The works of the famous Nicholas Machiavel, citizen and secretary of Florence written originally in Italian, and from thence newly and faithfully translated into English.

THE STATE OF FRANCE, IN An Abridgment written by Nicolo Machiavelli, Secretary of FLORENCE.

THE Kings and Kingdom of France are at this time more rich and more power∣ful than ever, and for these following Reasons: First,

The Crown passing by succession of Blood is become rich, because in case where the King has no Sons to succeed him in his paternal Estate, it falls all to the Crown; and this having many times hapned, has been a great corroboration, as particularly in the Dutchy of Anjou; and at present the same is like to fall out to this King, who having no Sons, the Dutchy of Orleans, and State of Milan (his heredi∣tary Countries) are like to devolve upon the Crown: So that at this day most of the good Towns in France are in the Crown, and few remaining to particular persons.

A second great Reason of the strength of that King is, That whereas heretofore France was not entire, but subject to several great Barons, who were able not only to expostulate, but to contend with the King (as the Dukes of Guienn and Burbon did formerly) the said Barons are now most obsequious and dutiful.

A third reason is, because formerly all the neighbouring Princes were ready upon every occasion to invade the Kingdom of France; the Dukes of Burgundy, Britannie, Guienne or Flanders, being always tempting them thereunto, and giving them access, passage, and reception, as it hapned when the English had Wars with France, by their Confederacy with the Duke of Britagne, they got admission into that Country, and gave the King of France his hands full: and in like manner the Duke of Burgundy was as troublesom, by means of the Duke of Bourbon. But now Britagne, Guienne, the Bourbonois, and greatest part of Burgundy being united to that Crown, and very loyal and faithful; Those neigh∣bouring Princes do not only want their old Confederates to invite and assist them, but they have them for their Enemies; so that the King of France is more strong, and his Adver∣saries more weak.

Another reason may be, That at this day the richest and most potent of the Barons are of the Blood Royal; so that upon defect of those who are before them, the Crown may come to them, upon which score they are firm to it, hoping that some time or other it may fall either to them or their posterity, whereas to mutiny or oppose, it might prejudice their succession, as it hapned to this King Lewis when he was taken in the Battel of Britagne, where in favour of the said Duke of Britagne, he was personally in Service against the French. Upon the death of King Charles, the Crown being legally in Lewis, it was dis∣puted whether that fault and defection of his should not be a bar to his succession, and had it not been that he was very rich, by means of his frugality, and able to bear the Port of that Dignity at his own expence, and the next Heir Monsigneur d' Angolisme an Infant, he had lost it; but for these reasons, and some favour which he had besides, Lewis was created King.

The last reason is, because the States of the Barons in France are not divided among the Heirs, (as in Germany, and several parts of Italy) but descend still to the Eldest Son who are the right Heirs; and the younger Sons are left, by some little assistance from their Elder Brothers to shift for themselves; whereupon they betake themselves generally to the Wars, endeavouring to advance themselves that way, and raise themselves fortunes: and hence it is the Frenchmen at Arms are better at this day, and stand fair for preferment.

The French Infantry cannot be good, for it being long since they had any War, they must needs want experience. Besides in the Country, the Towns are full of Tradesmen and Mechanicks, all of them so curb'd and cow'd by the Nobless, that they are grown pusil∣lanimous and base; and therefore the King of France having found them unfit, makes no use of them in his Wars, unless it be of his Gascoigns who are something better than the rest, and the reason is, because bordering upon the Spaniards, they are constantly upon duty, or communicate something of their Nature: But for some years since they have shown themselves better Theives than Soldiers; nevertheless in defending and assaulting of Towns they do well enough, but in the field they are but indifferent, quite contrary to the Germans and Swizzers, who are not to be dealt with in the field, but in storming or defending a Town, they are good for nothing; and I suppose it proceeds from hence that they cannot in both cases keep the same order which they observe in the field. Wherefore the King of France makes use of Switzers, and Lanzknights, because his men at Arms dare not rely upon his Gascoignes in time of Service. And if his Foot were as good as his Men at Arms, no doubt but the King of France would be able to defend himself against all the Princes in Europe.

The French are naturally more fierce and hot, than dexterous or strong, and if resisted handsomly in their first charge, they slacken and cool, and grow as timerous as Women. They are likewise impatient of distress or incommodity, and grow so careless by degrees, that 'tis no hard matter, finding them in disorder, to master and overcome them.

And of this, Experience has been many times had in the Kingdom of Naples, and last of all at Farigliano, where they were twice as many as the Spaniards, and it was expected every hour when they should have swallowed them up: Nevertheless, because winter came on, and the weather grew bad, they began to straggle into the Neighbouring Towns, where they might be at more ease, and thereby leaving their Camp weak, and out of order, the Spaniards fell upon them, and beat them beyond all expectation. And it would have been the same with the Venetians, who had never lost the Battel of Vaila, had they forborn following the French example but for ten days: But the fury of Bartolmeo d' Alviano was too hot for them. The same hapned again to the Spaniards at Ravenna, who might have certainly ruined the French in respect of their ill Government, and want of provisions which were intercepted on that side towards Ferrara by the Venatians, and towards Bologna, by the Spaniards themselves; but by the rashness of some, and the indiscretion of others, the French got the Victory, and though as it was, it was bloody enough; yet it had been much more, had the strength of either Army consisted in the same kind of men; but the French force lying in his Men at Arms, and the Spaniards force in their Foot, the slaughter was the less. He therefore who would conquer the French, must be sure to preserve him∣self against their first impetus and attack, and in so doing he shall be sure to prevail; for Cae∣sar's character of them is true, At first they are more than Men, at last less than Women.

France in respect of its greatness, and the convenience of its Rivers, is opulent and rich; for their Commodities and labour are worth little or nothing, by reason of the scarcity of Money among the people, which is so great, it is with difficulty that they are able to raise so much as will pay the impositions of their Lords, though they are generally but small; the reason is, because every body gathers to sell as he has occasion, and no body can stay to finish his harvest as it should be. So that if there should be any body (which is seldom seen) so rich as to be a bushel of Corn beforehand, every body having of their own, there would be no body to buy it: and the Gentlemen, of what they receive of their Tenants, except it be for cloths, spend little or nothing; For Cattle, and Poultry, and Fish, and Venison, they have enough of their own: so that all the Mony comes into the hands of the Lords, and doubtless at this time they are exceedingly rich, for the people are so poor, he that has but a Floren, believes himself a Prince.

The Prelates of France carry away ⅖ of the Revenue of that Kingdom, because there are several Bishops who have Temporal as well as Spiritual Revenues, who having provisions enough of their own to keep their houses, spend not one farthing of their income, but hoard it up according to the Natural covetousness of the Prelates, and Religious; and that which accrews to the Chapters and Colledges, is laid out in Plate, and Jewels, and Ornaments, for the decoration of their Chappels; so that betwixt what is laid out upon their Churches,

and what is laid up by the Prelates, their money and their movables is of an immense va∣lue.

In all Counsels for the Government and Administration of the affairs of that King∣dom, the Prelates are always the greatest number, the other Lords not regarding it so much, as knowing the execution must come thorow their hands: so that both sides are contented, one to ordain, the other to execute, though there are many times some of the ancienter and more experienced Souldiers taken in to direct the Prelates in such things as are out of their sphear.

The Benefices in France (by virtue of a Custom and Law derived anciently from the Popes) are conferred by the Colledges; insomuch as the Canons, when their Arch-Bishop, or Bishop dies, calling an Assembly, to dispose of their Benefices to them that are thought most worthy, whence it comes that they are frequently divided among themselves, because as many are prefer'd by favour and bribery, as by piety and worth: and it is the same with the Monks in the election of their Abbots. The other inferior Benefices are in the Gift of the Bishops. If the King at any time would intrench upon this Law, and choose a Bishop at his own pleasure, he must do it by force; for they will deny him possession; and though perhaps it be forc'd, that King is no sooner dead, but his Bishop shall be sure to be dispos∣sessed, and another put in his place.

The French are naturally covetous, and desirous of other peoples goods, which they will lavish and squander as prodigally as their own: a French-man shall cheat, or rob you, and in a breath meet, and eat, and spend it as merrily with you as you could have done your self; which is contrary to the humour of the Spaniard; for if he gets any thing of you, you must look for nothing again.

The French are in great fear of the English, for the great inroads and devastations which they have made anciently in that Kingdom; insomuch, that among the common people the name of English is terrible to this day; those poor wretches not being able to distinguish that the French are otherwise constituted now than they were then; for that now they are Armed, good Souldiers, and united, having possession of those States upon which the Eng∣lish did formerly rely, as the Dutchy of Burgundy, and the Dutchy of Britagne; and on the other side the English are not so well disciplin'd; for 'tis so long since they had any War, there is not a man of them living who ever look'd an enemy in the face; and besides, there is no body left to joyn with them, if they should land, but only the Arch-Duke.

They are afraid likewise of the Spaniards, by reason of their sagacity and vigilance. But when-ever that King invades France, he does it with great disadvantage; for from the place from whence he must march, to that part of the Piraneans by which he must pass in∣to France, the distance is so great, and the Country so barren, that every time the Spaniards attempt any such thing, either by the way of Perpignan, or Gehenna, they must needs be much incommoded, not only for want of supplies, but for want of victuals to sustain them in so tedious a march; because the Country behind them is scarce habitable for its fertility, and that which is inhabited has scarce wherewithal for the Inhabitants; so that in these respects, towards the Piraeneans, the French are in little apprehension of the Spaniard.

Of the Flemmings the French likewise are in no fear; for, by reason of the coldness of their Country, they do not gather enough for their own subsistance, especially of Corn and Wine, with which they are forced to supply themselves out of Burgundy, Piccardy, and other places in France. Moreover, the people of Flanders live generally of their own manu∣facture, which they vend at the Fairs in France, that is, at Paris and Lyons, for towards the Sea-side they have no utterance for any thing, and towards Germany 'tis the same; for there are more of their Commodities made than in Flauders: so that when ever their Commerce with the French is cut off, they will have no where to put off their Commodities, nor no where to supply themselves with victuals: so that without irresistible necessity the Flemmings will never have any controversie with the French.

But of the Swizzers the French are in no little fear, by reason of their vicinity, and the sudden incursions to which they are subject from them, against which it is impossible to make any competent provision in time, because they make their depredations and incursions with more ease and dexterity than other Nations, in respect that they have neither Artillery nor Horse; but though the French have Towns and Countries very near them, yet being well fortified and mann'd the Swizzers never make any great progress. Besides, the dispo∣sition of the Swiss is apter to battel and fighting in the field, than to the storming or defen∣ding of Towns: and it is very unwillingly (if ever) the French come to cope with them upon the Frontiers; for having no foot that is able to bear up with the Swizzers, their Men at Arms without Foot can do nothing: moreover, the Country is so qualified, that there is not room enough for the Men at Arms and Cavalry to draw up, and manage to ad∣vantage,

and the Swizzers are not easily tempted from their borders into the plain, nor to leave such strong and well provided Towns (as I mentioned before) upon their backs, left by them their supplies should be intercepted, and perhaps their retreat be ob∣structed.

On the side towards Italy they are in no fear, in respect of the Apenine Mountains, and the strong places which they have at the foot of them: so that who-ever invades the Do∣minion of France in those parts, must be sure to overcome, or by reason of the barrenness of the Country about, he will hazard to be famished, or compelled to leave those Towns behind him which would be madness, or to attaque them at disadvantage, which would be worse: so that on the side of Italy they are in no danger, for the resons abovesaid; and moreover, there is not a Prince in Italy able to undertake him, nor are the Italians now in such unity as in the days of the Romans.

Towards the South, the Kingdom of France is in no apprehension, because it is washed by the Sea on that side, and accommodated with Ports always full of Ships, (partly of the Kings, and partly of other petty Princes) sufficient to defend their Coasts from any sud∣den impression; and against any thing premeditated, they will have time enough to pre∣pare; for it requires time to make a solemn invasion, and the preparation will be discovered by some body, besides, for further security, there are always parties of Men at Arms scowring upon the Coasts.

Their expence in keeping of their Towns is not so great; for the French Subjects are ve∣ry dutiful, and the fortresses are not kept at the charge of the Kingdom, and on the bor∣ders (where Garisons, and by consequence, expence would be more necessary) those flying bodies of Men at Arms save them that charge: for against any extraordinary insult, there will be time enough to provide, for that requires time to be fitted, and more to be execu∣ted.

The people of France are very humble and obedient, and have their King in mighty ve∣neration. They live at very little expence, by reason of their great plenty, and every body hath something of his own: their clothing is course, of very cheap stuff, and they use no kind of Silks, neither the men nor the women; for if they should, they should be obnoxious to the Gentry, who would certainly be even with them.

The Bishopricks in France, according to modern computation, are 146, and the Arch-Bishopricks 18.

The Parishes are reckoned a million and 700, and the Abbies 740. Of the Priories there is no account.

Of the ordinary and extraordinary Entries of the Crown, I could get no exact account, I inquired of several, and all told me they were as the King pleased to require. Yet some persons told me that that part of his ordinary Revenue which arises out of his Gabels upon wine, and bread, and flesh, and the like, amounts to a million and seven hundred thousand Crowns: and his extraordinary, by Taxes, amounts as he pleases: but in case they fall short, he has another string to his bow, and that is by way of loans, which are seldom repaid. The Letters to that purpose do commonly run thus: Sir, The King recommends himself to you; and having at this time pressing occasion for mony, He desires you would furnish him with the sum contained in this Letter; which sums are paid in to the next Receiver, and there are of them in every Town who receives all the profits and revenue accrewing to the King by Gabels, Taxes, Loans, or otherwise.

Those Towns which are subject to the Crown, have no rules or orders but what His Majesty is pleased to set them for raising of mony either by Taxes or otherwise.

The authority of the Barons over their Subjects, and half their Revenues consists in bread, and wine, and flesh, as abovesaid, and so much a year for hearth-mony, but it must not exceed six pence or eight pence a hearth, to be paid every three months. Taxes and Loans they cannot require without the consent of the King, which he grants very rarely.

The Crown receives no other advantage from them than in the revenue for salt, and ne∣ver taxes them but upon extraordinary occasion.

The King's order in his extraordinary expences both in War and Peace, is to command the Treasurers to pay the Souldiers, which they do by tickets of assignment. The Pen∣sioners and Gentlemen repair to the Generals with their tickets from month to month, where they are entred, and having received a new policy from three months to three months, the Pensioners and Gentlemen go then to the Receivers of the respective Provinces where they live, and are paid immediately.

The Gentlemen belonging to the King are 200, their pay 20 Crowns a month; and paid as abovesaid, each hundred has a Captain.

The Pensioners are no set number, and their Pensions are as uncertain, being more or less as it pleases the King: they are in a way of preferment, and therefore there is no exact rules for them.

The office of the Receivers General of France, is, to receive so much for fire, and so much for taxes by consent of the King; and to take care that both ordinary and extraor∣dinary expences be paid at the time, and discharges given as aforesaid.

The Treasurers have the keeping of the mony, and pay it according to their orders from the Generals.

The office of the Grand Chancellor is judicial land definitive, he can pardon and con∣demn as he pleases, and that even in Capital Causes, without the consent of the King. In Causes where the Clients are contumaciously litigious, He can prefix them a day for the de∣termination of their Suit: He can confer Benefices, but that must be with the King's con∣sent, for those grants are pass'd by the King's Letters under the Broad-Seal, wherefore that Seal is kept by the said Chancellor. His salary is 10000 Franks per an. and 11000 more for his Table, which Table is intended for the repast and entertainment of such Gentle∣men, Lawyers and Counsellors as follow in his train, when they think fit either to dine or sup with him.

The sum which the King of England received annually from the King of France was fifty thousand Franks, in consideration of certain disbursements by the present King of England's Father in the Dutchy of Britagne, but the time of that payment is expired.

At present there is in France but one Grand Seneschal, when there are more, (I do not mean Grand Seneschals, for there is never but one) their authority is over the Militia both in Ordinary and Extraordinary, whom for the dignity of their Office they are ob∣liged to obey.

The Governors of the Provinces are as many as the King pleases, and have their Com∣mission for life or years, and their Salaries great or little, as he thinks good to appoint: the other Governors, to the very inferior Officers in every little Town, have all their Commis∣sions from the Kings, for you must know there is no office in that Kingdom, but is either given or sold by that King.

Of the quantity of distributions for the Gentlemen and the Pensioners, there is no cer∣tain account, but as to them, the King's warrant is sufficient, for they are not liable to the Chamber of Accounts.

The Office of the Chamber of Accounts is to view and audit the accounts of all such as have any thing to do in the King's Moneys, as the Generals, the Treasurers, and the Re∣ceivers.

The University of Paris is paid out of the Rents of the Foundations of the Colledges, but very narrowly.

The Parliaments are five, of Paris, of Roan, of Tholose, Burdeaux and Douphine, from either of which there is no appeal.

The Universities first were but four, at Paris, Orleans, Bourgi and Poictiers, to which these at Tours and Angiers have been added since, but they are very inconsiderable.

The standing Army is a great (both for number of Men and Artillery) as the King pleases, and are quartered and disposed according to orders from him. Yet every great Town upon the Frontiers have Artillery and Ammunition of their own, and within these two years several more have been cast in several places of the said Kingdom, at the charge of the Town where they were made, and to re-imburse themselves, the are allowed a Toll of a penny an head for all Cattel, and as much for every bushel of Corn, whilst the King∣doms is under no danger of invasion. The standing Force is divided into four Bodies, which are disposed into four several Posts for the security of the Country, that is to say, into Guienna, Piccardy, Burgundy, and Provence, but not precise number is observed in any, for they are lessened, or encreased, and removed from one place to another, as they have occasion to suspect.

I have with some diligence inquired what moneys were assigned every year for the charges of the King's Houshold, and his privy Purse, and I find it is what he pleases him∣self.

His Archers are four hundred, design'd for the Guard of his Person, among which there are two Scotch. Their Salary is three hundred Franks a man every year, and a Coat of the King's Livery. But there are 24 constantly at the King's elbow, and their Salary is 400 Franks per an.

His German Foot-Guards consisted formerly of three hundred men, with each of them a Pension of ten Franks a month, and two Suits of Apparel a year, that is, Coats and Shooes, one for Summer, and the other for Winter; but of these Foot there were 100 parti∣cularly

near the King, their Salary being 12 Franks per mens. and their Coats of Silk, which was begun in the time of King Charles.

The Harbingers are those who are sent before to take up Lodgings for the Court, they are 32 in number, and each of them has a Salary of three hundred Franks every year, and a Coat of the King's Livery. Their Marshals or chief Officers are four, and have each of them 600 Franks per an. In taking up their Lodgings, their method is this; they divide themselves into four parties, one Marshal (or his Lieutenant, in case he cannot wait him∣self) stays where the Court departed, to see all things rectified betwixt the followers of the Court, and the Masters of the Houses: another of them goes along with the Court; a third where the King lies that night; and the fourth where he lies the next, by which means they keep so exact an order, that they are no sooner arrived, but every man knows his Lodging, and is furnished with every thing got ready to his hand.

The Provost del Hostel is a person who follows always the person of the King, and his office is judiciary: where-ever the Court goes, his Bench is the first, and in all Towns where he comes the people may appeal to him as to their Lieutenant. His ordinary Salary is 6000 Franks. He has under him two Judges in Civil Causes, paid by the King, each of them 600 Franks per an. he has likewise under him a Lieutenant Criminal, and 30 Archers paid as abovesaid. Those who are taken by this Provost upon any criminal account, cannot appeal to the Parliament. He dispatches all both in Civil and Criminal affairs, and if the Plaintiff and Defendant appear once before him, it is enough, their business is deter∣mined.

The Masters of the King's Houshold are eight, but there is no certain rule for their Sa∣lary, for some have 1000 Franks per an. some more, some less, at it pleases the King, over whom there is a Grand Master with a Salary of 11000 Franks per an. and his authority is only over the rest.

The jurisdiction of the Admiral of France is over all the Fleet, and Ships, and Ports be∣longing to that Kingdom: He can seize, and make what Ships he pleases, and dispose of them as he thinks good when he has done. His Salary is 10000 Franks.

The Knights of the King's Order have no certain number, depending wholly upon the King's pleasure. When they are created they swear to defend the Crown, and never up∣on on any terms to be engaged against it: they can never be degraded or deprived of their Dignity but by death. The highest of their Pensions is 4000 Franks per an. some have less, for all are not equal.

The Chamberlains office is to wait upon the King, to see to his Chamber, and to advise him: and indeed his Chamberlains are persons of the principal reputation in his Kingdom: their Pensions are six, eight, and ten thousand Franks per an. and sometimes nothing, for the King does often confer those Places upon some great and rich stranger, whom he has a mind to oblige: but though they have no Pensions, they are exempted from all Gabels, and have their diet in Court at the next Table to the King's.

The Master of the Horse is to be always about the King; his authority is over the 12 Quieries, and the same that the Grand Seneschal, the Grand Master, and the Grand Chamberlains is over those who are under them. He has the care of the King's Horses, and Harness, helps him up and down, and carries the Sword before him.

The Lords of the King's Council have Pensions of betwixt six and eight thousand Franks Per an. at the pleasure of his Majesty; their names at present are, Monseigneur di Parigi, Mons. di Buonaglia, the Baylif of Amiens, Mons. du Russi, and the Grand Chancel∣lor; but Rubertet, and Mons. di Parigi govern all.

There is no Table kept for them since the death of the Cardinal of Roan, for when the Grand Chancellor is absent, Parigi does that office for him, and takes them with him.

The Title which the King of France pretends to the State of Milan, is thus; His Grand-father married a Daughter of the Duke of Milan, who died without Heir males.

Duke Giovanni Galeazzo had two Daughters women grown, and I know not how many Sons. Of the Ladies, one was called Madona Valentina, and was married to Lewis Duke of Orleans, Grand-father to this present King, descended lincally from King Pipen. Duke Iohn Galeazzo being dead, his Son Philip succeeded him, who died without legitimate issue, leaving only one natural Daughter behind him. Afterwards that State was usurped ille∣gally by the Sforzeschi, as is reported, because they pretend it fell to the Heirs of the said Madona Valentina, and that from the very day in which the Duke of Orleans married with the House of Milan, he added to the three Lillies in his Coat of Arms, the Snake, which is to be seen at this day.

In every Parish in France there is a person called a Frank Archer, who is paid by the Pa∣rish, and is obliged to be always ready with a good Horse and Arms to wait upon the King

when ever they are required, whether abroad in time of War, or at home upon any other occasion: they are bound likewise to ride up and down for the security of such places as are liable to in-roads, or any ways suspected; and, according to the number of the Parishes, they are 1700000 men.

Their Lodgings are appointed by the Harbingers according to every mans office, and usually the richest men quarter the greatest Courtiers; and that neither the Lodger nor Landlord may have reason to complain, the Court has appointed a rate or rule to be ob∣served generally for all people, and that is a sous or penny a day for their Chamber; in which there is to be bed, and chairs, and stools, and all things that are necessary.

There is an allowance likewise of two pence a day to every man for linen, (as towels and napkins) and for vinegar and verjuice; their linen is to be changed at least twice every week, but there being great plenty in that Country, they change oftner, as Lodgers desire it; besides which, they are obliged to keep their beds made, and their chambers swept and clean.

There is allowance likewise of two pence a day for the standing of every man's horse; they are not bound to provide any thing for them, only to keep their stalls clean, and carry out the dung.

Some there are who pay less, as their Landlords are good natured, or they can make any shift: but this is the ordinary rule of the Court.

The English Title to the Crown of France, upon my best inquiry, I find to be thus: Charles the sixth of France married his lawful Daughter Katharine to Henry the fifth, Son and Heir to Henry the fourth, King of England: In the articles of Marriage, (no notice being taken of Charles the seventh, who was afterwards King of France) besides the Dower that was given with Katharine, Charles the sixth, Father to the said Katharine insti∣tuted Henry the fifth of England (his Son in Law, and to be married to the said Katharine) Heir to that Kingdom of France: and in case the said Henry should die before the said Charles, and the said Henry leave Sons that were legitimate behind him, that then the Sons of the said King Henry should succeed to the said Kingdom of France, upon the death of the said, Charles the sixth; which was contrary to Law, because Charles the seventh was prejudiced thereby, and was afterwards of no validity or effect: against which the English pretend that Charles the seventh was illegitimate.

The Arch-Bishopricks in England are two.

The Bishopwricks two and twenty, and

The Parishes 52000.