputes, and the assault was forthwith concluded.

If in the proposition of this Enterprize the Count had evidenc'd the bravery of his Spirit, he made it in the execution more mani∣festly appear. Don Pedro Medici of the Duke's own Family, ha∣ving resolv'd to make one in this Voyage, would do the Count de Candale the Honour to fight in his Squadron, which having had the precedency in landing, had the same deference continued to them throughout the whole Action; which so succeeded to the Count's glory, that after a stout resistance he forc'd the place by Petards, and took it; yet not without the loss of some Christians, whereof some Gentlemen of Quality in his own Squadron there lost their lives. Pedro Medici was himself desperately wounded, Le Plessis more slightly; as also Monberaut, and some others: but Villandry, la Boissiere, and Vernegue were laid dead upon the place A loss however soon recompens'd by that of the Turks, who had above 300. men slain in the Fight, with two hundred and fifty of them made slaves, as two hundred and forty Christi∣ans were set free: So that the Florentine General having seiz'd of all the spoil, the Count de Candale contented himself with the bare Honour of the Victory. The Fortress was set on fire, and in a short space totally consum'd; the chiefest the ••urk had upon that Frontier, and that serv'd as a Port to being but five Leagues distance thence.

This action carried on with so great prudence, and perform'd

with so admirable Valour, was crown'd with an universal ap∣plause: So that the Count de Candale return'd into France loaded with Glory and Praise, and Le Plessis having whilst he was abroad sweetned his temper, and given him a better taste of his Fathers Affection, at his return home, he also return'd into his Duty and filial Obedience; which made the Duke with an excess of joy receive him with open arms into his bosom; a re-union that continuing some years, the Count liv'd at Court in great Ho∣nour, and as high Reputation as any Gentleman of his condition in the Kingdom.

At this time there likewise•• hapned an absolute and perfect re∣conciliation betwixt the Duke and the House of Guise; for as the refusal of the Marriage of Madamoiselle de Montpensier had lost him the Count de Soissons friendship, so did the consummation of that of the Dutchess of Montpensier her Mother with the Duke of Guise, acquire him that of that Duke, and all his Family.

This great Alliance in the revolutions, that after hapned, was of no little importance to the Duke of Espernon. The favour of Concino Concini Marquis d' Encre began at this time to shew it self, and to appear out of the conceal••dness, and ob••curity, where it had till now lain hid, and to raise it self to such a prodigious stature, as drew upon the Marquis the envy of the whole Court. I do not here pretend to speak of the Birth of this Favour, nor of the degrees by which it rose to that excessive height, to which it was so suddenly advanc'd. I shall only say that this Marquis, find∣ing himself too weak to bear the great weight of Envy with which he found himself oppress'd, sought the friendship and support of the Duke of Espernon; who he knew was alone sufficient to protect him against all the rest, and to whom, how ambitious soever he might be in his own nature, he made no difficulty to submit. He had in the spring of his favour receiv'd several good Offices from him, in acknowledgment of which, or to interest the Duke further in his preservation, he caus'd the Marriage of his only Daughter with the Marquis de la Valette the Duke's second Son, to be propos'd unto him; offering with her in Dowry the Office of Constable for the Duke himself, so soon as the King should come out of his Minority, of which the time was near at hand; and for the Marquis, Mony and Offices, as much, and as many as they could expect by the means, and through the medi∣ation of a Favourite, who, through his Wife, possess'd an abso∣lute Empire over the Queen Regents will.

Would the Duke have taken the advice of many of his Ser∣vants, he had not perhaps, as he did, rejected this p••oposal▪ but he

would never suffer himself to be overcome, either by the impor∣tunity of his Friends, or the consideration of his own peculiar interest, as to that motion; insomuch that instead of receiving so advantageous offers with some shew of civility and respect, he fail'd little of rejecting them with injury, and contempt, as he did with great disdain: nay he express'd great offense, and un∣kindness against those who press'd him to it. An obstinacy that I have often heard condemn'd by some, who believ'd the Duke had never fall'n into those disorders, whereinto he saw himself after∣wards plung'd by the Marquis d' Encres excessive favour, had he made himself Moderator, that is Master of Affairs, as he might with great ease have done: but as he would pretend to no favour himself, so could he endure no other Favourites; insomuch that he would rather make it his business to pull this down, than by his interest to serve himself in doing his own work.

Though by this repulse the Marquis d' Encre (upon whom all things depended at that time) was infinitely cool'd towards the Duke; yet did he not manifest any disgust at all: The Duke was so necessary at Court, the Queen could not be without him; he had propounded, and caus'd the Match with Spain to be resolv'd upon, contrary to the opinion of the Princes of the Blood, and divers others of great condition, who follow'd their interests; yet could not the busines be carried on to the Queen satisfaction, if he did not remain at Court, to fortifie such in their first reso∣lution, as otherwise might perhaps be taken off by the considera∣tion of the great power of those, who so stiffly oppos'd it. It was therefore necessary to make use of him in this occasion for the ac∣complishment of what had been first propounded by him: and in the end the conditions of the two Marriages having been mutu∣ally accepted of in both Courts, there was great demonstration of joy in both Kingdoms, France particularly pouring out it self in magnificences to a degree almost of profusion, could too much gratitude have been express'd for a blessing that has already pro∣duc'd so much happiness, and that is likely to bring much more to the Kingdom.

Whilst the Court was busie about the preparation for these so∣lemnities, the Prince of Condé, and the Count de Soissons, sudden∣ly withdrew from Court; whose retirement, together with some discontent those of the Religion made shew of at the same time, gave great apprehension, that matters were likely to come to a speedy rupture: but the wisdom of the Queens Council having apply'd seasonable remedies to this disorder, if they did not abso∣lutely take away the effect of what they fear'd, they at least deferr'd

deferr'd it; so that the publick Peace was for this time secur'd. The Queen caus'd the Princes to be treated with, who were at last content to return to Court, and to sign the conditions of the Marriage; and those of the Religion, having by this little disorder procur'd some inconsiderable concessions, referr'd to a fitter op∣portunity the design they had to interrupt the main work, which they conceiv'd would be infinitely prejudicial to their Interest, and Safety.

I cannot in this place forbear another digression from my Sub∣ject, to speak of the acquisition the Duke made at this time of one of the principal Servants he ever had in his Family, and one whose merit made him afterwards very eminent at Court, where he obtain'd no little Favour and Esteem with the King himself; and this was the Sieur de Marsillac, a Gentleman of as great va∣lour, and as graceful a presence as any whatsoever of his time. This man had formerly had a dependence upon Balagny (call'd the Brave of the Court) whom Balagny had taken out of the Re∣giment of Guards, where he trail'd a Pike, to put him upon one of the boldest, and most honourable Actions a Gentleman of his condition could possibly undertake, and that was to carry a Chal∣lenge to the Duke of Eguillon, since Duke of Mayenne. This bu∣siness hapned in the Reign of Henry the great, who did not con∣demn him for it; and, though it was the first of this nature that perhaps had ever been known in France, gave notwithstanding the Duke of Mayenne his Father no satisfaction therein, what complaints soever he could make. I have heard Marsillac himself tell the story: He adventur'd a poor younger Brother as he was, to go execute his Commission even in the Duke d' Eguillon's own Bed-Chamber, whose generosity and freedom he could never sufficiently commend, he doing him the honour to go out with him alone to give his friend satisfaction, without other caution, than his own bare word, though he could by no means prevail with him, to let him be further concern'd in the Quarrel, being resolute to end the dispute without a Second; the only thing whereof he could complain in the Duke's behaviour towards him; though he gave him at the same time as much reason, to magnifie the extraordinary, and noble care he took to conceal the action from the Duke of Mayenne his Fathers knowledge. He was in the house when the Challenge was brought, and has often been heard to say, that had he known his temerity, he would have caus'd Marsillac to have been tost out of the Windows, to have taught him what it was to bring a Message of that nature to a Prince, from a private Gentleman: and doubtless he would

have been as good as his word, he was so highly incens'd at the af∣front; which perhaps serv'd for an example shortly after to the Baron of Luz, in his challenge to the Chevalier de Guise. As for Marsillac after the death of Balagny (who was kill'd in a Quarrel) being entertain'd into the Duke of Espernon's Service, he obtain'd under him in the command of his Guard, which he bestowed upon him, so high a reputation, and esteem, that he was at last desir'd by the King; where his Majesty gave him a Company in his own Guards, and his deserts were infallibly raising him to a much higher fortune, if at the same time the King express'd the greatest esteem and affection for him, he had not at the Siege of Privas receiv'd a Musquet••shot in his head, which as it determin'd his hopes, was also the reward of all his Service.

We here with a new year enter upon a new disorder, of which the immoderate greatness of Conchini was either the effectual, or at least the pretended cause; and doubtless his favour and inso∣lence were rais'd to that excess, as rendred him intolerable; either of which are sufficiently odious in whomsoever they happen to befound; but being united in him, pull'd upon him the hatred, or ••nvy of all sorts of men. The most part of the great ones see∣ing themselves excluded from all knowledge of Affairs (neither is it possible to satisfie all who will pretend to that priviledge) cast their eyes upon the Prince of Condé, to interest him in their dis∣contents; and the Hugonot Faction not being able without great jealousie to see the Marriage accomplish'd, was no less ready than those Grandees to break into open arms: The one and the other then being in such a disposition, had joyntly by the negotiation of the Duke of Boüillon recourse to the Prince of Condé, perswa∣ding him to oppose himself to Conchini's greatness, to demand pu∣nishment for those evils of which he had been the cause, and a Reformation in the State; the old and common pretense of all such as would infest the publick peace. The Prince had ever since the death of the Count de Soissons been in high consideration, not only by reason of his quality as first, but also as it were sole Prince of the Blood; to which his admirable endowments rendred him no less conspicuous, than did the preeminence of his Birth: He was knowing, dexterous, and intelligent in all sorts of business, beyond what could be expected from his age: notwithstanding all which great qualities, something yet being wanting, that some conceiv'd was requir'd in a person of his eminent condition, they had not allow'd him that share in the management of Affairs he either merited, or at least desir'd; an injury that he very much re∣sneting, and moreover animated by the perswasions not of the

Duke de Boüillon only, but also by the Dukes of Longueville, Mayenne, Nevers, and Luxe••bourg, who had every one a particu∣lar pretext for his defection, made him suddenly depart from Court, and retire himself to Mezieres in Champagne, from whence, should he be smartly laid to, he might conveniently retreat to Se∣dan. To this place he was follow'd by all the other discontented Lords: as for the Duke of Vendosme, who had likewise promis'd to do the same, not being able to get clear of the Court so soon as he intended (having been detain'd prisoner in a Chamber of the Louvre) he nevertheless finding means to deceive his Guards, escap'd soon after to his Government of Bretagne, where he did what he could to fortifie the Faction by the interest he had in that Province.

This great number of discontents put the Court into strange disorder, the old Ministers of State, who had seen nothing of a Civil War for many years, apprehending this would certainly involve the Kingdom in a desperate confusion: but the Duke of Espernon having consider'd that the Princes for the most part had neither mony, nor credit at home, nor no intelligence abroad, few places to retire unto, and fewer friends amongst the people, whom the serenity of the present Government had rendred very well satisfied with their condition, was of a quite contrary opi∣nion. He therefore advis'd the Queen Regent to cause them by the Regiments of French, and Swisse Guards, with such Horse as were ready at hand to be suddenly pur••••••d; assuring her, that if the King would please to put himself into the head of this little Body, he might with the greatest ease imaginable, and without resistance suppress a faction that had inconsiderately engag'd in a Rebellion without other ground than the meer instigation of some mutinous spirits, and no other support at all. It was the same advice he had formerly given Henry the III. in the time of his fa∣vour, and in the first commotions of the League; which not having then been hearkened to, had cost the King and the whole Kingdom so dear: but the same Counsel had here the same suc∣cess, the wisdom of the Ministers of State could not give ear to an advice, wherein they apprehended so great a danger; so that for want of having observ'd what the presence of a King does in a Kingdom, where the respect to the Sovereign Authority has ever been so inviolate, as that it seems to be a quality inherent to that people, they lost the most favourable opportunity to have secur'd the present peace, and to have prevented the mischiefs that ensu'd, could possibly have been wish'd. An oversight that the Prince of Condé very well observing, as I have heard him say him∣self,

he of that observation (as we shall see hereafter) made a great advantage for the King's Service in the Queen Mothers Affairs.

The advice of taking Arms being thus rejected, the Duke of Espernon refus'd to have any hand in the insuing Treaty, wherein he saw they were to purchase a Peace he neither thought honour∣able, nor likely long to continue. It was nevertheless soon con∣cluded, and the Princes having at this time found no disposition in the people to follow the humour of their priuate discontents; nor being able of themselves to raise any considerable force, made no great difficulty of selling a Peace, they would undoubtedly, have bought at any price, had they once been made to feel the smart of War. But for this they had great summes of mony, that furnish'd them for another Rebellion, with some other conditi∣ons, as that there should be a Convocation of the Estates General for regulating such disorders as (they said) were introduc'd into the Kingdom. And this was that call'd the Peace of Saint Mene∣hou, according to the Articles of which, there follow'd after a Convocation of the Estates, but not till the Declaration of the King's Majority had first been ratified in the Parliament of Paris; that Act having been thought convenient to precede the Assem∣bly, to the end that whatever they should there conclude, might be more authentick, and admit of no dispute for the time to come.

During this Session of the Estates, and in the sight as it were of all France, which in the persons of their Deputies seem'd to be then present at Paris, the Duke did an action which made a great bustle, and noise in the beginning; but that in the issue, through the high consideration and esteem of his Authority and Vertue, was pass'd over well enough. I have already said, when speaking of the erection of the Duke's command of Colonel Ge∣neral in Title of an Office of the Crown, that the King annex'd thereto a Sovereign Justice, or Court Martial over all the French Infantry. In any difference betwixt Souldier and Souldier, the Duke, together with the Officers of that Body to which the Soul∣dier did belong, was absolute and sovereign Judge of the Offense; but if the difference hapned to be betwixt a Souldier and a Citi∣zen, there he was to call some Officers of Justice, together with the Officers of the Regiment to assist him. Rules that, being en∣ter'd amongst the Statutes of the Crown, are at this day part of the Law, as they make up the most noble part of that brave com∣mand. It hapned that at this time, two Souldiers of the Regi∣ment of Guards fighting a Duel in the Pré-au-Clercs, a place within

the Jurisdiction of the Abby of Saint Germans, the one being slain, the other was taken, and delivered into the hands of the Prevost of Saint Germans, who detain'd him in the Prison be∣longing to the Abby. Whereupon the Duke conceiving this had been ignorantly done by the Officer, who perhaps might not know how far in this case his Authority did extend, sent the Pre∣vost-Martial of the Regiment to the Bailiff to make him under∣stand the right the Duke had to demand his Prisoner, and withal civilly to entreat him to deliver him up, that he might be brought to his Trial: But this entreaty was answer'd with a surly and po∣sitive denial, which being, in the terms it was deliver'd, carried back to the Duke, made him infinitely impatient, that the Laws establish'd in favour of his command, should suffer so great a contempt: neither could he on the other side submit to pursue all the due Forms, by which he was by order of Law and Justice to retrive his man. Thinking it therefore the most expedite way to make use of his own Authority in the case, he commanded the Lieutenant of the Company of which the Prisoner was, to take a Squadron along with him, and by fair means or foul to bring him away; which was accordingly executed: and upon a se∣cond refusal the Prison of Saint Germans broke open, and the Souldier carried away to be punish'd according to the rigour of the Law, but by those nevertheless who were his proper and na∣tural Judges.

Hereupon the Bailiff goes to the Parliament to complain of the contempt had been offer'd to the Court by a violence upon their inferiour Officers: upon which complaint, and an Indict∣ment Viva voce preferr'd by the Bailiff himself; the Parliament issued out a Warrant to apprehend the Lieutenant for executing his Colonels Order, with a Citation of personal appearance against the Colonel himself: A proceeding, that as it could not certainly be approv'd by all, surpriz'd and nettled the Duke to the last degree. He complain'd of it to the King, representing at the same time his reasons to justifie the Act, and not being able to support the contempt he conceiv'd was cast upon his person, by a body he had ever honour'd, and sometimes oblig'd, he would give the world an accompt it was no easie matter to serve a Process up∣on him. That from the Parliament had been granted out the six∣teenth of November, and on the ninteenth the Duke went thi∣ther in person, accompanied with five, or six hundred Gentle∣men, besides whom there also crowded as many more young Souldiers of the Regiment of Guards into the Palace; inso∣much that all the Base-Court, Galleries, and the very Hall it self

was full of them. The Duke pretended he went to present him∣self in obedience to the Process had been issued out against him, though no one could believe he went in such a posture with any intent of submission: So that the Parliament advertiz'd of his coming with so great a Train, and not knowing his design, nor to what his passion might transport him, suddenly adjourn'd, re∣tiring every man his own way before their usual time.

As it is hard to govern a confus'd, and unruly multitude, a sort of young hair-brain'd fellows, who attended the Duke, offer'd some indignities, and affronts to some of the inferiour Officers of the Court; and being most of them in Boots, purposely intan∣gled their Spurs in the Ushers, and Proctors Gowns, thinking thereby the more to oblige the Duke, as they appear'd more sen∣sible of his offense. An insolence that infinitely aggravated the business, which without that had been foul enough of it self. A great complaint whereof was made against the Duke, as respon∣sible for all that hapned at the Palace, every one believing that, in the design he had to brave the Parliament, all things were done by his order, which had pass'd in his presence.

If the Duke had manifested a resentment of the injury he had receiv'd from the Parliament, the Parliament express'd no less for what the Duke had done to the contempt of their Dignity; yet did they make no complaint thereof to the King; but remaining in a profound silence (the truest sign of a violent affliction) order'd a cessation of Justice, with a determinate resolution never to meet again, till first a publick and solemn reparation should be made.

This business, proceeding to such a height, put the King and Queen into a very great confusion; they thought it neither con∣venient nor safe in this juncture of Affairs, which seem'd to threaten some sudden mischief, to disoblige the Duke of Espernon; neither did they think it an easie matter to perswade him to pay the Parliament any great submissions; who, on the other side, would in such a case as this accept of no ordinary satisfaction. At last the King sent the Duke de Vantadour to the Palace, to tell the Parliament from him, That by their Body his person being repre∣sented,

all the injury they pretended to have receiv'd from the Duke of Espernon reflected immediately upon him: That his Majesty also took it to himself, to whom it did belong, to vindi∣cate his own Honour, which he should be sufficiently able to do without any necessity upon them of espousing his Quarrel: but that because the business had made some noise, that might perhaps have given some offense to the publick, he therefore de∣sir'd they should receive a publick satisfaction, and such a one as

should satisfie the world of the great respect he had to Justice. That in order thereunto it was his pleasure the Prisoner should be return'd to the same place from whence he had been taken, and by the same person by whom he had been fetch'd away; and as for what concern'd the Duke, who protested he had no intention to offend the Parliament in what he had done, he should be desir'd in his own person to make the same protesta∣tion before them.

Things being thus order'd, the Duke of Espernon the nine and twentieth of the same month went to the Palace; when, though with no extraordinary Train about his person, so many never∣theless of his Friends had convey'd themselves into the Palace, as were sufficient to make head against his Enemies, should they, by taking advantage of the place, or by pretending to do a right to the Assembly, have attempted any thing against him. Being come into the great Chamber, and having taken his accustomed seat, he, speaking with his hat on, in few words Remonstrated:

That having never had other intent, than to pay all due respect to an Assembly in which he had had the honour for many years to have some place, he could not but admire they should inter∣pret what was an effect of that due honour and respect, for a premeditated offense: That he was not altogether so unthrifty of his own Interest, as to offer an injury to them, which he could not but know would rebound upon himself: That he had, for two and thirty years past, been a Member of that Ho∣nourable Body; during all which time there had not been per∣haps a man of his condition, more passionate for their Service, than himself in the Kingdom: That he had set down amongst the good fortunes of his life, the opportunity he had happily met withal of expressing his good Affection to the Dignity of that Assembly, when after the death of Henry the Great, of Glorious Memory, he had first advis'd them to make use of their own Authority in providing for the Regency of the King∣dom: That he had tendred them his Service upon that occasi∣on, which had not been altogether ineffectual to the putting them in possession of a priviledge which would doubtless be ta∣ken notice of in ages yet to come: That if any indiscreet per∣sons had made use of his name, either for the pretense of their insolencies, or in the prosecution of their own private revenge, he seriously demanded their Justice, as the person most con∣cern'd in the offense: That he very well knew his enemies would lay hold of that occasion, to make him appear in all the fault; but that he did humbly beseech them to judge more fa∣vourably

of his intentions, and that all things past might be forgot (concluding his speech with these very words) That he di•• intreat to be excus'd, if in a rude and unpolish'd discourse, he had not given that satisfaction he could have wish'd to their Learned Ears, who having been all his life a Captain of Foot, had ever made it more his study to do, than to speak well.

To which the first President Verdun, after having gather'd the Votes of the Assembly, return'd this Answer:

That since the King was graciously pleas'd to incline more to Clemency than Ri∣gour, the Court by his Majesties express Command, and in con∣sideration of his many brave Services, as also willing to make the best interpretation of what had pass'd, accepted of his ex∣cuse; hoping thereby for the future, to engage both himself and his Sons to pay those Services to the King and Kingdom to which they were in gratitude oblig'd; and to that Court the Honour and respect was due unto them.

Of which he never af∣ter fail'd; neither at the hour of his death, was there any person of his condition in the Kingdom, who had more friends than he in that honourable Assembly, nor that had more reason upon several occasions to magnifie their Justice.

The end of the Sixth Book.

Notes

• A dispute betwixt the Duke of Espernon and the Duke of Guise.
• Another quarrel be∣twixt the Duke of Es∣pernon, and the Pri••ce of Ioinville.
• Anno 1606.
• The King makes an•• expedition to Se••n, wherein the command of t••e V••nt-Guard is commit••ed to the Duke of Espernon.
• Anno 1607.
• The de••th of the Duke of Montp••n∣sier.
• Anno 1608.
• The death of Pere An∣ge de Ioyeuse the Duke's Brother-in-law.
• Anno 1609.
• The Truce betwixt Spain and Holland concluded by the King's me∣diation.
• Anno 1610.
• The King makes great preparation for War.
• De Serres says the King inten∣ded to leave the Consta∣ble, and the Chancellor in tha•• trust.
• The Death of Henry the IIII.
• Who were the Mares∣chal de Ro∣quelaure, the M••rquis de la Force, the Sieur de Liencourt, and the Marquis de Mire••eau.
• De S••rres says by a mistake the Duke of Monbazon ••eceiv'd the ••••ab in the right sleeve of his Do••blet.
• The Duke of Espernon's signal servi∣ces to the State after the Death of the King.
• What ways the Duke proceeded in to cause the Queen Mother to be decl••r'd Regent.
• O•• Lord Mayor of Paris.
• Sheriffs
• 〈…〉〈…〉
• The Duke goes to the Hostel de Ville:
• The Duke goes to the Augustins, where he advises the Parliament to declare the Q••een Regent.
• The reasons that mov'd the Duke to press the Queen Mo∣ther should be declared Regent.
• The return of the Count de Soissons to Court.
• The Duke of Espernon's Authority re-esta∣blish'd in Metz.
• The Prince of Condé re∣turns to Court, where he appears dis∣pleas'd at the Duke of Espernon.
• The state of Affairs at Court, du∣ring the Queens Re∣gency.
• Anno 1611.
• The begin∣ning of the Princes dis∣content.
• Anno 1612.
• The favours the Duke receiv'd from the Queen up∣on the feuds betwixt him and t••e Princes.
• The Educa∣tion of the Dukes three Sons.
• Mea••••ng that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Co∣lone••.
• The Marri∣age of the Count d•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Duk••••el∣dest Son.
• The Count de Candale's Voyage into the Levant.
• The Mares∣chal d' Encre seeks the Duke of Es∣pernon's Al∣liance, and is rejected.
• Anno 1613.
• A Challenge carried by Marsillac from Ba∣lagni to the Duke of Eguillon.
• Anno 1614.
• New disor∣ders in the Kingdom.
• The Duke 〈…〉〈…〉.
• Not follow∣ed, to the great disad∣vantage of the Royal Affairs.