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

THE HISTORY Of the LIFE of the Duke of Espernon. (Book 7)

The Seventh Book. (Book 7)

SOon after the forementioned dispute betwixt the Parliament,* 1.1 and the Duke, the Assembly of Estates broke up; which, instead of the happy Reformation was expected to ensue, was imme∣diately follow'd by a War; upon which the Council (after having long waver'd in the un∣certainty of the Peace so lately and so dearly bought) saw it neces∣sary at last to resolve.* 1.2 The discontents of the Prince of Condé was again the cause of this, as it had been of the late Commotion; and those discontents again founded upon the greatness of Con∣chini, now advanc'd to the honour of Mareschal of France. The Mareschal therefore finding the Prince had conceiv'd an implaca∣ble animosity against him, and very well foreseeing, that unless he freed himself from the difficulties he would eternally strew in his way, he could never raise himself to that pitch of greatness, to which he did aspire; he resolv'd to come to a publick Rupture with him, and to remove him from the King's Presence by a War that should for a sufficient time secure himself from those obstacles

he was otherwise certain to receive from so powerful an Enemy. The Prince was already retir'd in great discontent from Court; having as before, taken the way of Champagne, that he might be near Sedan, his surest refuge, should he be overmatch'd by the Royal Power: where after Conchini had long amus'd him with the hope of some advantageou•• Accommodation he at one blow cut him off that expectation, by causing a Summons to be sent him to be in readiness to attend the King in his Progress into Guienne, whither his Majesty was resolv'd shortly to take a Jour∣ney for the consummation of his Marriage; an Affair that having ever been oppos'd by the Prince, he very well understood the meaning of that Summons, and now plainly saw how he was to trust in the strength of his own Arms. He had ever since the last breach been so solicitous to continue his intelligence, and to main∣tain the League he had contracted with the Lords of his Party the precedent year, that it was no hard matter for him to engage them in this n••w Quarrel: the Dukes of Longu••ville, Mayenne, Vendosme, and Nevers declar'd highly in his favour, and the Duke of Boüillon (whose interest carried the whole Hugonot Faction along with it) did the same; so that all things were apparently dispos'd for an intestine War, in all the best Provinces of the Kingdom.

So many discontented persons, and those so considerable in themselves, put the Court into no little disorder; the Kings Jour∣ney in order to his Marriage had been resolv'd upon, and the time with the Spanish Agents concluded; which was every where so publickly known, that the Honour of the King and the Queen Mother was not a little concern'd in the consummation of a thing, to which they were so solemnly engag'd: but there was scarce any who durst undertake to overcome the difficulties were prepar'd to hinder that great Affair. For after the retirement of all the fore∣nam'd Princes, there was not any remain'd at Court, except the Dukes of Guise and Espernon, who were capable of serving the King in so dangerous an occasion; and of these the Duke of Guise, though in shew well enough with the Queen, stood never∣theless so suspected to her, that she durst not trust an Army in his hands, lest by joyning with the discontented Princes (whereof the greater part were his Kindred, or nearly ally'd to him) his Ma∣jesties Person might be left wholly to their discretion; and al∣though she had not the same jealousie of the Duke of Espernon (no body doubting his Fidelity) yet could not that command be con∣ferr'd upon him, without giving offense to the Duke of Guise.

In this anxiety then how she might satisfie them both, the Duke of Espernon went one day to attend the Queen, where he made it his humble request to her Majesty,* 1.3 she would not in the least consider his particular satisfaction in this occurrence:

Tel∣ling her he should ever be very well satisfied, provided their Majesties were serv'd as they ought to be: That he did hope they would, and that he was doing something in order to se∣curing their Journey so far as Bordeaux; wherein he neverthe∣less pretended to no other Command, than barely to ride in the head of those Friends, which he should make ready for that Ser∣vice: That perhaps a greater Authority might give distaste to some, who at this time were by no means to be disoblig'd: That for what concern'd the Princes, a good Army interpos'd betwixt them, and Paris, under the command of some man of Quality and Experience would be sufficient: and that for any thing could be apprehended from those of the Religion, whose greatest strength were in Poitou, Xaintongue, and Rochelle upon the way to Bordeaux, he himself would undertake; his Go∣vernments in those parts giving him sufficient power so to do.

The Queen Mother, by this assurance being confirm'd in her first design, •• told the Duke that she absolutely resign'd the King's Person, and her own to his care and protection; that she therefore desir'd him to order all things, as should seem to him the most convenient, as she absolutely left them to his Valour and Wisdom: A Commission the Duke had no sooner receiv'd, but that seeing himself authorized so to do, he caus'd the King's de∣parture the seventeenth of August to be proclaim'd, perswading the Queen to confer the Command of the Army which was to at∣tend the Princes motion upon the Mareschal de Bois-Dauphin; advi∣sing her Majesty further, and in the first place to provide for the security of Paris, that the Princes Servants, who had great Autho∣rity in the City, might raise no commotion there in their Maje∣sties absence.

After therefore that had been taken order for, by the securing of some eminent and suspected persons, the Court departed from Paris, happily arriving in a few days at Poictiers: and had not Ma∣dam the King's Sister fallen sick of the Small Pox delayed their Journey, their Majesties had been upon their return before the Princes could have got their Forces together; but that unhappy accident, having constrain'd them to stay near two months at Poi∣ctiers, gave their Enemies leisure to put them into great apprehen∣sions: which was also the only harm they received from this in∣surrection.

At the same City of Poictiers there hapned another disorder at this time, wherein had not the Duke of Espernon, who was prin∣cipally concern'd in the Affair, rendred himself unusually tract∣able, another obstacle to that Progress had infallibly ensu'd. The Duke of Guise, from the time of his Marriage with the Dutchess of Montpensier, had pretended to the Wardship of Madamoiselle her Daughter; who was Inheritrix to such a Fortune, as might reasonably induce any man to covet the management of so brave an Estate, which nevertheless he could not obtain, without the consent of the Duke who was great Uncle to the young Princess: and he, having very good reason to believe the Duke of Guise did in this claim, more consider his own interest, than that of the Dutchess of Montpensier his Niece, would never gratifie him in that particular. But the Duke of Guise conceiving his Service to be altogether necessary at this time, took this opportunity to im∣portune the Queen, either to cause the Duke of Espernon to satis∣fie him in this point, or to give him leave to retire. Whereupon the Queen spoke of it to the Duke, whom she found very averse to any such motion; he humbly entreating her Majesty to dis∣pose absolutely of all his own concerns, but not to command him to neglect his Nieces interests: though in the end, the Queen, who could promise to her self no good issue of that Journey, without a good intelligence betwixt these two great persons, so far prevail'd upon the Duke, that he was content to satisfie the Duke of Guise; by which means their friendship upon the point for ever to be dissolv'd, upon this little occasion, grew greater and more firm than ever.

As it had been no hard matter to foresee how advantageous the long Sickness of Madam, and their Majesties stay at Poictiers would be to the designs of those of the Religion, and others who were engag'd in the Princes Quarrel: So had the Duke of Es∣pernon omitted nothing that might any way serve to divert the dangerous effects of that untoward accident. And herein he had been especially solicitous to put his Governments of Xaintonge, and Angoumois into a posture fit for his Majesties Service, upon that the security of that Voyage chiefly depending. To this pur∣pose therefore he had sent thither the Duke of Candale, his eldest Son (already establish'd in the succession of those Governments) to keep them in Obedience: Nevertheless what he did for so good an end, succeeded otherwise than he expected, news be∣ing brought him, that this Son had entertain'd resoluti∣ons much contrary to his own, and having suffer'd himself to be misled by certain ungovern'd passions, was fall'n off

from his duty to embrace new Counsels, and to follow new De∣signs.

Whether it were the sense of this miscarriage in his Son (which also occasion'd a new, and a wider breach betwixt them) or the apprehension of being by this means made incapable of perfor∣ming his word with the King and Queen, that put his mind into that disorder whereinto he soon after fell; so it was that he fell sick of so violent a grief, as every one expected would carry him to his grave. Things nevertheless succeeded in his Government according to what he had undertaken; their Majesties after the re∣covery of Madam, having left Poictiers, proceeded in great secu∣rity to Angoulesme; neither there, nor in any other place through∣out the whole Journey meeting with any impediment at all. But the Duke wounded to the soul with the violent sorrow•• of his Sons untoward carriage was now no longer able to bear it out; but having convey'd their Majesties to the utmost bounds of his Government (that is to say out of all danger, they there entring upon Guienne, where the way was clear to Bordeaux) fell sudden∣ly into so great a weakness, that he was carried back for dead to Angoulesme:* 1.4 He lay above forty hours (a very extraordinary thing) without speech, pulse, or any kind of motion; insomuch that not a person about him, but concluded him absolutely dead: but at last his Spirits, which had been so long overcome with grief, and his strength weakned by a very long abstinen••e, being stirr'd up by a glass of Water (his ordinary and best Remedy, and which he ever made use of in all distempers) he began a little to come to himself, with so great an astonishment nevertheless, that he continued a great while without any kind of knowledge; his sighs, which were the issue of his grief, being the only evidence almost he gave that he was yet alive. Yet could he not, in this great and total neglect of himself, forget the care of his Masters Affairs, he being no sooner return'd to a new life, but that he dispatch'd away the Marquis de la Valette, who had continued about him, during his Sickness, to attend the King, and Queen; that the Friends he had engag'd in this Voyage, having himself as it were present with them, in the person of so dear a part of him∣self, might continue more diligent in their duty.

The Duke had the honour, during this Sickness, to be visited by several persons sent purposely by the King and Queen to see him, by whom he receiv'd very obliging Letters, under their Ma∣jesties own hands; and when something recover'd, others of the same stile and kindness. Mounsieur de Villeroy also, after their old animosities, being become his very great friend, writ very often

to him; wherein he still gave him an accompt of all Affairs, con∣juring him to make all the haste he could to Court, where he said his Presence and Service was never more necessary than at this time. Two of which Letters I have seen, bearing date the twen∣tieth, and four and twentieth, of October 1615. Not that the Duke was nevertheless upon so good terms at Court, as he had former∣ly been: neither did those Letters imply any such thing, it being hardly to be expected he could be in any eminent degree of favour with the Queen Mother (upon whom, at that time, all things depended) being out with the Mareschal d' Encre, whose Wife had so strange an ascendent over her Majesties inclinations; but that his Service could, in this juncture, by no means be spar'd: neither did he, how evidently soever he saw his favour decline, fail, out of that consideration, in any part of his Duty, being resolute rather to perish, than that their Majesties should suffer the least inconvenience. So soon therefore as he was able to Travel, he went to Bordeaux, where he arriv'd the twelfth day of No∣vember, and a few days after attended the King to Castres, a lit∣tle Village upon the great Road from Bayonne to that City; where the King would t••e first time see the Queen his Spouse, and where the Duke, who was very perfect in the Spanish Tongue, had the honour to entertain her at the Boot of her Coach, whilst his Majesty, in a crowd of some young Lords and Gentlemen on Horseback pass'd by incognito to view her.

The young Queen,* 1.5 arriving at Bordeaux the 25th. of November, found the Court in a very great Alarm at the news of the Princes being advanc'd on this side the River Loire; whose Forces being by this time united, and moreover re••inforc'd with some Forein Troops, were likely to make their Majesties return to Paris very difficult, and dangerous. An occasion wherein the Duke of Es∣pernon's Services were again of very great moment, who, during his abode at Angoulesme, after his recovery, had made many Le∣vies, which were all ready at Ville-Bois; a recruit that consisting of 5000. Foot, and 400. Light Horse, and joyn'd to the Forces their Majesties already had, absolutely secur'd their return through the Countries of Xaintonge, and Poictou, possess'd by those of the Religion, and without any difficulty made good their way to Poictiers, and so to Tours, notwithstanding whatever the Princes could do to oppose them.

In this return of the King to Paris, the Duke of Guise was made General of the Army, which had hitherto serv'd under the Ma∣reschal de Bois-Dauphin, and the Duke of Espernon had also the absolute Authority of their Majesties Conduct conferr'd upon

him; who, for fear of distasting the Duke of Guise would never till then pretend to any command: an undertaking wherein he so acquitted himself, as might give him reasonable expectation of a grateful return: But who can promise to himself any fruits of his services, especially at Court, where the best are usually re∣warded with hatred, or envy? nor had the Duke's a better ac∣knowledgment, when having perform'd all that could be expe∣cted from a Loyal Subject, and a brave Gentleman, and that their Majesties by his vigilancy and valour were once settled in safety, there was nothing more thought of, than how to revenge the Mareschal d' Encre, even at the price of so good, and so faithful a Servant.

The first evidence the Duke met withal of any manifest disgrace,* 1.6 was upon the occasion of a vacancy that hapned in the Company of la Courbe, one of the Captains in the Regiment of Guards: a Gentleman that having serv'd long, and with great Reputation in that Command, and hapning to die in this Journey; and his Son a young and hopeful Cavalier, having before his Fathers death been admitted Ensign to that Company, the Duke, who had been a great lover of the Father (whose brave and late Services seem'd likewise to plead in behalf of the Son) had mov'd their Majesties in his Favour, that that Command might be conferr'd upon him. Since the death of the late King, nor of long before, had the Duke ever appear'd zealous in any request he had not, without any great difficulty, obtain'd; neither had he less, but more reason now, than ever to expect the same favour, his recent Services ha∣ving been of that importance to the Kings Affairs: all which ne∣vertheless being either not regarded, or forgot; and the design had before been concluded to disoblige him, prevailing above the me∣rits of the Father, the pretenders Right, and the Duke's Interest who interceded for him, la Besne, Lieutenant to the same Compa∣ny, was preferr'd before young la Courbe, how displeas'd soever the Duke seem'd to be at that Election. Yet did he not resent this ill usage so high as to leave the Court, satisfying himself at present with manifesting his discontents bymany and publick complaints, though in vain, the Court now no more caring to offend him: but on the contrary taking this occasion to exclude him from the Council, where his candid, and unbyass'd opinions did nothing relish with such as would have all things give way to their own private interests (and doubtless had he at this time in the least ban∣died with his enemies, they would immediately have attempted upon his person) that the Mareschal d' Encre, and his Wife might by so powerful an opposes be no longer travers'd in their designs.

The Duke's Affairs were in this posture, when their Majesties having first recover'd Poictiers, and afterwards Chastellerant (where the Peace concluded at Loudun was sign'd) arriv'd in the end at Tours; neither did the Duke there fail, how ill soever he saw himself entertain'd, continually to pay all due reverence to the Queen, when coming one day into her Chamber with a great many other Lords and Gentlemen, one of the beams that sup∣ported the floor suddenly broke; insomuch that all that side of the Room fell down with a sudden ruine, overwhelming all those that stood upon it, to their exceeding great peril. Many persons of very eminent quality were engag'd in the danger of this fall, amongst whom the Count de Soissons, then very young, was one, as also the Duke Bassompierre,* 1.7 Villeroy, and some others: The Duke be∣ing always very well attended, his Servants suddenly leap'd into the midst of the ruines, to relieve him, where, though himself was dangerously engag'd, and very much hurt in several places, especially in one shoulder, he nevertheless call'd out to his Friends to run and save the Count, himself also assisting as much as in him ••ay to disingage him from the rubbish, and to put him out of danger by the Window of a low Parlour; being much more solicitous of this Prince's safety than his own: who, being by his own, and his Servants diligence secur'd, he afterwards disingag'd himself from the ruines, and wounded, as has been said, was con∣vey'd to his own Lodgings. The Queen Mother, who, by good fortune had escap'd the danger (that part of the Chamber where she sate, being supported by the more faithful strength of the other Beam that remain'd entire) sent very graciously to visit all the persons of Quality, who had receiv'd any hurt by this accident, the Duke only (who was design'd for the worst usage) excepted. It is not to be doubted, but that the Duke must needs highly re∣sent so manifest a preterition, by which he evidently perceiv'd they intended to make him sensible of his disgrace; so that fear∣ing, should he continue at Court after so clear a testimony of dis∣favour, something of a ruder nature might be put upon him, he forthwith resolv'd to retire himself, as he did, but with high and publick complaints of the injustice was done him, and of the un∣worthy recompense he received for all his Service. He spent two days before his departure in visiting, and taking leave of his friends, forbearing nevertheless that Ceremony to all he conceiv'd not to be such, in what degree of favour soever they might be at Court; he either having never understood, or having never been willing to learn those mean Court Maxims that oblige men to dissemble their resentments, and to give thanks for injuries receiv'd: de∣claring

on the contrary to all the world, that he went away with the dissatisfaction an honest man ought to have for the loss of his time, and service. Notwithstanding at last, taking his leave of their Majesties, he was by the King and Queen very civilly dismist,* 1.8 though the Queen Mother receiv'd his last complements with the usual coldness she had already begun to discover upon several oc∣casions.

After this manner the Duke retir'd back to Angoulesme, his old, and ordinary refuge, in all his disgraces, whilst their Majesties con∣tinued their Journey to Paris, where they arriv'd in Iune; and whither the Prince of Condé also (imagining he had by the Treaty. of Loudon establish'd his Affairs in so sure a condition, that it was not in the power of event to work any alteration to his disadvan∣tage) came presently after; but he soon found that nothing is more unstable, than a power, how great soever, that depends meerly up∣on its own strength, the sole name of a King (though a Child, and the publick administration managed by a man hateful to all) being sufficient to arrest him in the very arms of all his Confede∣rates,* 1.9 and even in the City of Paris, where he believ'd his person, through the affections of the people in greater security, than in any other place of the Kingdom.

All the Princes, and Lords, not only those then present at Court, and who had engag'd with the Prince in the late commo∣tions, but also all the rest of their party, astonish'd at so extra∣ordinary a proceeding, and believing that after an example like this, neither respect of persons, nor any security in general was to be expected, they suddenly retir'd from Court; to whom the rest almost as suddenly re-united themselves for their common safety. The Mareschal, who thought that by securing the Head of the Faction, he had likewise secur'd himself from the danger of the rest, was infinitely surpriz'd when he saw them now united in more formidable numbers than before, and that the Lords of the House of Guise also absented themselves upon this occasion; wherein nevertheless he had this hope, that so many persons of equal quality would not long agree together, especially if press'd home by the Royal Arms: An opinion that made him resolve to set immediately such Forces on foot, as should be sufficient to encounter, and suppress them in several places at once. Neither did he care to reduce any by Treaty, save only the Duke of Guise, conceiving an Accommodation with him would be more easily effected, than with any of the other, by how much he had ever observ'd a greater moderation in him, and his Brothers towards himself, than the rest; to which likewise the complacency the

Duke had ever manifested for the Queen in other occasions, gave him greater assurance of a flexibility in him to her Majesties de∣sires in this, and that without much difficulty a good intelligence might be establish'd betwixt them; as there afterwards was, the Guises, having receiv'd caution for their security, being content to return to Court.

This little negotiation being so happily dispatch'd,* 1.10 the Mares∣chal immediately betook himself to Arms, and so vigorously, that in a very few days, three great Armies were set on foot, whereof one was sent against the Duke of Mayenne, who was retir'd to Soissons; another against the Duke of Nevers in Champagne; and the third against the Dutchess of Nevers, who with a generosity (something extraordinary in her delicate Sex) was resolute to de∣fend the Dutchy of Nivernois, which was the Inheritance of the Duke her Husband.

In this disorder of Affairs,* 1.11 the Duke of Espernon, apprehending that the hatred the Mareschal had conceiv'd against him, was no less than that he manifested against the rest, and that he would infal∣libly fall upon him, so soon as he had dispatch'd with them, he had no mind to be surpriz'd, nor to suffer himself tamely to be op∣press'd; considering therefore that alone he should not long be able to resist the power of the King, whose name his enemy had usurp'd in all his Affairs, he address'd himself to the Duke of Montmorency, to engage him in his Quarrel; by whose mediati∣on he made no doubt to draw over l' Esdiguieres also. The Duke knew those two to be no better satisfied with the present Govern∣ment than himself; who, although they were not openly perse∣cuted as he was, yet the example of the other persons of the same condition, making them reasonably to apprehend for themselves, what they already saw others suffer; he doubted not, but that without much difficulty they would be perswaded to embrace the union; neither was he mistaken herein, the Duke of Montmoren∣cy, as also l' Esdiguieres, absolutely engaging with him. So that these three Confederates, having opportunity to concur in the work, through the mediation, and by the assistance of several powerful friends the Duke had in Guienne, nothing could hinder them from uniting, in so necessary a defense, and so just a Quarrel.

The Duke,* 1.12 notwithstanding he had thus wisely play'd his game, and that he was certain to receive very great assistance from his Confederates, did nevertheless very well understand, that as he was nearest to the approaching danger, so it would be very ne∣cessary for him to put himself soonest into a posture of defense,

that the Mareschal might not surprize him. His thoughts therefore were fully intent upon the resolution of Arms; but he wanted not only a cause, but even a pretense to colour his preparation; with∣out which only to go about it, was to make himself Criminal in the highest degree: neither (the Court Minion being absolutely his enemy) could he reasonably hope, either for a Commission from thence for the raising of men in the King's name, and at his expense; or so much as to be permitted to do it at his own charge. In this strait and anxiety, what course to take, the Rochellers gave him as fair a pretense, as he could possibly desire, to do that under the vail of Duty, and Obligation, which he could not otherwise have undertaken,* 1.13 without incurring the highest censure. They had at this time surpriz'd a little Castle, near to their City, and situate upon the Sea-coast, call'd Rochefort; an enterprize con∣demn'd by all the world for the most sensless, and unadvis'd, that could possibly have been undertaken, to begin a War by an action of so little importance, in a time when themselves, and their whole party were priviledg'd by so absolute, and inviolate a Peace. The Duke, who had been at so great a loss before, and that could not then have wish'd for a more specious pretense, it may easily be imagin'd was very ready to lay hold of this occasion now; neither did he fail herein to aggravate the misdemeanour to the height: but repeating all the Accusations he had formerly preferr'd against the Ambition, and Infidelity of those of the Reformed Religion, and particularly against those of Rochelle, he of them drew up a kind of Manifesto, which he caus'd to be publish'd in all parts of the Kingdom.

In this Declaration he forgot not to reckon up the several insurrections those of that Faction had broke into, to make their advantage of every disorder, had at any time hapned in the Kingdom, notwithstanding all satisfa∣ction had been given them by the inviolate observation of ••eve∣ral Edicts granted in their favour: That they had been observ'd for many years to call together Assemblies in Rochelle, without either his Majesties Order, or Royal Assent; from which such unjust and unreasonable Propositions, and demands were usu∣ally sent to the King, as made it appear they did not Treat with his Majesty in the quality of Subjects, but like Free-States that were nothing ally'd to his Sovereign Power: That by such a behaviour it was plain enough, the City was arriv'd to the ut∣most degree of Licence, and that the Rochellers could never satis∣fie their Ambition, till they had introduc'd a popular Govern∣ment amongst them: That if hitherto his Majesties Council had (contrary to his Judgment, and Advice) wink'd at the pro∣gress

of so dangerous a design; that nevertheless he, to whom the Government of their City was entrusted, and who there∣fore was more concern'd, than any other to keep such in their obedience, as were committed to his care, was resolv'd to cha∣stise their insolence; which he nothing doubted, but by the as∣sistance of his own friends he should be able to do, and to make them know they had hitherto been only strong in the weakness of our own Counsels.

This had in truth ever been his saying, and the effects made it appear he had made a right judgment; so that under this pretense he took Arms; which, as it was colour'd by a design that immediately pointed at his Majesties Service, so did he not scruple to make use of the King's mony in the Levies he made upon this occasion.

With these summes, though very small, and some mony of his own, he rais'd four Regiments of Foot, consisting of above four thousand five hundred men, and betwixt five and six hundred Horse; to which were added sixscore Guards on Horseback in his own Livery: a force, which though not very considerable for their number, were yet such as he conceiv'd sufficient to keep the Field against any he had a mind to offend.

The Rochellers (who formerly had by many injuries highly in∣cens'd the Duke) no sooner saw him resolv'd, and ready to ad∣vance in a posture of War, even to the Gates of their City, but they began now to examine their Forces, which they had not so well consider'd before the danger, and which the more they exa∣min'd, the weaker they found them to be: This City the Capi∣tal of a powerful Faction, and that had so often disputed the King's Authority, enrich'd by an extraordinary Traffick, and con∣federated with all the Protestant Princes of Europe, finding it self in so weak a condition, that it could not in this necessity muster 2000. men, to sally out of their Walls; utterly without Horse, or the least assistance from any of their Confederates and Friends: So that converting their usual Rhodomantades, and Menaces into the most submiss terms of Humble Supplication, addressing themselves by their Deputies to the King, they humbly, and with all importunity besought his Majesty to interpose his Royal Au∣thority betwixt the Duke of Espernon and them, that he might not commence a War against them.

Had the Rochellers made this confession of their weakness at another time, it would doubtless have very well pleas'd the Council; and 'tis likely the Duke of Espernon would have been countenanc'd in his design, to the end that City might have been made to know, what they were one day to apprehend from their

Prince's indignation: but the Mareschal d' Encre unable to en∣dure that his Capital Enemy should be in Arms, and consequent∣ly in a posture fit to frustrate the design he had long projected of his ruine, made the Council resolve to dispatch away Boissize, one of the Council of State, to the Duke with a positive command to lay down his Arms.

Boissize at his arrival found the Duke with his Forces, quarter'd at Surgeres, but four Leagues only distant from Rochelle, and ready to march up to the City; neither did he fail with all the Rhetorick he had to disswade him from that resolution:

Representing to him the danger of what he was about, lest the noise of the en∣terprize in hand should alarm the whole Hugonot Party, whom the King would by no means should be provok'd; and in which case, of a particular Quarrel, he would be the cause of a general War.

With which commands from the King, and Queen, he moreover mix'd menaces of their highest indignation, should he disobey; with many promises on the contrary of all satisfaction from the Court, and the Rochellers if he would desist; all which, wanting force to divert him from his purpose, the Duke gave order in the presence of Boissize to sound to Horse, and net∣tled to the last degree, at the difficulties he saw strew'd in the way of his designs, march'd directly towards Rochelle. Boissize seeing his endeavours altogether ineffectual, and that the Duke was ob∣stinate in his first determination, after having highly protested against his proceeding, went, and put himself into the Town, gi∣ving the Inhabitants thereby to understand, that their Majesties had no hand in the Duke's Enterprize, that it was absolutely con∣trary to their order, and that therefore they were at full liberty to arm themselves for their own defense. But this consent, though it warranted their Arms, gave them nevertheless no other power, so that they were to suffer whatever the Duke was pleas'd to in∣flict upon them: He quarter'd his men in their best Farms, made his approaches up to the very Gates of their City, and de∣feated some who (under the protection of their Counterscape) at∣tempted to oppose him; till in the end, after having maintain'd his Army, for almost a month, at their charge, and that his fury was a little abated by that little revenge he had taken in some in∣conveniencies he had put them to, he grew more flexible to a new Order he receiv'd from Court, and was at last content to let them alone.

It was by Vignoles, that the Duke receiv'd this last Command, a man for many years, well known, and highly esteem'd by him, which rendred the Duke more flexible to a Treaty with him, than

the other; from whose mouth having receiv'd his Majesties plea∣sure, he made answer;

That having now made a discovery to the whole Kingdom of the Rochellers weakness, the dis-union of their Faction, and with how much ease they were to be re∣claim'd when ever his Majesty should think fit, he was content to let them rest in peace: but that, if the King had pleas'd, he might at this time have punish'd their insolence, as it was in his power easie to do, he could without much trouble have done his Majesty a very important Service; but he saw (to his great af∣fliction) his Enemies, who were prevalent with his Majesty, envy'd him the honour of this Action; but that he must how∣ever give place to their malice in obedience to his Royal plea∣sure, though in a thing very prejudicial to his Majesties own peculiar Interest: That therefore he would retire so soon as the Rochellers should surrender the Castle of Rochefort into his Maje∣sties hands and; that after that act of their Obedience, having no other particular concern, he had nothing more to desire of his Majesty for his own private satisfaction, than that his Majesty would please to assert, and avow what he had only undertaken for his Service in the past occasion.

Which being accordingly in another dispatch brought him by Vignoles, and all those who had assisted, and serv'd him in this occasion compriz'd, he rose from before Rochelle; dismissing his Army nevertheless in such sort that most of the Commanders (most of them having relation to him) might be ready upon the least warning to re-unite in the same equipage as before.

What the Duke had express'd to Vignoles of his discontents by word of mouth, did not nevertheless save him the labour of wri∣ting to Court in such a style, as manifested he still retain'd the ho∣nest liberty his great spirit had ever suggested to him, during the Reigns of his two former Masters. He therefore sent a Letter to the King, in the beginning whereof having excus'd himself in that he had not paid so prompt an Obedience to their Majesties first Orders, deliver'd by Boissize, and given reasons for it, that directly pointed at the Honour of the King himself, which as he said he conceiv'd to be very much concern'd in the business of Ro∣chelle, he continued in these words:

I have hitherto, Sir, preserv'd my Hands clean, my Conscience uncorrupt, my Reputation entire, and my Fidelity without reproach; I have never conspir'd but to do you Service, neither do I find my self guilty of the least thought disconso∣nant to the Duty I owe to your Majesty, and your Crown: And al∣though I am not us'd with that Equity, nor rewarded with that Grati∣tude, that (without presumption) I conceive I have deserv'd, and that

every day I find something attempted upon my Offices, by the diminution, and cutting off their just, and lawful priviledges (which were ever preserv'd inviolate to me during the Reign of the late King your Fa∣ther) yet nothing, Sir, can prevail with me above my Duty: neither is there any so ill usage, nor so sensible unkindness, that can hinder me from persevering to do well, being resolv'd to the last hour of my life to conquer whatever just resentments I may have, and to forget all those in∣juries, for which I can obtain no satisfaction, but at the publick expense. A resolution, Sir, in which I am infinitely fortified, by the firm belief I have, that all the disgraces I receive, and all the foul play is continually practis'd against me, proceed from no dis-affection your Majesty has conceiv'd against my person. I know, Sir, that being natu∣rally quick sighted, to distinguish betwixt your false Servants and your true, you have ever honour'd me with your favour: But I have this ob∣ligation to those who are enemies to your Crown, that they have, upon all occasions discover'd themselves to be particularly so to me; and have en∣deavour'd by their artifice, to represent things otherwise to your Ma∣jesty, than they really are, to restrain the liberty of your own Royal dis∣position, from obeying the natural inclination you have to love, and cherish good men; that as much as in them lies, they may alienate your Majesties good opinion from such, as by their long and faithful Ser∣vices have deserv'd the best room in your heart. I hope, Sir, neverthe∣less, that truth will one day prevail in your Royal Breast over those lit∣tle Arts, and that your Majesty will then be pleas'd to distinguish your true and faithful Servants from such, as Authorized by your Name and presence, oppress your People, invade your own Authority, and continually disturb your Majesties Peace by their inordinate and unruly Ambition.

From Surgere the 25. of Feb. 1617.

I have the rather inserted the express words of this Letter, that you may see after what manner the Duke took his disgrace, and how he behav'd himself towards his Enemies, notwithstanding they carried the whole favour, and sway of the Court: the Ma∣rescbal d'Encre being manifestly pointed at in this dispatch. We have since liv'd in a time, when to speak our discontents so plain, and loud, would perhaps have been out of season: but in that wherein the Duke writ this Letter, men were at least permitted to complain; and oftentimes those complaints procur'd a relief, to such, as like the Duke, had the spirit, and power to accompany those complaints, with the effects of a vigorous resentment.

After this manner ended the Enterprize of Rochelle, which gave some jeering companions of that party, occasion to say, for a

piece of wit, whatd' Aubigne has recorded since, That the Duke of Espernon was come to make h•••• Entry before Roch••ll••: though it has been thought this entry before gave the King from that time forward to understand, it might also be made within, and that the Enterprize was not above his power to effect. We have since seen him bring about that glorious design; and it is certain that this action brought that present benefit along with it,* 2.1 that the Council ever after look'd with greater contempt upon the Hugonot Party, and the strength of the Rochellers, than before: They now discover'd the weakness of these by the dis-union of all the rest, and from thence judg'd aright, that it being impossible for the separate Forces of this Faction without great difficu••y sud∣denly to unite for their common defense, one party might be sup∣press'd in one Province, before any of the rest could put them∣selves in a posture in another to relieve them. This opinion (that in the sequel prov'd true) made the Council the bolder by their Arrest of the 23 of Iune, 1617. to order the restitution of the Church Lands in Bearne; an Affair that had for three years to∣gether been depending in the Council, and so long fruitlesly so∣licited by the Deputies of the Clergy of France. Not that the Council did not conceive it very just, but they look'd upon it as a thing so highly important to the peace of the Kingdom, that they durst never till now give them that satisfaction. But the Duke's Enterprize cut off all difficulties, by which the Rochellers having been constrain'd publickly to confess their own weakness, it was conceiv'd the King's presence would have as much Autho∣rity in Bearne, as the Duke's had had in the Country of Aunis. I have heard several persons of Quality, and those men of imploy∣ment at that time (as Mounsieur de Roussy and others) say, that the Service the Duke did the Kingdom in this very occasion, was never duly consider'd, he having thereby first discover'd the weak∣ness of the Hugonot Party, and perhaps chalk'd out the way to their extirpation.

The Duke of Espernon having openly declar'd himself an ene∣my to the Mar••schal d' Encre, and already made some preparation in order to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 defense of his Person, and Fortune, many persons who were afraid of persecution fled to him, settling themselves at A••g••ulesme under his protection: Amongst whom Bulion, at that time a Counsellor of State, and since Sur-Intendant of the Finances, was one; where he long continued in the Duke's Fami∣ly, and who ever after retain'd a grateful memory of that obliga∣tion, as he had good reason to do, the Duke receiving him into his Arms in so critical a time, as he was threatned with no less

than death, had he fall'n into the Mareschal's power. Guron, who was likewise another of the proscrib'd, with many others, came to seek the same refuge; all whom the Duke made no difficulty to receive into his protection.

The Duke having (as has been said) settled the Friends he had in his Governments in such a readiness, as upon any occasion to make head against his Enemy, took a Journey into Guienne, his native Country, in that great Province to get together what num∣bers of Friends and Souldiers he could, for the better defense of his Fortune; in which Voyage he increas'd his Forces to such a degree, that being all joyn'd together, they were able to make up a Body of 8000. Foot, and 1200. Horse. The extremity he knew the Duke of Mayenne to be reduc'd unto in Soissons, and the Duke of Nevers in the places whereunto he had retyr'd, made him very well see, that the Torrent would suddenly break in upon himself: notwithstanding how reasonable soever his apprehen∣sions were, and how necessary soever to put himself with the soonest into a posture of defense, it might be, he could not how∣ever forbear to prefer the last Duty he ow'd to a good, and vertu∣hus Mother, before his own particular preseruation. This Lady having been dead from the year 1610. in an exceeding old age, and lamented by the Duke, as if she had been more immaturely ravish'd from him, he had ever had a great desire to pay her me∣mory the last office of her Obsequies: But the great and impor∣tant Affairs, which had detain'd him at Court having hitherto frustrated that pious design, he no sooner now found himself in this little interval of repose,* 2.2 but that he resolv'd without further delay to satisfie that Obligation: Assembling therefore together at his paternal House of Caumont above 300. Gentlemen of Qua∣lity of his Relations and Friends, he there by a magnificent ex∣pense, manifested his gratitude to a person so near and dear unto him.

The Ceremony of this Funeral was no sooner perform'd, but that the Duke departed from Caumont to Bordeaux, and from thence was also upon the point to return into Angoumois, there to draw all his Forces together, with a resolution to defend himself to the last, and rather to die with his Sword in his hand, than to suffer himself tamely to be oppress'd; when by le Chalart, Secre∣tary to the Mareschal de Roquelaure, his intimate friend, he receiv'd intelligence of the death of the Mareschal d' Encre.* 2.3 This Mareschal's death hapned the 24. of April, 1617. and the news by an extra∣ordinary diligence came the 27. to the Duke; which how wel∣come it was to a man who saw himself deliver'd from so powerful

and so implacable an Enemy may easily be imagin'd. He had ve∣ry well foreseen, that with the assistance of all his Confederates and friends, he could not long be able to resist the Power and Au∣thority of the King; with both which his enemy would have been arm'd against him: and on the other side, the King him∣self being by this execution become, as it were, the revenger of his particular wrongs, all his past actions would be justified in the exemplary punishment his Majesty had inflicted upon the person of Conchini.

In this excess of joy he departed from Bordeaux to Angoulesme,* 2.4 and from thence soon after to Court, there to make a new tender of his Fidelity and Obedience to the King, and to try in this new face of Affairs, what foundation he could lay to his own future peace. He was in this Journey attended by his two younger Sons, (his own misfortune, and miscarriages having banish'd the eldest from his favour, and presence, ever since his Majesties Voyage to Angoulesme) and at his arrival receiv'd by the King with all the de∣monstration of favour and affection, he could possibly expect, or desire: to which Luines the new Favourite (willing to be sup∣ported in his rising greatness by so powerful a friend) highly sought, and importun'd his friendship, which also by some good Offices he endeavour'd to acquire. One of the things the Duke was most earnest with him for, and that Luines did most faithfully promise was a Cardinal's Hat for the Archbishop of Tholouse his youngest Son, at the first promotion: as for himself he was at the very first restor'd to the full, and absolute Function of all his em∣ployments, having satisfaction given for all the retrenchments had been made upon his offices, and commands, or any of their perqui∣sits and rights, and in fine stood in a very good degree of favour.

Yet did not this continue long, and whether it were the too prodigious favour of Luines, (grown up on a sudden to a greater height, than that of the Mareschal d' Encre had ever been) that stir'd up the Duke's old aversion he had ever had for Court Mignions; or that his own private emulators, by their ill Offices had render'd his humour suspected to Luines: but the Duke soon perceiv'd him to be quite another man from what he had been at first: At which causless alteration, being highly nettled, and preferring (according to his custom) a free, and profess'd enmity, before a faint, and dissembled friendship, he inveigh'd publickly, and highly against the new Favourite; by which means, and by co∣hering with other persons of condition, no better satisfied than himself with Luine's promotion, he drew upon himself alone the hatred, and jealousie that ought to have been common to them all.

The first thing the Duke de Luines did to disoblige him,* 2.5 was the breaking his word, who contrary to what he had promis'd, and made him expect, concerning the Cardinal's Hat in favour of his Son,* 2.6 had preferr'd Mounsieur de Retts Bishop of Paris, and openly assisted him in the pursuit of that dignity: To which was added, that they began afresh to intrench upon his command of Colonel, some Foot employments having been dispos'd without the Duke's consent; by which being further exasperated, he highly complain'd to some of the chief Ministers: amongst whom Mounsieur du Vair* 2.7 Garde des Sceaux, one of the greatest Autho∣rity, having given him no satisfaction, but on the contrary new matter of discontent, he was not long before he took an occasion to let him see how sensible he was of the offense.

It was upon Easter-day in the year 1618. and in the Church of St. Germain de l' Auxerrois, that the Duke took occasion to quarrel with him. The Dukes and Peers who were then at▪ Court offended at the place the Garde des Sceaux du Vair▪ not only in the Council, but also in all other both publick and private Assemblies, would assume above them, had generally address'd themselves to the Duke of Espernon, as to the eldest of their Order, to interest him in their discontent. It was also suspected that the Chancellor Syl∣lery, (ill digesting that a man so inferiour to him in Dignity, should usurp upon him in State) was willing enough to promote a business of this nature against him; and that being upon very good terms (as he had ever been) with the Duke of Espernon, he had also help'd to blow the fire. However it was, or by whose suggestion soever it first came into the Dukes head, little perswa∣sion would serve turn to make him passionately undertake a busi∣ness, wherein he conceiv'd his own Honour and Dignity to be so much concern'd. It was therefore resolv'd betwixt the Duke of Moutmorency (of all others the most incens'd against du Vair) the Dukes de Monbazon, de Retz, d' Vsez and some others of the same quality, that he should be affronted upon the first occasion, should he again offer to take place above them. Wherein though it was a business of danger enough, to affront a Minister so pow∣erful by the favour of his Prince, and so violent in his own na∣ture, the Duke of Espernon nevertheless made no difficulty to un∣dertake it; not having (it should seem) consented to the first pro∣posal, with an intent to leave the execution of it to any other, than himself. Upon Easter day therefore (as has been said) the King and all the Court being in Ceremony at Saint Germain de l' Auxerrois, and the Garde des Sceaux having, according to his custom, taken his place above all the Dukes and Peers, the Duke

of Espernon violently pull'd him from his seat, and compell'd him to retire. It may easily be suppos'd an action of this kind could not pass without some untoward language; neither were those words thrown away upon a man insensible of offense; the Garde des Sceaux going immediately out of the Church, and expecting with great impatience the end of the Ceremony, that he might complain to the Duke de Luines of the affront he had receiv'd: Wherein nevertheless he did not reflect upon what had pass'd, as an injury meerly respecting his own person,

But as a Party, and a Faction form'd, and made in the Court, by the Duke of Espernon, who had seduc'd all the Dukes and Peers under the colour of an imaginary pretense, to interest them in his own private discontents: That this ambitious spirit so long inur'd to Government, and Command, thought himself de∣priv'd of his lawful possession, if remov'd from the absolute sway of the most important Affairs: That it was through the sides of a Garde des Sceaux, that the fortune of the Favourite was levell'd at; and that it was only a tryal, by attempting up∣on his creatures, what opposition they were to expect when they should immediately fall upon his own person: That it therefore highly imported him, whilst he had power to do it, betimes to secure an enemy, that would not spare him, if he once got him into his hands.

An advice that made so much the deeper impression upon the Duke de Luines, by how much he was before well enough satisfied of the Duke of Espernon's hatred so highly manifested, by what he had publickly declar'd against him. He therefore went immediately with the Garde des Sceaux to the King; where being come, he insisted not much upon the scuffle betwixt the Duke and du Vair, endeavouring on the con∣trary all he could to disguise that action from looking like a parti∣cular Quarrel; but qualified it with the name of the most im∣pudent and audacious practice that could possibly be introduc'd into a State, that a Duke of Espernon in the face, and presence, and in defiance of his King▪ should dare to make a combination with persons of the greatest quality in the Kingdom, to affront the Royal Authority.

The King was so highly incens'd at a Remonstrance preferr'd to him by two persons in whom he had so entire a confidence, that immediately, and without reserving to himself so much as the liberty to consider the interest he himself particularly had in the Duke of Espernons ruine, or to call to memory the long and faithful Services he had paid to the Crown, he in this case abso∣lutely resign'd over his own Authority to them; insomuch that

at that very time (•• 'tis said) it was r••solv'd upon to arrest him. Nothing then remain'd but a fit opportunity to effect their de∣sign,* 2.8 which it was also•• requi••••te should be such, as might seem ••o warrant the success of the Enterprize, it being very unsafe ••o of∣fend a man of his spirit by halves; who having power, places, friends, and mony to improve all those to the be••••, and withal a very high discontent upon him, migh•• do more mi••chief tha•• any other person whatever of his condition in ••rance To which may be added that from the time of his dispute with Mou••••sieur du Vair, the Dukes and Peers at Court were scarcely ever absent from him, especially the Duke of Montmo••••ncy, who was no 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dear to him (not only out of respect to the alliance betwixt them, but also by the particular love he bore him, and the esteem he had for him) than one of his own Children, was inseparably with him: They eat, went to Court, and made all their visits together, the Duke's two Sons also continually attending upon him; so that it was no easie matter to attempt four persons of their courage (and who were not without many Friends, and Servants of great Fi∣delity and Valour to serve them upon all occa••ions) at once. To all which, the Regiment of Guards were so made up of the Duke's Creatures, that he seem'd to be stronger in the King's own Palace than at home: to avoid all which difficulties it was concluded to surround him by night in his own House, and to seize upon his Person.

If the Duke had many, and those powerful Adversaries, his ver∣tue had on the other side acquir'd him so many Friends, and some of those so careful of him upon this occasion, that he had timely notice of the design in hand, some say by the Princess of County, others by the Chancellor de Syll••ry; but by what means soev••r it•• came to his knowledge, upon the first r••mou•• of it (which (as it did here) commonly fore••runs a more certain intelligence) he had taken a resolution to withdraw himself, to defeat the effects of what was threatned, and contriv'd against him: wherein though he was so far cautious as to prevent the intended mischief; yet could he not forbear so unseasonable an of••entation of the little fear he had in a place where so much was to be apprehended; as doubtloss prompted his enemies sooner to push l••ome to the inten∣ded business. He was for five or six days together continually seen riding through the streets of Paris with so extraordinary a Train, under colour of taking leave of several of his friends, and acquain∣tance, that those who had before premeditated his ruine, interpret∣ing all for contumacy, and done on purpose to brave them, re∣solv'd in the end upon a positive night, wherein with four Com∣panies

of Swisse to surprize him in his own house, and to carry him away. All which the Duke being likewise inform'd of from so good a hand,* 2.9 as that the intelligence was no ways to be suspe∣cted, he presently put himself upon his preparation, to make his best use of that advice. This caution therefore being sent him up∣on the sixth of May at night, and the surprizal being design'd the night following, he had so little time to lose, that he imme∣diately dispers'd Tickets to all his most assured Friends, and Ser∣vants to be in a readiness by break of day to mount to Horse; according to which appointment, he found above 300▪ ready at the precise hour to attend him, who after having convoy'd him to his House of Fontenay in Brie (where they conceiv'd him lodg'd in a place of safety) most of them retir'd to follow their own af∣fairs.

This retirement of the Duke's being but ten little Leagues from Paris was so far from frustrating the design of his surprize, that on the contrary it made the bufiness seem more likely to suc∣ceed: the Duke de Luines therefore having consider'd, that in this solitude he would have far fewer friends about him, than in Paris, the former order was only one day deferr'd, and the Swisse commanded to march away the day following, being the 8. of May, together with some Brigades of Cuirassiers, and Light-Horse to invest Fontenay. But the same persons who had given the Duke the first intelligence, being no less vigilant ot his preservati∣on now than before, gave him also as seasonable notice of this, as of the other design; giving him to understand that his danger was not yet over, and that it concern'd him with all diligence to convey his person into some place of greater safety: Which ad∣vice having made the Duke resolve to get again to Horse, so soon as all the Family had sup'd, and that every one thought of retiring to his rest, he (having in the mean time with great secresie pro∣vided all things necessary for a tedious journy) commanded his Trumpets to sound to Horse; his necessity enforcing him so to do at that unseasonable hour, (though he was certain to undergo all the inconveniencies of a very dark,* 2.10 and turbulent night) to get clear of the manifest, and approaching danger; at that time therefore he set out towards Metz, the place to which at his depar∣ture from Paris he had taken a resolution to retire.

By break of day the Duke, and all his company, arriv'd at Se∣zanne in Brie, where both himself, and the Horse that were with him, were so weary, the rain, the dirt, and all other incommodities of an ill journy having equally toil'd out, and dejected horse and man, that he had a great desire, and very great need there to stay,

and take some repose; though his Servants, conceiving him to be yet in danger, were so importunate with him, that they got him to mount again, making him to continue on horseback all that day, and the night following; when arriving the next day at Montmirel, he found himself so weary, and spent, with riding, watch∣ing, and the indisposition of Age, which now began to grow upon him, that he was ready to faint; but being laid upon a bed, and refresh'd by sleep, he soon found himself well enough to pro∣ceed in his journy, though with nothing so much precipitation as before.

Through so many traverses and difficulties it was, that the Duke of Espernon waded to the foundation of the most glorious Act of his life, and which, in my opinion, ought to be plac'd on the highest Pyramis of his Fame; I mean the Queen Mothers escape from Blois:* 2.11 of which the treaty began soon after the Duke's coming to Metz, where he arriv'd about the 20. of the same month of May, having departed the 6th. from Paris.

And then it was that the Duke de Luines highly, and openly declar'd himself an enemy to the Duke, giving his friends plain∣ly to understand, he could in no wise repute them to be his, if they did not totally abandon the Duke's interest; offering them at the same time his favour and protection, if they would do it, and thundering out great threats against such as would not embrace his Quarrel: wherein the constancy of the Duke's friends is highly to be commended; who notwithstanding the greatness of the Favourite they had to deal withal, the great promises where∣with he endeavour'd to allure them, and the implacable hatred he publickly profess'd against their Friend, and Master, would scarce any one of them be debauch'd from the fidelity they had pro∣fess'd; whereas some on the contrary were so generous as to carry him intelligence of Luines his proceeding so far as Metz, and of the offers he had made to withdraw them from the Service, and Friendship they had promis'd, and sworn unto him.

The Duke very well judging by what had pass'd at Court be∣fore his departure thence, and by the continuation of those pra∣ctices since, that his enemies intended to give the last blow to his ruine, began anew to consider of the means to defend himself. He was very confident they would never offer to attempt any thing against him by open force in Metz, neither would they be easily induc'd to provoke him to the utmost extreme, the consequence being of two dangerous importance: but doubted wisely withal, that no artifice would be spar'd, nor no covert practice unattempt∣ed against him which were by so much the more dangerous, by

how much a man is oftentimes surpriz'd with the effect, before he is aware of the cause. There were in the City divers ill affected and seditious persons, whom he could never disgust, and whom Luines fail'd not to deal withal to put in for a Party in Metz, who being in themselves of too little authority for any thing of that kind, their malice converted to Spies upon the Duke's Acti∣ons, to send continual intelligence to Court, whether false, or true, and by their Artifice possess'd the Duke de Luines with jea∣lousies, and fears, about things that were altogether uncertain, and vain. To make therefore a better discovery of the truth, and to the end he might penetrate with more certainty into the Duke of Espernon's intentions, Favier a Counsellor of State, and a man of great sagacity in Affairs, was sent away under the shadow of a Commission, to reside sometime in Metz, and to try if by his dexterity he could better guess at the Duke's designs; though all those endeavours were equally fruitless to the Favourite, who had to do with a man not easie to be pry'd into, nor surpriz'd.

After Favier's return to Court, there hapned so pleasant a thing at Metz, as I hope, though mix'd amongst more serious Af∣fairs, will not much importune my Reader, and that was this: The Duke de Luines continually expressing a great desire to have constant intelligence of what was done at Metz,* 2.12 and few being willing to undertake a thing the Duke's severe humour made ap∣pear so full of difficulty, and danger, one fellow, a Courtier, and who thought by such an undertaking to advance himself highly into favour, made a voluntary, and brisk tender of himself for that employment, offering publickly to go to Metz, and there to serve (as he said) Mounsieur de Luines, against the Duke of Es∣pernon: Which generous offer of his was as kindly receiv'd, and as readily accepted; so that with good store of Crowns in his pocket to defray his journy, he was presently dispatch'd away upon that design; yet not so soon, but that before his departure from Paris, the Duke had notice of what a Mounsieur was coming to brave him in his own Government. In a few days my Gentleman arrives at the Gates of Metz, where at his first coming he was made to undergo all the severities usually observ'd in Frontier Towns; they made him dance attendance a good while at the Gate, where after having been sufficiently abus'd, hiss'd, and hooted at, he was by four Souldiers of the Garrison conducted to his Inn, who (it may be imagin'd) were not commanded to use him with overmuch respect. But if this first part of his entertain∣ment surpriz'd him, he was much more, when his Host coming to him at night, demanded his Name, Surname, Country, Qua∣lity,

and Age, with many other interrogatories, as if he had been upon the* 2.13 Selette. From all, or most of these questions, he for some time defended himself, till being threatned if he would not answer, to be proceeded against as a Spy, he was at last constrain'd to do it; when as his answers came from him, he saw them re∣corded in a great Book (order'd for that purpose amongst other ancient rules establish'd for the defense of the place) though he conceiv'd that under the protection of the Royal Name, which he had ready to produce, he ought to have been dispens'd from that Ceremony. He was scarce recover'd from his first astonish∣ment, when he saw four of the Duke's Guards (at that time call'd les Simons, a name very famous at Court) entring his Chamber. Their first Complements (it may be suppos'd) were none of the most obliging: neither did they long forbear to tell the new come Gallant,

That they were order'd by the Duke their Master, to have an eye upon his actions: That the Duke very well knew upon what pretense he came to Metz, but that the true cause of his coming was to him much better known, which was to do a di••••ervice to the King, to observe the weaknesses of the place, and to give intelligence thereof to his Majesties enemies: That therefore they were not to leave him, and that they very well knew how to prevent him from executing his malicious de∣signs: That in the mean time it would concern him to have a care how he behav'd himself, since no mercy was to be expe∣cted, if the least thing was discover'd in him contrary to his Majesties Service.

At this declaration the poor man was put into a most terrible fear, he knew the Dukes Authority to be absolute in Metz, and that whatever he should determine, though it should reach to his life, and under what pretense soever it might be, would infallibly be executed upon him: Whereupon he ask'd his Guards if there were no possibility of safety for him? to which they reply'd, that doubtless yes, provided he attempted nothing against the Crown. After which they entertain'd him with stories of how many they had Bastinado'd at Paris, and after what manner the Duke us'd to chastise several fool-hardy fellows, who had imprudently attempted upon his Honour. If he went out of one Chamber into another, they were continually at his heels, and if ••e went to sleep, they lay down by him; never ceasing day nor night to afflict him: insomuch that after having two days endur'd this usage, such a terror seiz'd him at last, that he fell down at his Guards feet; weeping, praying, and conjuring them to as∣sure the Duke that he was his most humble Servant, that he ac∣knowledg'd his fault, begg'd his pardon, and did humbly intreat

he would give him leave to depart the City. At which, though his Guards seem'd to comfort and assure him, advising him not to fear, and protesting that the interest of his Majesties Service only excepted, they were there to no other end, than to do him Service: yet were all their consolations vain, so invincible a fear had possess'd him, and so wholly was he taken up with the de∣sire to escape from the danger, whereinto he saw he had so pre∣cipitously engag'd himself. The Duke, after he had a few days made himself merry with mortifying his Gull, let him at last de∣part; who, as he had been before at Metz, became afterwards the Fable of the Court.

Yet did not the Duke spend his time altogether in diversion, having serious business enough to take up his thoughts with some∣thing of more concern, and those were the Affairs of the Queen Mother. This Princess after the death of the Mareschal d' Encre; having been constrain'd to leave the Court (where Luines could not suffer a person of her Authority, and offended to the degree she had been, to reside) had the Castle of Blois appointed by the King for her retreat. To which place accordingly the Queen, (in this change of her Fortune, being allow'd to keep very few of her Servants about her) departed with a very slender Train. The Bi∣shop of Luçon since Cardinal of Richelieu) who had been Secre∣tary of State during the favour of the Mareschal d' Encre, was one of those who follow'd her in her disgrace, as Chanteloube also was another: but the Abbot Rucellary and Italian, and very affectionate to her Service, was, as a person altogether unnecessary about her Majesty, sent back into one of his Abbies: neither did the Bi∣shop of Luçon remain long without another Order of the same kind, by which he was first oblig'd to reside in his own Diocess, and soon after to retire into Avignon.

The Queen Mother,* 2.14 from the time of her departure from Court, had meditated nothing so much, as how to recover her lost Authority, and to overthrow that of the new Favourites; wherein, though she had communicated something to Messieurs de Luçon, de Rucellay, and de C••anteloube, men of the greatest Fide∣lity and Conduct about her: and though they had taken some pains for her satisfaction, yet could they discover no possibility of effecting her Designs: Neither were they permitted long to con∣sider of the means, the entire confidence the Queen was disco∣ver'd to repose in them, being suspected at Court, having soon procur'd the banishment of the two first (as has been said be∣fore) of which that of Luçon had rendred him utterly uncapable of all manner of correspondence with her: But Rucellay a man

of great courage, vivacity, and ambition, having for some time conceal'd himself about Blois, and having from time to time in disguise taken opportunity to consult with the Queen, was (after having rejected several propositions) at last of opinion, that she should address her self to the Duke of Boüillon, to try, if with the party of those of the Religion, who were absolutely at his dispose, he might be induc'd to declare himself of her side, and to attempt something in her favour.

The Queen being very well pleas'd with this proposition,* 2.15 Ru∣cellay as chearfully undertook to make the first overture of it to the Duke of Boüillon at Sedan. I have often heard this Abbot (du∣ring five, or six weeks that I was continually with him in order to the Queen Mothers dispatches, which all pass'd through his hands after her escape) tell the whole story of this negotiation; so that I am able to say something of my own knowledge, bot•• as to the qualities of his person, and the circumstances of that Treaty, which perhaps will not be altogether unpleasant to my Reader. Rucellay then was a Gentleman of Florence,* 2.16 descended from a Father, who by the Correspondence he had maintain'd with Za••et, Bandiny, Cenamy, and some other active men of that Nation (who in those times play'd their game so wisely, as to keep in with all parties of the Kingdom) had made himself a For∣tune in France. Amongst other advantages he had there made to himself, he had got the possession of several Abbeys, arising in all to a Revenue of above ten thousand Crowns a year; amongst which that of Signy in Champaigne not far from Sedan was most considerable. His eldest Son (which was he of whom I am now speaking) as most eldest Sons of the best Families of Itlay (that education making them capable of the greatest Dignities of the Court of Rome) was bred up to the Church: neither had he been wanting in his industry to acquire all those qualities that were most likely to recommend him to the highest Preferment. He had studied much, and particularly been diligent to learn to speak, and write accurately in his own Language; wherein he succeeded so well, that his own fine parts, together with the plentiful For∣tune he was Master of (he having no less in Secular Revenue, than in Spiritual Entertainment) procur'd him so great a Reputation in the Court of Rome, that he there obtain'd the Office of* 2.17 Clerk of the Chamber. Pope Paul the Fifth, under whose Papacy he was there admitted, look'd upon him with a very gracious eye, and though a young man, intrusted his discretion with many se∣crets of State, not seldom making use of his Pen in Affairs of greatest importance; and often saying, by way of favour, that he

discover'd something in him of Signior de la Casa his great Un∣cle. All which favours having possess'd the Cardinal-Nephews with a great jealousie towards Rucellay (as himself said) or he perhaps having fail'd on his part, in a fit complacency to oblige them, he was by them persecuted to that degree, that he was forc'd to quit the Court of Rome, and to retire into France. A good part of his Estate lay in that Country, the Mares∣chal d' Encre a Florentine, as he was, commanded all there, and those of his own Nation having ever been well receiv'd in that Kingdom, it appear'd he could not make choice of a safer, nor a more honourable retreat. He was thirty years of age, or there∣abouts when he arriv'd in France, where he was at first very kind∣ly receiv'd by the Mareschal d' Encre, and soon after in great esteem with the whole Court, where with twenty thousand Crowns a year, that he had coming in, he liv'd in so extraordinary a degree of splendor, as equall'd, if not out-went the greatest Nobility of the Kingdom: no Table was so neatly serv'd, nor so plentifully furnish'd, as his; no man more nobly, nor more handsomly attended than he; to which the presents he continually made of all the Curiosities wherewith Italy so abounds, as by her overflow to oblige all other Nations, were so many, and so considerable, as that single way of expense seem'd alone to exceed his Revenue. Neither did he win less upon the Ladies by his liberalities, and extraordinary fine fashion, than he did upon the men by his more considerable qualities; insomuch that he obtain'd the fa∣vour and applause of all. And although the Mareschal d' Encre had not as yet fix'd him in any settled employment in the manage∣ment of Affairs, yet was he with him in so eminent a degree of favour, as was a fair step (in the height the Court Favourite then stood) to the greatest Offices of the Kingdom. The death of the Mareschal therefore, as it had put a period to all Rucellay's future hopes, so did it possess him with such a grief, as was not to be comforted, but by the last effects of an implacable animosity he had conceiv'd against those who had been the instruments of his ruine: And this spirit of Revenge it was that prompted him to be one of those who animated the Queen against the new Favou∣rites; though such Counsels were not necessary to her, who of her self was sensible enough; the particular injuries she had re∣ceiv'd, having already incens'd her to such a height, that she was very easily dispos'd to employ him in a Treaty with the Duke de Boüillon, on her behalf. In this Journy Rucellay was to undergo much trouble, and very great danger, he never daring to Travel, but by night, and in disguise for the most part alone, and always

without any Equipage; for how circumspect soever he had been in his intelligencies to the Queen, he could not however send them in so secret a manner, but that, she being continually, and narrowly watch'd on all sides by spies set over her by Luines to that purpose, some of his practices had been discover'd: insomuch that I have heard him say, he had notice given him, that several of his Pictures were sent to the Magistrates, and other inferiour Officers, that they might know, and apprehend him in any of their respective Juris∣dictions. Yet could not all these difficulties fright him from un∣dertaking this Negotiation, and if he had before given several te∣stimonies of his wit, and bravery upon other occasions, he ma∣nifested no less in this of the constancy of his Courage, his Wis∣dom, and Fidelity, which were very eminent, and of great use in the conduct of this Affair. The main thing he apprehended in this undertaking was the infirmity of his own tender, and deli∣cate constitution; who whilst he had liv'd in the calms of peace, the delights of Rome, or the effeminacies of the Courts of France, had ever been so impatient of the Sun, and Evenings Dew, Heat, and Cold, that the least intemperance of the Air would usually cause strange alterations in his health; which notwithstanding he was no sooner in Action, but that he found those little incon∣veniencies left behind, as if he had had no leisure to be sick.

Whether it were that the Favourites only guess'd at the Queen Mothers discontents, by the offense they had given her, or that they had some more certain knowledge thereof, than meer con∣jecture, they were however very vigilant to frustrate her Designs: To which purpose soon after her Majesties arrival at Blois, and the Banishment of the Bishop of Luçon, they had sent to her Moun∣sieur de Roissy, under colour of a Council for the management of her Affairs. A man that in truth at another season would have been acceptable enough: but in this juncture of time, and pre∣ferr'd to her by her enemies, could not but stand highly suspected to her. Neither had he without great reluctancy taken upon him an employment of that nature; the principal end of his Commis∣sion being, as it was, to discover the Queens practices and designs; though neither his unwillingness could excuse him from going, nor all his art and observation hinder the Queen from conferring sometimes in private with those of her Servants in whose fidelity she repos'd the greatest trust, when he was there. Of which Luines being advertis'd, and willing not only to give himself some pre∣sent repose, but also to live in greater security for the time to come, he resolv'd to take Religion into his assistance, and by a principle of conscience to engage the Queen in an absolute dependance on

his Majesties good will, and pleasure. To this end therefore he would exact from her an Oath in the presence of God, and his Holy Angels (the very words of the Declaration she was to make)

That she neither now had,* 2.18 nor for the time to come would entertain other thought, and desire than what should tend to the prosperity, and advancement of the King's Majestie's affairs: That she would, so long as she had life, pay all the Duty and Obedience to his Majesty due, as to her Sovereign Lord, and absolutely resign her Will into his Royal power: That she would have no correspondence neither within, nor without the Kingdom in any thing whatsoever to the prejudice of his Ser∣vice, his Crown, and Dignity; but did, and would disown all persons of what quality, or condition soever, that in her name should contrive any practice, or conspiracy, contrary to his Majesties pleasure: That she would moreover discover all Pro∣positions and Addresses inconsistent with his Service, together with the persons themselves so addressing, and proposing, should any be so inconsiderate, as to offer any such thing; and impeach, and make known whoever should be so evilly affe∣cted; and that she would never desire to return to Court, till the King should be pleas'd to order her so to do.

Which prote∣station was accordingly made betwixt the hands of Father Ar∣noux a Jesuit Confessor in ordinary to the King, who had been expresly dispatch'd to the Queen to receive it. Wherein we may discover the short-sightedness of humane Wisdom; when this great Minister, thinking by this expedient to settle himself in the security he so much desir'd, engag'd himself (even by his own pre∣caution) in new, and greater difficulties than before. For as on the one side Luines thought, that, through the perswasions of the King's Confessor, he had captivated the Queen under the Em∣pire of Religion, she on the other side, satisfied to the contrary by Father Suffran her own Chaplain, and of the same Society, conceiv'd she did not violate her Oath, by attempting all ways to recover her freedom; insomuch that making use of her enemie's credulity, she pursu'd her business at greater convenience, than otherwise she could have done. Neither was this the only benefit she receiv'd by this declaration; another signal advantage arising thence, which was a very gracious Letter under the King's own hand; wherein, to manifest how absolute a confidence he repos'd in her Word, and Oath, he gave her leave to go whither she pleas'd within his Kingdom: which Letter serv'd afterwards as a pretense for her going from Blois, as we shall see when we come to speak of that Affair.

Whilst at Blois the Court Agents were thus diligent to cheat themselves, Rucellay was arriv'd safe at Sedan; where he had ac∣quainted the Duke de Boüillon with his Commission, and wherein he fail'd not with his best Rhetorick to induce him to undertake the Queens deliverance. But the Duke,* 2.19 who had no mind to stir from Sedan, where he thought himself so secure, who was already wearied out with his late troubles, who in the conduct of those troubles had run so great a hazard of his life, and liberty, and who likewise foresaw many great, and almost invincible difficul∣ties in the business propos'd, would by no means be perswaded to engage in that Affair. Contented therefore to serve the Queen Mother with his advice, instead of that real assistance was expe∣cted from him, he gave Rucellay this answer,

That being old, and infirm, as he was, well satisfied with his present conditi∣on, and upon so good terms at Court, as to apprehend no ill usage from thence, it would be a great indiscretion in him to deprive himself of the peace he now enjoy'd, by engaging in a new Quarrel, full of trouble and danger: That he was not∣withstanding the Queen Mothers most humble Servant, of which truth the best testimony he could at present give, was to point out to her Majesty a Neighbour of his, a man of a vigorous Constitution, though in a declining age, Wise, Valiant, Rich, Strong in a posterity of men capable of great things, that was withal possess'd of many very considerable places, both in the Heart, and upon the Frontiers of the Kingdom; and (which was more to be consider'd than all) who was so nettled with the ill usage he had receiv'd at Court, that there was no doubt to be made, but he would readily embrace any overture, that would direct him to a just revenge. In the conclusion of which Character he nam'd to him the Duke of Espernon.

Rucellay was not so ill read in Affairs,* 2.20 but that he very well knew the person the Duke of Boüillon had propos'd, was of all other the most likely to do the Queens business: but besides that he had no order to address himself to the Duke of Espernon, there had moreover in the time of his being at Court, some difference hapned betwixt the Marquis de Roilhac, the Duke's Nephew, and himself; where∣in the Duke's Authority having protected Roilhac, Rucellay had not receiv'd that satisfaction, he might otherwise reasonably have expected, for injuries of no ordinary kind. These injuries therefore, being still fresh in his memory, made him very averse to any Treaty with the Duke: neither was he ignorant how ill the Queen had us'd him, at his departure from Court, after the many, and great Services, that during her Regency she had re∣ceiv'd

at his hands, which altogether put him into a very great confusion. All these considerations nevertheless laid aside, either out of the desire he had to serve the Queen, or to be reveng'd of the Favourites, or to re-establish himself at Court, which he hop'd would put on a new face in the change of the Queens For∣tune, he dispatch'd away to her with all diligence to acquaint her how the Duke of Boüillon had excus'd himself, and of the ad∣vice he had given concerning the Duke of Espernon, that he might thereupon receive her Majesties further Command.

This posting to and fro took up so much time, that the Queens Letters of Credit to the Duke of Espernon could not come to Ru∣cellay's hands, till towards the latter end of Iuly, nor he send them to the Duke till the month following; I say send them, Rucellay having no mind to sound the Foard himself, nor to make the first overtures of that Treaty in his own person, for the foremention'd reasons. He therefore employ'd herein one Vincentio Ludovici, a man in whom he repos'd an absolute trust,* 2.21 and one, who having formerly been chief Secretary to the Mareschal d' Encre, after a long, and very severe imprisonment he had suffred since the death of his Master, had retir'd himself to Signy, and put himself into Rucellay's protection. Where living in expectation of some considerable em∣ployment, Rucellay propos'd this negotiation to him, who as readi∣ly undertook it; and having receiv'd full instructions, together with the Queens Letters of Credence, came to Metz, where at the Moors-Head he took up his Inn, and from thence sent to le Plessis (whom all the world knew to be the man in greatest trust about the Duke) to entreat him that he would take the pains to come see one of his old acquaintance, without further discovering himself.

I have heard le Plessis say, that by this Complement he present∣ly guess'd what the business might be, that brought this man, who∣ever he was, to Town; yet would he not appear upon this first Summons: but having a Valet de Chambre in his dependence, that he had bred from a Boy, in whom he durst confide, and of whose dexterity, and discretion, he had often made tryal upon several oc∣casions, he commanded him to go to the Moors-Head, to see who it was desir'd to speak with him, and to observe if it were a face he had formerly seen, or one that was altogether a stranger to him. This man's name was Cadillac, which I insert here, because we shall shortly find him a principal Agent in this Affair.

Cadillac accordingly comes to the Inn, where his eye had soon found out his man; he observ'd him, spoke to him, and by his accent soon discover'd him to be a stranger, of which he present∣ly carried back a report to his Master; giving him withal a descri∣ption

of his person. Le Plessis confirm'd by this accompt in his former opinion, would by no means confer with him till he had first acquainted the Duke: but having receiv'd his Order, takes his way towards the Inn. Thither being come in the confusion, and hurry that usually happens in those houses of publick enter∣tainment, he soon found out the man he sought for, runs to him, and embraces him, as if they had been the greatest friends in the world, though they had never seen one another before, enqui∣ring of him aloud of their friends in Xaintonge, where this stran∣ger had never been; who, nevertheless very well understanding le Plessis meaning, deliver'd him the services of several persons they neither of them both knew: after which le Plessis drawing him aside, and entring into more particular conference with him, re∣ceiv'd from his mouth the first overtures of his Treaty, which he also undertook to carry back to the Duke.

No sooner therefore was he parted from Vincentio, but that he went to find out the Duke at the Haute Pierre (the place where the Governours of Metz ordinarily reside) where he gave him an ac∣compt of the strangers business; together with the humble re∣quest he made to be admitted to a further Conference with his own person. Whereupon the Duke call'd for his two Sons, the Marquis de la Valette, and the Archbishop of Tholouze, since Car∣dinal de la Valette (it appearing very reasonable they should partici∣pate of the Counsel, who were to have so great a share in the execution of the design) where amongst them it was concluded, that the Duke should the next day give audience to this Envoy in the Abby of St. Vincent in Metz, belonging to the Archbishop of Tholouze. According to which determination the stranger was early the next morning conducted thither, by the foresaid Cadillac; whither the Duke coming presently after, under colour of a visit to the Abbot, he went to seek out Vincentio in the Chamber before appointed for him, where he gave him his first au∣dience in the presence of le Plessis only,* 2.22 and where Vincentio deliver'd him a Letter from the Queen Mother that contained these words.

Cousin,

I entreat you not to doubt the Fidelity of the person that shall deli∣ver you this Letter, but to believe whatever he shall tell you; leaving it however to your own choice, either to return your answer by him, or by any other you shall think fit, to the earnest request he shall make you in my behalf: promising you withal that he shall propose nothing to you contrary in the least to the Service of the King my Son, who

shall himself one day give you thanks for the assistance you shall now give me in this occasion, wherein you may also oblige me whilst I live to be

Your very good Cousin, Marie.

From Blois this 18th. of Iuly, 1618.

This Letter being read, and the Duke having ask'd the Bear∣er what he had more to say,

He represented to him the many and signal Services he had formerly perform'd for the Queen, first in promoting her Interest when she was declar'd Regent, and afterwards throughout the whole course of her Admini∣stration: telling him withal how infinitely her Majesty was afflicted: That she had not acknowledg'd those Services at so just a rate, as the quality of them did truly deserve: That ne∣vertheless she having shew'd her self ready to gratifie him in se∣veral things of some importance to him, she doubted not, but that a generous heart, as his was, would be apter to record those testimonies of her Favour and Affection to him, than some little discontents, that could not so justly be imputed to her, as to the necessity of the time, and the occurrences that im∣posed them: That he very well knew the late King her Lord, and Husband had a few days before his death (as if he had fore∣seen the persecution was preparing against her) recommended her Interests to his care and protection, wherein he had already in part so worthily perform'd the Trust that great Prince had re∣pos'd in his Vertue, that she had reason to believe he would continue to oblige her for ever: That she was now reduc'd to such a condition by the violence of her Enemies; as after be∣ing depriv'd of her liberty, to think her self in great peril of her life: That the King her Son, though his constraint was less apparent, was not himself however exempt from the tyranny they exercis'd upon her person: That it was in his power to re∣deem them both from the slavery they were in; wherein, al∣though she doubted not, but that the King would one day ac∣knowledge a Service of this nature to such a degree, as the im∣portance of it would justly deserve; she in the mean time would notwithstanding take all the obligation upon her self, and en∣gage to make him see the effects of such a gratitude, as he might reasonably expect from a Princess, who conceiv'd her self oblig'd to his generosity for her liberty,* 3.1 and her life.

The Duke having made answer to this discourse in such terms of sub∣mission, and respect, as befitted a Subject to a Princess of her con∣dition,

the Mother of his King, and one from whom, amongst some little unkindnesses he had receiv'd many benefits, and signal favours, proceeded without more ceremony to the negotiation; in the progress whereof, Vincentio in the Queens name promis'd so many men, and places, and such summes of mony, proposing withal so great and so advantageous conditions for the Duke, as made him conceive the proposition worth the thinking of, and to promise him in a few days a positive answer.

He was no sooner therefore parted from Vincentio, but that he sent for his Sons to deliberate with them about this Affair, in whom he met with young spirits, full of heat, and courage, that presently advis'd him confidently to embrace that motion, where∣in they said there was no question to be made, but that the issue would be glorious for him, advantageous to the State, and easie to be effected in it self, through the concurrence he would certainly find in most of the great men of the Kingdom, who were appa∣rently dissatisfied with the present Government, which was also no extraordinary thing in the best, and most happy Reigns. The Duke on the contrary by a long experience become more circum∣spect could not suffer himself so easily to be overcome; but con∣sidering he was about to expose his Life and Fortune, his Chil∣dren, Friends,* 3.2 and Family for a Princess who had not at other times been over mindful of his former Services, he had some reason to fear he should receive no better an acknowledgement of this, than he had done of the rest. Besides he knew very well that he should no sooner appear in Arms in order to the design in hand, but that the Kings whole Power, and his Person would immediately be upon him; and seeing no visible Forces sufficient to resist that Torrent, he could not clear his mind from those ap∣prehensions wherewith it was involv'd. He represented there∣fore to his Sons, that all those Confederates they seem'd to rely upon, should they joyn in the Quarrel, would most of them va∣nish at the very sound of the Royal Name: That the most dis∣contented of them would be reconcil'd to their Duty by the least satisfactions should be given them, and that then he alone should do the work of all the other great men of the Kingdom, at the price of his own particular ruine. So that after having again and again consider'd of this proposal, he could not perswade himself to condescend to the importunities of his Sons, and le Plessis, who was present at this deliberation, all they could say being able to prevail no further upon him at that time, than that Vincentio might in his name assure the Queen, he had a passionate desire to serve her, provided it would please her Majesty to enable him so

to do, by letting him know what persons of quality she had won over to her party, with what summes of mony she could make for carrying on the War, until when he humbly desir'd he might reserve to himself the liberty of his promise, with an assurance of his Secrecy and Fidelity in the mean time.

Vincentio, after having staid eight days at Metz, went back with this answer to Rucellay, who with great impatience expected his return; and who having receiv'd this accompt of the business, thought they had done enough at this first push, in prevailing with the Duke to hearken only to the proposal: neither did he doubt, but that the difficulties he had represented, though very rational in themselves, would in the end be overcome by the suc∣cess of those things, whereof the Duke, before he would give a determinate answer, desir'd to be assur'd. He therefore in all haste signified to the Queen the Duke's disposition to serve her, assuring her withal of the Duke de Boüillon's Concurrence with the Duke of Espernon, provided the last would undertake the Ser∣vice. Whereupon her Majesty, secure of her Interest with the Dukes of Guise, and Montmorency, and many other persons of great quality; and nothing fearing also, but she should be able to raise a great mass of mony, what by borrowing, what upon her Jewels, and what by the Revenue of those Provinces would be engag'd with her, sent the same Vincentio a month after to the Duke, to give him full assurance of all things he desir'd. Upon which second dispatch, the Duke conceiving he might confide in the Q••eens word, engag'd himself (though not without some re∣luctancy) to declare openly in her Quarrel, dismissing his little Ambassadour with a much better accompt, than before, and de∣livering him a Cypher for his future Correspondence with the Queen; after which, and a particular answer to the Letter her Majesty had honour'd him with by Vincentio the first time, he launch'd so far into the Affair, that it was afterwards impossible for him to retire.

Rucellay having pump'd the whole secret of this Negotiation out of Vincentio,* 3.3 and having no mind he should carry away the Reputation of an Affair of that importance, and so successfully begun, resolv'd for the time to come to undertake the Treaty himself, and laying aside his former aversions, with all other re∣spects (which he likewise conceiv'd were not of so high a nature, as ought to stand in competition with the Affair in hand) would treat with the Duke in his own person. In order whereunto he advanc'd as far as Pont a Moulins, a little Village about a League distance from Metz; either unwilling, or not daring to venture

himself in the City, till he first knew how the Duke was dispos'd to receive him. From this place therefore he immediately sent away for Cadillac (the same le Plessis had sent the first time to Vin∣centio) not doubting but he would be the first should be sent to discover who he was▪ Cadillac thus sent for by he knew not whom, would not go out to him without first receiving his Masters Or∣der, nor his Master give it him, till he himself had first receiv'd an Order from the Duke: Neither could the Duke suddenly consent to this intelligence, who, although he did not know the stranger to be Rucellay, yet suspecting him to be some new Negotiator, and unwilling to have so many intrusted with a business, upon the secrefie whereof depended his Life and Fortune, he waver'd long before he would give way to an enterview betwixt le Plessis, and this new Agent. He was at last notwithstanding content he should go: but if he had at first made some difficulty of allow∣ing this Conference, before he knew Rucellay to be the man he was to confer withal, he was so out of all patience when he knew the secret was committed to an Italian, his enemy, and disoblig'd by him, that he was many times upon the point to have recall'd his word, and absolutely to give over the design. Le Plessis was then forc'd to return back to Rucellay with a very unsatisfactory answer; who, without being much out of countenance at this repulse (the Duke refusing to admit him into the Treaty) or the seeing the civility he had advanc'd so far towards a reconciliation rejected, told le Plessis coldly,

That since the Duke had a mind to do the business without him, he might, if he pleas'd, in good time proceed; but that in the mean time he was to under∣stand, that it was to him the Queen had intrusted the secret of that Affair, and not to the other, who had hitherto appear'd in it, who was but his substitute, and by him sent to make the first overtures to the Duke, presuming his own person might not be so acceptable to him; but that he had seen the Duke of Boü∣illon, and treated with him: That Vincentio had given him an accompt of all he had done at Metz, and had deliver'd a Cypher to him: That he knew very well that he le Plessis in the Cant∣ing of that Cypher was call'd Floze, the Duke by another name, and his Sons by others. After which explanation he desir'd him to consider whether a man so well inform'd in, and able ot give so good an accompt of the business, was fit to be laid aside: That he could not but wonder the Duke of Espernon should continue to use him so ill, who had never given him any offense; but on the contrary had been highly offended by him, and his; that having so many and just inducements to revenge

those injuries, he had now sufficient means to do it, were not his honour far dearer, than his ill usage was sensible to him: but that he would tread all those considerations under foot, to preserve his Fidelity to the Queen his Mistriss, provided he should not be urg'd on to the last extremes.

This Declaration, though something high from an Enemy, and very rough from a man that pretended he came to Treat, car∣ried nevertheless so much sting with it, and threatned so much to the ruine of the design in hand, that the Duke saw it necessary ei∣ther to admit him into the Council, or to dispatch him out of the way: the latter of which being too cruel for him to consent unto, and on the other side it appearing of better advantage to treat with a man of the Quality Rucellay was, than with Vincentio, who could do nothing, but as he receiv'd Orders from him; the Duke resolv'd upon the first: So that Rucellay being upon these terms admitted into the negotiation,* 3.4 he came by night to Metz, and in disguise (as he always went) was conducted to the Haute Pierre, where he had a Chamber made ready for him in the Duke's own Lodgings; out of which he never stirr'd for a whole month to∣gether•• Being there receiv'd, he had Cadillac appointed to attend him, as also one of the Duke's own Valet's de Chambre, whom he knew was to be trusted, order'd to bring him all necessaries from the Kitchin, and other Offices, without any bodies being able to guess who this person might be, that was so carefully, and diligently attended. The Duke went almost every day to see him, his Sons very often, and le Plessis ofter than them all; by which regular visits in the Duke, and by the great care was taken to seek out the best water (for Rucellay drank nothing else, and was very delicate in that) it was suspected some Woman of Pleasure was kept pri∣vate in the house: A suspicion that perhaps contributed something to his better concealment, and to the restraint of a further curio∣sity in such▪ as possibly otherwise would have been more inqui∣sitive into the truth of the business, had they not entertain'd this mistake for the truth it self.* 3.5 During this time of Rucellay's stay at Metz, things were fully concluded amongst them; where above all things, it was though necessary, that a strict League should be contracted betwixt the two Dukes of Espernon, and Boüillon, that things might the better succeed. There had indeed some former Jealousies hapned to the discomposure of these two great men, but such as had rather begot a coldness, than any disaffection be∣twixt them; which Rucellay undertook to reconcile, as by the assi∣stance of the Vicount de Sardiny (a very particular Servant to the Duke of Boüillon, and a man absolutely devoted to the Queen)

he afterwards did, though it wrought not that good effect, was ex∣pected from it, as shall in its due place be made to appear.

The Queen having heard no news of Rucellay, during his abode at Metz, though she had taken care to send to him, and in such an impatience to know how her Affairs succeeded, as may be imagin'd in the condition she then was, writ a Letter to the Duke in a borrowed hand (I think Chanteloube's, he being then the only man of trust about her) and in a ••ustian style; the Queen here taking upon her the quality of a Merchants Wife of Saverne, absent from her Husband: of which these were the words.

Sir, since the Sieur Artus (meaning Rucellay) parted hence to seek you out, I have heard no news either of him, or you; which so much afflicts me, that I must entreat you to write to me by this bearer, who I am told by a friend of mine will soon be back, he being to ride post upon some business of a Gentlemans, whose name I have forgot. If no accident have befallen Sieur Artus, he is much to blame to leave me so long in suspense, without giving me some accompt, whether he have paid you the mony I deliver'd him, or no; which though it be no great summe, I should be very sorry you had not receiv'd. Oblige me therefore so far, as to send me word what the matter is, as also of the state of your health, which I wish may be such, as you your self desire. I forgot to tell you that the Armourer (meaning the Duke de Luines) with whom we have the business you know of, has sought to me for an Agree∣ment; though I know not what to say to it without my Husbands advice, for whom I have so much respect, as to do nothing, but what he shall think fit: if he refer it to me to do what I think best, I shall make no agree∣ment with him. The Iudges, who are to determine our controversie, will, I doubt, not very well understand who has the wrong, and that our cause is good; God also being always for the right, I hope we shall have as good an issue as we can desire. I shall tro••••le you no further, than to conjure you to write me word, when I may hope to be so happy as to see you; if your Affairs would permit, I could wish you were ready to begin your Iourney to morrow: however I shall refer that to your discretion, humbly entreating you to believe, that I shall honour you all the days of my life, as I ought to do, and shall pray to God to keep you in his Holy Protection, and preserve you as long in health as I desire.

Sir,

Your humble, and very obedient Wife, and Servant, Sign'd X.

It appears by this Letter, that Affairs were now in a very good forwardness, some mony having been sent by the Queen to Metz, which,* 4.1 as it was the most important place of her Party, and wherein the Duke had resolv'd to leave the Marquis de la Valette his Son, he would not he should be left without some mony in his greatest necessity to assist him. He very well foresaw that after the Queens escape he should be the first assaulted, and expos'd (as he afterwards was) to the fury of the Royal Arms, and that up∣on the preservation of Metz depended, in part, the life of the whole Action: but of how great moment soever this place might be to the design in hand, the summes nevertheless were very mo∣derate, that were there left for its defense, arising to no more in all, than an hundred thousand Crowns, carried thither by Wagon from Saverne; of which summe Vincentio receiv'd an hundred thousand Livers for the use of the Duke of Boüillon, who was to take Arms in favour of the Queen, a part of the remainder only being left at Metz, for the raising of men necessary for the defense of the Town, and to buy Ammunition.

The Duke having found by this mony coming in,* 4.2 some, though very little effect of those promises, had been made him by the Queen, did from thence conclude her Servants had provi∣ded so carefully for the rest, that nothing would be wanting of all those things whereof they had given him before so ample as∣surance: In which belief he set himself wholly upon his prepa∣ration to be gone; of which also having given notice to the Queen, her Majesty, whose condition was much worse than his, to quicken his haste, sent him another Letter in the same Canting style.

Sir, I shall make use of Magurin's,* 5.1 one of our Factors Pen (meaning Chan••eloube) to let you know, that I was never more over∣joy'd in my life, than when I receiv'd the Letter you did me the honour to send; wherein you give me assurance of your constant love, which is so great a comfort to me, that what affliction soever God shall be pleas'd to lay upon me, I shall notwithstanding rejoyce in this, that my Hus∣band loves me, and that I shall shortly have the happiness to see him. Neither do I doubt of his affection, who has so good a soul, that I know he can never forget her, who in this world most honours and loves him; and that so soon as he has settled all our Affairs where he now is, he will come to take order about those we have in these parts, which praised be God, are already in a very hopeful way. But I am in great pain to know the place where you are pleas'd I shall expect you; for if you think it better that I go to our own house, than to stay longer

here, send me word, and I shall do what possibly I can to overcome the incommodities of the season to obey you; but if it should fall out that I cannot stir from hence, write me word how I may meet you upon the way; and provided I be not put to rise too early, I shall do wonders. I expect therefore your Commands, which I shall faithfully observe, be∣seeching you to give me your instruction concerning all our other Affairs, that I may do nothing may turn to our prejudice; it being impossible I should ever fail in obeying whatever Commands you will lay upon

Your humble, and very obedient Wife, and Servant.

And in a Postscript,

This shall be the last Letter I shall write, wherefore I conjure you to remember to give me notice of your setting out, that accordingly I may prepare my self

G. G.

And for the Superscription, as upon that before,

A Monsieur, Monsieur Fabert, being at this present at Saverne.

This Letter, which, betwixt persons so well read in one anothers designs, might with great ease be explain'd, was by the Duke pre∣sently put into deliberation; first, that a day might be resolv'd upon for his departure, and next that something might be conclu∣ded about the order was to be observ'd in going to receive the Queen. To this Consultation the Dukes two Sons, Rucellay, and le Plessis, were only admitted, where (as it usually falls out) the nearer they approach'd to the execution of their design,* 6.1 the harder it seem'd to be effected. From the time the Duke had first engag'd his word to the Queen, he had been very instant at Court, to obtain liberty to go into his Governments of Xaintonge and An∣goumois, very well foreseeing, that without such a formal leave, he should meet difficulties enough in the very Journey it self, had he had no design to favour the Queens escape; but the more im∣portunate he had been to procure that Licence, the more obsti∣nate he had found them to be in the denial. They look'd upon him, as it were mew'd up in Metz, and were resolv'd to keep him in a manner a prisoner to his own Government, in that remote part of the Kingdom. So that the Duke in despair of pro∣curing that priviledge, and seeing that under the colour of some very inconsiderable excuses, the King had a mind to make his presence at Metz appear altogether necessary to his Service, he sent his Majesty a very full Remonstrance of the urgency of his Affairs

in those parts, with a repeated supplication, that he would please to permit him to go: Not that he expected a better success in this than in his former applications, he had lost that hope: but by this new Address to lull the Duke de Luines asleep, who ought in rea∣son to believe, that this reiterated importunity pre-suppos'd an ex∣pectation in the Duke to prevail in his request; and that conse∣quently he would not depart from Metz, till that were first ob∣tain'd. This Letter was writ by the Sieur de Balzac, and is, in my opinion one of the best pieces has flow'd from his admirable Pen; which notwithstanding I have not inserted here, forasmuch as the Reader may find it printed amongst the rest of his excellent Works.

By this Letter it was,* 6.2 that, whilst he was making preparation for his departure, the Duke endeavour'd to conceal his Design; wherein his policy was of infinite use, and this that follows of no less. He had a mind to send away before his Stable of manag'd Horses, consisting of thirty, what Gennets, and Barbs, the finest, and best in France, and equipage he had ever been very curious to maintain, as he continued to the last hour of his life. These hor∣ses that had been very unfit to travel such Journeys, as he must of necessity take, had they staid to go along with him, and that could not in the mean time be convey'd out of Metz, without much notice taken, to hinder that observation, and to del••de such as were too clear-sighted, and too prying into all his actions, the Duke caus'd, for fifteen days together, bridled, sadled, and in all their equipage as they had been to go a long Journey, to be led out at several Gates of the City: wherein though it was given out by the Grooms, as done only to air them, left they should become useless by standing continually still; yet for a few of the first days they were seen to go out in that manner, no body believ'd other than that they were the Dukes forerunners, who intended himself soon after to follow. An opinion that made the people crowd in multitudes to gaze upon the sight, every one certainly concluding at first, what was effectually the Duke's real design: but in the end, seeing them, after a walk of four or five hours, continually brought back at night, and that which at first surpriz'd them by its novelty, being grown familiar by the continuation of it, even the most pe∣netratingly inquisitive began to grow weary of their suspicion, letting them at last pass to and again without any regard at all. And then it was that the Duke commanded the Sieur de Campels the Gentleman of his Horse, who, till that time had been as ig∣norant as the rest, at his next ordinary sally, to ride clear away, and to go to a House near Sanserra, and upon the Banks of the

River Loire, call'd Rezé, belonging to le Puigeolet his Lieutenant in the Regiment of Champagne, there to expect him•• which was ac∣cordingly perform'd without the least notice taken, or any noise at all.

This part being thus perform'd, le Leige, Major to Rembure's Regiment, a Gentleman very expert in the Geographical Cart, and an excellent Quarter-Master for the lodging of an Army, came back to Metz, whom the Duke had sent a few days before to dis∣cover all the ways, by which he was to pass into Angoumo••s; by whose extraordinary diligence, the way was already chalk'd out, and divided into Journeys, the Fords all sounded, and the whole thing exactly drawn into a Map. After all which precautions, the Duke still living at Metz, as if he never had design to part from thence, and having concluded with his Sons, Rucellay, and le Plessis the day of his setting out to be the 22. of Ianuary the ensuing year, all things were thenceforward prepar'd with the greatest secre••ie, and diligence imaginable, to be ready against the time to come. The Queen Mother had, as you have heard, signified in her last dispatch, that she was in hope she might convey her person to any place the Duke should think fit to name, thinking that the Letter she had receiv'd from the King (after the Protestation she had made to Fa∣ther Arnoux) would priviledge her so to do, she having full liber∣ty given her therein to go whither she pleas'd into any part of the Kingdom: but because that it was probable the design of that Letter was rather to comfort her in her solitude, and to swee••en her captivity, than intended to give her absolute liberty to dispose of her person; it was moreover thought impossible so to order the time, that she could at a certain and punctual hour transfer her self to a place where she might be free to dispose of her self at her own choice: Especially considering that all those who were about her, the major part at least, were Servants made, and corrupted by the Court Minion. Which sole difficulty appearing invincible, it was at last resolv'd, that, to avoid all suspicion, her Majesty should not stir from Blois,* 6.3 but that the Duke, or some other trusty person by him appointed should advance thither, to receive, and convey her first to Loches,* 6.4 and from thence to Angoulesme.

This resolution being taken, the Archbishop of Tholouze, atten∣ded only by his own ordinary Train, parted from Metz eight days before the Duke his Father, to go into Angoumois. The pretense of this Journey was to try to raise mony upon their Territories in those parts for their better support, they having not (as was pre∣tended) wherewithal to defray their necessary expense, the Duke's Offices being now no longer paid him since his dispute with the

Garde des Sceaux; though indeed the true cause of his going was to confirm the Servants the Duke had in his Governments there in their Duty, and to secure the strong Holds he had in Xaintonge and Angoumois, by a seasonable prevention of any practice from Court. There was also at the same time a dispatch sent to the Queen Mother, to acquaint her with their resolutions, that she might make her self ready against the day prefix'd; the charge whereof Rucellay having taken upon himself, he intrusted it to a young fellow whose name was Lorme, one whom he had bred up of a Page, and by whom he had in truth been very faithfully serv'd at Court, in some affairs of no ordinary nature; though in this, and in the most critical time for the ruine of the Enterprize in hand, he play'd fowl, and stumbled into the foulest Treachery in the world. He had often been employ'd to and fro upon this occasion, wherein he had ever acquitted himself with great since∣rity and discretion: but now, though he had not penetrated in∣to the depth of the design, yet guessing by the secresie had been enjoyn'd him, that it must necessarily be of very great impor∣tance, what recompenses soever he had been promis'd by his Ma∣ster, he chose rather by his infidelity to obtain them, than by a vertuous action to deserve them. Instead therefore of going to Blois, and from thence to Confolant in Angoumois (where he was order'd to expect the Duke, after he should be dismiss'd by the Queen, from whom he was to bring an accompt of the precise day of her escape) he went directly to Paris, where he address'd himself to some of the Duke de Luines his Servants, to be by them presented to their Master; to whom he said, provided he might be secur'd of a good reward, he would discover something of more than common concern.* 6.5 To this desperate pass was the state of Affairs reduc'd, when Fortune by a strange and unexpe∣cted accident set the Machine again on work upon its own pro∣per Base. Those to whom Lorme had apply'd himself for admis∣sion to Luines, looking upon him as an Impostor, either made no mention of him to the Duke at all, or, if they did, represented him for such a fellow, as they themselves took him to be, making him wait at the Gates for three whole days together, without giving him either admittance, or answer. In the interval of which three days le Buisson, a Counsellor in the Parliament of Paris, heard by chance that Lorme, Rucellay's man was in Town; which he had from one of his own people, who, being of Lorme's acquain∣tance, had met him accidentally in the street. At which intelli∣gence le Buisson (a man passionately devoted to the Queen Mo∣ther, privy to her designs, and an affectionate Servant of the Duke

of Espernon's, by reason of a Brother of his, a Lieutenant in the Regiment of Guards, who was one of the Duke's dome∣sticks, being infinitely surpriz'd; forasmuch as Lorme had at other times ever been directed immediately to him, and not be∣ing able to comprehend the cause of this alteration, began pre∣sently to suspect there was some knavery in the wind. He therefore presently took order to have my companion narrowly watch'd, and was by his spies as faithfully inform'd of his being continually seen waiting at the Duke de Luines his Gate; by which discovery judging aright at what he was about, and foreseeing what mischief the sight of those Letters, he knew he had about him, would pro∣duce, he undertook a dangerous, but a very necessary act, and that indeed prov'd the safety of the whole design. By a suppositi∣tious hand, one that took upon him to be a Servant to the Duke de Luines, he caus'd five hundred crowns to be paid down to Lorme by virtue of which he retriv'd the Packet out of his hands, dis∣posing so of Lorme himself, that he was never seen or heard of af∣ter; by which means this great design in the greatest danger ima∣ginable to be discover'd, and lost, was again restor'd to its for∣mer condition.

The Duke, who as yet was totally ignorant of Lorme's treache∣ry, and▪ who knew nothing of it of above a month after, put himself in the mean time upon his Journey; the order whereof at his setting out, and which he also continu'd during the whole Voyage,* 6.6 I shall here present you. Wherein we shall observe so admirable a conduct, that we cannot forbear (notwithstanding the Duke's modesty) who ever gave Fortune too great a share in all his performances) to attribute the whole success of this enter∣prize immediately to his own prudence. No body knew of his re∣solution, till the night before his departure, when all the Gates of the City being shut, which at Metz (as at all other Frontier Towns) was commonly betimes, he commanded every one to make ready for their departure the next morning. He had some time before this caus'd eight thousand Pistols (his whole stock at that time) to be sowed up in Girdles of Leather (which were all found in his Truncks at his death in the same condition they were at his departure from Metz) such as a man might, without much trouble, wear about him, which he distributed to fifteen Gentle∣men of his Family (whom he knew to be the most faithful, and that were the best mounted) to take care of, with orders to follow him wherever he went, should any cross accident befal him in the way. His Jewels also, which were lock'd up in a little iron Chest, and carried in a Male, was committed to a Valet de

Chambre of approv'd fidelity, who had likewise order not to stir from his person. He had fifty Gentlemen only in his company, every one arm'd with a Case of Pistols, and a Carabine, forty Guards, with each one a Musket, and a case of Pistols, fifteen Sumpter Mules, the ordinary Officers of his Houshold, with se∣veral common Servants. With this Troop amounting in all not to above an hundred good Horse (and that would have been too little had he gone upon the accompt of a private quarrel only) the Duke of Espernon adventur'd upon a Journey, contrary to the King's express Order, from one extremity of the Kingdom to an∣other, and thence to return back again into the very heart of the same Kingdom, there to assist the Queen Mother; resolv'd (con∣trary to the King's will) to make her escape from a place, to which she had been, by his Majesty in the nature of a Prison, con∣fin'd; and without certainly knowing by whom he was to be as∣sisted in his design, undertook to change the face of a mighty State, so quiet, and so united within it self, as that it seem'd impos∣sible either at home or abroad to be threatned with the least dan∣ger, or trouble: Wherein, if the attempt was bold, we shall find the execution no less worthy to be admir'd. He must alone make an end of what he had alone begun, his good Fortune, it seems, to his Glory, ordering it so, that not one great man of the King∣dom (either envying, or astonish'd at so daring a design) would be drawn to embark in an action the honour and success whereof could derive to none but the Duke of Espernon:* 6.7 So that they were content to let him bustle it out alone, whilst themselves sate idle spectators of this haughty and noble Enterprize; though it was certainly reported, and believ'd, that many of them had engag'd themselves to the Queen to serve her upon this occassion.

The Duke having thus order'd his little Train, and not being able to separate himself from the Marquis de la Valette his most beloved Son, without taking his leave, he call'd him aside, where embracing him with the tenderness of an affectionate Father, he told him;

That the greatest testimony he could possibly give him of his Affection and Esteem, was (as he now did) to commit to his Vigilancy, and Valour the Custody of Metz, it being the principal member of his Fortune; and to the conservation of which he ought to be the more awake, as it concern'd himself much more than it did him, who having but a short time to live, could expect but a few years possession: That he might as∣sure himself, he should with the soonest be beleaguer'd with all the Forces the King could make; and that no better was to be expected from the Inhabitants, how well affected soever they

might pretend to be; to oppose both which, much prudence and constancy would be requir'd: That upon the success of the Action, wherein they were now engag'd, depended not on∣ly their Fortunes, but their Reputations also; which if it suc∣ceeded well, they should be loaded with Honour; but if other∣wise, be look'd upon as Criminals, and Traytors: That there∣fore they were to put on a Resolution rather to dye, than to fall into that disgrace; but that it was much better to live, and to overcome, as his heart assur'd him they should honourably, and fortunately do.

By which few words the Marquis, being confirm'd in the generous resolution he before had taken, humbly besought the Duke his Father to be confident he would never do any thing unworthy his own Birth, or his expectation; when his tears having stop'd all further expression, he by that tenderness gave a much better testimony of his courage than otherwise, and at a greater liberty of speech, his own modesty would perhaps have permitted him to do.

The Duke was no sooner parted from his Son,* 6.8 but that he pre∣sently went to Horse to begin his Journey, it being Monday the two and twentieth of Ianuary, as had been before appointed. The Gates of the City had not been opened since the evening be∣fore, and then only that by which the Duke was to sally; which was also shut again so soon as he (who would himself be the last man) was gone out: Neither of three days after his departure was any one opened at all, the Duke having moreover (lest any Tickets might be thrown over the Walls, or any persons let down, who might carry intelligence of his motion to Court) left order with Paul, Lieutenant to a Company of Carabines, belonging to the Garrison of Metz, night and day to scour the Road to Paris, and to intercept, and stop all that should travel that way; a pre∣caution of so good use, that the last news the Court receiv'd of the Duke of Espernon's departure, came from Metz, so well had all the Avenues been guarded on that side.

The Duke, being now out of the City, pursu'd his way with great diligence, taking as long Journeys as the heaviness of his Sumpter-Mules would permit, which, though they ty'd him to one stage a day, yet was that stage always nine or ten Leagues at least; and his good Fortune was such, that at this season, commonly the most turbulent of all the year, the weather was so exceedingly favour∣able and fair, that there fell not one drop of rain all the way; inso∣much that he not only could foard all the Rivers, but mounting every morning so soon as the Sun was up, both he and all his com∣pany rid without their Cloaks all the day long, as it had been the

warmest time in Summer. The fourth day after his departure from Metz, he pass'd by the Trenches of Dijon, where the Duke of Bellegarde his Cousin being Governour both of the Castle, and Province, and having the Sieur de Mun his Lieutenant in the Ca∣stle, the Duke sent for him, who being it seems at that time out of the way, Fouqueroles Ensign to the Duke's Life-Guard came out in his stead to receive the Duke's commands. Of whom the Duke having enquir'd of the Duke his Master, he entreated him, so soon as he should write, to present his Service to him, and to acquaint him with his motion, but that nevertheless that complement re∣quir'd no such haste, that he was oblig'd to do it otherwise, than by the ordinary way of the Messenger (the Packet Office being at that time not erected in France) as he desir'd he would not do; adding withal, that having been starv'd out of Metz, he was con∣strain'd to go into Xaintonge, and Angoumois to live there upon his own Estate: Wherein, though Fouqueroles promis'd to obey his Orders, yet he was not so good as his word, he dispatching away an express Currier the next morning to the Duke de Belle∣garde, to acquaint him with the Duke's motion; by which means it was that the King had the first intelligence of his departure from Metz, though it was not before he had been eight days upon the Road, and that it was now too late to stop him.

It is not to be imagin'd how strangely this news alarm'd the whole Court,* 6.9 the King openly saying, that he ever thought if the Duke of Espernon could not obtain the leave he desir'd, he would infallibly take it: but the Duke de Luines, conceiving that (in all probability) the Duke would never have done such a thing without some design, thought fit to try if he could not effect that by fair means, he saw was not to be done by foul; and to that end dispatch'd away le Maine (otherwise call'd (Chabans) to the Duke, with a Letter from the King to Authorize his Voyage, to∣gether with all assurance of satisfaction in his Affairs, as also a particular complement, that he would accept of his Service, and that all things pass'd might be no more remembred betwixt them. Which Envoy we shall in due time find upon his way.

Dijon being pass'd, the Duke continu'd his Journey without intermission, baiting, or staying near the great Towns, till he had pass'd the River Loire at Port de Vichi; from whence he sent a new dispatch to the King, to give him notice of his Voyage into Xaintonge, and Angoumois; where he had (as he said) no other de∣sign, than to live under his Majesties obedience. With this dis∣patch Baussonniere Nephew to le Plessis, (a Gentleman of as good Parts, and as much Valour, as any other of his time) was sent

away to Paris, where at his arrival he was very well receiv'd; but hapning to be still at Court, soliciting an answer to his dispatch, when the news was brought of the Queen Mothers escape, he ran a very great hazard of his life, his head being often brought into debate, that in his person they might punish the high Offense done to the King by the Duke his Master.

Two days Journey short of this Port de Vichi, the Duke's Quarter-Masters (who always carried Rucellay along with them in disguise, and who, the better to conceal him, us'd him with no other respect,* 6.10 than as a Comrade) discover'd two Parties of Horse standing in a Field, a little distance from them, which at the first sight they apprehended to be two Troops, where of men∣tion had been made to the Duke, one of Light-Horse belonging to the Queen, and another of Carabines commanded by Arnout; which he had been inform'd were dispos'd in Garrison near this part of the River (out of an opinion had for some time been en∣tertain'd at Court, that the Duke (whether his Majesty would consent or no) would infallibly undertake this Journey into G••i∣enne) to obstruct his passage. And indeed those Troops had wai••ed some time thereabouts; but whether it were that they had accidentally only been Quarter'd there, or that they had been tyr'd out with expecting, or that the coming of the Duke's great Horses towards Sanserra, (for they were now march'd that way) had made them alter their design: but so it was that the Duke re∣ceiv'd not the least impediment from them. His people notwith∣standing, something surpriz'd at the sight of these two Troops, re∣turn'd upon the spur to give the Duke notice of what they had seen; at which intelligence, as at a thing that requir'd some con∣sideration, he made a little halt, when immediately with a chear∣ful and confident countenance, he said to those who were with him. We are now come too far my Masters, to return back again, we must either thorow, or dye. Which being said whilst he was drawing up to charge, he sent to discover who they were; when having word back, that they were two Gentlemen, who, being at Suits, had rais'd men on both sides to take possession of a House in dispute betwixt them, he continu'd on his way, this being the only Alarm he receiv'd throughout the whole Journey.

But almost in the same place,* 6.11 at least at the Pass of Briare, which is not far from it, the Duke miss'd very little of an Encoun∣ter of far greater importance; which was that with the Duke of Guise, who was retiring, dissatisfied enough with the Court, into his Government of Provence. Neither had he been gone above two hours before the Duke arriv'd at this Pass: whereas had he

had the fortune to have come a little sooner, the Duke of Guise would doubtless have had much ado to perswade the Court, that so pat an Encounter had not been before compl••tted betwixt them. A jealousie that the known friendship betwixt the Duke and him would have rendred so plausible to all, that the Duke of Guise, not seeing a possibility of jnstifying himself against so violent a presumption, could hardly have avoided engaging on the Queens Party, seeing he must inevitably stand highly suspe∣cted to the other; though the Duke of Espernon concluding him absolutely engag'd in the same design, did not much care to send after him, for fear of giving the Court too great a discovery be∣fore Affairs were yet ripe: So that by this means, and from the very business it self, wherein he was thought to be so deeply con∣cern'd, as perhaps he was, the Duke of Guise took occasion to make his own Game at Court, and to reconcile himself to the King, and the Favourites, he sending thither, seal'd up, as he re∣ceiv'd them from the Queen, the Packets wherein she made her application to him, to engage him in her designs.

The twentieth day after the Duke's departure from Metz, he arriv'd at Confolant in Angoumois; where his Son, the Archbishop of Tholouze, together with the Sieur d' Ambleville, the King's Lieutenant in the Province, and the Duke's most faithful friend, and about three hundred Gentlemen more, came to wait upon him. And here it was that the Duke was infinitely astonish'd and surpriz'd; he had all the way expected to find Lorme there, with the Queens instructions about the manner of her escape: but his treachery (as yet unknown to the Duke) having turn'd him quite another way, gave the Duke reason to believe, either that the Queen Mother had alter'd her resolution,* 6.12 or that otherwise she had been betray'd, and that the whole design had been discover'd: The one or the other of which had been equally ruinous to him, who must either way be certainly expos'd single, and naked to his enemies discretion. And as one mischief never comes alone, it fell out, that in the heighr of this confusion, he was assaulted by another of no less moment, and that consequently added very much to the perplexity he was in before. The man of the house where Rucellay, and le Plessis lay, was one of the* 6.13 Gend'arme of the King's own Troop, whose name was Betison. This man dis∣coursing with Cadillac le Plessis's Servant about the Affairs of the time (the common talk of that kind of people) innocently told him, amongst other things, that there was a bruit in the Country, as if the Duke were come to carry away the Queen Mother from Blois. It could never be found out from whence this rumour

should arise, for it was so great a secret in the Duke's own Fa∣mily, that the very persons who were continually employ'd in it, had not the least inckling thereof. Insomuch that Cadillac, who was himself as ignorant as the rest, told his Master this story for a ri∣diculous thing: but le Plessis, who took it after another manner, and that on the contrary was astonish'd to the last degree, that an affair which had been carried on with the greatest secresie imagin∣able, should become the discourse of the people, went immediate∣ly to acquaint Rucellay with what he had heard; who being no less surpriz'd, than he, they went both together to the Duke, who was yet the most amaz'd of the three, and who by this was still more confirm'd in his former belief, that he was abandoned, and betray'd, wherein also the appearances were so great, that his opi∣nion was not indeed much to be contradicted.

Le Plessis, who had waded very deep into this Affair, could by no means perswade himself that the Queen had any ways alter'd her resolution, yet did he not know what to say to her silence; He saw his Master's Enterprize was no more a secret, and that conse∣quently he could not, without eminent danger make a longer stay at Confolant, his residence in that little place giving too ma∣nifest evidence of some secret design. The consideration where∣of made him resolve generously to expose himself to search out the truth of the business, and to clear those doubts the Duke was in at the hazard of his own life.* 6.14 In the close of the evening there∣fore he departed from Confolant upon his own Horses, to go take post at Chastelloraut, and from thence to Loches; where, as he pass'd by he was to make sure of la Iliere, Governour of that place under the Duke of Espernon. This Gentleman, however faithful, and affectionate to the Duke his Master and Benefactor, was ne∣vertheless at the first proposal very much surpriz'd with the greatness of this design, and to such a degree that he could not on the sudden prevail upon himself to embark in an Affair, wherein he discover'd so eminent, and inevitable danger: Insomuch that le Plessis not being able to overcome his apprehensions, and aver∣sions, at this first Conference, durst proceed no further in his Jour∣ney, it being above all things necessary to make sure of Loches. In the inte••im he saw he lost a great deal of time, and the Queen he knew, if she continu'd in her first resolution, must needs be in great anxiety, and suspense. He had moreover great reason to be∣lieve that the news of the Duke's Voyage was by this time arriv'd at Court, and that then all possible diligence would be us'd (what∣ever they might be) to prevent his designs. In which perplexity, not daring to depart from Loches, without having first made

Iliere firm to their purpose; or at least till the Archbishop of Tho∣louze (who was to follow presently after him) should come to se∣cure the place, that being design'd for the Queens first retreat, he found a necessity upon him of committing the secret of this great and important Affair to Cadillac's fidelity and discretion: Cal∣ling him therefore to him, entreating, and conjuring him to be faithful, with great promises of reward, he deliver'd him Letters for the Queen, with two or three words to the Count de Brenne, that he might by his favour be admitted to her Majesties presence. The Count had hitherto, 'tis true, been entrusted with no syllable of the design; but le Plessis knew him to be very faithful to the Queen his Mistriss, and that they had usually apply'd themselves to him to obtain Access, for several private Messengers that had been sent to her Majesty about this Affair. Cadillac acquitted him∣self very well in his dispatch, he came to Blois, presented his Let∣ter to the Count de Brenne, and was by him that very night presen∣ted to the Queen, who entertain'd him some time alone in her Cabinet; and who after having heard the humble request he made in his Masters behalf, that her Majesty would please to send some trusty person to Montis (a post stage distant only from Blois) with whom he might the next day confidently confer. She made answer that she had no soul about her whom she durst trust; but that he should immediately back to le Plessis, to tell him from her, that without staying at Montis, he should come on as far as the Suburbs of Blois, where at the little Moor he should hear further from her. Cadillac accordingly return'd, riding all night back again towards his Master, to acquaint him with the Queens desire, whom at his arrival at Montis, he found got thither before him: La lliere (who had never faultred in his duty, and whom the fear of his Master's safety, rather than any consideration of his own, had made a little shie at first) being upon better delibe∣ration now resolute to run the Duke's fortune, having it should seem set le Plessis at liberty to pursue his Journey: wherein never∣theless he light upon an Encounter by the way, that had again al∣most overthrown the whole design; and that had certainly done it, had he not by his dexterity, and the vivacity of his judgment, manag'd it in such sort, as to make it in the end contribute much to the good success of the Affair in hand.

You have already heard that upon the first intelligence the Court receiv'd of the Duke of Espernon's departure from Metz,* 6.15 Luines had dispatch'd away le Maine to him with an approbation of his Journey from the King; and it now fell out that this Gen∣tleman in pursuance of that dispatch, hapned to meet le Plessis

upon the Road betwixt Ambois, and Blois; an Encounter that did not a little surprize le Plessis, who knew him to be a subtle man, and no very good friend to the Duke, by whom he con∣ceiv'd he had not been so well us'd, as he deserv'd to be. Neither was there any possibility of passing by him unknown, they had been too long acquainted at Court for that; and it was much to be fear'd, lest the meeting of le Plessis upon this Road might make le Maine penetrate into the truth of his design, and consequently endeavour to obstruct it. In this apprehension, I have heard le Ples∣sis say, That he was once in mind to have kill'd him; though considering that an act of that nature was likely to draw after it consequences that might utterly overthrow the Affair he had in hand, he quickly alter'd that resolution; conceiving it therefore better not to avoid his Encounter, he went chearfully up to him, where after he had some time entertain'd him with great demon∣strations of intimacy, and friendship, he so order'd the matter, that he (without discovering the true intent of his own) got out of le Maine the business of his Journey, which was, that he was sent by the King, and the Duke de Luines to the Duke of Esper∣non, to let him know that his Majesty was very well satisfied with his expedition, and that Luines desir'd to be his Servant. In or∣der whereunto, having further enquir'd of le Plessis where he might find the Duke, he made answer, that certainly at Angou∣lesme, where he arriv'd two days before he came from thence. Af∣ter this manner did le Plessis disingage himself from this danger∣ous encounter, diverting le Maine from the way to Loches, whither before he was going, to go enquire upon the Post Road some more certain news of the Duke: Whereas had he held on his way, and met him at Loches, as infallibly he had, the Queens Af∣fairs had yet been in very great danger, le Maine returning in all diligence to Court, having had leisure enough to give Luines time, either to prevent the Queen Mothers escape, or at least to have ta∣ken her upon the way, had she been gone from thence, Loches be∣ing but one days Journey Post from Paris.

This untoward accident thus shuffled off,* 6.16 and le Plessis being inform'd by Cadillac of the Queen Mothers order for him to come into the Suburbs of Blois, he fail'd not to execute her com∣mands; where he was no sooner arriv'd, but that the Count de Brenne's Steward came to seek him, to guide him to the Castle, and to lodge him in the Anti-Chambre of the Count his Master. Night therefore being come, he was accordingly by him condu∣cted thither, when, so soon as every body was retir'd, and the Queen left at liberty, and alone, she sent for him into her Cham∣ber,

to consult with him what remain'd to be done; where af∣ter he had in few words given her an accompt of the long, and dangerous Voyage his Master had undertaken, out of the sole, and passionate desire he had to serve her, and that she had ac∣knowledged that obligation in the handsomest manner she could by words express, le Plessis proceeded to represent to her Majesty the many dangers that attended this delay, remonstrating to her:

That it was now a great while since the Duke's departure from Metz: That he had already waited four or five days in a Vil∣lage, in expectation of her Majesties Commands in order to her escape: That the true design of the Duke's Journey (though he believ'd it had no other ground than meer suspicion) was already become the common discourse of the people: That he had met le Maine going towards the Duke, upon the intelli∣gence had already been carried to Court of his departure from Metz; and that therefore it was very requis••te her Majesty should make immediate use of the present occasion, which perhaps might in two days be irrecoverably lost.

To which the Queen made answer:

That she was of his opinion, and that therefore they were then instantly to resolve upon the order, and the the means of her escape.

Whereunto le Plessis having reply'd,

That that depended chiefly upon some man of Trust:

The Queen made answer again:

That she had not one about her (Chanteloube the only man of all her domesticks, to whom she had entrusted the secret of that Affair, being dispatch'd away to the Princes, and Lords, which she either conceiv'd already were, or soon would be engag'd in her Quarrel) in whom she durst confide.

Whereupon, le Plessis conceiving there might be something of the humour of her Sex, or Nation, in so general a distrust, of his own accord propos'd to her the Count de Brenne; who, he said, had sufficiently manifested his fidelity in those Services he had already perform'd. A proposition the Queen did not seem absolutely to reject, saying (which are her own very words), That 'twas true she believ'd the Count to be a man of honour, but that notwith∣standing she thought him very young for the conduct of so im∣portant an Affair. Which scruple being satisfied by le Plessis, un∣dertaking to make him capable enough; and seeing it was neces∣sary to trust some one of the Queens domesticks, he thought a man of his condition, her Majesties Gentleman of the Horse, and Brother to the Marquis de Mony, a most passionate Servant of hers, was the most proper of all others to be made use of in this occasion. And accordingly, though it was then very far in

far in the night, went immediately to talk with him about it; to whom (after he had felt his pulse a while, and found him very ready to undertake any thing for her Majesties Service •• he at last declar'd the resolution had been taken, to deliver the Queen Mo∣ther out of her captivity: a design, that he told him was to be ex∣ecuted by a person of very great quality, concealing however the Duke of Espernon's name) who had drawn great Forces together in his Government, to favour her Majesties retreat; and in conclu∣sion, that therefore he was the very next day to take order for Lad∣ders, to get the Coaches ready, and to lay in fresh Horses, with all the secresie he in his own discretion should think fit, to the end that the night following without further delay her Majesty might be restor'd to her former Freedom. Not forgetting withal to re∣commend to his consideration, what he might expect from the gratitude of a Mistriss, restor'd again to the whole sway of Af∣fairs, her due Authority, and Greatness; besides the honour he would infallibly acquire to himself in so glorious an occasion.

The Count thus prepar'd and instructed,* 6.17 accordingly made pro∣vision of all things necessary for the design; and le Plessis him∣self remaining conceal'd in the Queens Cabinet (either to be, as it were, a Hostage for his Master's fidelity, or to be present with his directions in the execution of the design) sent Cadillac only back to the Archbishop of Tholouze, to acquaint him with the Queens readiness, the night following to make her escape. The Archbi∣shop, who was to part from Confolans immediately after le Plessis, had order to advance no further than Loches (that place being de∣sign'd for the Queens first reception) only to clear the Road in or∣der thereunto: but le Plessis by Cadillac intreated him to advance as far as Montrichart, which was half way betwixt Blois and Lo∣ches; assuring him that the Queen would infallibly come thither the night following, which hapned to be the 22. of Feb. an exact month to a day after the Duke's departure from Metz. Cadillac therefore posted with extraordinary diligence back again to Lo∣ches to meet the Archbishop there; where being come, he found not only the Son, but the Father also, entring together the Sub∣urbs of the City. The reason of which was, that though it had been at first resolv'd, the Son should go before with twenty or thirty Gentlemen only, to make the less noise, and give the less suspicion; yet could not the Duke his Father, when it came to'••, consent to let him go so slenderly attended, where he apprehended the peril to be so manifest, and great. He knew not, in the anxiety and doubt wherewith he was involv'd, what to think of the Queens silence, of whom he had hitherto heard no news at all,

to which the rumour that was already spread abroad of his real design, having more encreas'd his apprehension, nature would not permit him to expose his Son to so great an adventure, chusing much rather to run the whole hazard together with him, than that he alone should tempt the danger, whilst himself lay idle and secure.

Cadillac,* 6.18 having discover'd them at distance, spur'd up to them, transported with joy of the good news he brought; where he gave them a full relation of what had pass'd betwixt the Queen, and himself, and of what he had in Commission from his Ma∣ster, together with her Majesties readiness to depart, and the secre∣sie that had hither to been preserv'd in the Queens Houshold: but he could give them no accompt, why they had heard nothing from her Majesty at Confolans, she having deny'd to le Plessis that Lorm•• had ever been with her, as it was too true; or that she had ever heard •• syllable from the Duke, since his departure from Metz, which she said had put her into no little fear.

And here I cannot but wonder at the infirmities of men, and the ••isproportion we may sometimes observe in the bravest and most heroick minds. The Duke of Espernon had for six months together been continually projecting this design, had foreseen all the accidents could happen, was come from Metz for no other end, an•• had wish'd for nothing more than to see things at the pass they now were: notwithstanding all which he was strange∣ly astonish'd at this news, and the immediate sight of the object representing to his imagination at once, what •• he had only consi∣der'd by particulars before, he seem'd to stagger in his resolution whether he should proceed any fu••ther or no in an Enterprize, the last Act whereof could only crown all the rest, and secure him for what was already done. He made Cadillac repeat above an hundred times in less than half an hour, what the Queen, and what his Master had said, with what he had himself observ'd: when suddenly, and of himself, grown generously resolute in his first design, he commanded Cadillac to return immediately to le Plessis, and to assure him, that the night following, the Archbi∣shop his Son with fifty Light-Horse should infallibly be ready at Montrichart, and that the next day after himself would follow with the rest of his party, to receive the Queen, and to secure her re∣treat, should any thing upon the way be attempted against her.

The end of the Seventh Book.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Anno 1615.
• * 1.2

  The Com∣motion of the Princes to hinder the Marri∣age with Spain.
• * 1.3

  The Du••e of Espernon's Service up∣on this oc∣casion.
• * 1.4

  The Duke of Espernon falls despe∣rately sick.
• * 1.5

  Queen Anne of Au∣stria arrives at Bordeaux.
• * 1.6

  The begin∣ning of the Duke of Espernon's disgrace.
• * 1.7

  The Du••e in great danger.
• * 1.8

  The Duke of Espernon retires from Court.
• * 1.9

  The Prince of Condé confin'd.
• * 1.10

  The M••res∣chal d' Encre takes arms against the, Prince of Condé's Par∣••••z••ns.
• * 1.11

  Anno 1616.
• * 1.12

  Anno 1617.
• * 1.13

  The Duke of Esper∣non's pre∣tense for the taking of Arms.
• * 2.1

  What ad∣vantage ac∣cru'd to the King, by the Duke of Espernon's Enterprize upon Ro∣ch••le.
• * 2.2

  The Du makes a great Fune∣ral for his Mother.
• * 2.3

  The death of the Ma∣reschal d' Encre, slain by a shot in the L••uvr••••
• * 2.4

  The Duke of Espernon goes to Court.
• * 2.5

  Anno 1618.
• * 2.6

  A Rupture betwixt the Duke of Es∣pernon and the Duke de L••••nes.
• * 2.7

  Or Lord Keeper.
• * 2.8

  The King resolves to Arre•••• the D••ke of Espernon.
• * 2.9

  The D••ke of Espernon leaves the Court.
• * 2.10

  The Duke takes his way towards Metz.
• * 2.11

  The Treaty•• for the Queen Mo∣thers escape from Bloi•• set on foo•• at this time.
• * 2.12

  A pleasant Story.
• * 2.13

  Selette, that for which we have no word, be∣cause no such thing; it signifying a low stool, on which Criminals in France are plac'd to be examin'd.
• * 2.14

  The Queen Mother at∣tempts to recover her liberty.
• * 2.15

  The Q••een 〈◊〉〈◊〉 her 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the D••ke of 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 2.16

  A Chara∣cter of Ru∣cellay.
• * 2.17

  Clerc de Id Cham••re, a kind of Se∣cretary.
• * 2.18

  The extra∣ordinary precaution of the Duke de Luines, to make him∣self sure of the Queen Mother, fruitless.
• * 2.19

  R••cellary ar∣rives at Se∣dan, and treats with the Duke of Boüillon, who refuses to engage in the business.
• * 2.20

  The Duke of Boüillon advises the Queen Mo∣ther to treat with the Duke of Es∣pernon.
• * 2.21

  Rucellay sends Vin∣centio Lud••∣vici to the Duke of Espern••n.
• * 2.22

  The Duke of Espernon receives a Letter from the Queen Mother, by Vincentio Lud••vici.
• * 3.1

  And hear∣kens to the Proposition.
• * 3.2

  B••t without engaging himself at this time.
• * 3.3

  Rucellay takes him∣self the Treaty in hand.
• * 3.4

  Rucellay with much difficulty admitted in∣to the Treaty.
• * 3.5

  Resolutions taken be∣twixt the D••ke of Espernon and Rucellay.
• * 4.1

  Mony sent to Metz by the Queen.
• * 4.2

  The Duke resolves to go serve the Queen.
• * 5.1

  A second Letter from the Queen in the same style with the first.
• * 6.1

  Some difficulties arise about the execution of the design.
• * 6.2

  The D••ke of Espernon's preparation, and the po∣licy he made use of to co∣ver his de∣sign.
• * 6.3

  Anno 1619.
• * 6.4

  The Arch∣bishop of Tholouze, af∣terwards Cardinal de la Valette, departs from Metz before the Duke his 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 6.5

  The whole design in great dan∣ger to be ruin'd, through the infidelity of one of Ru∣c••llay's Ser∣vants.
• * 6.6

  The D••ke's prudent conduct in the manner of his de∣parture from Metz.
• * 6.7

  Memoires de Monsieur de Rohan.
• * 6.8

  The Duke goes out of Metz.
• * 6.9

  The news of the Duke of Espernon's motion car∣ried to Court.
• * 6.10

  An Encounter by the way.
• * 6.11

  Another Encounter with the Duke of Guise, miss'd b••t a few ho••rs.
• * 6.12

  The Duke and his par∣ty in a great confusion.
• * 6.13

  Or Cuiras∣siers.
• * 6.14

  Le Plessis takes a jour∣ney to dis∣cover how Affairs stood.
• * 6.15

  An unex∣pected and important Encounter upon the way.
• * 6.16

  L•• Plessis c••ming to Blois, is se∣cretly ad∣mitted into the Queens Chamber.
• * 6.17

  Preparation for the Q••eens es∣cape.
• * 6.18

  The Duke of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hears from the Queen.