The Memorialls of Queen MARGARET. The Second Booke.

CERTAIN dayes after, some faithfull servants of the King my Husband having made him under∣stand the artifice by the means whereof he was led unto destruction, by estranging him∣selfe and his affections from my Brother, and my selfe, from whom he ought to ex∣pect his greatest succour, and growing now into neglect, as the King began to undervalue him, they caused him to speak unto my Brother, who since the departure of Bussi had no way amended Page  78 his condition; for every day Le Guast caused him to receive some new indigni∣ties, and knowing that they were both in the same condition at Court, being both out of favour, and that Le Guast alone did govern the world, that they must begge to him for whatsoever they desired to ob∣tain of the King; and if they chanced to demand any thing they were rejected with contempt, that if any one had made himself their servant, he forthwith was cryed down, and laden with a thousand slanders and complaints, perceiving also that their disunion was their ruine, they resolved to unite and retire themselves from Court, and to assemble their ser∣vants and friends together, to demand of the King a condition and respect worthy of them, my Brother having not yet the exhibition for his maintenance, and main∣taining himself on certain ill assigned pen∣sions which came unto him onely when it pleased Le Guast, and the King my Hus∣band no way rejoycing in his government of Guyenne, he being not permitted to go unto it, or to any other of his Principa∣lities. This resolution being taken, my Brother spake unto me and said that they two were now made perfect friends, and that he much desired that the King my Page  79 Husband and I should be the like, and intreated me to forget whatsoever before had passed betwixt us, adding that the King my Husband told him that he was heartily sorry for it, and now perceived that our enemies were too strong and sub∣tile for us, that he was resolved now entire∣ly to affect me, and to grant unto me all desired satisfaction, he besought me also that for my part I would love him, and in his absence assist him in his affaires; they both agree on this resolution, that my Brother should depart first, stealing away in a Caroach, and that certain dayes after the King my Husband should follow him under pretence of going to the Chace, be∣ing both very sorry that they could not take me with them, neverthelesse assuring themselves, it being known they were a∣broad, that none durst offer any violence to me, intending to make it speedily ap∣peare, that their intention was no way to trouble France, but only to establish a condition worthy of their quality, and to secure their persons, for among these late troubles they alledged, that they were not without great danger of their lives: whether this feare of theirs were well grounded or no, or whether they who desired the ruine and division of our Page  80 House (the better to prevaile themselves) had caused such alarmes to be given them, by the daily advertisements they recei∣ved.

The Evening being come, a little be∣fore the supper of the King was served in, my Brother changing his cloake, and muf∣fling it about his face, went forth attended only with one Servant, who was not known, and walked on foot as farre as Saint Honorius gate, where he found him∣selfe provided with a Caroach which he borrowed of a Lady for that purpose, into which being mounted, he came as farre as certaine houses about a quarter of a mile from Paris, where having horses that at∣tended him, he there planted himself in the Saddle, and about a mile from thence, hee was saluted by two or three hundred horse of his servants, who made there their Ren∣dezvous accordingly, as he appointed; they perceived not at Court his depar∣ture, till about nine of the clock in the evening; the King and Queen my mother demanded of me why he was not at supper with them, and if he were in health or no; I replyed, that I saw him not since dinner, they sent into his chamber to know what the businesse was, forthwith it was retur∣ned that he was not there, they gave order Page  81 that they should search all the chambers of the Ladies to which he was accustomed to goe, they sought him in the Castle, and in, and round about the Citie; but they found him not; Immediately the Alarme wax∣ed hot, the King grew into a rage, and swolne with choler and despite, he sent to all the Princes and Lords of the Court, commanding them to take horse, and to bring him back either alive or dead, ur∣ging that he was gone to trouble his e∣state, and to make warre against him, and that he would make him understand the folly he committed in opposing a Prince so puissant as himselfe. Many of the Prin∣ces and Lords refused this commission, de∣monstrating unto the King, of what im∣portance it was, and that they would in∣gage their lives in the service of his Maje∣stie, as their duties did oblige them, but to goe against Monsieur his Brother, they well knew that the day would come, when his Majestie would give them but little thanks for it, and assured him that my Brother would undertake nothing that might be displeasing to his Majestie, or prejudicial to the State, that peradven∣ture it was some discontent that invited him to remove from Court, and thereup∣on it were expedient that the King should Page  82 first send unto him to informe himselfe of the occasion that moved him to depart, be∣fore he took a resolution to proceed a∣gainst him with so extreame a rigour; but others there were that accepted this com∣mission, and prepared themselves to take horse, their diligence could not make that dispatch, but it was first upon the break of day, which was the cause that they could not finde my brother, and were constrain∣ed to returne, as being not in equipage of warre; The King for all this was not more favourable to the King my husband, but looked with the same eye of disregard upon him as before, the which confirmed him in his resolution, so that within a few daies after, he retired himself from Court, pretending that he was gone on hunting. For me, the teares which (all that night after my Brothers departure) were my companions, had brought on the next morning so great a Rewme on one side of my face, that by reason of a fever, I was constrained certain daies to keep my bed, being very ill, and overcome with many sorrows, during which time of sicknesse, the King my husband, whether he was bu∣sied to prepare for his departure, or whe∣ther being about to leave the Court, he would bestow on pleasure the little time Page  83 he had to stay, and delight himself with the presence and company of his Mistris Ma∣dame de Sauva, had not the leisure to vi∣site me, but retiring to his rest at his accu∣stomed houres, which were about one or two a clock after mid-night, I knew not of his comming, we lying in two beds, as our usuall manner was, and rising before I was awake to be at the rising of the Queen my mother, to which as I have said, Ma∣dame de Sauva was accustomed to goe, he not so much as spake unto me, as he promi∣sed my Brother, and departed in the same manner, without bidding me farewell: For all this, I was suspected by the King to be the only cause of his departure, who was so incensed against me, that if he had not been retained by the Queen my mo∣ther, I beleeve his choler had wrought some crueltie against my life, but restrain∣ed by her, and daring not doe-worse, he suddenly whispered in my mothers eare, that it were requisite, I had a Guard set o∣ver me; to keep me from following the King my husband, and to debar any from comming to me, that I might not adver∣tise my Brother and him of the occurren∣ces at Court. The Queene my Mother willing to doe all things with clemency, told him, that she held it also to be very Page  84 necessary, being very glad that she had re∣bated a little the first edge and fury of his Choler, but said withall, that she would goe and prepare me to endure my bondage with patience, alleaging that those grie∣vances would not allwayes continue in the same termes, that all things in this world had two faces, that the first which was darke and frightfull, being turned, when we should come to behold the se∣cond more sweet and smiling, that on those new events, wee would take new counsells, that then peradventure he might have need of my service, that as wisedome did advise him to live with his friends, as chancing one day to prove his enemies, and therefore not too much to trust them, so friendship dissolving, and being of power to hurt, the same wise∣dome did counsell him to use his ene∣mies, as chancing one day to prove his friends.

These demonstrances withheld the King from doing me any hurt, to which he had a great desire, but le Guast assisted him with an Invention to discharge his choler ano∣ther way, and caused him (to doe me the greatest displeasure in the world) to send some swordmen to the house of Chastelas the Cosin of Torigny, and under pretence Page  85 of bringing her to the King to drown her in the river that was neere unto his house; they being arrived, Chastelas gave them free admission into his house, not doubt∣ing any thing; they seeing her, the strong∣est of them using as much indiscretion as violence in the ruinous charge which was committed to them, took hold of Torigny, and binding her, did lock her in a cham∣ber till their horses were bayted; in the mean time, behaving themselves after the French manner, not regarding what might happen, they crammed themselves up to the very throates with the best provision that the house afforded. Chastelas, who was a discreet man, not caring at all if by the expence of his victualls, he could gain any time to deferre the departure of his Cosin, hoping that who hath time, hath life, and that God might change the Kings heart, and countermand those people to desist from so great a cruelty, durst not en∣terprise by any other way to hinder them, though he had freinds and means enough, but God who alway looked on my afflicti∣on, to deliver me from the danger and in∣dignities which my enemies procured me, prepared an unexpected succour to rescue Torigny, which was this; Certain groomes and Chamberlaines having fled for feare Page  86 of these spoylers, who kept a knocking and a bouncing within▪ as in a house of pillage, being gone some quarter of a mile from the house, God guided that way, la Ferte and Avantigny with their troupes, who were about two hundred horse, and were now going to joyne themselves to the Body of my Brothers army, and it happen∣ed that amongst the troupes of Peasants, La Ferte beheld a Servant of Chastelas, with an afflicted and dolefull counte∣nance, and knowing him, asked if there were any Souldiers, who passing by that way, had done his master wrong, the groome answered no, and that the cause which so tormented him, was the extrea∣mity in which he left his Master, for the violence offered to his Cosin; Immediate∣ly La Ferte and Avantigny resolved to doe me that good office, to deliver Torigny, praysing God, that gave them so good an occasion to witnesse their service and affe∣ction to me, and galloping in full speed, they and all their troupes arrived so aptly at Chastelas his house, that they found these rude fellows on the point of putting Torigny on a horse, to leade her out to •rowne her; the Horsmen comming all into the Court with their Swords drawne, cryed out, Forbeare you Villaines, if Page  87 you doe her any violence, you are but dead! and charging on them, they did fly away, leaving their prisoner transported now with joy, as before with fear, and having thanked God and them for this so needfull a deliverance, she caused the Charriot of her Cosin Chastelas to be made ready, and accompanied with him, went with this guard of honest men to find my Brother, who was very glad being not able to have me with him, to have there one whom so intirely I affe∣cted.

While the King made this goodly dis∣patch to sacrifice Torigny to his anger, the Queen my Mother who knew nothing of it came into my Chamber to visite me, as I was then making my selfe ready, deter∣mining with my selfe, though I was trou∣bled with the rhewme, yet more sick in minde then body by reason of the afflicti∣ons which possessed me, to go that day abroad to see a little the course of the world on these new accidents, being al∣wayes in feare least they should enterprise any thing against my Brother and the King my Husband; My Mother said un∣to me, Daughter you need not make such haste to dresse you, grieve not I pray at what I shall deliver, I assure my selfe Page  88 that you doe not think it strange that the King findes himselfe offended with your Brother and your Husband, and know∣ing the friendship that is between you, believing that you knew of their depar∣ture he is resolved to keep you as a ho∣stage of them; he knows how your Hus∣band loves you, and that he cannot have a better gage of him than you, for this cause he hath commanded that a Guard should be set over you, to hinder you that you should not stirre from your Chamber: His Counsell also hath represented to him, that if you were at freedome amongst us, you would discover whatsoever is in∣tended against your Brother and your Husband, and acquaint them with it. I desire you not to grow impatient at this restraint, it shall not God willing last long, grieve not your selfe that I dare not come unto you as often as I would, for I am afraid to give suspition to the King, but assure your selfe I will not permit that any violence shall be done un∣to you, and I will labour to the utter∣most of my power to conclude a peace for the reconcilement of your Brothers. I represented to her how great was the in∣jury that in this I did receive; I would not deny but that my Brother did alwaies Page  89 communicate to me his just discontents, but for the King my Husband, since To∣rigny was taken from me, we had not so much as talked together, that he came not to visite me in my sicknesse, nor yet did so much as bid me adieu when he went away: she replyed these be ordinary com∣plaints between a Husband and a Wife, but I know that with kinde words and let∣ters he will regain your heart, and if he should send you word to come unto him, that you would goe, to which the King my Sonne will no way give consent. She returning I remained certain moneths in that estate, having not any, not so much as my familiar and most private friends that came to see me, for feare of the Kings dis∣pleasure. At Court adversity is alwayes alone, as prosperity is accompanied, and persecution is seldome any where assisted with true and constant friends; only the brave Grillon was he who despising all prohibitions came five or six times into Chamber so astonishing and frighting the Cerberusses that were set to guard my my doore, that they durst neither grant, nor deny him entrance: During this time the King my Husband being arrived in his government, and having assembled his friends and servants they did demonstrate Page  90 unto him what an unkindnesse and injury he committed in not taking his leave of me, nor in so much as bidding me fare∣well at his departure, telling him that I had understanding enough to doe him service, and that it was needfull to re∣gain me, that he should receive much profit by my love and by my presence, if things being reconciled, he could have me with him. He was easie to be perswaded to this, being removed from that Circe Madame de Sauva whose charms had lost their force by her absence, which in her presence rendred him without reason to apprehend the policies of our adversaries, and that the separation and division be∣twixt us was as prejudiciall to himselfe as unto me; he wrote unto me a very honest letter in which he desired me to forget whatsoever had passed betwixt us, and to believe that for the time to come he in∣tirely would affect me, which he would make more apparent to me then hereto∣fore he had done, commanding me to ad∣vertise him of the passages of the Court-affaires, and of my own estate, and of my Brothers, for though they were friends, they were removed from intelligence, my Brother being in Champagne and the King my Husband in Gascony; I received that Page  91 letter being yet a Captive which brought much comfort to me, and I failed not af∣terwards (although the Guard were com∣manded that I should not be suffered to write) being aided with necessity the Mo∣ther of invention, to send oftentimes my letters to him.

Certain dayes after my restraint, my Brother knew of my captivity, which did so much incense him, that had he not plan∣ted in his heart as great an affection to his Country, as he had a part and interest in the State, he had made so cruell a war, as he had then the means, commanding a brave army, that the people had endu∣red the punishment for the errour of their Prince, but retained by that na∣turall obligation and affection, hee wrote to the Queen my Mother, that if they used me so ungently they would throw him into the bottome of de∣spaire, she fearing to see the occasion of this warre brought to such an extreamity, that she knew not how to pacifie it, repre∣sented to the King of what importance it was, and found him disposed to receive her reasons, his anger being qualified by the knowledge of the danger wherein he was, being seized on in Languedock, Ga∣scogny, Dauphine, and Poictou by the King Page  92 my Husband, and the Huguenots, who held many goodly Towns and forts; and by my Brother in Champagne who had a great army composed of the bravest of the nobility in France, and since this depar∣ture of my Brother, being himselfe not able either by perswasions, threatnings, or commands, to make any take horse or to oppose my Brother, all the Princes and Lords of France providently forbearing to put their finger betwixt two grinding Milstones; All this considered, the King gave open eare to the Declaration of the Queen my Mother, and was as desirous as her selfe to have a Peace established, in∣treating her that she would be pleased to be a means thereof. She presently pre∣pared her self to goe unto my Brother de∣monstrating unto the King that it was ne∣cessary to take me with her, but the King would not consent unto it, believing that I did serve him as a sufficient hostate, thereupon she took her journy without me, and without so much as speaking to me, when my Brother seeing that I was not with her, represented the just discon∣tents which he received, and the indigni∣ties and rough usage which he found at Court, adding thereunto the injuries which were done to me by keeping me in Page  93 durance, and the cruelty which to dis∣please me they more then offered to To∣rigny, protesting that he would lend no •are to any overture of peace untill the wrongs which they had done me were re∣dressed, and till he saw me satisfied, and free. The Queen my Mother hearing this, returned, and declared to the King what answer my Brother sent unto him, and that it were requisite if he desired a peace that she should go back again, but for her to goe without me, her journey would be so unprofitable, that it would rather increase, then mitigate the Evill, as also to take me with her, without ha∣ving first contented me, it might doe more hurt then good, and that it was to be fea∣red that I would return no more, but from thence would repaire to the King my Husband, that it was necessary to take away the guard that was set over me, and to finde a means to make me forget the rough usage which I received. This the King found good, and seemed as much affected to it as her selfe. Immediately she sent for me, and told me that she had prevailed so much, that she had prepared things to a way of peace, that she knew that my Brother and my self did ever de∣sire the benefit of the State, that she could Page  94 conclude a peace so advantagious to my Brother, that he should have occasion to rest himself content, and be free from the tyrany of Le Guast, or whatsoever other malicious Spirit did possesse the King a∣gainst him, and that if I would assist her in making the accordance betwixt the King and my Brother, I should deliver her from a great and insupportable cala∣mity, shee being unable without a griefe as strong as death to receive the tidings of the Victory of the one, or other of her sonnes, she desired me that the inju∣ries I received might not transport me ra∣ther to thoughts of vengeance, then of peace; she told me that the King was sor∣ry, that she had seen him weep, and that he would give me such satisfaction, that I should remaine contented with it: I re∣plyed to her, that I never would preferre my private Good to the Benefit of the State, for the improvement and safety whereof, I would willingly sacrifice my life, and that I desired nothing more then a happy peace, to the effecting whereof, I would devote my self, and all my indea∣vors; on this, the King came into her ca∣binet, and with a multitude of faire words did labour to give me satisfaction, and in∣cited me to his friendship, finding that nei∣ther Page  95 my deportment, nor my words gave him any apparence of the injuries I recei∣ved, which I did more in contempt of the offence that he had done unto me, then for any satisfaction to him, having passed the time of my captivity in the pleasure and exercise of reading, in which I then began to delight my self, owing this obli∣gation not to Fortune, but to the divine Providence, which then began to provide me so great a remedy to relieve my self in the afflictions which were prepared for me, which served me also as an introdu∣ction to devotion, reading in that fayre and universall booke of Nature, so many wonders of the creator of it; for every well tempered Soul, rearing to it self a lad∣der by this knowledge, of which GOD is the last and highest round, ravished there∣at, doth addresse himself to the adoration of the admirable light of that incompre∣hensible Essence, and making a perfect circle, delighteth not in any thing but to follow that Homerick chaine, that exqui∣site Ring of Knowledge which procee∣deth from God himselfe, the beginning and end of all things; And sadnesse, con∣trary to Joy, which giveth us not leave to consider our own actions, rouzeth up the Soul in its self, which uniting all her for∣ces Page  96 to reject the evill, and to imbrace the good, thinkes, and thinkes againe inces∣santly, to choose this Soveraigne blisse, in which we may finde peace with confi∣dence, and these are those pious dispositi∣ons that prepare us to arrive at the know∣ledge and the love of God. I received these two benefits from the solitude and griefe of my captivity, to addict my selfe to reading and devotion, of which, before I scarce had tasted, amidst the vanity and pompe of my prosperous Fortune. The King as I have said, seeing in me no appa∣rence of discontent, told me that the Queen my mother should return unto my Brother in Champagne, to mediate a peace, and besought me to accompany her, and to doe there all the good offices I could, for he knew (he said) that my Brother re∣posed more trust in me, then in any other in the world, and that whatsoever Good should arise from thence, he would give me the honour of it, and professe himselfe obliged to me; I promised him what I re∣solved to performe, for it conduced to the Benefit of my Brother, and the State, so to imply my self, as he by it should re∣ceive contentment. The Queen my mo∣ther did depart, and I with her, and com∣ming to Sens, the conferrence was held in Page  97 a Gentlemans house a mile from thence. The morning following, wee came to the place of conference, my Brother was there in person, accompanyed with some of his owne troupes, and with the princi∣pall Lords and Catholike Princes of his Army, among whom also was Duke Casi∣mire, and Colonell Poux, who brought un∣to him sixe thousand Reisters, by the means of those of the Religion, who were joyned with my Brother in the behalfe of the King my Husband. For many dayes they treated on the peace, and the conditi∣ons of it, having many disputations on the articles, especially on those which concer∣ned the Huguenots, and the agreement was made with conditions more advanta∣gious to them, then they themselves could wish, as presently after it appeared. The Queen my mother, the peace being con∣cluded, perswaded my Brother to send back the Reisters, and to retire himselfe from those, from whom (being ever a good Catholick) he had a great desire to separate himselfe, not willing to be served by Huguenots, but only for necessitie. In this peace, there was an Estate assured to my brother for his maintenance ac∣cording to his qualitie, in which my Brother would have me comprised, being Page  98 very earnest, that the assignation of my dowry in Lands might be established, and Monsieur de Beauvais, who was deputed there a party for him, insisted on it very strongly; but the Queen my Mother did intreate me that I would not give way un∣to it, and assured me that I should receive of the King what I would demand, on which I did request them, that they would not comprehend me in the Articles, and that whatsoever I had conferred on me, I had rather receive it from the grace and bounty of the King and Queen my mo∣ther, beleeving that it would be a course more beneficiall, and as assured to me.

The peace concluded, and assurance ta∣ken on the one side, and on the other, the Queen my mother preparing her selfe for her returne, I received letters from the King my Husband, by which I under∣stood that he had a great desire to see me, intreating me, that as soone as I saw the peace concluded, to sue for leave to come unto him: I besought the Queen my mo∣ther, who rejected my petition, and by all means possible indeavored to divert me from it, saying, That when I received not her proposition to disanull our marriage, after the massacre of S. Bartholomew, she Page  99 then commended my resolution, because my husband was made a Catholick, but now, since he hath abandoned the Catho∣lick Religion, and is turned Huguenot, she could not permit that I should goe un∣to him, and seeing I daily renewed my pe∣tition, she told me with teares in her eyes, that if I returned not with her, she should for ever loose her credit with the King, adding, that the King would beleeve that she had taken me with her for that intent, and that she had made a solemn promise to him to bring me back, she desired me to stay till my Brothers return, which she said should be with speed, and that suddainly after, she would take order for my dispatch to the King my Hus∣band.

Some few dayes after, we returned to the King to Paris, who by reason of the peace, received us with great joy, yet not well liking the advantageous conditions of the Huguenots, and determining with himselfe, as soon as he had got my Brother to Court, to finde some new Invention to begin the war again, and not let them joy in that, to which to his grief he condiscen∣ded, to withdraw my brother from them, who stayed yet behind a moneth or two, to give order for sending backe the Rei∣sters, Page  100 and for the dismissing of his army, He arrived not long after at Court, with all the Catholick Nobilitie that assisted him; the King received him with all ho∣nour, seeming to have great joy to see him there, and he made very much of Bus∣si also, who came with him, for Le Guast was lately dead, being slaine by the judge∣ment of God as he was in course of phy∣sick; he had a body infected with all sort of villanies, and subject to a corruption, which a long time did possesse it, as the Devills did his soule, to whom he did ho∣mage by Magick, and all sort of wicked∣nesse; this Brand of fire and division being taken from the world, and the King having his thoughts bent only on the ruine of the Huguenots, intended to make use of my Brother to command against them, to ren∣der my brother and them unreconcile∣able, and fearing also that to prevent it, I would hasten to the King my husband, he entertaind us both, as well the one, as the other, with all the pleasures that the Court could yeeld, to make our stay there more delightfull; and seeing at the same time that Monsieur de Duras was sent from the King my husband to demand me, and with so much importunity I urged to be gone, that he no longer could denie me, he Page  101 told me (shewing first it was the love he did beare unto me, and then the know∣ledg what a Grace & ornament I brought unto his Court, which caused him so long to suspend my journey) that he would now conduct me himself as far as Poictiers, and returned Monsieur de Duras with that assurance.

Certaine daies after, he stayed at Paris, deferring, and not openly refusing to give me leave to goe, till he had all things in readinesse for the declaration of his de∣signed warre against the Huguenots, and by consequence against the King my Hus∣band, and to give a pretence unto it, they caused a rumour to be spread, that the Catholicks complained of the advantage∣ous conditions, to which they accorded with the Huguenots at the peace of Sens. This murmur and discontent of the Ca∣tholicks was blowne abroad, that they came to League and unite themselves at Court from all the Cities and provinces of the Kingdome, enrouling, and signing themselves, and making a great noise (but privately with the Kings consent) that they would choose Monsieur de Guise for Chiefe; there was no other thing spoken of from Paris untill you come to Blois, where the King had called the States to∣gether, Page  102 during the overture of whom, the King called my Brother into his cabinet with the Queen my mother, and some of the Lords of his counsell, and presented there unto him, of what importance for his Authoritie and estate was this league, which the Catholicks had begun, especi∣ally if they should come to make them∣selves heads, and to choose those of the House of Guize; that it concerned them (understanding my brother and himself) more then all the rest, that the Catholicks had reason to complain, and that his duty and conscience did oblige him to discon∣tent the Huguenots rather then the Ca∣tholicks, he intreated and conjured my Brother, as an heire of France, and a true Catholick, that he would counsell and as∣sist him in this affayre, whereon the hazard of his Crowne, and the Catholick Religi∣on so much depended, adding that it see∣med to him to cut off all danger that this League might bring, that he himself ought to make the chiefe, and both to shew his zeal to his Religion, and to debarre them from choosing any other, to signe himself first as Chiefe, and then to have my Bro∣ther signe, and afterwards all the Princes, Lords and Governours, and whosoever had any charge or power in his King∣dome. Page  103 My Brother could not but offer that service which he owed to his Maje∣stie, and to the preservation of the Catho∣lick Religion. The King having taken assurance of my Brothers assistance, which was the principall end to which the arti∣fice of the League did tend, did suddenly call all the Princes and Lords together, and causing the roll of the said League to be brought unto him, he first there signed himself as Chiefe, and then my Brother, and after him all the rest, who had not yet signed. The morning following, they opened the Estates, having taken advice of the three Lord Bishops of Lions, of Am∣brum, and of Vienne, who perswaded him that after the oath made at his consecrati∣on, no oath made unto the Hereticks could be of power, the said oath nullifying all other oathes and promises which he could make unto the Huguenots: this being pronounced at the opening of the States, and warre being proclaimed a∣gainst the Huguenots; the King sent back Genislac, who had been there to hasten my departure, with rough and threatning lan∣guage: telling him that he gave his sister to a Catholick, and not unto a Huguenot, and if that the King my husband had a de∣sire to have me, he should turne Catho∣lick Page  104 againe; all preparations for the warre were made, there nothing else was spoken of at Court, and to render my brother more unreconcileable with the Hugue∣nots, the King made him Chiefe of one of his Armies. Genislac being come to tell me this sad farewell, which the King had given him, I repayred presently to the closet of the Queen my mother, where I found the King, and complained how he had abused me with delayes, having al∣wayes hindered me from going to the King my husband; and now dissembled to depart from Paris, to conduct me to Poictiers, to expresse an effect so contrary. I represented to him, that I was not mar∣ried for pleasure, or to satisfie my owne desires, but that it was the desire of King Charles, conjoyned with my mothers, and his owne, that since they had given me to him, they could not hinder me from run∣ning my fortune with him, that I would goe unto him, and if they refused to give me leave, I would steale away in what disguise and fashion that I could, though with the hazard of my life. The King answered, 'Tis not now a time (my Si∣ster) to importune me for leave, and I professe the truth which you have said, that I have deferred your going for a while, to Page  105 denie it in the end for altogether; for since the King of Navarre hath turned again to be a Huguenot, I never thought it good that you should goe unto him; that which we have done, the Queen my mother, and my self, is for your safetie. I will make warre against the Huguenots, and root out that Religion, which doth us so much mischief, and there is not the least appa∣rence of reason why you, who are a Ca∣tholick, and my sister, should be in their hands as an hostage of me, and who knows not, but to procure unto me an irreparable losse, they may revenge themselves on your life for the evill which I shall bring upon them; no, no, you shall not goe, and if you steale away, as you say you will, understand that you shall have me and the Queen your Mother for your cruell ene∣mies, and you shall feel our anger to the uttermost of our power, and shall rather impayre, then amend the condition of your husband. I retired my self with great displeasure from that cruell sen∣tence, and taking the advice of the prin∣cipall of my friends at Court, they decla∣red, that it would ill become me to be re∣sident in a Court so contrary to the king my husband, and from whence so openly they made warre against him, and coun∣selled Page  106 me, as long as the warres continued, to retire my selfe from Court, and were it possible, it were more honourable for me to finde some pretence to goe out of the kingdome, under the colour of pilgri∣mage, or to visite some of my kindred; Madame de Roche-sur-yon was one of those whom I assembled to desire their counsell, who was then upon her departure to goe to the waters of Spau. My brother was also present, and had brought Mondoucet with him, who was Agent for the King in Flanders, and being lately returned, repre∣sented to the King, with what griefe the Flemmings suffered the usurpation which the Spaniards made on the Lawes of France, for the dominion, and soveraign∣ty of Flanders; that many of the Lords and Commons of their cities had expresly commanded him to acquaint his Majestie how much they stood addicted to the French, and that they would lend him all their helping hands. Mondoucet, seeing the King gave no eare to his advise, having nothing in his head, but the Huguenots, who were now to feele the vengeance of his displeasure, for assisting my brother a∣gainst him, talked no more unto him of it, but addressed himself unto my Brother, who having the true nature of a Prince, Page  107 loved onely to enterprise great and glo∣rious things, being borne rather to con∣quer, then preserve; he suddenly imbra∣ced the enterprise, which pleased him so much the more, because he perceived no∣thing of injustice in it, willing to regain that unto France, which was usurped by the Spaniards; Mondoucet for this cause became my Brothers servant, who sent him back to Flanders under the colour of accompanying Madame the Princesse of Roche-sur-yon to the waters of Spau, and he observing that, during these warres, every one sought a faire pretence to withdraw me from France, whether it were into Savoy, or into Lorrayne, or to Saint Clau∣des, or to our Lady of Loretto, whispered these words into my brothers eare, Sir▪ if the Queen of Navarre could pretend any malady, which the waters of Spau, whither Madame the Princesse of Roche-sur-yon is now going, might serve for cure, this would fall out very fortunately for you: my brother much commended his coun∣sell, and being very glad of the discovery of it, suddenly cryed out, My deer Queen, study no more, for you must goe to the waters of Spau, whether Madame the Princesse is going; I have sometimes heard you complain of a swelling in your Page  108 arme, you are to say that your Physitians did then prescribe it, but the season was not fitting, but now the time is seasonable, and you must intreat the King to give you leave to goe. My Brother declared not himself at that time, wherefore he de∣sired the journey, because that Monsieur the Cardinall of Burbon was then in com∣pany, whom he suspected for a Guisian, and inclined to the Spanish faction. For my selfe, I understood it very well, not doubting but it reflected on his enter∣prise for Flanders, of the which Mondoucet had spoken to us both. All the company were of this advise, and Madame the Prin∣cesse of Roche-sur-yon, who her selfe was going thither, and who loved me intirely, with great joy did apprehend and enter∣tain this counsell, and promised to goe with me to the Queen my mother, to have her grant consent unto it. On the morning following, we found the Queene alone, and I represented unto her, what a displea∣sure it was unto me, to see the King my husband in a warre against the King, and to be thus removed, and kept asunder from him, that while this warre continu∣ed, it were neither expedient nor hono∣rable for me to stay at Court, where if I still continued, I could not avoide one of Page  109 these two Evills, either that the King my husband would conceive that I stayed at Court only for my owne pleasure, and that I assisted him not as I ought to doe, or that the King would entertaine an opini∣on, that I sent daily advertisements to the King my husband, that both the one and the other would procure unto me much affliction; I besought her that she would be pleased to think well of it, if for a while I estranged my self from Court, to avoid all occasions of suspition, that some time was passed, since the Physitians prescri∣bed me the waters of Spau, for the swel∣ling of my arme, to which I had a long time been subject, and that the season of the yeere being now fitted for it, this journey by her permission would fall out opportunely, not onely to remove me from Court, but from France also; and so the King my husband might understand, that being unable to be with him by reason of the Kings distrust, I would not remaine in that place where warre was made a∣gainst him, and that I hoped that her wis∣dome would so dispose of things in time, that the King my husband should obtaine a peace of the King, and returne into his favour, that I would attend to heare that happy news, to have then permission to re∣payre Page  110 unto him, and that in this voyage to the Spau, Madame the Princesse of Roche-sur-yon (who was there present) would doe me the honour to accompany me. The Queene my mother did much applaude my resolution, and told me that she was glad that I had taken this advise, affirming that this evill counsell which the Bishops gave the King, not to make good his pro∣mises, but to breake whatsoever he had contracted with the Huguenots for him, had for many considerations, brought her much affliction, especially seeing this im∣petuous torrent drew along with it, and ruined the most understanding, and the faithfullest servants that the King had in his counsell (for the King had thereupon removed foure or five of the most noble and apparent in all his Counsell) More∣over she affirmed, it left a deep impression in her, to see the truth of what I represen∣ted, that staying at Court, I could not a∣voide one of those two evills, either that the King my husband would dislike that stay, and be off•nded at it, or that the King would distrust me, supposing that I gave intelligence to the King my husband, shee said that she would perswade the King to give consent unto the voyage, which she did, and the King discoursed with me of it, Page  111 without the least apparence of being an∣gry, being well content that he had diver∣ted me from my husband, whom he hated more then all the world besides, and com∣manded that a Post should be dispatched to Don John of Austria, who commanded in Flanders for the King of Spaine, to in∣treat him to give me necessary warrants to passe freely through the countrey of his Authority, because I must of necessitie travell through Flanders to goe to the waters of Spau, which are in the lands be∣longing to the Bishop of Leige.

This being determined, we severed our selves for a little space, during which time my Brother imployed himselfe to instruct me in some desired offices concerning his enterprise in Flanders, and the King and Queene my mother removed to Poictiers, to be neerer the army of Monsieur de Mayenne, who besieged Brovage, and who from thence was to passe into Gascog∣ny, to make warre against the King my husband. My brother also was to march with another army, of which he was Com∣mander, to besiege Issoire, and some other Townes which shortly after he took in, and I prepared my self for my Journey in∣to Flanders, attended with Madame the Princesse of Roche-sur-yon, with Madame Page  112 de Tournon, my Dame of honour, with Madame de Mouy of Picardie, with Ma∣dame La Chastelayne of Millon, with Ma∣damoselle d' Atrie, with Madamoselle de Tournon, and with seven or eight Gentle∣women more, and with Noblemen, as Monsieur the Cardinall of Lenoncourt, with Monsieur the Bishop of Langres▪ with Monsieur de Mouy Lord of Picardie, with the chiefe Esquires, and many other Gen∣tlemen of my house. This company gave such delight to strangers, who found it so full of state and lustre, that they had France in farre more admiration: My litter was of Carnation velvet, imbroydered with works of Gold and Silke. The in∣vention of the worke, and the Impresses were easie to be seene; this Litter was glazed round, and every glasse had a de∣vice in it, there being in the works of Vel∣vet, and in the glasse, fourty different In∣ventions, with Italian and Spanish Mot∣toes on the Sun, and his effects; this litter was followed with the litter of Madame the Princesse of Roche-sur-yon, and with the litter of Madame de Tournon, my Dame of Honour, and with ten wayting Gentle∣women on Horse, with their governesse, and with sixe caroaches, in which the rest of the Ladies and women were.

Page  113 I passed through Picardie, where the Citties had commandment from the King to receive me as if himself were present, and they did me all the honour that I could desire. Being arrived at Castelet, which is a fort three miles from the fron∣tire of Cambresis, the Bishop of Cambray, whose Church acknowledged not then the King of Spaine, but for her Pro∣tector, sent a Gentleman unto me, to know the houre of my departure thence, inten∣ding to meet me at my entrance into his Lands, where I found him well attended with people, who had the habite and ap∣parence of true Flemmings, as they are ve∣ry grosse in those parts. The Bishop was of the House of Barlemont, one of the Prin∣cipall houses in Flanders, but who in a Flemmish brest had a Spanish heart, as they made it apparent to me, being one of those that did most assist Don John, but yet he received me with great honour, and no lesse Spanish ceremonies. I found this Citie of Cambray, although not builded with such strong materialls as curs of France, yet farre more delightfull, the Cities and houses thereof being better di∣sposed, and proportioned, and the Chur∣ches very faire and large, a common orna∣ment to all the Townes in France; that Page  114 which I found in this Citie most remarke∣able, was the Cittadell, one of the strong∣est and fairest in Christendome, which be∣ing since under the obedience of my Bro∣ther, the Spaniards to their costs have pro∣ved. A noble and worthy Gentleman, Monsieur de Ainsi was the Governour of it, who in grace, in presence, and all quali∣ties requisite to a perfect Gentleman, was nothing inferiour to our most accompli∣shed Courtiers, and no way partaking of that naturall clownishnesse, which seem∣eth proper to the Flemmings. The Bi∣shop made us a banquet, and delighted us after supper, with the pleasure of a Maske, to which all the Ladies of that Citie came, but being there himself not present (for suddenly after the supper, he retired him∣self, being as I have said, of a Spanish and ceremonious humour) Monsieur de Ainsi, the most apparent in that troupe, was left behinde, to entertaine me at the Maske, and to have me afterwards to a Collation of confects, but very unadvised∣ly, as I conceive, for this was he who had the charge of the Cittadell; I speake this having learned it to my own expence, and knowing more (then I would desire) what belongeth to the guarditg of such a place. The remembrance of my brother being Page  115 not to be divided from my heart, because I loved nothing more then him, I often did thinke on the instructions which he had given me, and seeing a fayre opportu∣nitie offered to doe him good service in his enterprise for Flanders, this Citie and Cittadell being the key thereof, I quick∣ned and imployed all the understanding which God had given me to render Mon∣sieur de Ainsi affectioned to France, and more particular to my Brother, God gave such a blessing to my discourse, that he delighted with it, determined to stay with me as long as possibly he could, and to ac∣company me during the time I stayed in Flanders, and to this intent, he demanded leave of his master to goe with me to Na∣mur, where Don John of Austria did at∣tend me, saying, That he desired to see the triumphs of that entertainment. This Flemming Spanioliz'd was notwithstan∣ding so ill advised to let him goe, during this voyage, which continued ten or twelve daies, he spake unto me as often as he could, openly demonstrating that he had a heart addicted to the French, & that he only desired to live to see the houre wherein he might have so brave a Prince as my Brother for his Lord and Master, despising the service and commands of his Page  116 Bishop, who although he was his Sove∣raigne, was but a Gentleman as himselfe, and farre inferiour to him in the qualities and graces both of minde and body.

Departing from Cambray, I lodged the night ensuing at Valenciennes in Flanders where Monsieur the Count of Lalain, Monsieur de Montigny his brother, and many other Gentlemen to the number of two or three hundred came to receive me at my comming out of the principality of Cambresis, unto which place the Bishop of Cambray conducted me. Being arrived at Valenciennes, a Town inferiour to Cambray in force, but not in the ornament of good∣ly buildings and of Churches, where the fountaines and the Clocks with industry proper to the Almains gave not a little cause of wonder to the French, it being not ordinary with them to hear the clocks •xpresse a pleasant Musick of the voice, with as many sorts of persons as are in the little Castle in the Suburbs of Saint Ger∣mans: Monsieur the Count of Lalain, the Citty being under his government, made a feast to the Lords and Gentlemen of my •roupe, where his wife and his faire Si∣ster Madame de Aurec and the most remar∣kable and bravest Ladies of that country attended to receive me; He told me he Page  117 was Cosin to the King my Husband, and he was a person of great authority and estate, to whom the Spainish insolence was al∣waies odious, being strongly incensed against them since the death of the Count of Aigmont who was his neer kinsman, and although he maintained his government without being leagued with the Prince of Orange or the Huguenots, being a thrice Catholick Lord, yet he could not endure to see Don John, or permit that either he or any of his should enter into his govern∣ment, Don John not daring force him to the contrary, fearing that then the Catho¦lick league in Flanders called the League of the Estates would unite themselves with the Prince of Orange and the Huguenots, wisely foreseeing, what a storm and tem∣pest would ensue, as they have proved since who have governed there for the King of Spain. The Count of Lalain could not sufficiently expresse what a joy he did re∣ceive to see me, and if his native Prince had then been present, he could not be received with more honour and demonstrations of wellcome and affection. Arriving at Monts at the Countes of Lalain with a∣bout fourescore or a hundred Ladies of the City and Country, of whom I was recei∣ved not as a strange Princesse, but as if I Page  118 had been their Soveraign by the privi∣ledge of inheritance, the disposition of the Femmings is to be private, merry, and familiar, and the Countesse of Lalain be∣ing of this disposition, and having a great and high Spirit, it gave me presently an assurance that it were no difficult matter to enter into a strict friendship with her: The houre of supper being come, she went to the Banquet, and after to dancing which the Count of Lalain continued all the time of my aboad at Monts, which was longer then I determined, intending to depart the morning following, but this good woman inforced me to stay a seventh night with them, which I was unwilling to doe, fearing to overcharge them, nor was it possible for me to perswade her husband or her selfe, but they enforced me to stay till the eighth day were expired, living with such familiarity with me, she stayed at my lying down very late, and would have staied longer but that she did what was very rare to doe in persons of her qua∣lity, which notwithstanding did witnesse a nature attended with great goodnesse, she nourished her infant with her own milk so that being one morning at the feast, and sitting next unto me at the table which is the place where they of that Country doe Page  119 communicate themselves with greatest friendship, and ayming at nothing but my content, which was altogether to advance my Brothers designes in Flanders, she being curiously drest and almost covered with precious stones and rich imbroyderies, ha∣ving on a Kirtle of cloath of gold, whose ground was black, wrought with curious workes of imbroydery and purles of gold and silver, and a doublet of Cloath of sil∣ver whose ground was white, wrought with flowers of gold, and buttoned with great diamonds (a habit proper to the of∣fice of a Nurse) they brought unto the ta∣ble her little childe, as richly dressed as was the Nurse that gave it suck, she set the Childe on the table betwixt us both, and freely unbuttoning her selfe she gave her brest unto her little one; this had been counted incivility in any else, but she did doe it with so great a grace and comeli∣nesse, as her actions were all accompanied with it, that she received by it as much commendation, as the company delight. The banquet being ended, the dancing be∣gan in the same Hall wherein we were, which was very faire and a large roome, where being seated one next unto another, I told her that although the pleasures which I received in her company might Page  120 well be ranked in the first number of those which gave me greatest reason to acknow∣ledge them, yet I could almost wish that (never had enjoyed them, by reason of the griefe I should receive in departing from her, and that Fortune shortly would de∣prive us from ever seeing one another, it being to be numbred amongst the misfor∣tunes of my life, that heaven had not or∣dained that she and I should live in one and the same Country. This I spake to make her enter into conference which might serve for the designes of my Brother; shee replyed to me, this Country hath been sometimes part of France, and for this cause their pleadings in law are yet in French, and this naturall affection is not departed from the hearts of the most of us, for my part I have no other desire in my Soule, since I have had the honour to have seen you; sometimes indeed this Country stood affected to the house of Austria, but that affection hath been torn from us in the deaths of the Count of Aigmont, of Monsie∣ur de Horn of Monsieur de Montigny and of the other Lords who were all our neer Cosins, that were then defeated, and pertai∣ning to the Nobility of this Country, we have nothing so odious as the Spanish go∣vernment, and desire nothing more, then Page  121 to be delivered from their tyranny, never∣thelesse we know not yet how to effect it, because this Country is divided into diffe∣rent Religions, but had we been united, we had thrown out the Spanyard long a∣goe, but this division doth render us too feeble for them: I would to God that your Brother the King of France would be pleased to recover this Country, which in times precedent was his own, we would lend him all our helping hands; she spake not this in an unadvised suddaines but with premeditation to finde from France some remedy for their evils. I seeing the way o∣pen to what so much I did desire, made an∣swer, The King of France my Brother is not disposed to undertake forrain warres, especially at this present, having in his own kingdome the factious party of the Huguenots which is grown so strong, that continually it will hinder him from com∣mencing any wars abroad, but my Brother Monsieur de Alenson who is nothing inferi∣our in valour, wisedome, and in bounty to the Kings my Fathers and my Brothers, will readily attend this enterprise, and will have no lesse meanes to bring succour to you, then the King of France by Brother, he is trained up in war, and esteemed one of the bravest Captains of this age, and Page  122 now commandeth the Kings army against the Huguenots, with which he hath ta∣ken since my departure a very strong town called Issoire, and some others, you cannot seek unto a Prince whose succour shall be more profitable to you, being so neer your neighbour, and having so great a Realme as France at his devotion, from whence he may bring all the means and commodities necessary for the warre, and if he may re∣ceive that good office from the Count your Husband, you may assure your selves that you shall have what part in his for∣tunes that you will defire; my Brother is of a noble disposition not ingratefull, and who delighteth in nothing more then in acknowledging a service or good office done; he doth much respect and imbrace Gentlemen of courage and of honour, and is also followed with the bravest of the no∣bility of France; I believe they will short∣ly conclude a peace in France with the Huguenots, and that at my return I shall see it accomplished; If the Count your Husband be of the same resolution as you are, and of the same desire, let him (if he please) acquaint me with it, and I will dispose my Brother to undertake it, I as∣sure my selfe that this Country and your house by it in particular will receive all Page  123 happinesse: And if my Brother should e∣stablish himselfe here, you may assure your selfe you shall see me often, our friendship being such that never any Bro∣ther entertained a Sister with more perfect love: She received this declaration with much content, and told me that she spake not this at adventure, but seeing the ho∣nour I had done her to affect her, she was resolved not to leave me, untill she had dis∣covered to me the estate in which her Hus∣band was, and till she had required that some remedy might be brought from France to release them from the feare in which they lived, being in perpetuall warre and danger to stoope to the inso∣lence and tyranny of Spaine; She intrea∣ted me that with my consent she might re∣late unto her Husband the communication that passed betwixt us, that on the next morning they both together might talke unto me of it, I very gladly consented to it, and we passed away that afternoone in such discourses, and in what ever else I thought might doe my Brother service, in which I found that she received great con∣tent.

The dancing being ended, we repay∣red to heare Vespers among the Canones∣ses, which is a Religious order that we Page  124 have not in France, they are Gentlewo∣men which are placed there very young, for the improvement of their marriages, untill they are of age for husbands, they lodge not in common dormitories, but in severall roomes, and in every roome there are three or foure, or five or six young Gentlewomen with an old woman, of which old women, there is a certaine and distinct number, who are never married, nor the Abbesse of them, they onely weare the habite of Religion in the morning at Mattens, and in the afternoone at Vespers, and as soone as service is ended, they put off their religious habite, and apparell themselves as other Gentlewomen that are to marry, going freely with them to the banquettings and dancing, so that they dresse themselves foure times a day, they were every day at the banquet, and daun∣ced ordinarily after it. The Countesse of Lalain thought it long till the evening was come, to acquaint her husband with the good beginnings which she had given to these affaires, which having done, in the morning she brought her husband to me, who made a long discourse of the just oc∣casions which he had to free himself from the tyranny of the Spaniard, in which he intended not to undertake any thing a∣gainst Page  125 his naturall Prince, knowing that the Soveraignty of Flanders belonged to the King of France, he represented to me what means he had to establish my Bro∣ther in Flanders, having all Hainault at his devotion, which extended as farre as Brux∣ells, he only was in doubt of Cambresis, which lay betwixt Flanders and Hainault, and told me it would be expedient for me to gaine Monsieur de Ainsi, to which I replyed, that I would beseech him rather that he would be pleased to speak himself unto him, which he could doe more free∣ly then my self, being both his neighbour and his friend; having then presented to him what estimation and assurance he might make of the friendship of my Bro∣ther, and that the Fortune he should par∣take in, should be with as much greatnes and authoritie as the remarkeable service received from a person of his Quality could merit; we resolved at my returne to France, that I should stay at La fere, whe∣ther my Brother should come unto me, and that Monsieur de Montigny the bro∣ther of the said Count of Lalain should come to treate there with him on those affaires; during the time of my a∣bode there, I did encourage him alwayes, and fortifie him in that resolutiō, to which Page  126 his wife brought no lesse affection then my self; And the day being come that I must depart from this goodly company at Monts, it was not without great and re∣ciprocall griefe of all the Flemmish La∣dies, and my self, and above all, of the Countesse of Lalain, by reason of the great friendship which she had vowed to me, ha∣ving inforced me to promise her, to make my return that way, as I passed into France. I did give unto her a Carcanet of Jewells, and to her husband a seale of pretious stones, which were esteemed of great va∣lue, but farre more pretious to them, be∣cause they came from the hand of one whom so intirely they affected; all the Ladies stayed behind, except the Lady of Aurec, who did goe with me to Namur, her husband Monsieur de Aurec, and Mon∣sieur the Duke of Arscot staying there, ever since the peace betwixt the King of Spaine and the States of Flanders; for though they were both on the States side, the Duke of Arscot was an ancient Courtier, and one of the most remarkable in King Phillips Court, at what time he was in Flanders, and in England, and he was al∣wayes in great esteeme, and next unto the Grandyes of his Court. The Count of Lalain, with all the Nobilitie of that Page  127 Countrey conducted me above two miles beyond his government, untill he saw the troupe of Don John appeare, then he took his leave of me, because he would not see him, only Monsieur de Ainsi did accom∣pany me, because his master the Bishop of Cambray was of the Spanish faction. That faire troupe being returned, having travel∣led a little farther, I was encountered by Don John of Austria, who was attended in∣deed with many people, but onely with twenty or thirty horse, and with the Lords, the Duke of Arscot, Monsieur de Aurec, the Marquesse of Varambon, and young Balenson, Governour for the King of Spaine in the County of Burgundy, which Noble and gallant Gentlemen, hea∣ring that I passed that way, were come in a full speed to meet me: of Don Johns owne people, there were none of any name or fashion, but one Lodovick de Gon∣zagua, who stiled himselfe Cosin to the Duke of Mantua, the rest were but meane people, and of a servile countenance, there being not any with him of the nobility of Flanders: He alighted from his horse, and set foot on ground to salute me in my litter, which was lifted up, and opened round; I saluted in the French garbe, both him, the Duke of Arscot, and Monsieur de Page  128 Aurec; after some complements, mounting againe his horse, he discoursed with me till he brought me to the Towne, whither we could not come but very late, because the Ladies at Monts detained us as long as possibly they could, spending above an houre in the observation of my litter, and taking great delight to understand the manner, and the devices of it. The me∣thod of their building was so beautifull at Namur, as the Spaniards are excellent that way, and their Towne so lightsome, that the windowes and the shops being full of splendor, one might beleeve that he saw a new day to shine there. That night Don John caused me and my traine to be served in our own lodgings and cham∣bers, thinking that after so long a journey, it would be unmannerly to tire us againe with the tediousnesse of a banquet. The house wherein he lodged me, was well accomodated to receive me, where they found means to make a great and fayre hall, and an appartement for me of chambers and closets, which were hung round with the fairest, richest, and bravest moveables, that I beleeve were ever seen, being all tapistries of Velvet or Satten, em∣bossed with great pillars made of cloath of silver, inchased with thick knots, and Page  129 purles of Gold, and set forth in the richest and most beautifull manner that could be invented, and in the middle of those pil∣lars were great personages attired after the ancient fashion, and made of the same imbroidery. Monsieur the Cardinall of Lenoncourt, who had a curious and a deli∣cate spirit, being a familiar friend of the Duke of Arscots, who as I have said, was an old Courtier, and a Gentleman of ex∣quisite indowments, being indeed the on∣ly honour of Don Johns troupe, behol∣ding, one day while I was there, those gorgeous and magnificent moveables, said unto him, This furniture seemeth to me to appertaine rather to some mighty Mo∣narch then to a Prince unmarried, and of no greater authority then Don John; the Duke of Arscot replyed, they are the gifts of Fortune, and not of Providence or a∣bundance, these stuffes being sent unto him from one of the Bashaes of the Great Turke, whose sonnes in a memorable bat∣tell he tooke prisoners, and Signior Don John having done him the courtesie to re∣turn them to him without ransome, the Basha, to requite the good turne, did send him a great quantitie of stuffes of silke, and of cloath of gold, and silver, which were presented to him, being then at Myl∣lain, Page  130 a Citie where is choice of such preti∣ous furniture, of which he made the Ta∣pistrey which you behold, and for an ever∣lasting remembrance of the glorious at∣chievement of them, he wrought the bed and the hangings of the Queens chamber in a most rich imbroidery, representing the glorious victory in that battell, which he gained against the Turks: the morning being come, we heard Masse after the cu∣stome of Spaine, which was with Violins, Cornets, and other musick, and departing thence unto the Feast in the great hall, he and I did dine at a table by our selves, the table where the Lords and the Ladies di∣ned, was removed some three foot from ours, where Madame de Aurec had the ho∣nour done her for Don Johns house, ha∣ving her drinke presented to her by Lodo∣vick G•nzagua, kneeling. The banquet being ended, dancing began, which lasted all the afternoone, the evening passed a∣way in this manner, Don John discour∣sing alwayes with me, and oftentimes re∣peating, that he saw in me a resemblance of the Queen his Mistris, the late Queen of Spaine my Sister, witnessing by all hono∣rable courtesies that could be expres∣sed to me and my troupe, that he recei∣ved an undissembling joy to see me there. Page  131 The Boate on which I was to passe the Ri∣ver Mose unto Leige being not yet in readi∣nesse▪ I was constrained to tarry there all the next day, where having passed away the morning as we did the morne before; there was a faire B•are after dinner prepa∣red for me in which we were ferryed to an Iland, being environed in our way with other Boars full of Hob•yes, Cornets and Viols; Don John had provided a banquet in the Ile, in a great hall made of guilded Leather, accomodated with Cabinets round about it, and fille with the musick of Hoboyes and other instruments which continued all supper time. The Banquet being ended, and dancing having lasted almost an houre, we returned in the same Boat that did waft us out, and which Don John had prepared for my voyage. The morning following we departed thence, Don John accompanied me in the Boat, and after a very honest and courteous fare∣well, he gave me to Monsieur and Ma∣dame de Aurec to attend me as far as Huy, where that night I was to lodge, which is the first town that belongeth to the Bishop of Leige: Don John being gone forth, Monsieur de Ainsi who was the last that stayed in the Boat, and who had not per∣mission to conduct me further, with much Page  132 griefe took his farewell of me, and with many protestations that he would remain a most constant servant to my Brother and my selfe: But false and treacherous for∣tune not able to support the glory of this so happy a condition which in my voyage hitherto did attend me, gave me two crosse presa•es, which on my return, to content her envy, she had prepared for me. The first was, that my Boat had no sooner remo∣ved from the shore, but Madamois•lle de ••urnon, a virgin indowed with many virtues, whom I intirely loved, took so strange a sicknesse, that on a suddain she bur•• forth into strong and loud shreiks by reason of the violence of the grief she felt, which did so oppresse her heart that the Physitians could provide no remedy, but within a few daies she was ravished by Death, I will relate this tragicall story in its own place, it being so remarkable. The other was that arriving at Huy a town scituate on the declining of a hill, there brake forth on a suddain, so impetuous a torrent falling from the Mountain waters into the river, that ingrossing and devou∣ring all at once, we could no sooner leape to land and run with all the speed we could to recover the top of the Hill, but the floud was there as soon as we. My lodge∣ing Page  133 was on the upper and highest part of the Town, where that night we were con∣tent with what provision the Master of the House had of his own, who had not means to get Boats or people to send down into the Town, which seemd overwhelmed in that vast Deluge, from which it was won∣derfully delivered, as it was seized by it, for on the dawning of the day the waters were all returned, and retired within their proper channels. On my departure thence Monsieur and Madame de Aurec returned to Namur unto Don John, and I took Boat to goe that day to Leige, where the Bishop who is a great Lord received me with all the honour and demonstrations of good will that a courteous and well affected person could expresse; He was a Lord at∣tented with great virtue, wisedome, and bounty, and who spake very good French agreeable with his person, which was ho∣norable, and magnificen•: He was atten∣ded with a Chapiter and many Canons, all sonnes of Dukes and Counts, and great Lords of Germany. The Bishoprick is of a soveraigne estate, and of great revenue, and filled with many goodly Towns: The Canons obtain their places by election, and they must continue a yeere probationers that are received into their Society; The Page  134 town is great as Lyons, and almost of the same scituation (the river Mosa passing in the middle of it) excellently builded, there being no Religious House which seemeth not a faire palace, the streets long and large, enriched with curi∣ous fountaines, the Churches adorned with so much marble which they have there at hand, that worthily they challenge the observation of the passinger, and may be as well the wonders, as the pleasures of his eye, The Clockes made with German industry, singing and re∣presenting all variety of Musick and of Persons. The Bishop received me as I came out of my Boat, and conducted me into a faire and stately Palace, so richly painted, and set forth with so much Gold and Marble, that there is nothing more mag∣nificent or delightfull. The waters of Spa were three or foure miles from thence, and there being no Town neer, but a Vil∣lage only of three or foure houses, Ma∣dame the Princesse of Roche-sur-yon was advised by her Physitians to stay at Leige, and to have the water brought thither to her, assuring her that it would loose no virtue being brought unto her before the Sun was up, of which I was very glad, ha∣ving our aboad in so fit a place, and in so Page  135 good a Company; for besides his Grace▪ (for so they stile the Bishop of Leige, as we give the title of Majesty to a King, or of Highnesse to a Prince) the rumour flying that I passed that way, most of the Lords and Ladies of Almaine were come thither to attend me, and among others Madame the Countesse of Aremberg, who was she that had the honour to conduct Queen Eli∣zabeth to her mariage at Meziers, when she was espoused to King Charles my Bro∣ther, and who conducted my eldest sister at her mariage, to the King of Spaine; she was a woman that was in great account with the Empresse and Emperour, and with all the Princes of Christendome; there was also her sister Madame de Lant∣grave and her Daughter Madame de Arem∣berg, and Monsieur de Aremberg her sonne a brave and worthy Gentleman, the live∣ly image of his Father, who bringing here∣tofore auxiliary Souldiers from Spaine to King Charles my Brother, returned with great honour and reputation. This arri∣vall being full of joy and honour▪ had been yet farre more delightfull, were it not in∣terrupted by the Death of Madamoselle de Tournon, whose history being so remark∣able, I cannot here but make digression to relate it.

Page  136 Madame de Tournon who was then my Dame of honour had many daughters, the •••est whereof was maried to Monsieur •e B••anson Governour for the King of Spaine in the County of Burgundy, who returning to his own Country intreated Madame de Tournon his Mother to let him have another of her Daughters, to associate his wife being to live now in a place remo∣ved from her kindred; her Mother con∣sented to it, and she staying there some yeers in improving her selfe, though her cheifest beauty was her virtue and her gracefull carriage, Monsieur the Marques of Varambon (a man designed to the Church being resident in the same house with his Brother Monsieur de Balanson) by ordina∣ry society of discourse and conversation with Madamoiselle de Tournon became ve∣ry amorous of her, and being not yet ob∣liged to the Church desired to espouse her; he propounded the motion to his own friends and to hers, they of her side did well approve it, but his Brother Monsieur de Balanson thinking it more profitable for him to have him of the Church prevailed so farre that he brake off the Marriage, de∣signing to him the habit and formality of the Gown. Madame de Tournon offen∣ded thereat, took from thence her daugh∣ter Page  137 Madamoiselle de Tournon with her sister Madame de Balanson, and being a rough and severe woman without regard of her Daughters age and disposition, which de∣served a more gentle usage, she daily did torment her with vehement and invective language, insomuch that she was never seen to have her eyes dry, though all her actions were most commendable, so un∣gentle was the nature and severi•y of this Mother. Her Daughter desiring nothing more then to be released from this tyranny entertained a certain joy when she saw I was going into Flanders, truly conceiving that the Marques of Var•b•n would meet me there, and being now in the estate of Mariage for he had altogether abandoned the gown would peradventure demand her of her Mother, and that by the means of this Mariage she should be delivered from her former persecutions. The Marques of Varambon and his Brother the younger Balanson did meet us at Namure, the young Balanson who was nothing so proper a gentleman as the other, did court this maid in the way of Mariage, and the Marques of Varambon during our aboad at Namure, made semblance as if till then he had never seen her, at which she put on the apparence of content, constrayning her selfe to seem Page  138 regardlesse of it, but the trouble, the griefe and indignation thereof did so con∣tract her heart, that as soon as they had taken their last farewell, and were depar∣ted from the Boat, she was strook with such a suddain sorrow that shee could not draw her breath but with many shreikes and mortall pangs; having no other cause of her sicknesse, her youth did combat with death, for the space of eight or ten dayes, who armed with despite in the end did render himselfe victorius, ravishing her from her Mother and my self, who both did bear this losse with equall greife and passion, for her Mother although she was a very severe woman did love her most intirely: Her Funeralls were com∣manded to be performed with all solemni∣ty, because she was discended from a great great and noble family, and pertained to the Queen my Mother; the day of her in∣terrement being come, they appointed foure of my Gentlemen to bear the Corps, one whereof was Boessier, who having in her life time passionately adored her, and not daring to discover it unto her by reason of the inequality of his birth, and the vertue which he observed in her, did carry now this mortall burden, and dyed as often in her death, as the losse of his love had Page  139 interrupted and divided the course of his life, breathing out his soule after her in sighes, and every new minute bringing a new death unto him; this fatall convoy, being in the middle of the streets, and pas∣sing to the Cathedrall Church, behold the Marques of Var•mbon, who guilty o• this sad accident, some few dayes after my departure from Namur, repenting of his crueltie, and his ancient flame (O won∣derfull) being kindled in her absence, which could not be awakened by her presence, he resolved to come and de∣mand her of her Mother, trusting per∣adventure in the good fortune which did attend him, to be beloved of all whomsoever he desired, as since it hath appeared in a Lady of eminent ac∣count, whom against her parents consents he hath espoused; and promising to him∣selfe, that his Mistris de Tournon would grant him an easie pardon, repeating these Italian words, che l• forza d'amore non ris∣guarda al delitto, did beseech Don John to give him commission to come unto me, and making diligent haste, he came just, as the body, as unhappy in her death, as glorious and innocent in her Virginitie, was in the middle of the street, the throng of the peo∣ple at this pompous solemnitie, did hin∣der Page  140 him that he could not passe, he looked about him to learne what the occasion was, and observed in the middle of the troupe, a multitude of mourners, and a white cloath crowned with Chaplets of flowers, he asked who it was, some of the City made reply that it was a buriall, he growne more curious, advanced himself amongst the first of the convoy, and with much importunity desired to know who it was, O deadly answere, the ven∣geance of love for his ingratitude and in∣constancie, made him now feele those stroakes of death in his soule, which his forgetfulnesse and disdaine had made his Mistresse suffer in her body; the man not knowing who it was that pressed to know it, told him that it was the body of Mada∣moiselle de Tournon; at that word he swounded away, and fell from his horse, they carried him as dead into his lodging, justly desiring in this extremity to ap∣prove that union with her in his death, which in his life too slowly he accorded to; his Soul, as I believe, departing into her tombe to crave pardon for what his disdainfull oblivion had committed, did leave his body for a time without any ap∣parence of life, and returning thence, did animate it anew, to make him feele again Page  141 the justice of death, which once alone had not sufficiently punished his Ingrati∣tude.

This sad office being performed, behol∣ding my self in a company of strangers, I would not afflict them with the griefe which I received, for the losse of so vertu∣ous a servant. I was invited either by the Bishops Grace, or by some of the Canons to dinner every day in severall houses and gardens, as there are very faire ones in that Citie. His Grace, with many Lords and Ladies, strangers, comming every morning to my chamber, accompanied me to the garden wherein I was to take the waters of Sp•u, which was to be recei∣ved walking, and though the Physitian that did prescribe it was my Brother, yet it hath done me good, having since con∣tinued six or seven yeeres without feeling the swelling of my arme; departing thence, we never parted company, but resorted to some feast, and after dancing, to heare Vespers to some religious house, and after supper we were entertained with dancing againe, or else with Musick on the water. Six weeks did passe away themselves on this manner, which is the ordinary time accustomed for the taking of these waters, and which was prescribed to Madame the Page  142 Princesse of Roche-sur-yon. As I was pre∣paring to returne to France, behold Ma∣dame de Aurec, who going to Lorrayn to seek her husband, expounded to us the wonderfull alteration that happened at Namur, and in all that Countrey, since my departure, The same day wherein I de∣parted from Namur, Don John going out of his boate, and taking horse, under pre∣sence of hunting, came before the gate of the Castle of Namur, the which as yet he had not mastered, and feigning (as casu∣ally he passed by) to goe in, and see it in his way, he seized on it, and slew the Cap∣taine whom the States kept there, break∣ing the Articles that were agreed on be∣tween the States and him, and moreover he seized on the Duke of Arscots▪ on Mon∣sieur de Aurecs, and on her owne person, and though after many demonstrations and intreaties, he let her husband and the Duke depart, yet he retained her till then, 〈◊〉 be a caution to him for the deportment of them; She declared that all the Coun∣trey was now in armes; there were three parties, the first of the States, which were the Catholicks of Flanders; the other of the Prince of Orange, and the Huguenots, who made but one Party; and the third of the Spaniards, over whom Don John com∣manded. Page  143 I seeing my selfe imbarked in this manner, that of necessitie I must fall into the hands of the one or the other of them, and my Brother having sent a Gentleman named Lescar to me, by whom he wrote that since my departure from France, God had given him the grace to serve the King so well in the charge of the army committed to him, that he had taken all the Townes which he was commanded to besiege, and chaced the Huguenots through all the Provinces in which his army was to march, that he was returned to Poictiers, where during the siege of Brouage the King continued to be neere at hand to succour Monsieur de Mayenne in what was necessary; that as the Court is a Proteus, that turnes his shape in every houre on the arriving of every new acci∣dent, so at his return he found all things changed, that they made no more account of him, then if he had done nothing at all for the service of the King, that Bussi, whom the King seemed to contenance be∣fore his departure, and who had served the King in this warre in his owne person, and in the person of his friends, having lost his brother in an assault at the seige of Issoire, was disreguarded also, and persecuted with envy, as if it had been in the time of Le Page  144 Guast, that every day they did procure him some new Indignitie or other, that the Kings minions had practised with foure or five of his chiefest servants, Maugiroa, La Valeit•, M•uleon, Livarrot and some o∣thers to abandon his, and to betake them∣selves to the Kings service, that the King •id much repent him of my voyage into Flanders, and that I should take heed in my returne, for feare of b•ing surprised, either by the Spaniards, who were adver∣tised of what I treated in Flanders for him, or for the Huguenots, who would revenge on me the evil•s which he had done them, having first assisted them, and afterwards made warre against them. All this promised, wrought much in my con∣sideration, seeing that not only of neces∣sitie I must passe either amongst the one or the other of them, but that the Principall of my Company also were affected either to the Spaniards, or to the Huguenots, Monsieur the Cardinall of Lenoncourt, be∣ing suspected to favour the Huguenots, and Monsieur de Descarts, who was Bro∣ther to the Bishops Grace of Leigh, to be addicted to the Spaniards. In these doubts full of contrarieties, I knew not to whom to communicate my selfe, but to Madame the Princesse of Roche-sur-yon, and to Ma∣dame Page  145 de Tournon, who knowing the dan∣ger wherein we were, and finding we had five or sixe dayes journey to La Fere being to passe all the way under the mercy of the one or other of these two parties, an∣swered me with teares in their eyes, that God alone could preserve me from that danger, that I should recommend my self to him, and then doe as his inspirations did direct me; As for them, though one of them was sick, and the other stooped with the weight of Age, they desired me not to forbeare to make long journeys, and that they would indeavour themselves to the utmost to draw me from this danger. I spake unto the Bishop of Leigh, who was indeed a Father to me, and gave me his grand master with horses to conduct me as farre as I would desire, and be∣cause it was needfull for us to have a Warrant for free passage from the Prince of Orange, I sent Mondoucet thither, who was his associate, and rellished something of that Religion; he returned thence no more, I expected two or three dayes his comming, and I be∣lieve that should I have waited till he came, I should have stayd there still. I was daily counsailed by Monsieur the Car∣dinall of Lenoncourt and my chiefe Esquire Page  146 Salviati, who were both of one complexion not to depart without a Passe, and finding their designe did bend another way, I was resolved to goe betimes the morning following, they seeing they could not stay me with this pretext, Salviati being of intelligence with my Treasurer, who was also a private Huguenot, exhorted him to say that there was not money left e∣nough to discharge my expences, which was extreamly false, for being arrived at la Fere, I looked on the accounts, and there was money enough to defray the charges of at least six weeks travaile more, yet they caused my horses to be staied, giving this publick affront with great danger to me. Madame the Princesse of Roche-sur-yon be∣ing not able to indure this indignity, and seing the danger wherein I was did lend me what money I thought necessary, and they remaining confused at it, I departed thence having made a present to the Bishop of a Diamond worth three thousand Crowns, & given to all his servants either chains or King of gold, and I came to Huy having no protection but my hope in God. That Town as I have said belonged to the Bi∣shop of Leige, but full of tumult and mu∣tiny (as all the people there knew of the generall revolt of the Low-Countries) Page  147 and would no longer acknowledge the Bishop▪ because he lived as a newtrall, and they were a professed party with the States, so that without any respect to the grand Master of the Bishop of Leige who was with us, hearing how Don John had seized on the Castle of Namur in my travails that way, as soon as we were lodged, their drums did beat an Alarm, and they brought their artillery into the street, and made Barricadoes against my lodging, stretching forth their chains that we should not come together, and held as all that night in these perplexities, without having the means to speake to any of them, being all a silly people, a brutish nation, and with∣out reason; In the morning they suffered us to goe, having filled the streets through which I was to passe with armed men.

From thence we departed to Di•an, where by misfortune that day they chose their Burgomasters, who are as Consuls, in Gascogny and France. All that day was spent in debauchment, all the world was drunk, no knowledge of Magistrates, but a true Chaos of confusion, and to make our condition yet worse, the grand Master of the Bishop of Leige had sometimes made warre against them, and was taken by them Page  148 for their mortall enemy; this town when the people are sober and in sence, hold for the States, but 〈◊〉 dominering now amongst them, they could not hold it for themselves, and indeed neither knew nor acknowledged any master. As soon as they beheld a troupe great as mine to ap∣proach their Suburbs, the alarum grew hot amongst them, they forsook their glas∣ses to run to armes, and all in a tumult in∣steed of opening the gate they barred it fast against me. I had sent a Gentleman be∣fore with the Harbingers and the Marshall of my lodging to intreate them to give me passage, but I found them at the gate cry∣ing to those who did not understand them. In the end I stood up in the Litter, and taking of my Mask, I made a signe to the most apparent of them, that I would speak unto him, who being come unto me, I in∣treate• him to cause silence to be made, to the end I might be understood, which with much a doe being obtained, I declared to them who I was▪ and the occasion of my Voyage, that so farre it was from me to bring any hurt unto them by my comming that I would not give them the least suspi∣tion of it, I intreated them to permit me and my women onely to enter into the Town, with as few of my Men as they Page  149 pleased, telling them that I would leave the rest behinde me in the Suburbs; they accepted of this proposition, and I came into the Town with the most apparent of my troupe in which number was the grand Master of the Bishop of Leige, who by chance was knowne as I entred into my lodging, environed with this people drunken and armed, then they began to cry out, that they were injured, and to charge upon him who was a reverend man of fourescore yeers of age, having a white beard down to his girdle. I caused him to make haste into my lodging against which these drunkards plyed their Har∣quebuses with volleyes of shot as thick as haile, the walls being made but of earth only. Seeing this tumult I demanded if the Host of the house were within, by good fortune they found him, I desired him that he would goe unto the window, and make way for me to speake to the most remark∣able of them, which with great difficulty I procured; he having a long time called to them out of the window, at length the Burgomasters came to parly with me, but so full of swill, that they knew not what they said; In the end assuring them, that I knew not that the grand master was their enemy, demonstrating of what impor∣tance Page  150 it was to offend a person of my qua∣lity, who was a friend to the principall Lords of the States, and that Monsieur the Count of Lalaine, and all other Chief∣taines would give them but little thankes for this their entertainment of me; having heard the name of Monsieur the Count of Lalaine, they presently became of another minde, and gave more respect to him, then to all the Kings to whom I appertained, the most antient of them betwixt stamme∣ring and laughing, demanded of me, if I was then a friend to Monsieur the Count of Lalaine; I seeing that his consanguinity would stand me more in stead then all the Potentates in Christendom, made answer, yes, I am not only his friend, but his kins∣woman also, then they did reverence to me, and gave me their right hand of friend∣ship, offering as much courtesie, as be∣fore they had committed insolence, and besought me to excuse them, assuring me that no wrong should be done to that good man the Grand-master of the Bishop of Leige, and that he should goe along with me. The morning being come, as I was going to heare Masse, the Kings Agent that was resident with Don John named Du Bois who was a French man extreamly Spaniolized, came unto me, saying, that Page  151 he had letters and command from the King to attend and conduct me in my return to France, and for that end he had intreated Don John to let me have Barlemont with a troupe of Horse for my guard to bring me without danger to Namur, desiring me to speak to those of the Town to grant en∣trance to Monsieur Barlemont who was a Lord of that Country, and to his troupe of Horse; This was done for a double end, to make themselves Masters of the Town, and to make me fall into the hands of the Spanyards. I found my self here in a great streight, and communing with Monsieur the Cardinall of Lenoncourt, who had no greater desire then my selfe to fall into the hands of the Spanyards, we concluded to know of the Towns men if there were any way by which we might avoide the troupe of Monsieur de Barlemont, and leaving my little Agent Du Bois to discourse with Monsieur de Lenoncourt, I walked into an∣other Chamber where I caused those of the Town to come unto me, and declaring to them that if they gave entrance to the troupe of Monsieur de Barlemont they were all undone, because that he would seize on their town for Don John, I counsailed them to arme themselves, and to stand on Page  152 their guard, and being ready at the Gate to shew the countenance of men of under∣standing that would not be surprised; they did allow and believe my reasons offering to lose their lives in my service, and gave me a guide to lead me a way where by pas∣sing over the river that ran betwixt the troupes of Don John and mine, I should cast them so farre behinde, that they could not overtake me, going all the way after by Towns which held for the States. Ha∣ving taken this resolution, I sent them to the Gate, and Monsieur de Barlemont who was already entred did importunately perswade the Townsmen to permit his troupe to come in also. They hearing this, began all to fall upon him, so that he hardly escaped from being massacred a∣mongst them, telling him that if his troup did not forthwith retire from the sight of their Town they would discharge their Artillery upon them, this they did to give me leasure and the advantage to passe the water, before that troupe could overtake me. Monsieur de Barlemont and the A∣gent Du Bois did what they could, to per∣swade me to goe to Namur, where Don John attended me, I made apparence to doe what they desired, and to follow their Page  153 advice, and having heard Masse, and made a short dinner, I came out of my lodging, attended with two or three hun∣dred of the towne in armes, and confer∣ring all the way with Monsieur de Barle∣mont, and the Agent Du Bois, I tooke my direct course towards the mouth of the river, which was contrary to the way unto Namur, where the troup o• Mon. de Barle∣mont expected me: they observing it, told me, that I had mistooke my way, but I be∣holding them still in discourse, passed on, till I came unto the gate of the Town, go∣ing out of which, and accompanied with a good number of the townes men, with doubled speed I hasted towards the river, and taking boate, I caused all the chiefest of my traine to enter with me, Monsieur de Barlemont, and the Agent du Bois crying continually on the Bank-side, that it was not my neerest way, that it was crosse to the Kings intention, who would have me goe by Namur; notwithstanding their out-cries, we ferried over the water with what speed we could, and while they made two or three fares to carry my litters and horses over, those of the towne, on pur∣pose to give me time, with a thousand out-cries and complaints, delayed and amazed Page  154 Monsieur de Barlemont, and the Agent du Bois, reasoning with them on the wrongs which Don John had done them, having falsifyed his faith with the Estates, and broken the peace, and arguing with them on antient quarrells, about the death of Count Aigmont, and threatning them continually, that if their troupe appeared nigh the Towne, they would discharge their Ordnance upon them; this gave me the leisure to secure my self, being delive∣red from all feare and danger, by the gui∣dance of God, and this good man whom they had given to conduct me. I lodged that night in a strong Castle named Fluri∣nes, which belonged to a Gentleman who held with the Estates, and whom I had seen with the Count of Lalain, but such was the mischance, that the Gentleman was not within, there being none at home but his wife only, who seeing us in the Base-Court which lay all open, she tooke a sud∣den fright, and drawing up the bridge, did flie into the Castle, resolving, say what we could, not to let us in. In the meane while three hundred Gentlemen, whom Don John had sent to intrap me by the way, knowing that I went to the Castle of Fleurines to lodge there, did appeare Page  155 upon a little hill some mile from thence, and beleeving that we were got into the Castle, for they might see from thence, that we were all entred into the Court, there made a stand, and lodged there that night, hoping the next morning to intrap us. As we were in these perplexities, seeing our selves no farther than in the Base-court, which was inclosed only with a weake wall, and defended with as bad a gate, which had been easie to be for∣ced, we continually parlyed and disputed with the Gentlewoman of the Castle, who was inexorable to our prayers; but it pleased God, in the duske of the evening to send her husband Monsieur de Fleuri∣nes, who presently received us into his Castle, and was extreamly angry and pas∣sionate with his wife for the incivilitie, and indiscretion which she shewed. This Gentleman, Monsieur de Fleurines, was sent on purpose to me from the Count of Lalaine, to give me a sure convoy through the townes of the Estates, being not able to accompany me himself, because he could not abandon the army, being a chief Commander for the States, so happy was this Gentlemans incounter with me, that conducting me into France, we passed no more by any Townes, wherein we found Page  156 not honourable entertainment, because it was the Countrey of the Estates, this was the only displeasure which I received, that I could not passe by Monts, as I promised the Countesse of Lalain, our way lying no neerer to it then Nivelles, which is seven long mile from thence, and I could not see her husband the Count of Lalaine, be∣cause the warre growing hot, he was in the Army of the States, towards Anvers. I wrote unto her only from thence, on the behalfe of the Gentleman that conducted me. She, as soone as she learned where I was, did send unto me the chiefest of her Gentlemen to conduct me to the Fron∣tires of France, for I was to passe through all Cambresis, which was divided one half for the Spaniard, and the other for the States. I travelled with them to the Castle of Cambresis, from whence they returning, I sent her in remembrance of me, one of my Gownes, which I heard her very highly prize when I did weare it at Monts, it was of black Satten, covered with imbroyderies, which cost me nine hundred crownes. Arriving at the Castle of Cambresis, I was informed, that certain troupes of Huguenots had a designe to attache me betweene the Frontires of France and Flanders, which I disclosing Page  157 but to a few, was ready to depart the next morning an houre before day. Sending for my litter, my Esquire Sal•iati pro∣longed the time, as he had done before at Leige, and perceiving that he did this on purpose, I left my litter, and taking horse, those that first were ready followed me. I came to Castelet by ten of the clock in the morning, having by Gods goodnesse esca∣ped all the wiles and ambuscadoes of my enemies. I departed thence to my house of La Fere, intending to continue there, till I heard a peace concluded; I found there a Poste of my Brothers arrived be∣fore me, who had a charge to attend my comming, and as soone as I was arrived, to return in all haste to acquaint him with it. He wrote to me that the Peace was made, and that the King was returned to Paris, that for himself, his condition of estate was daily worse then other, there being no in∣dignity and disgrace, which he and his did not daily prove, and that every houre brought in new and unjust complaints a∣gainst Bussi, and the honest Gentlemen that attended on him, that with extreame im∣patience he expected my return to La Fere, intending there to meet me. I suddenly dispatched his messenger unto him, by whom advertised of my return, he forth∣with Page  158 sent Bussi, with all his house to An∣gers, and taking only with him fifteen or twenty of his servants, he came in Post to La Fere unto me, which was one of the greatest contentments that ever I recei∣ved, to have that person with me, whom so intirely I did affect and honour, and I endeavoured my self, to give him all plea∣sures which I thought might make that place delightfull, which he so well accep∣ted, that willingly he would have said with Saint Peter, Let us here make us tabernacles, had not his royall Courage, and the Noble∣nesse of his active Soul, called him to enter∣prises of Renowne and Glory. The peace and pleasure of our Court, in com∣parison of that from whence he came, did render every houre so delightfull, that he could not forbear oftentimes from crying out, O my Queen, how good it is to be with you; This Court is a Paradise filled with all variety of delight, and that from whence I came, a hell, pestered with all manner of torments, and furies.

We stayed there about two moneths, which in that happy estate, were to us but two short daies, during which time, ha∣ving made him account, of what I had done for him in my voyage into Flanders, and certified him in what terms I had left Page  159 his affayres, he thought it expedient that Monsieur the Count of Montigny, bro∣ther to the Count of Lalain should come, and resolve him what course he was best to hold therein, and to take assurances of their good will, and they reciprocally of his. He came unto my Brother, with foure or five of the chiefest Lords of Hai∣nault, the one whereof had a letter, and command from Monsieur de Ainsi, to offer his service to my brother, and to assure him of the Cittadell of Cambray. Mon∣sieur de Montigny promised that his Bro∣ther, the Count of Lalaine, would deliver into his hand all Hainault and Artois, where are many goodly Townes. These offers and assurances being received, my Brother sent them back with Presents, which were Medalls of Gold, wherin were his and my figure stamped, and with reas∣surances of all additions, and benefits that they could expect. Returning home, they prepared all things for my Brothers com∣ming, who making all the▪ dispatch he could to have his forces ready, returned to Court, to see what assistance the King would give him to furnish him in this en∣terprise, and I desiring to go into Gascogny, having prepared all things for that effect▪ returned to Paris, my brother met met on Page  160 the way, a dayes journey from it, and the next day the King, the Queen my Mother, and the Queen Louisa, with all the Court, did meet me as farre as Saint Denis, where I was to dine, where they received me with great honour, and many welcoms, taking great delight to heare me recount the honours and magnificence of my voy∣age, and of my abode at Leige, and the ad∣ventures of my return. In this pleasing entertainment of discourse, being all in the charriot of the Queen my Mother, we came to Paris, where having supped, and the Maske ended, the King and Queen my mother, being both together, I ap∣proached to them, and besought them that they would not think ill of it, if I intreated them that they would be pleased to grant me leave to goe to the King my husband, urging, that the peace being concluded, my journey could not be suspected by them, and that it would be prejudiciall to my honour, and unbe∣seeming the duty of a wife, should I stay any longer from him: they both expres∣sed themselves to like it well, and with free applause did entertaine the motion, and the Queene my Mother told me, that shee would accompany me her selfe, her voyage being necessary in that Page  161 Country for the service of the King, moreover she added, that it was need∣full that the King should grant me main∣tenance for the expences of my journey, to which the King did give consent, and I desiring to leave nothing behinde which might cause me to return to Court, being no longer able to take pleasure in it, my Brother going from it, whom I saw with all speed preparing into Flanders, I be∣sought my Mother to remember her selfe in what she promised me at the Peace con∣cluded with my Brother, and that before I undertooke my journey into Gascogny she would make over the Lands unto me for the assignation of my Dowry: She acquainted the King with it who found it very reasonable, and promised me that it should be done; I besought him that it might be done with speed, for I desired to begin my journey, if he thought good, on the beginning of the moneth ensuing: this also was promised, but according to the fashion of the Court, for instead of dispatching me, though every day I did solicite him, I was deferred five or six moneths; and so likewise was my Bro∣ther who was as urgent for his voyage in∣to Flanders, though he represented daily to the King, that it was for the honour Page  162 and inlargement of France, that it would prove 'a happy occasion to hinder the Civill warres, all the moving spirits and desirous of novelty having the opportuni∣ty to goe into Flanders, to passe away their discontent and choller there, and to glut themselves with Warre, that this enterprise would serve as sometimes Pied∣mont did, as a Schoole for the Nobility of France in their exercise of armes, and there revive the Montlukes, and brave Brissa•s, the Terms and Bellegards, and such as those great Marshalls were, who trayned up in the Warres of Piedmont, have since so gloriously and successefully served their King and Country. These demonstrances were fair and true enough, but they had not so much weight, as to be ballanced with the envy which was born to the enlargement of my Brothers for∣tunes, to whom every day administred new occasions of delay, to hinder him from assembling his forces, rai•ing some∣times on himselfe, sometimes on Bussi, and his other servants a thousand scandals and complaints; Bussi being daily inveighed against either by Quelus or Gramont, who watched by those unjust Alarms to rouse up my Brothers rage to the overthrowing of his fortunes. All this was done with∣out Page  163 the knowledge of the King; but Mau∣giron who then did most possesse him, ha∣ving forsaken my brothers service, and believing that he was sensible of it, (as it is ordinary, that he who offendeth doth never pardon) did prosecute my Brother with so strong a hate, that he did vow his ruine, and at every word did undervalue and outbrave him, as the impudency of youth blown up with the Kings favor, did drive him to all kind of insolence and out∣rage, and combined himselfe with Que∣lus, Saint Luke, Saint Maigrin, Gramont, Mauleon, Livarrot and other young people whom the King favoured, and these be∣ing followed by all the Court, after the fashion of Courtiers who hunt after favor did practise all things whatsoever came into their fantasie; In a manner that not a day passed wherein there was not a quar∣rell betwixt them and Bussi, who in cou∣rage was not inferiour unto any. My Brother considering that this was not the way to advance his voyage into Flanders, desiring rather to mitigate the King then to exasperate him, and beleeving besides that Bussi being abroad might increase the number of his forces, and provide things necessary for his army; he sent him through his principalities to give order Page  164 for it; but Bussi being gone, the persecuti∣on of my Brother ceased not, and then was it understood that although his brave qualities wrought much jealously in the brest of Maugiron and the rest of these younkers that were neer unto the King, yet the principall cause of their hatred a∣gainst Bussi was, that he was my Brothers servant; for after he was gone, they out∣braved and derided my Brother so appa∣rently, and with such despite, that all the world perceived it, although my Brother was very wise and patient in his own na∣ture, and was resolved to suffer all things for the dispatch of his affaires in Flanders, hoping by this means to be quickly gone, and no more to be found a Subject for them. This persecution howsoever and indignity was very grievous to him, espe∣cially seeing in hate to him, they did dai∣ly molest and wrong his servants, having lately made Monsieur de la Chastre lose a great suit, because that a little before he became my Brothers servant, the King be∣ing so carried away by the perswasions of Maugiron, and Saint Luke, who were friends to Madame de Senaire, that he him∣selfe did solicite the processe for her a∣gainst Monsieur de la Chastre, who was then with my Brother, and finding him∣selfe Page  165 opprest with the injury thereof, did make my Brother partake of the just griefes he suffered.

In those dayes, the Mariage of Saint Luke was solemnized, at which my Bro∣ther (not willing to assist) desired me to be absent also, and the Queen my Mother who took no pleasure in the boundlesse arrogance of these young people, fearing that all that day would be in debauch∣ment and excesse, and that my Brother not being there, they would give a mali∣cious interpretaion of his absence, which might prove prejudiciall to him, procu∣red the Kings good will, that she should goe abroad on the mariage day to dinner at Saint Maurus, and took my Brother and my selfe with her: It was on Shro ve∣munday, on the evening we returned, the Queen my Mother so prevailed with my Brother, that he consented that night to be present at the dancing to content the King, but instead of amending his condi∣tion, it did impaire it; for Maugiron and his companions being there, they began to play on my Brother with such keene and pointed language, that a meaner person then himselfe would have been offended at it, saying that he had lost his paines to re-attire himselfe, that they could not find Page  166 him after dinner to say so much as, Much good d'it you, to him, that he came in the houre of darknes, because it was pro∣per to him, reviling him for the mean∣nesse of his habit, and for the sicklinesse of his changed complexion: All this was spoken to the Bride that sate next unto him; My brother knowing it was done on purpose to make him answer, and by this means to set him at distance with the King, did fling away from thence so full of cho∣ler and despite, that he could forbeare no longer; but having deliberated with Mon∣sieur de la Chastre, he resolved to absent himselfe a while from Court to goe unto the Chace, thinking by his absence to qualifie the heat of these young people, and to render his affayres with the King more easie, for the preparation of his ar∣my which was necessary to goe unto Flan∣ders. He addressed himself to the Queen my Mother, who was very sorry to hear of this difference, and acquainted her with the resolution he had taken, which she did well approve, and assured him that the King should condiscend unto it, and that she would solicite him in his ab∣sence for a dispatch in what he promised, concerning his enterprise in Flanders; And Monsieur de Villequier standing by, shee Page  167 commanded him to goe unto the King, and acquaint him with the desire which my brother had to goe for a few dayes a hunting, which the King allowed, think∣ing it would be a means to appease the dif∣ferences which were betwixt him and the young people Maugiron, Saint Luke, Que∣lus, and the rest. My brother retiring in∣to his Chamber holding his suit granted, commanded all his people to be ready the next morning, to attend him at Saint Germans, where intending to make his aboad for certain dayes, he gave order to his chiefe Hunter to have his Dogs in readinesse, and betook himselfe to his rest that night, with an intention to rise early the morning following to goe unto the Chace, either to solace his spirits, or a little to divert them from the noyse and tumult of the Court: Monsieur de Ville∣quier repaired to the King to demand leave of him, to which he did accord, but remayning in his Cabinet, with the Coun∣saile of Rehoboam, which was five or six young fellows, they presented to him that this departure of my brothers was much to be suspected, and put him into such an apprehension, that they made him commit one of the greatest oversights that this our age did know, which was to take my Page  168 brother and his chiefest Servants priso∣ners, which as it was unwisely determi∣ned, so was it rashly executed; for the King catching hold of these words, went suddainly in the night, in a great passion to finde the Queen my Mother, as if it were a publick alarm, or as the enemie had been at the gate, and said unto her, Now Madam! what doe you think you have done by de∣manding leave for my Brother to go, Doe not you see the danger in which you put my estate, without all doubt, under this pretence of hunting, there lies some dange∣rous enterprise; I will goe seize on him, and all his people, and I will cause his cof∣fers to be broken open, I assure my self we shall discover somthing of importance. He had with him the Captaine of the Guard, Monsieur de Losse, and some of the Scotch regiment. The Queen my mother fea∣ring in this precipitation, that my Bro∣thers life would be in jeopardie, earnestly desired that shee might goe along with him, and because she was all undressed, throwing her night-gowne on her, she made haste up after him to my Brothers chamber, The King was knocking furi∣ously at the doore, commanding it to be opened, pronouncing that the King was there: My Brother awaked at this tu∣mult, Page  169 and knowing that he had not com∣mitted any thing that might give him the least occasion of feare, he commanded Cange the Groom of his Chamber; to open the doore; the King rushing in, began to taxe him, and to tell him that he would never leave to practise against his State and him, and that he would make him know what it was to attempt against his Prince: On that, he presently commanded the Guard to carry forth his coffers, and to take the groomes of his chamber with them; He searched my Brothers bed him∣self, and turned and tossed it, to see if he could finde any papers there. My Bro∣ther having a letter of Madame de Sau∣vaes, which he received that evening, did take it into his hand, that the King might not see it, the King inforced himself to take it from him, and my Brother resist∣ing, and with joyned hands intreating him that he would be pleased not to looke on it, he made the King more desirous to peruse it, beleeving that in that paper he should finde a sufficient ground to com∣mence his processe against him. In the end, having opened it in the presence of the Queene my mother, they were as much abashed at it, as was sometimes Cato, who in the Senate having constrain∣ed Page  170 Caesar to show the paper that was brought unto him, importunatly implying that it concerned the benefit of the Com∣mon-wealth, he perceived, that it was a wanton letter of love, directed from his sister to him. The shame of this event, that came so crosse to the expectation of the King, augmented by despight his choler, so that he gave no eare unto my brother, who incessantly demanded, of what he was accused, and wherefore he was so intreated? He was committed to the charge of Monsieur de Losse, and there was a Guard set over him of the Scotch regiment, with command not to permit him to talke to any: this was done an houre after midnight; My brother re∣maining still in this manner, was in grea∣ter perplexitie for me, then for himself, beleeving truly that they would doe the like by me, and that so violent and unjust a beginning, could not have but as unto∣ward and ending, and seeing that Monsieur de Losse had teares in his eyes, for griefe to see things carried after this manner, and that by reason of the Guard there present, he durst not speak freely to him, he only asked him what was become of me, Mon∣sieur de Losse made answere, that as yet he heard nothing of me; My brother straight Page  171 replyed, It is a great comfort to me in this affliction, to heare that my Sister is at libertie, but although she be in that free estate, she affecteth me so intirely, that she would rather be in bondage with me, then live in libertie without me, and desired him to goe to the Queen my mother, and beseech her that she would be pleased to obtaine of the King, that I might endure my captivitie with him, this the King did grant; this unshaken beleefe which my brother had of the assurance of my love, was such a particular obligation to me, though his good offices might challenge from me many and great acknowledge∣ments, that I have ever placed it in the first ranke of all; as soon as he had this permis∣sion, which was upon the break of day, he desired Monsieur de Losse, to send one of the Guard to acquaint me with this me∣lancholy newes, and to desire me to come unto him, the yeoman of the guard, com∣ming into my chamber, found me asleep, not dreaming of any thing that had pas∣sed; he opened my curtaine, as I was ope∣ning my eyes, and in a language proper to the Scots, said unto me, Bon jour Madame! Monsieur your brother desires you, that you would come unto him. I looked on the Man, being not halfe awaked, and even Page  172 ready to fall asleep againe, and knowing him, I demanded of him, if he was not one of the Scottish guard, he answered, yes; I replyed, What is the matter, hath my brother no other messenger then you to send? he answered, No, for all his people are taken from him, and told me in his language all which that night had hap∣pened, and perceiving I was much affli∣cted at it, he approached neerer to me, and spake that my servants being present, might not heare him, Doe not torment your self Madame, I have a means to save Mon∣sieur your Brother, and assure your selfe I will performe it, but of necessitie I must then goe with him; I answered him, that he should be rewarded above his hopes, and making haste to dresse me, I went with him alone to my Brothers chamber, In my way I was to goe through all the Court, then full of people, who were accustomed to runne to see, and honour me, but per∣ceiving how Fortune now had changed her countenance, they made as though they had not seen me; comming into my brothers chamber, I found him with so great a constancie, that he was not changed at all from his usuall disposition, and tranquility of Mind, and seeing me, he imbraced me, and with a countenance ra∣ther Page  173 joyfull then dejected, said, My Queen, I beseech you forbear those teares, In this condition that I am, your grief is the only thing that can afflict me, for my innocence and true intentions doe pro∣hibit me to feare any of the accusations of my enemyes, but if unjustly they shall at∣tempt against my life, they who shall per∣forme it, will be more cruell unto them∣selves, then me, who have courage e∣nough to undergoe and despise the stroak of so unjust a death, neither is it that so much which I respect, for my life hath hi∣therto been accompained with so much sorrow and affliction, that not knowing any of the pleasures of this world I shall not have the griefe to abandon them, the saddest apprehension which I have is, that wanting a cause to make me justly to dye, I shall languish in the solitude of tedious imprisonment, where yet I shall despise the tyranny of my enemies, seeing you will so much oblige me as to assist me with your presence; these words in stead of ceasing my tears did so increase them, that out of my eies I thought I should have pow¦red all the moisture of my life; I answered him in sobs, that my life and fortunes were woven into his, that it was in the power of God alone to hinder me from assisting Page  174 him in any condition that I could, that should the King take me thence, and not suffer me to continue with him I would kill my selfe in his presence; Passing the day in this discourse, and seeking together the occasion that made the King pro∣ceede in so cruell and unjust a course against him, and not able to conceive it, the houre came about for the o∣pening of the Castle gate, where an indis∣creet young fellow who was servant to Bussi, being known and staid by the guard, was demanded by them, whither he was going, he being amased with the strangenes of the suddain interrogatory, made answer that he was going to seek his Master; this being told unto the King, it was suspected that he was within the Lovure, where com∣ming that after noone from Saint Germans my brother had caused him to enter in with the rest of the troupe to confer with him on the affaires of his army which was going unto Flanders, not thinking then he should so suddainly depart from Court as unexpectedly afterwards it came to passe. That evening, on the occasi∣on aforesaid, Archant the Captaine of the Guard received Commandement from the King to looke him out, and to seize on him and Simier; who making Page  175 this inquisition to his griefe, because he was an intimate friend of Bussies, and by alliance called him Sonne, as Bussi called him Father, he came up into Simiers Chamber where he seized on him, and doubting that Bussi there had hid him∣selfe, he made a light search being glad that he did not finde him, but Bussi who lay then on the bed, and perceived that he should be left alone, fearing that the same Commission should be given to ano∣ther with whom he should not be in so much safety, he desired rather to be un∣der Archants custody, and being of a mer∣ry and spiritfull disposition, in whose brest no danger could work the base effects of feare, as Archant was going out of the doore to lead Simier away, he put out his head betwixt the Curtains and cryed out, why, hoe there! What will you go without me Father, doe not you thinke my conduct more honourable then such a rakestraws, as is Simiers; Archant turned to him, and said, Ah my Sonne, I would to God it had cost me one of my armes that you were not here; he replyed, •ush, my affaires goe well, playing all the way as he went with Simier, and laughing at him for the trembling feare wherein he saw him: Archant shut them up both in∣to Page  176 one Chamber, and set a guard over them, and went from thence to take Mon∣sieur de la Castre, whom he carried to the Bastille.

While these things were in the executi∣on, Monsieur de Losse a good old man who had bin governour to the King my Hus∣band in his nonage, and who tendered me as his own childe, having now the custody of my brother, knowing how un∣justly he was dealt withall, and detesting the bad counsaile by which the King was governed, having a desire to oblige us both, resolved to save my brother, and the better to discover his intention to me, commanded the Scotch guard to waite without doores on the staires head, de∣taining onely two with him, in whose secrecy he much trusted, and taking me by the hand he said, There is not a true Frenchman, whose heart bleedeth not to see that which we behold, I have been too long a servant to the King your Father▪ to refuse to offer up my life a sacrifice for his children, I believe that I shall have the guard of Monsieur your brother, in whatsoever place they will keep him; As∣sure your selfe that with the hazard of my life I will preserve his, but to the end that this resolution may not be perceived, Page  177 let us talke no more together, but be cer∣tain of it. This promise gave me a little comfort, & rouzing up my spirit, I told my brother, that we ought not to be kept in this manner, like people taken by the In∣quisition, without knowing what we had done, that thus they use felons and the vilest of malefactors when they had ta∣ken them prisoners. I intreated Mon∣sieur de Losse, since the King would not per∣mit that the Queen my Mother should come unto us, that he would be pleased to let us know by any of his servants the cause of our restraint: Monsieur de Com∣baut who was cheife of the Counsaile of these young people was sent unto us, who with a gravity that was naturall to him, told us that he was sent thither to know what was that, which we desired the King should understand; We made answer, that we desired to speak with any one from the King to know the occasion of our con∣finement which we our selves could not conceive: He gravely replyed, that we must not demand of Gods and Kings the reason of their actions, that they did all things for a good and a just cause; we made answer again, that we were not persons to be held as those whom they put in the the Inquisition, concerning whom Page  178 we must divine what they had done; we could draw nothing else from him, but that he would imploy himselfe for us, and that he would doe us all the best offi∣ces which he could: My Brother began to laugh out right, but I who was turned all into griefe to see my brother in danger, whom I cherished above my own life, had much adoe to forbeare from speaking to him, as he deserved.

While he was making this report unto the King, my Mother being in her Cham∣ber, opprest with manifold afflictions, and even sick with sorrow, as a wise per∣son did foresee that this excesse made ei∣ther without reason or subject would bring a swift and dreadfull devastation on the Kingdome, if my Brother had not the better disposition; and sent for all the old Counsellers, Monsieur the Chancellour, the Princes, Lords, and Marshals of France, who were all wonderfully offended and scandalized for the bad Councell which was given to the King, saying all to the Qu. my Mother, that she ought to oppose it, and represent unto the King the wrong which he had done, that they could not hinder the error from being undone which already was committed, but they ought to repeale it after the best manner they Page  179 could. The Queen my Mother with all the Lords of his Councell repaired pre∣sently to the King, and did demonstrate to him of what importance were these ef∣fects. The King having his eyes unsealed from the pernicious Counsell of these young people, did well approve what his old Lords and Counsellers had presen∣ted to him, and prayed the Queen my Mother to repeale it, and to perswade my Brother to forget all that was passed, ad∣ding that he was offended with those young people for it, and desired that by her means a reconcilement might be made betwixt Bussi and Quelus. This being determined, the guard was taken off my brother; and the Queen my Mother com∣ming to his Chamber told him, that he was to thanke almighty God for the mer∣cy vouchsafed him in his deliverance from so great a danger, that she had seen the houre wherein she could not so much as hope for his life; that since he understood by this that the King was of such a heady humour that he tooke offence not onely at effects, but at empty imaginations, and running uncontrolledly in his opinion, without staying at any advice, would ex∣ecute whatsoever his fancy did prompt him to, therefore to put him in no further Page  180 grievances, she desired him to put on a re∣solution to conform himselfe in all things to his will, and that he would present him∣selfe unto him without any show of discon∣tent at the unjust proceedings which had passed against his person; we made answer to her, that we had much to give thanks to God for his great mercy in securing us from the injustice that was prepared for us, and that for this, next unto God we owed to her alone our second obligations, but the quality of my brother did not per∣mit, that they should imprison him with∣out a cause, and take him then from thence, without any formality of justifi∣cation, or satisfaction. The Queen re∣plied that what already had been done God himself could not cause to be undone, but they would recall the disorder that was made at his surprisall by making his deli∣verance with all the honour and satisfacti∣on that he could desire, that also it were requisite that he againe should content the King in all things, speaking to him with such affection and respect that the King should remaine well pleased with it, and also that he would be a means that such a reconcilement should be made betwixt Bussi and Quelus that no more between them an occasion should be found for dis∣content Page  181 or quarrell, avouching that the principall motive which produced all this counsel, and bad effects, was a fear that they had of the combat which old Bussi (a worthy father of so brave a Son) had demanded, beseeching the King that he would permit him to be his son Bussies Se∣cond, and in the like manner, that Mon∣sieur de Que•us might have his father to se∣cond him, that they foure might end the quarrell, without troubling the Court, or indangering so many people. My bro∣ther promised that Bussi (seeing he had no hope to redresse himself) should, to come out of prison, performe any thing that she commanded; The Queen my mother, going downe unto the King, found him very willing that this deliverance should be made with honour, and to this purpose he came into the Cham∣ber of the Queen my Mother, with all the Princes, the Lords and others of his Counsell, and sent Monsieur de Villequier to tell us he did attend our comming. Passing through the halls and chambers, as we were going to his Majestie, we found them all full of people, who beheld us with teares falling from their eyes, pray∣sing God to see us out of danger. Com∣ming into the chamber of the Queen my Page  182 Mother, we found the King with the com∣pany before rehearsed, who seeing my bro∣ther, said unto him, that he would desire him not to thinke strange, nor be offended at what he had done, being compelled to it by the zeale which he had to the quiet and safety of the State, that he now belee∣ved that he had no intention to disturbe his Kingdom or himselfe; My brother made answere, that he had vowed so much service to his Majestie, that he would thinke well of whatsoever he was pleased to have done, but he most humbly be∣sought him to consider, that the devotion and fidelity which he had testified to his Majestie, did not deserve that rough in∣treaty, howsoever he accused nothing but his own unhappinesse, and was satisfied enough, if the King acknowledged his in∣nocence. The King answered yes, there was no question of it to be made; and in∣treated him to relie on his love, as much as heretofore. On this, the Queen my mo∣ther joyned them hand in hand, and made them imbrace each other. Immediately the King commanded that Bussi should come forth, and be reconciled to Quelus, and that they should set Simier and Mon∣sieur de la Chastre at libertie. Bussi com∣ming into the chamber, with that brave Page  183 presence which was naturall to him, the King told him that he would have an at∣tonement made between him and Quelus, and that their quarrell should no more be mentioned, and commanded him to im∣brace Quelus: Bussi made answere, Sir, if it be your pleasure that I should kisse him, I am well disposed to it, and accom∣modating his gestures to his words, he did accost him with the Pantaloone, and in a lovers complement did imbrace him, at which all the company, though possessed, and almost astonished with the former pas∣sages, could hardly refrain from laughter: the more advised judged that it was too slight a satisfaction which my brother re∣ceived, and not to be parralel'd with so great an Injury. This being done, the King and Queen my Mother comming to me, told me it was needfull also, that I should give them my hand, that my Bro∣ther should not entertaine the remem∣brance of any thing which might make him start from the obedience which he owed to the King. I made answere that my brother was so wise, and had so much devotion to his service, that he had no need to be perswaded to it, either by me, or by any other, and that he never had, nor should receive any counsell from me, but Page  184 what should be conformable to their will, and his duty. It being then three a clock in the afternone, and none having dined, the Queen my Mother desired that wee might dine altogether, and afterwards commanded my Brother and my self to change our habits, which were suitable to the sad condition wherein we lately were, and to make our selves ready to be at sup∣per with the King, and afterward at the dancing. She was obeyed in those things which could be put off, and left behinde; but for the countenance, which is the live∣ly Image of the Soul, the passion of our just discontent was read in perfect Cha∣racters, and ingraven with all the force and violence of indignation and disdaine▪ as we had true cause to finde it in all the acts of this Tragy comedy; which being ended, Monsieur de Seurre, whom the Queen my mother had given to my bro∣ther to lie in his chamber, and in whose di∣scourse she often took delight, did chance to stand before her: this was a man of a disposition bluntly sharpe, and who with a carelesse grace and affectation, would assume unto himself the liberty of speak∣ing any thing that came into his head, re∣lishing somthing of the humour of the Cynick Philosopher. My mother obser∣ving Page  185 him, said unto him, Now Monsieur de Seurre; And what say you of all this? he replyed, It is too much in earnest, and too little in jest; and turning to me, he spake softly, that my mother might not un∣derstand him, I doe not beleeve that this is the last act of the play, the man (speak∣ing of my Brother) would deceive me much, if he should stay here still. This in this manner being passed, the malady being healed without, and not within, the young people who possessed the King, conceiving of my Brothers nature and di∣sposition by their owne, and their unex∣perienced judgements not permitting them to discerne of what force and vertue was his Countreys love unto a Prince so rarely qualified as was my Brother, they perswaded the King, joyning their cause to his, that my Brother would never for∣get the publick affront which he received, but would be alwayes watching an occasi∣on to revenge it. The King, quite forget∣ting the former errour which these young people caused him to commit▪ received this second Impression, and commanded the Captaine of the Guards to looke care∣fully to the gates, that my brother might not goe forth, and that every night they should discharge the Loure of all my bro∣thers Page  186 servants, leaving only him behinde, who usually lay in his chamber, or in his Waredrope. My brother seeing himself at the mercy of these young heads, who without either respect or judgement made the King dispose of him as they pleased, fearing least worse should come unto him, and having a fresh example of what without any ground or reason late∣ly had befallen him, having three dayes entertained the apprehension of this dan∣ger, was resolved on the fourth, to remove from Court, and to retire to his owne house, nor return any more to Court, but with what speed he could, to dispatch his affaires for Flanders; he disclosed to me this resolution, and perceiving it was his best security, and that neither the King nor State should receive any prejudice by it, I did approve it, and contriving the means, because he could not get out of the gates of the Lou•e, which were so curiously guarded, that stedfastly, and with great heed they looked in the face of all that passed in and out; I concluded, there was no other way for him, but to get out at my Chamber window, which looked down in∣to a deep ditch, and was two stories high; he intreated me to provide for this pur∣pose, a strong cable, and of a sufficient Page  187 length, which suddainly I procured, cau∣sing a boy that was faithfull to me to carry out that day the cord of a bed, which was broken, in pretence to have it repaired, and shut againe, and within some few houres after, to bring it back, and with it, the cord that was necessary for us. The houre of supper being come which was on a fasting night, when the King supped not, my Mother did sup alone in her little Hall, and I with her; my Brother although he was exceeding patient and discreet in all his actions being rouzed up by the remem∣brance of the affront which he received, and of the danger which threatned him, impatient to be gone, came unto me as I rose from table, and whispering in my eare desired me to make haste, and repaire unto my own chamber, where he would attend me: Monsieur de Matignon who was not yet Marshall, a dangerous and fine Nor∣man who loved not my Brother, being either adverised of it by some one who per∣adventure could not hold his peace, or conjecturing it by the manner which my brother spake unto me, said unto the Q. my Mother, as she was going to her Chamber, That without doubt my bro∣ther would be gone, that to morrow he would not be there, that he knew it very Page  188 well, and that she should doe well to give order to the contrary: I did even heare the words he spake, standing very neer my Mother, regarding and curiously obser∣ving all that passed, as those doe in the like estate, who being neer their utmost danger, or on the point of their delive∣ry, are floting betwixt feare and hope: I perceived that my Mother was much troubled at the news which gave me the greater apprehension to beleeve that we were discovered; entring into her Closet, she tooke me aside and said; Have you heard what Matignon hath told me? I made answer, I did not understand it Ma∣dame, but I perceive it is some businesse that doth afflict you; yes, she replyed, and that very much, for you know that I have answered the King that your Brother should not goe, and Matignon now is come to tell me, that he knows he will not be here to morrow. Finding then my selfe in these two extreams, either to faile in my fidelity to my Brother, and put his life in hazard, or to sweare against the truth, a thing which I would not doe to escape a thousand deaths, I was in so great a perplexity that had not God assisted me, my fashion sufficiently had witnessed with∣out my words, the fear I had that we were Page  189 discovered, but as God assisteth good in∣tentions, and his divine bounty joyned in this work of my Brothers safety, I so composed my lookes and words, that she perceived not any thing but that which I would have her, and that I offended not my Soule or Conscience by any false oath. I demanded of her, if too well she did not understand the hate which Monsieur Ma∣tignon did beare unto my Brother, that he was a spitefull disturber of all our quiet, and who did grieve to see us live in con∣cord, that when my Brother did goe I would answer it with my life; that I was confident, he having never concealed any thing from me, that he would have com∣municated this designe unto me if he had an intention thereunto; this I said, assu∣ring my selfe that my Brother being safe they durst not doe me wrong, and choo∣sing rather to ingage my life then to offend my soule by any false oath, or to put my Brothers life in jeopardy; She seeking not after any other sence of my words, replied; Be well advised what you say, you shall serve as caution for him, and answer his absence with your life; to which I smiling did make answer, that it was that which I desired; and bidding her good night, I forthwith repaired to my Chamber, where Page  190 putting off my cloaths with all diligence, hasting unto bed, to be the sooner ridde of the Ladyes and Gentlewomen that at∣tended on me, I was left onely with the women of my Chamber, when presently my Brother came in, and Simier and Cange with him, and having commanded them to look first into the ditch, to see if any one were there, we fastned the cord to the post of the window; we were ayded onely with my three women that lay in my Chamber, and with the boy that brought the cord; my brother, although it was a very great height, without any ap∣prehension of feare descended first, and laughing at the danger went swinging and playing down; after him discended Si∣mier in such a pittifull feare that he could scarce hold the rope for trembling; and last of all Cange the groom of his Cham∣ber. God so happily did guide my bro∣ther from being discovered that he came to Saint Geneviefue where Bussi did attend him, who by the consent of the Abby had made a hole in the Town wall, at which my Brother did goe forth, and finding there two horses ready, he retired to An∣gers without any misfortune. As Cange last of all came downe, there arose a man from the bottome of the Ditch who began Page  191 to run towards the lodgings neer the Te∣nis Court which is the way to the Corps de guard; I who in all this adventure appre∣hended not any thing which concerned my self in particular, but onely the safety or danger of my Brother, stood in a maze, strook through and through with feare, beleeving that man to be some one, who following the advise of Monsieur de Ma∣tignon was placed there on purpose to ob∣serve us, and thinking that my Brother had been surprized I fell into a despaire, which cannot be represented but by an essay of things like to it: being in these perplexities, my women more curious then my self, for my safety and their own took the cord and put it into the fire, to the end that if the misfortune were so great that the man who rose out of the ditch, had been set there to observe us, it might not be discovered; this cord being very long made so great a flame that it blazed out of the chimney, and was per∣ceived by those of the Guard, who that night did watch: In a great fright and with loud importunity they came and knocked at my door desiring that sudden∣ly it might be opened, then I thought that my brother at that present had been taken, and that we both had been undone, ha∣ving Page  192 notwithstanding anchored my hope on God who preserved my judgement in∣tire (a grace which his divine Majesty was ever pleased in all my danger to vouchsafe unto me) and perceiving that the cord was but halfe burned out, I spake unto my women to goe gently to the doore to demand what they would have, and to speake softly to them, as if I were asleepe, which they did, and they of the guard told them that a great fire came out of the tun∣nell of my chimney and made in the darke of night so bright a flame, that the dan∣ger of it did call them thither to extin∣guish it: My women made answer to them, it was nothing, and that they were able to quench it well enough themselves, and charged them to take heed that they did not waken me, on which they retur∣ned back. This alarm being passed, some two houres after, behold Monsieur de Losse came to call me to the King & Queen my Mother, to give them an account of my brothers departure, being advertised of it by the Abbot of Saint Genevifue, who to avoid all checks, and by my brothers own consent, when he saw himselfe farre e∣nough from the danger of being intrap∣ped, came to informe the King of it, tel∣ling him that he was surprized in his own Page  193 house, and being shut up therein till a breach in the wall was made for my bro∣thers escape, he could come no sooner to acquaint his Majestie with it; He found me in my bed, for it was yet night, and I suddenly arising, and putting on my night∣gown, one of my women indiscreetly af∣frighted at it, tooke hold of my gowne, weeping and crying out, that I should ne∣ver return unto them. Monsieur de Losse beating her back, said, If this woman had done this before any but my selfe, who am your devoted servant, these words of hers might procure great trouble to you, but give thanks to God, and feare not any thing, for Mon∣sieur your Brother is safe. This assurance of his was to me a needfull, and no lesse welcome encouragement, to arme me to endure all the threats and choller of the King, whom I found sitting on the Queen my Mothers bed, in so great a passion, that I beleeve I should have found the ef∣fects of it, if the feare of my brothers ab∣sence, and my mothers presence had not detained him. They both said unto me, that I had obliged my selfe unto them, that my Brother should not goe, and had pro∣mised to answere for him; I replyed, that it was true, I had; but in this, that he had Page  194 deceived me, as well as them, howsoever I durst assure them on the forfeit of my life, that his departure would bring no altera∣tion in his service to his Majestie; and that he was only gone to his owne house, to give order in what was necessary for his voyage into Flanders. This assurance did a little qualifie the King, who gave me leave to return unto my chamber; not long after, there came news from my brother, which gave the King reassurances of his af∣fection and obedience; this caused the complaint to cease, but not the discon∣tent, shewing in apparence to be willing to assist him, but traversing under hand the preparations of his Army into Flan∣ders.