Reliquiae Wottonianae, or, A collection of lives, letters, poems with characters of sundry personages : and other incomparable pieces of language and art : also additional letters to several persons, not before printed / by the curious pencil of the ever memorable Sir Henry Wottan ...

ADDITIONAL LETTERS TO SEVERAL PERSONS: Now first Published from the Authors own Copies.

King Iames to Sir Henry Wotton, 1616.

To Our Right trusty and well-beloved Sir Henry Wotton, Knight, Our Ambassador Resident with the State of Venice.

Iames R.

RIght trusty and well-beloved, We greet you well. Whereas many of the Gen∣try, and others of Our Kingdomes, under pretence of travel for their ex∣perience, do pass the Alpes, and not contenting themselves to remain in Lombardy or Tuscany, to gain the language there, do daily flock to Rome, out of vanity and curiosity to see the An∣tiquities

of that City; vvhere falling into the com∣pany of Priests and Jesuites, or other ill-disposed persons, they are not only corrupted vvith their Doctrine, but poysoned vvith their Positions, and so return again into their Countreys, both averse to Religion, and ill-affected to Our State and Government. Forasmuch as vve cannot think up∣on any better means to prevent that inconvenience hereafter, then by imposing the care of that busi∣ness in part upon you: These are therefore to re∣quire you, to take notice vvith diligence of all such, as by the vvay of Venice shall bend their cour∣ses thither, and to admonish them, as from Us, that they should not presume to go beyond the bounds of the Dukedome of Florence, upon any oc∣casion vvhatsoever. After vvhich advice of yours given unto them, if any Subject of Ours, of vvhat degree or condition soever, shall be either so much forgetfull of the duty he doth owe to Us, or so lit∣tle respective of his own good, as to press further, to the breach of Our Commandment delivered them by you; Our Will and Pleasure is, that you should forthwith acquaint us vvith the Names of the persons, vvho shall so miscarry themselves, that upon notice thereof from you, We may take such further order vvith them, for the redress of this mischief, as to Our Wisdome shall seem good.

Given under Our Signet at Newmarket, the seventh day of December, in the fourteenth year of Our Raign of England, France, and Ireland, and of Scotland the fiftieth, 1616.

[Venice, 1618.]

My most Honoured Lord and Patron,

MY humble suit unto your Lordship is this: It is His Majesties usual Grace, to yield His forraign Servants the comfort of His Gracious sight once in three years, as this Republick doth likewise recall their Ministers, vvhich Term by my Privy Seal vvill end on the first of February next.

I do therefore humbly beg, that by your Lord∣ships intercession, I may have leave to return home for a moneth or six vveeks, concurring two ur∣gent occasions.

The one, for the pursuit of a business depending on a Patent long since granted to Sir Edward Dy∣mock and me, vvhereunto I am summoned by His Majesties Attorney, as vvill appear unto your Lordship by the Copy of the said Attorneys Letter, (coming herewith) vvritten to my Brother Sir Iames Wotton, my Feoffee in trust; vvherein my presence is necessary, by reason of some differences between the said Sir Edward Dymock and me. And this is a Case vvherein vve are to maintain His Ma∣jesties Title, as hath been endeavoured, vvith our own moneys hitherto unfruitfully spent.

The other, for the re-ordering of my Exchan∣ges, vvhich have been much incommodated by the failing of Seignor Burlamachie's credit here, (though it stand vvell in other places) by a trick that vvas played him.

While I shall be at home, I vvill challenge no∣thing from His Majesties Exchequer, though per∣chance I shall bring some observations, not alto∣gether

unprofitable, as a publick Instrument. I vvill likewise neither trouble His Majesty as the Fountain, nor your Lordship as the Means, vvith any private suit, in the vvay of mine own fortune. For by His Royal Goodness, and by your favou∣rable mediation, I am already abundantly satisfied in some Expectatives, (as marks of His Grace, and of your Patronage) vvhich have not only exceed∣ed my merits, but even quieted mine appetites. Only thus much I humbly crave, That by His Ma∣jesties toleration of my vveaknesses, I may still re∣tain this charge, and live upon his service, vvith∣out farther burden unto him, because I see no man hasty at home, to die for my benefit.

1619. A Report of my Negotiation in Germany, and of some Particularities occurring in my Iourney.

To my most Gracious Soveraign and Master.

I Came to Munichen, the Court of Bavaria, in the evening before the Feast of Corpus Christi, and in my company, the Duke Ioachimus Ernestus of Ho•…•…stein, vvho since the ceasing of Arms in Friuli, had lived vvith me at Venice: vvhich I mention as a duty, having been recommended unto me, and to that State, by Your Majesties special Letters, and in truth likewise by his own vvorthy dispositions. Here vve thought only to have stolen a sight, in some private vvindow, of the Procession the next day, vvhere vve vvere told the Princes and vvhole

Court vvould be: But in the morning vve vvere prevented by the Duke Maximilian, vvho having gotten knowledge of our qualities, sent a Baron of his Bed-Chamber vvith Coaches to conduct us to the Court; vvhich gracious surprisal vve could not civilly resist. At the Court vve vvere placed, by the Dukes own appointment, in a Gallery; where when we saw a more solemn and sober Pro∣cession, then I had beheld even at Rome, under the Popes eyes; as perhaps, all superstition is loosest at the fountain. In this Procession, a little after the Duke and his Brother Albertus, went two young Sons of one of them, that were thrown out of the window at Prage, who since then have been fostered in Bavaria: And from hence we took our first judgement of the affections of that Court. I cannot omit, that at this Solemnity were two Ie∣suites; who otherwise in Italy do studiously decline the familiarity of such publick appearances, for preservation of respect: At which when I did ex∣press some wonder, I was told between jest and earnest, that indeed the greater Fathers were more reserved of their presence; but these were only like Ushers over the Seminary Boyes, to keep them in awe at this Shew.

This done, the Duke of Holstein and my self were led and lodged in several Quarters of the Palace: and before Dinner, the Duke Maximilian (though tyred with walking) sent singly for me, and passed with me more then an hour in private and free dis∣course: Falling into it, with as serious protestati∣on as mine ears ever heard, that though he was bred in the Roman Faith, yet no Prince living did more honour and reverence the great vertues, and eminent wisdome of the King my Master, to whom

he had the honour to be allied, both by marriage, and by his own descent; and therefore should have thought it a disgrace for him, to let me go that way, without offering me, after I had passed the Alpes, a little commodity of repose in that poor House, as he was pleased to term it; being other∣wise one of the most capable, magnificent, and re∣gular Fabricks of Christendome; and all of his own device and erection in five years. He told me besides, how sensible he was of the honour which the Count Palatine had done him with a personal surprisal; and how ashamed, that the times had not yet permitted him to revenge that favour, which he had vowed to do with the first opportuni∣ty: And the rather, that he might invite Your Majesties most vertuous Daughter (who hath filled these Countreys with her excellent fame) to come and take possession in Bavaria of her Woods and Fields, and to kill all there that had either wings or feet. This was the Complemental part of his Speech. In the rest, he bewailed the present ap∣pearance of unquietness in the Empire: He la∣mented likewise the situation of his own State, which made it hard for him to preserve himself neu∣tral, though he had studied it. He spake of Fer∣dinando's person, kindly; of his fortune, doubt∣fully: of the Bohemians, with a cool temper; ra∣ther censuring the form of their proceeding, then the cause: of himself, with singular moderation, and without the least discovery of any ambitious affections, though we found his Courtiers warm enough in their hopes.

After Dinner, he sent for the Duke of Holstein: And then came himself with his whole train to visit me on that side where I was placed, (an honour

done seldome before•…•…, as I heard, to any Ambassa∣dor) where he spent with me about half an hour, with new affirmations of his reverent respect to∣wards Your Majesty: As likewise, the morning following; when with much ado, we got leave to be gone. Which noble language he afterwards (as not contented with a verbal profession) did prosecute in a Letter that I received from him on the way, which I reserve to be shewn Your Ma∣jesty.

This was my entertainment in the Bavarian Court, by a Prince (I am bound to say) every way good, but in that wherein he should be best: of noble manner in his hospitality; of sharp con∣ceit, of great erudition; and both orderly and lovingly served. Which Circumstances I have thought it my part to set down the more particular∣ly, for that, I am certainly informed of much jea∣lousie both taken and expressed by the Pope, at the Count Palatine's reception in that Court; and more, for a Book written by his Chancellor, and published by the Dukes direct Command, (prefixed in the front thereof) in defence of Ludovicus, the Bavarian excommunicated Emperor: Which things considered, make his kindness to Your Majesties Servant, and professions towards Your Royal Per∣son, more notable. Now to proceed:

At Augusta I took language, that the Princes and States of the Union had deferred their Assembly ten dayes: which gave me opportunity to find them together at Heilbrun, whom I should have missed at their own homes. And for due respect, I gave the Count Palatine notice of my intent to be there, by a Gentleman expresly sent. Of what I did in Augusta for Your Majesties service, I bring

with me the Accompt. Being arrived at Heilbrun, the day after the first sitting of the Princes, I re∣paired immediately to the Count Palatine, as Di∣rector, not only of the Union; but likewise of me; (for so I told him was Your Majesties. Will:) who after he had spoken with his Associates, did order the form of my proceeding in this manner: With himself, I was to treat in Individuo, both for respect of privacy, being Your Majesties Son-in-Law, and of Dignity, being then Provisor of the Empire, as his right style is, and not Vicar. To the four Princes, I went joyntly; they agreeing upon a room where they would assemble, and sending for me their Coaches and Courtiers; namely, the Marquess of Anspach, (who hath the precedency, as an Electoral branch) the Duke of Wirtemberg, the Marquess of Baden, and the Prince Christianus of Anhalt, respondent for his own House: The Landgrave Maurice of Hassia was not there, but voiced to be sick. The Marquess of Brandenburg was out of the Empire in Prussia, and his Son in the Low Provinces. The Representants of the three United Cities, Nurenburg, Strasburg, and Ulm, (which direct the meaner Towns) were to come all joyntly (as they did) to my Lodging. The Count Palatine met me at the Stair-head; and did render me the visitation, where I lay, in person: The Princes came all joyntly down into the very Street, to take me from my Coach; and in like manner brought me down again unto it; and did afterwards visit me all together: The Marquess of Anspach then presenting unto me their Answer in writing, with all due commemoration of their ob∣ligations to Your Majesty. The Representants of the Cities did present their Answer verbally at my

Lodging by the Syndic of Strasburg, with no less zeal and devotion then the Princes had done. And this was the formal part, full of all just respect that could be expressed in that place. Now touching the real part: When I had conferred with the Count Palatine your Majesties scope in the main business, I found him in truth for himself exceed∣ing forward; but for the other Princes and Towns he objected two difficulties: The one was, the pre∣sent distractions of Germany, which made the Pro∣position somewhat unseasonable. The other vvas, the differences between our Church and those of the Augustine Confession; vvhich though but few, yet perchance might a little hinder their concur∣rence with us in this excellent work: especially the Lutheran Princes, being likely to do nothing with∣out counsel of their Ministers, and they being the passionatest Men amongst them. These two obje∣ctions considered, it was thought fit by the Count Palatine, (into whose hands I had delivered my self) after deliberation vvith his own Counsellors, that I should at this time only dispose the other Prin∣ces, and Representants of Cities, in your Majesties Name, towards a concurrence, with apt lenitives and probabilities; and that I should endeavor, by your Majesties Christian perswasion, to remove all asperity that might impeach it, leaving a more particular prosecution thereof till the noise of the Empire were settled: in which mean while, many things might be further thought on to advance this purpose, and be conferred afterwards by Letters.

Hereupon I framed my Speech to the Princes in the manner following.

I told them, that I brought thither two sorts of Commissions, The one from the Duke and Se∣nate

of Venice, sub fide tacita, which I presented in writing, containing a profession of much good will from that State towards them, and a clear incli∣nation to a streighter correspondence with them: In contemplation of whom, the Republick had re∣solved not to permit the transport of any succours cross their Gulf into Austria, for the further troubling of Germany. This vvas the substance of that I brought under silent confidence, without any other credit then mine own honesty might bear; vvhich had been delivered unto me by or∣der of Senate, whom I acquainted thus far, that I vvould take home-wards the vvay of Germany. Wherein I craved from the Princes and the rest some taste of their inclinations, that these fair offers might be farther prosecuted by your Maje∣sties mediation, vvhom I knevv much to desire the further strengthning of this Body with good A∣mities.

My other Commission vvas (as I said) from mine own Royal Master, from vvhom I brought Letters of his confidence unto them; after presentation vvhereof, and all other due premises, I told them,

That your Majesty having long and deeply con∣sidered the corruptions that have grown in your own Kingdoms, and in the States of your Confe∣derates and Friends, by the secret practices of Je∣suits, did finally observe but one only cause of this creeping mischief, and but one onely remedy; vvhich you had thought meet to communicate with them by an express though a covered Legation, under the colour of my return homewards. The cause of the said evils vvas, that vve had left the Pope at too much ease in his own Provinces; the remedy would be, to cut him out so much work

at home, as should force him to gather his thoughts about himself, and in conclusion to revoke his Emissaries for the maintaining of Italy. To do this, there vvere but four means:

• 1. By the advantage of Arms in time of Action.
• 2. By open Preaching.
• 3. By dispersion of Books.
• 4. By secret Semination.

For the first, it vvas true, that the late necessity of calling French▪ (among vvhom there vvere many of our Religion) into Piedmont, and the Dutch, Flemish, and English into Friuli, had done some good by freedom of conversation, all Inquisition ceasing at such times: But this violent vvay must be left to further occasion.

For the second, although there had been for one vvhole Lent publick preaching against the Roman doctrine in Venice; yet that Liberty and the Popes Excommunication did cease together, and must so abide till nevv opportunity.

For the third, I acquainted them hovv greedy the Italians vvere of our Treatises in matter of Controversie, and of divers ways that had been used both to excite, and to satisfie that curiosity, both by the vvorks of the Arch bishop of Spalato, since his retirement into your Majesties protection; and of a Discourse that vvas ready to come abroad, vvherein should be discovered by a great intelli∣gent man, even of their own breeding, all the Practices of the Councel of Trent, out of the Ori∣ginal Registers and secret Papers; vvherein your Majesty had a hand, for the benefit of the Christian World.

For the fourth and last vvay, of secret Semina∣tion, vvherein vve had been hitherto vvholly defi∣cient

and asleep: This I said vvas the particular scope of my present charge.

In this your Majesty did exhort them by all fer∣vent perswasion to joyn vvith you their counsels and cares, their diligence and powers, according to such vvays as should be hereafter propounded either by your Majesty to them, or conceived a∣mongst themselves. Whereunto your Majesty had been stirred, first by the zeal of Gods glory; next, by a Religious shame and indignation, to see Su∣perstition more active then the Truth: Thirdly, by the instance of divers well-affected Persons, both vvithin the Body of Italy, and in the Confines thereof. And lastly, by the opportunity vvhich the present time it self did yield unto it: vvhich I did particularly remonstrate unto them; but being matter of secrecy, I vvill keep it in my pen till I arrive vvith your Majesty.

After vvhich, I concluded vvith your Majesties most loving and Christian perswasions unto them (vvhich they could not refuse, coming from such a Friend) to lay aside our own small differences, to suppress the heat of passionate Divines by Civil Authority, and to joyn together against the com∣mon Adversary of our Churches and States.

And because the free passage into Italy vvas a point much importing the present purpose, as like∣wise in other respects very considerable, your Majesty did intreat them to spend their earnest in∣tercession by a common Letter to the Cantons of Zurick and Bern, That they vvould endeavor by all means possible (as being incomparably the fittest Mediators) to re-establish the League between the Venetians and the Grisons; to vvhich both parties vvere vvell inclining, but there vvanted a third

to break the business, and to remove the scruple of who shall begin, which had hitherto hindred the effect.

This was my poor exposition of Your Com∣mands: whereof I thought it my duty to render Your Majesty this preambulatory Accompt, for Your ease at mine arrival, and for mine own dis∣charge: bringing with me, the Letters and An∣swers of the Princes, as I hope, to Your Majesties full contentment.

I will conclude with my most humble thanks unto Your Royal Goodness, for this Imployment above all other: And with my prayers to God, that the weakness of the Instrument, may not prejudice the excellent intention of the Master and Director.

1620.

Instructions to Our trusty and well-beloved Servant Hen∣ry Wotton Knight, at his imployment about the Af∣fairs of Germany, to the Emperour Ferdinand to Our Dear Son-in-Law * 1.1 Fred•…•…ick the Prince Elector, and Count Palatine of Rhene, &c. to the Princes of the Union in Body, or to their Sub-director in place of Our said Son-in-Law; And to other Princes and States, as the Duke of Saxony, Bavaria; and up∣on occasion, as his particular Letters of Credence shall direct him.

YOu are to know, that this your imployment is, for the present, meerly exploratory and pro∣visional, to give Us a clear and distinct Accompt of

the present Affairs, both how they stand at your arrival there, (being every day changeable) and how they incline in the future; and particularly, to sound the affections, and the matter, how far they be capable of any reasonable measure of agree∣ment; that from thence We may take judgement, whether it shall be fit for Us to adde any others un∣to you in a main Treaty, with safety of Our Ho∣nour, and benefit of the Cause; or to send others in your room, and to release you from that busi∣ness, to your ordinary Residence at Venice. Wherein We are contented to defer thus much to your discretion; that if you shall find things de∣sperate, and the Emperours Party absolutely vi∣ctorious, you may then, after a Currier dispatch∣ed unto Us with advertisement of all circumstances, take your way to Venice: If, otherwise, you shall find the Forces on both sides to stand within such terms of equality, as the event is like in probability to continue dubious, and uncertain, you shall then attend the issue, till the blow shall be strucken; and upon all important variations of occurrences, you shall signifie the same unto Us.

2. According to this scope of your imployment; you shall hold with all those Pri•…•…s, from the highest to the meanest, and from those that are most remote in respect, to those that are nearest unto Us in nature and Alliance, the same language; assuring them all, that We constantly continue in Our own Principles, that is, in first desiring the quiet of Christendome, and particularly of those parts, by all possible means, wherein We have formerly expressed by a noble Ambassage of one of Our nearest Servants, before Our Brother the French King did enter into it, and before Our

Selves shall be drawn to any other resolution; which We thought meet to make publickly known, both by Our said former Ambassador the Vicount Doncaster, and now by you; leaving the rest to God and time.

3. Touching your address, first or second, to one part or other, We leave it to your discretion upon the place, when you have consulted with the Princes of the Union in general, or with their Sub∣director for the time, whither you may best direct your self; whom you shall pray in Our Name to assist you therein with their best advice: as like∣wise in all things else concerning the present Af∣fairs: That after this exploration of the business, being much altered since our first Ambassage, We may know what it shall be fit for Us further to direct.

4. Whereas We are informed, that the Ambassa∣dors of Our Brother the French King, have Instru∣ctions to propound two things, 1. A Surceasance of Arms, 2. An Imperial Diet; you shall signifie, that in the first of these motions We mainly con∣cur with Him; and in the other, so far as by the directions of Our Dear Son-in-Law you shall find convenient for the publick good, and His own.

5. Touching the Dukes of Saxony and Bavaria, and any other Prince not comprised within the Union, you shall desire them heartily in Our Name to joyn with Us for the common tranquillity, that things may not pass to a further irritation of those Princes and States, and particularly of Our Selves, which otherwise profess Pacifical and Chri∣stian ends: fortifying your exhortation therein with the best reasons that you can collect out of the present Affairs, as they shall appear unto you.

6. To all Princes whom it may any way con∣cern, you shall make it known, that in the Electi∣on of Our Son-in-Law to the Crown of Bohemia, We had no part by any precedent Counsel or pra∣ctice; which We affirm in the faith and truth of a Christian Prince: And are likewise informed of his own clearness therein, by vehement affirmati∣ons, and by most probable Circumstances.

A Copy of my Dispatch to the King, from Vienna, Septemb. 7. 1620.

May it please my most Gracious Soveraign,

IF Your Majesty, since my last Accompt from Au∣gusta, of what I had handled with the Duke of Loreign, and Wirtenberg, with the Arch-duke Leo∣pold, and with the Communities of Strasburg and Ulm; shall have expected to hear before now, what I do in this place, the obligation of Your own goodness, and bounties towards me, besides the conscience of my charge and duty, may in the mean while have assured Your Majesty, that no di∣ligence or fidelity on my part hath been wanting in the pursuit of Your Commands and Christian ends, as I hope shall appear by this Dispatch: Wherein first, It may please Your Majesty to understand, that I have been ten dayes here in Vienna, after I had been four whole dayes stayed by the Emperour at Clo•…•…ster-Nyberg on the Dannby, not above a Dutch mile or little more from this Town, whilst a House, and all other things were preparing for my reception: Which course was likewise held with the French Ambassadors in the same measure.

During vvhich time of my stay, the Emperour sent me, some Provisions, and vvithal the young Baron of Harach to conduct me hither, and here continu∣ally to assist me, for procurement of my Audiences, or any other conveniences, being a Gentleman of the Emperours Bed-chamber, twice heretofore em∣ployed in foreign Ambassages, Son-in-lavv to the Count Eckemberg, the Emperors Favorite, and Son to the next of his Counsellors in grace and credit; though the young Baron of Mersberg, Captain of his Guard, vvas sent to the French, yet I perceive in the choice of this other Gentleman, an equality of respect towards your Majesty vvas used.

An hour after my arrival here, he sent to bid me vvelcome the Count of Mecaw, heretofore Lord Chamberlaine to the Emperour Matthias, and a Counsellor to this, in tertiis quartisve. I am placed near to the Court, in the House of the Baron de Gabriana, vvith rich furniture and good attendance, and hitherto at the Emperors charge, vvhich vvith∣in a vvhile must cease, of vvhich I have given the Reason in my Letter to Mr. Secretary Nanton. In the mean time I must profess unto your Majesty, that no circumstance of due regard to the Honour of your Name hath been here omitted, but all done vvith unexpected freedom; in so much as to ac∣company me at my Table, are sent and admitted Gentlemen of both Religions, and of the best de∣gree, vvhich in the meaner Courts of Germany I have noted to pass vvith more restraint. Thus much concerning my Reception, vvhich is the for∣mal part.

Novv before I pass unto the material, it is a piece of curiosity to tell unto your Majesty, vvhat discords I here finde amongst the publick Instru∣ments,

vvhich seem somewhat considerable: The French Ambassadours have been here about seven vveeks, and to this hour are unvisited by the Spanish (though close adjoyning them) upon a meagre punctuality; for thus it standeth, The French ar∣rived on the Munday at night; the Spaniard sent immediately to vvelcome them his Secretary, ex forma. They have Audience the next morning fol∣lowing: that passed, the Count Ognate demands leave to visit them in the afternoon; they desire to be excused, being a day of ordinary dispatch. The excuse is accepted; but because they did not after∣vvards, vvithout a second demand, send him vvord that they vvould be at leisure, incrassatus est sanguis, on the Spanish side. A much deeper and incurable case is fallen out betwixt the French and the Ex∣traordinary Ambassador of Parma, vvho, after the French sent first unto him, as they say, (though he affirms it vvas the Spaniard) did yet visit the Spa∣niard before them belike, according to the method of his devotion, and proximity to his Master, or of Authority in this Court: howsoever, hereupon the Duke of Angolesme assigned the same Ambassa∣dour a day to visit him, and vvhen he came alla buona, he shut his Gates upon him: Which is here generally the worse interpreted, because he is a Bishop, seeming an affront to both his qualifica∣tions. In such a touchy time as this, I had almost had my share; to whom, after the three French Am∣bassadors had sent their three Secretaries (for pre∣vention of the Spaniard) as far as Cloyster Newburg, vvhere I made my stop: they vvere likewise the first here that sent to visit me, but came all three together, and vvith them Monsieur de Beaugie the Ordinary Agent: Whereupon fell a little dispu∣tation

between us, Whether visits of respect be∣tween Representants of equality, being received in specie, should be paid in individuo? vvhich seemed unto me no good complemental Logick: but find∣ing afterwards, first, that their Commissions vvere the same; then, that the Emperor had sent to their several Lodgings; and the Popes Nuncio, though visited in gross, had visited them apart, I made an end of this scruple: yet not before a promise, that if your Majesty should send more Ambassadors hi∣ther, they vvill proceed a la pareille vvith them: having gained thus much by this small debate, that perchance they think me not over-punctual, nor altogether supine. I have likewise received and rendered to the Spanish Ambassador all due forma∣lities, and from all other Ambassadors and Agents, except the Popes, and the Duke of Parma's, vvhose habits make us incommiscible. Of the rest I need not speak at all; of the French and Spanish I vvill presume to speak my opinion, as far as may con∣duce to the main. I find the French surely of good intention towards a peace here, but not hasty ei∣ther to believe in truth that the Crowns of Hun∣garia or Bohemia vvere Hereditary. Here, at their first coming, they had more credit (as I receive from a good hand) then they seem to have novv; vvhich is thought to proceed from the Spanish Am∣bassador, vvho in this Court is not only the Su∣pream Counsellor, but hath in truth a Dictatoriam potestatem, as the French find; the reason being not very obscure: for vvhen I put in the major, that the Emperors resolutions depend upon necessities; and in the minor, that his necessities depend upon Spain, I think I may spare the conclusion. Thus stand the publick Ministers here, and thus they

stand one vvith another; vvhich I thought fit to set down, because it hath some influence into the general business.

Novv to proceed to the scope of my employ∣ment in matter of substance. I had Audience of the Emperor (as the French) the second day after my arrival, vvhere vvhat I said, vvill best appear to your Majesty out of the Memorial, vvhich I after∣vvards [sent] unto him, at his own requisition, here following vvord for vvord, as I have translated it out of the Italian, in vvhich language the Emperor treateth most vvillingly.

The Proposition of Henry Wotton Knight, Ambassador Extraordinary from his Majesty of Great Britain, delivered in the Name of his Sovereign-Lord the King with all real intention to his Sacred Imperial Majesty, the 23 of August, stylo vet. did contain four points.

FIrst, That his Imperial Majesty would be pleas∣ed to make known his inclination towards a sincere Treaty upon the present Motions.

Secondly, That it will please him by one or two, or more, to inform the said Ambassador of all the fundamental Arguments in the merit of the Cause, which shall be most faithfully represented by him to the King his Master.

Thirdly, Either his Imperial Majesty vvill re∣fuse, or agree to enter into Treaty: In the first case, It vvere vain for Representants of Princes of good intentions, to spend further the Reputa∣tion of their Masters. In the second, His Majesty of Great Britain doth think it most convenient, that both the Parties, together with their Confederates,

be contented to condescend to a cessation of Arms for some competent time; lest vvhile their Recon∣cilements vvere in Treaty, their passions be more exasperated then before.

Fourthly, That for the furthering of their Re∣concilement, His Imperial Majesty would be pleas∣ed to free the passages of Curriers from Vienna to Prague; vvhich shall be procured likewise on the other side.

Besides these substantial points, the said Ambas∣sador did touch three Considerations about the Person of His Soveraign Lord the King, which did render Him with His Imperial Majesty of indubita∣ble credit, although interessed by so strait Bonds in the contrary side.

First, His Majesties clearness in the beginning of these Motions:

Secondly, His Neutrality in the progress thereof:

Thirdly, His Equity in the present.

Touching the first point, the Ambassador decla∣red in His Majesties Name, with high and holy af∣firmations, that He had had in Election of His Son-in-Law to the Crown of Bohemia, no partici∣pation of Counsel, or fore-knowledge. VVhich His Majesty did not only affirm for Himself; but as indubitably in the Person of His Son-in Law, that he had no way fore-practised that Election.

For the second point, of Neutrality, the Am∣bassador said, that His Majesty had not yet given the Title of King to His Son-in-Law, or of Queen to His Daughter, in any Letter either publick or private; nor had permitted the same Title, in any Sermons, within His Kingdomes.

As for the third point, of Equity, the Ambassa∣dor

shewed most evidently, the great moderation and aequanimity of the King his Master, in not having setled any firm judgement touching the me∣rit of the Cause, upon information from that side vvherein His Majesty is most interessed, vvithout first requiring farther knowledge from the Em∣peror himself by an express Minister.

This vvas the Memorial of my Proposition.

Four days after, the Emperor sends me vvord, that his Answer vvas ready; giving me my choice, vvhether I vvould receive it from himself, or else from the Baron of Eckemberg his Principal Coun∣sellor; and, vvhether verbally, or in vvriting, or both. In this gracious option, I took hold of the vvriting, because scripta manent: and vvished I might have it from the Baron, vvithout the Em∣perors farther trouble, till from it might rise some nevv occasion. To the Baron I vvas called two days after; vvhom I found infirmer of his feet then of his head; for in truth he is a Gentleman of strong conceit, and fair delivery, though (as most of the Court are) tainted vvith the Iesuit. From him I received (besides complements, and many thanks, for the honour that your Majesty had done his Master; and vehement protestation of intire be∣lief in your Christian intentions at the present, and of your former clearness) the Paper that cometh herewith, indorsed, Contenta Resolutionis Caesareae data Nobilissimo Legato serenissimi Regis Mag∣nae Brittanniae. In delivery whereof, the Baron seeming much to insist upon the persons [to] whom the Emperour had formerly been content to commit the business: as first, to the four Interpo∣sers, whereof the Count Palatine himself was one; then to the whole Electoral Colledge, even after

sufficient offence to distast him from the Bohemians, who would have hindred his Election at Francfort; I say, by these recapitulations perchance silently inferring, that the German Princes were the pro∣perest Intervenients: I was moved to tell him, that I knew, Your Majesty in this case was more ambiti∣ous of the good, then of the glory; and if Your worthier Servants at Prague, and I here, co-ope∣rating with the French, could prepare the matter, is it were in Chylo, for a fuller concoction hereafter by more hands, we should think our selves very happy: With which reply he seemed extreamly pleased.

To the third point, about a Cessation, he spake somewhat more gloriously, then we here see cause; that things were now too far run on, the Empe∣rours preparations being made, and his friends in motion: wherein he gave a touch (though more, I think, then he could then say) upon Saxony: he added likewise, that no doubt the Count Pala∣tine was as forward with his powers, and Confede∣rates, naming Bethlem Gabor, and perchance, said •…•…e, by his means the Turk I replied (as I had done before to the Emperour himself) that the event of Arms was uncertain; and pittyfull to con∣ceive, what desperation might breed: But in the mean time, I had heard wise men of opinion, that the Count Palatine had done the Emperour no d•…•…s∣pleasure in accepting the Crown of Bohemia, laid upon him by those, which peradventure, might otherwise have placed it on a worse neighbour to these Provinces. To which truth the Emperour (when I said it) nor himself replied any thing: and upon my conscience, so they think.

To the last, about freeing the Passage, he under∣stood

me too largely, as if I had meant the re-esta∣blishment of a Current Post, which round about this place is every where broken: but he hath granted his safe Conduct, upon occasion, as far as he is able; though ea conditione, as Your Majesty sees in his written Answer, ut non alias, quam dicti Domini Legati literas deferant. The only point of jealousie that I have met with since my coming.

To the second, which I make the last, because I have most to say upon it, he told me, that the Em∣perour would send to my Lodging some Persons of dignity, and knowledge, to inform me in that Cause. As he did, the day after: namely, the Baron Pople, Great Chancellour of Bohemia, the Baron of Straulendorf, Chief President of the Auli∣cal Counsel, Der Here Mostitz, Consiliarius Aulicus; the first a Bohemian, the other two Germans: of whose persons I shall afterwards inform Your Ma∣jesty. But to proceed: The Errand, delivered by the Great Chancellour, consisted for the most part of things I knew were often published already, which I shall the less care for to repeat, because Your Majesty received lately the substance thereof, under the title of,—ex Constitutionibus. & Privi∣legiis, &c. consigned to me by the said Deputies; and likewise the same again more clearly set down and more fully expressed by a new Author, as yet unknown, a Book the Emperour himself sent me, the day after this Conference, to be conveyed un∣to Your Majesty. Two things they urged with much vehemency: [First,] certain Letters, both from the Bohemian [Directors.] and which is more, from all the States of Hungary, with pen∣dent Seals; wherein they call this Emperour [King] fifteen moneths after they had chosen

him, and yet the Chancellor having spoken no∣thing in all that time, they afterwards pretended that the Election was null. They shewed likewise an Original Letter from the Count Palatine him∣self, dated at Hidelberg April 23. 1619. tempore Vi∣cariatus, to the now Emperor, as King of Bohemia, both in the Subscription, and the Superscription. The second urged point was, that neither the Sile∣sians, nor the Moravians, which concurred in the Election of the Count Palatine, had any power to do it at that time, but that it was approved at their return home, ex post facto. Lastly, all objections made against Ferdinando, in point of Regiment, or Intrusion during the life of the Emperor Matthias, they are contented, for ought I see, to bestow upon Matthias himself.

This is the substance of a long Conference, beautifully interlarded with divers praises of the Emperors good nature; which I think truly are due unto him, if he be considered in his own capa∣city: but these Orators could give it no credit, being, as I hear, the greatest inflamers of all this business, and principally the principallest of them; a man saved at the time of the defenestration, dum regnabat rosa, only by being here.

This is a faithful Relation of all that hath hither∣to passed between the Emperor, or his Servants, and me in this place; wherein your Majesty sees, that I have obtained two things: First, a freedom to propound, and next a freedom to send: where∣upon the French Ambassadors, and my self, have this very day accorded to send joyntly to Prague, for there we must begin, even in point of civility. This is but an exploratory, and pretentative pur∣pose between us; about the form whereof, and the

matter, we shall consult to morrow: and your Majesty immediately upon the return of our Mes∣sengers from thence, and some feeling of the Em∣peror here, shall have knowledge of all by another express Currier.

Septemb. 23. 1620. Duplicate of Secretary Nantons Letters.

My Lord Ambassador,

HIs Majesty hath commanded me to make you this short Answer to your fair and well-di∣gested Relation sent by Ballard.

1. That He allows very well, and is throughly satisfied with the good endeavors you have used with the Emperor.

2. That He would have you give thanks to His Imperial Majesty, for the good respect shewed to His Majesty in your Person, being His Ambassa∣dor; which we conceive, by your Lordships Let∣ters, to have been every way equal at least, if not beyond those demonstrations that have been afforded the French; of which we have received other informations out of France, that they have no more then answered their expectations.

3. That your Lordship can do no better Service to Christ, and to his Majesty, then to open any fair way to a Treaty. Macte, ergo, & quam nactus es spartam exorna. You have begun well, wherein you have already facti plusquam dimidium: know your own understanding and judgment to be such, and your zeal to the Publick, and to our Great Masters Service, that you will need neither en∣couragement,

nor further directions for the main, then those you carried along with you:

That you are to deal effectually with the Em∣peror, not to proceed too hastily to the publishing of the Banne, seeing that would be to deliver over the Patrimony of His Majesties Children unto Strangers; which were an unkinde requital of His Majesties Princely, sincere, and moderate in∣tentions and proceedings toward him; and must of necessity interest and imbarque His Majesty in the defence of His Childrens inheritance; which His Majesty hopes the Emperor will take into his advised and serious consideration.

This is all I have to recommend unto you for the present, as from His Majesty: for my self, I pro∣mise it my self from you, that you are resolved I am and will remain

Your Lordships most assuredly to do you service.

Whitehal Sept. 23. 1620.

Septemb. 1620. The Copy of my Letter written to His Majesties Ambassadors at Prague.

S. P.

I Do address the present unto your Lordships, or in your absence to Sir Francis Nethersole, by this Gentleman Mr. Walter Waller, coming in company of Monsieur de Sigonie, whom the French Ambassa∣dors, Duke d'Angolesme, Monsieur de Bethunes, and Monsieur de Preaux, do conjoyn with me in this Dispatch; the scope whereof I cannot well set down, without first telling what doth lead it. I have been here almost a fortnight, well received

with all imaginable circumstances due to the ho∣nour of our Gracious Master. My proposition to the Emperor did consist of these four points:

1. That it would please him to make known his inclination towards a sincere Treaty upon the pre∣sent Motions.

2. That he would be likewise pleased to instruct me by one, or two, or more Persons, of choice and knowledge, in all the fundamental Arguments touching the merit of the Cause; promising to re∣present them faithfully to the King my Master.

3. To condescend to a cessation of Arms for some competent time, least while the Reconcilement is in Treaty, the passions be more and more exaspe∣rated.

4. That for the furtherance of these good inten∣tions, the Emperor will be pleased to grant Pass∣ports for Curriers from Vienna towards Prague, upon all occasions where his Armies lie.

Of these, he hath yielded to the first and last; namely a freedom to treat (whereof I made some doubt) and a freedom to send; whereupon the French Ambassadours and my self have joyntly formed this present Dispatch▪ to this end, that the Elector Palatine may likewise by your Lord∣ships, or by his Majesties Agent there, be drawn as far as we have disposed the Emperor in the first and last points of my Proposition; for to this hour the Prince Christian of Anhalt (though the French Ambassadors before my coming had written and expresly sent unto him) hath given no Answer, by which conjecture may be made, whether the foresaid Elector will treat or no, or whether the Bohemians will suffer it. Now because if I should end here, so much only as I have hitherto said,

would scantly import the price of the carriage, we have thought fit (I speak still plurally in the names of the French and my self) to acquaint your Lordships, and Sir Francis Nethersole, with some ways that have been conceived for the effecting of our Masters good intentions about the Publick re∣pose.

It hath been first thought very expedient, that both parties were drawn to remit these great dif∣ferences to a Diet at Regensburg of German Princes, with intervention of foreign Ambassadors.

Next, some have gone so far (and this both the French and my self profess to have taken up on the way, even amongst the Friends of the Elector) as to project a form of Agreement upon some such Articles as these that follow.

1. That the Elector Palatine be contented to re∣linquish the title and possession of the Kingdom of Bohemia.

2. That the Emperor Ferdinando, according to the first Election of the Bohemians, and by virtue thereof shall enjoy the entire profits and title of the said Crown, during his natural life.

3. That after the decease of the said Emperor, it shall be free for the Bohemians to chuse what King they will, and much more to admit him whom they have designed, namely the Palatine Heir apparent.

4. That for assuring the immunities of that Peo∣ple, and future freedom in the exercise of both Religions, the Emperor be contented to commit the Regiment of the said Kingdom to the Naturals thereof.

5. That of Persons on each side banished, whe∣ther Spiritual or Civil, nothing be said till a full agreement about the rest. Concerning these things

(I mean as well the Diet as the project) the French Ambassadours and my self do joyntly pray your Lordships, or in your absence Sir Francis Nether∣sole, by your wisdoms to sound the inclinations of that place where you are, that accordingly we may here, upon your Answer, likewise feel the Em∣peror (with whom it were ill manners to begin.) Not fixing our conceits upon this which hath now been represented, but leaving it as a Bears whelp, which may be licked into a better form; and re∣maining here both willing and desirous to receive either this better polished, or some new conception from your Lordships, that we may drive to the wished end: Of all which an account hath been given from hence to our Sovereign Master, that his high and Christian wisdom may approve, or alter what it shall please him. And so commending to Almighty God, the God of Peace and Love, your Lordships and the Publick health, I humbly rest,

Vienna. 1620.

At your Commandments, H. WOTTON.

Postsc.

I have done Mr. Dickenson (my Friend and Consociate in the Treaty at Santoan) a great deal of wrong not to mention him in this Dispatch, if he be with your Lordships, of which I was doubtful.

The Ambassadors Answer from Prague, Octob. 18. 1620.

Right Honourable,

SIr Francis Nethersole communicated unto us your Lordships of the 7^th of September St. vet. the 9^th present, the impediments of journeying, with the

delaies we met with at Dresden, having made our arrival so late here, that he had not only given overture to the business, but gained such an An∣swer, as the present constitution of the state of affairs, and affections of parties would admit: for which we refer you to his Relation to whose en∣deavors the honour is due. You will easily believe, that we would give all the force we could to se∣cond this great good work, so piously intended by our gracious Master, so requisite for Christendom, and so needful to draw our Masters dear Son-in-law, and his blessed Lady, out of the extream diffi∣culties they are in, and, in this work, to be joyn∣ed with your wisdom and dexterity. Here you will find ready affections to Peace, to treat, to ad∣mit the ways and conveniencies to Treaty, if a cessation of Arms may be accorded: but the diffi∣culty lies to find the medium. The Kingdom of Bohemia, and the Appurtinances, are the very que∣stion; and they tell you here, that the granting of a disposition thereof, is to overthrow their Pri∣viledges, Immunities, and Rights: So to leave the possession of the Kingdom, and to keep it, is to re∣concile Yea and No. Yet our earnest longing being to see a good end of our gracious Masters blessed designs, we cannot but think of ways to keep on foot the contentment of Traffick with you, and communicate them, though but raw indigested conceptions of our own, to be produced further, if your judgement and hope warrant them. This granted, that both Parties have affection to Treat, doth warrant the freedom of access to the Instru∣ments. Whereupon we propound as followeth: That whereas His Majesties Son-in-law (for ought we can find) is resolute to hold both the Title and

Possession of this Kingdom, it may be advised, whe∣ther the Emperor may be drawn to content himself with the Title, and such a compensation by a yearly proportion of Money, as competerit and equal Ar∣bitrators shall judge to be fit. Hereto may be ad∣ded, the quitting of Austria on the one part, and restitution of the Palatinate on the other. As for banished Men on both sides, and particular Rights, both Civil and Criminal, the same Arbitrators may deal therein according to equity. Having besides Sir Francis Nethersale's faithful endeavors, sounded with our best lines, and we cannot say found the depth, but a kind of scantling, vve offer you to measure, vvhether this heat of War and Confusion may by such a Chanel be drawn to a peaceable Haven; the perfect good steering of vvhich, vve present to your great practice in affairs of conse∣quence, to the good guidance vvhereof, vve offer all our powers and endeavors, vvhile they may be of use; but if vve find no other ground of hope here then vve have hitherto, vve are resolved to dravv towards home; and in that case, your Lord∣ship finding occasion, may continue your addresses to Sir Francis Nethersole, of vvhose careful cor∣respondence you may rest assured. Wherewith vve rest,

From Prague, October 18. St. vet. 1620.

Your Lordships in all true affection to serve you,

• Edw. Conwey.
• Rich. Weston.
• J. Dickenson Secr. assistant.

Octob. 1620.

Amico Veteri S. P.

ACcepi quas ad me Wormatia dederas Octobris 10. quibus effusiùs respondebo per unum ex meis quem isthac in Angliam destinavi intra triduum.

Iamdiu scis, legatos Gallicos & me simul singulos Nobiles utriusque Nationis cum totidem famulis in Bo∣hemiam ablegasse, ad explorandam Coronati Electoris mentem super eadem ferè Concordiae formula, quam ipsemet mihi Stutgardae injeceras, quamque commemorati legati, credo, etiam hauserant ex eodem fonte. Ex nostris No∣bilibus Gallus, nomine Sigonius, solus rediit: Is An∣glum in Oppidulo Austriae superioris (quod Freystadt vocant) reliquit sub potestate morbi. Duo Famuli Pragae periere ex Febre Hungarica, quae perexiguo intervallo distat à peste: Literae intactae pervenerunt, per quas in∣cipio conjectari, quam operosares sit circa quam sudamus. Nemo te melius novit, quantulum legati valeant in tur∣batis temporibus. Igitur rectè videris, exuto Civili mu∣nere militare subiisse. Utcunque, benè speramus; & de eventu, qualiscunque demum fuerit, te faciam brevi cer∣tiorem. Interim hoc scias velim, natos hic rumores per omnium ora, de magna Bohemorum strage, super Sigonii Galli reditu, tanquam ipse id attulisset: quod profectò in hac Aula est familiaris ludus. Somniant quae volunt; & cuicunque ex Castris advenienti aliquid affingunt; praecipuè paulò ante Mercurii aut Sabbati diem, quo hinc Cursores in omnes oras avolant; quia falsa impressio interdum causa est magnorum motuum.

The Memorial Exhibited to his Imperial Majesty by Henry Wotton Knight, Ambassadour Extraordi∣nary from the King of Great Brittain, after his Au∣dience of the 17. of November, 1620. Translated ad verbum from the * 1.2 Italian.

1. THe said Ambassadour began with thanks in the King his Masters Name, for the good Reception he had found here, in all points of due respect to the honour of his Majesty whom he served.

2. After this, he said, that as his Majesty had to this hour conserved himself purely neutral in the Business of Bohemia, so he would remain hereafter, till more liquid information then he had yet seen from either side, touching the merit of the cause; and would proceed with all real intention in the Christian Office of a Mediatour, without entring into those of a Judge, and much less of a Party.

3. That although his said Majesty was resolved to suspend his judgement, forasmuch as might con∣cern the differences between the Emperour and Bo∣hemians; yet he found himself tyed both by nature and by reason, not to leave the Patrimonial inhe∣ritance of his own descendents, that is, neither the inferiour nor superiour Palatinate in the hands of any alien Usurper: the said Patrimony being a thing seperate from the rest of the present Contro∣versie, and so understood in the Treaty of Ulm by the common consent of the Lieutenants of the Uni∣on and the League.

4. That as his Majesty of Great Brittain would be unwillingly perswaded, without the Emperours.

own affirmation, that the Marquess Spinola was by his Order entred hostility into the lower Palatinate; so much less could he believe, that his said Imperi∣al Majesty would lend any Authority ex post facto to so injust an intrusion, by way of proscription, or otherwise; with which the moderate proceeding of his Majesty in the whole progress of this Cause, from the very first motions, should be ill recom∣penced.

Lastly, The Ambassadour besought his Imperial Majesty, according to the declaration of his Will already passed, to condescend actually to a sincere Treaty upon the Bohemian Business, to which the French Ambassadours and himself had already joyntly disposed the other part.

A Copy of the Emperors Answer to my Audience, 28. Nov. 1620.

AD ea quae Serenissimi Magnae Britanniae Regis Legatus nuper, cùm ore tenus, tùm scripto pro∣posuit; Sacratissima Caesarea, & Hungariae Bohe∣miaeque Majestas, Dominus noster Clementissimus, be∣nignè respondet, uti animum suum ad solidae amicitiae atque benevolentiae studia cum a 1.3 serenitate sua sinceré continuanda proclivem jam tum ab initio Legationis suae dicto Domino Legato decla∣ravit, ita etiamnum eidem s•…•…se proposito firmiter in∣haerere.

Ad negotium autem Bo∣hemicum quod attinet, in

quo Majestati suae Caesareae Regiae{que} non alia Controver∣sia est, quam quae Principibus, cum subditis suis rebellibus ad obedientiae metam reducendis esse solet; certó sibi persua∣det, Serenissimum Magnae Britanniae Regem, pro sin∣gulari sua prudentia at{que} in∣tegritate evidentem, quae pro Majestate sua Caesarea militat, causae justitiam atque aquitatem agnoscere & observare; eoque magis gratum habet, quod Affinitatem, & Genus, & Foedera, Regio sanè judicio, b 1.4 infra Conscientiae legem hactenus sese locâsse scripserit. Op∣tâsset autem Majestas sua Caesarea, at hoc ipsum tot auxiliaribus copiis è Sereni∣tatis suae Regnis atque Pro∣vinciis iniquissimae causae c 1.5 subsidio missis, aut certè permissis, nequaquam Se∣renitas sua dubium reddi∣disset: Sed potius Generum suum, non tantùm pruden∣tissimis monitis, atque con∣siliis, verùm etiam viri∣bus substractis, ab iniqua cu∣piditate alienis se Regnis im∣miscendi absterruisset; unde non alius quam optatus alma pacis fructus, & ut Majesta∣ti suae in Bohemia, Palati∣no

verò in Ditionibus, quas Majestatis Caesareae, Sa∣eri{que} Romani Imperii beneficio tenebat, res tranquillae persisterent, sperari potuisset. Nunc si in Ditionibus propriis, quas à Suprema Majestate Caesarea, Sacro{que} Imperio, infeudum cum fidelitatis obsequio recognoscere debebat, quasque Dominus Legatus d 1.6 Patrimonium ap∣pellat, poenam temerarii am∣bitus contra Dominum & Imperatorem suum, Serenis∣simi Regis. Gener experitur, non habet quem culpet, prae∣terquam quòd animo suo ob∣secundare, & intempestivis suorum consiliis, quam pru∣dentissimis Majestatis suae Cesareae, Regum, Electo∣rum & Principum, ipsius{que} Soceri sui consiliis deferre maluerit.

Et sanè nullus non iniquis∣simum aestimabit, si tempe∣stivè praecavere non liceret, ne Feuda & beneficia quae à Supremo Monarcha fluunt, in propriam suam injuriam redundent: quod quidem Se∣renissimo Magnae Britanniae Regi (cui perpetuam in Regnis suis pacem ex animo Majestas sua Caesarea pre∣catur) uti rerum humanarum vices sunt, tam aliquando obesse posset, quemadmodum nunc ad injustam Generi causam colorandam praetenditur.

Hinc itaque Dominus Legatus rationes haud obscurè colliget, quibus permota Majestas sua Caesarea, vigore Constitutionum Imperialium, ad turbatam Imperii pa•…•…em

redintegrandam, & Inclytae Domus suae Iura vindicanda, Primarium Imperii Principem, & Patruelem suum cha∣rissimum, Archiducem Albertum requisiverit, à quo e 1.7 Marchio Spinola cum flo∣rente exercitu, Literis Ma∣jestatis suae Caesareae Paten∣tibus munitus, adversus eum submissus, qui nulla injuria lacessitus, rebellibus subditis, infami & abominando qui∣buscun{que} Regibus & Prin∣cipibus exemplo, patrocinari, & Regiae Imperatoris atque Domini sui Coronae verticem suum submittere ausus fuit.

Circa Tractatum de Pace instituendum, declarat se sua Caesarea Majestas ab eodem b•…•…d quaquam alienum; quodque intellecto Consilio Inclytae Domus suae Principum, nec non Electorum & Principum, quorum hictenus fide∣lem operam adhibuit, f 1.8 intra dies quadraginta circitèr se resolvet: quem tamen Tractatum ad illas saltem Provncias extendi vult, quae interim vel armis, vel

alio modo, ad debitam Regi Dominoque suo obedientiam non fuerint reductae; reser∣vato sibi quoque jure interim tum Armis, tum Legibus & Constitutionibus Imperiali∣bus, contra quoscunque Pacis publicae perturbatores, & adversarios suos procedendi.

Et in his omnibus, quemadmodum Majestas Caesarea Iure & recta Conscientia freta, nihil ambigit, omnes Christiani Orbis Reges & Principes ea probare, quae pro omnibus Regibus & Principibus, quantum ad exemplum attinet, gessit: ita quicquid in posterum ex Iuris prae∣scripto in hac causa sanciet, iisdem facilè se comprobatu∣ram confidit. Domino autem Legato gratiam suam Cae∣saream clementer offert.

Per Imperatorem Die Nov. 28. Anno 1620.

Decemb. 4. 1620. A Copy of the Emperours Answer to my Audience, about the Ban or Proscription intended against the Palatine.

SAcra Caesarea & Hungariae Bohemiae{que} Regia Majestas, Dominus noster Clementissimus, iis{que} Serenissimi Magnae Britanniae Regis Legatus de su∣spendenda declaratione Banni Imperialis contra Palati∣num Rheni Electorem, de expresso g 1.9 Regis sui manda∣to proposuit, in hunc sensum respondet.

Magni semper Majestatem suam Caesaream dicti Se∣renissimi Regis sibi addictissimi, officia, amicitiam, mu∣tuam{que} cum Inclyta Domo sua Austriaca conjunctionem aestimâsse, & etiam nunc aestimare; ac ne minimùm qui∣dem ambigere, quin si prudentibus & pacificis Soceri sui consiliis. Gener obsecundare, quam turbulentis pravorum instigationibus, atque animo suo morem gerere maluisset, ingens malorum necessitas tempestivè praecaveri atque de∣clarari potuisset. Cum verò parta nuper, singulari Dei beneficio, propè Pragam contra Majestatis suae Rebelles memorabili victoria, ne nunc quidem dictus Palatinus sanioribus sese conseliis accommodet, sed in eodem inobedi∣entiae tramite h 1.10 pertinaciter perseveret, quin etiam re∣fractarios Majestatis suae subditos, atque Provinci∣as quae caeteroquin Regis Domini{que} sui, à quo desci∣verunt, gratiae haud dublè sese submitterent, ad Rebel∣lionem malè coeptam, despe∣ratè continuandam animet, atque instiget: Nulla Ma∣jestaeti suae Caesareae, hoc loci, benignitatis vel indul∣gentiae commonstrandae, vel declaratianis poenae etiam ad momentum suspendendae occasio superet. Quae tamen pro innata sibi bonitate, & singulari erga Serenissimum Magnae Britanniae Regem benevolentia, in hoc gravissi∣mo negotio, ea adhuc i 1.11 tem∣poris moderatione. quam causae Iustitia, Sacri Roma∣ni Imperii Constitutiones, Suprema Officii sui Caesarea Authoritas, & ipsa deni{que} necessitas permissura sint, procedet.

Per Imperatorem Die 4. Dec. 1620.

A Dispatch from Vienna, in Decemb. 1620. To His Most Sacred Majesty.

ALthough I had from Your Majesty a power in my Instructions to depart hence to my other Imployment, as soon as this Controversie should be decided, either by Treaty or by Fortune; yet I have stayed here a moneth and an half after the Bat∣tel, that I might view the final resolutions; where∣of I shall now render Your Majesty an accompt: Which I am bound to begin with my humblest thanks for Your benign approbation of my poor endeavours, as I have understood from both Your Secretaries; wherein I see that Your Majesty is still pleased by the excellency of Your Nature, and

by the indulgency of your judgement, to accept honest zeal for discretion in your own Creature. Serving therefore so good and so gracious a Ma∣ster, I will proceed chearfully to the discharge of the rest, as the affairs stand.

By my last to Mr. Secretary Nanton, your Ma∣jesty understood the cause of Monsieur de Preaux his going into Hungary: And by this you may ex∣pect the fruit of his journey: There arriving after news of the defeat before Prague, He found much alteration in their faces, and much altercation in their Councels; about vvhich he vvas once publickly admitted; vvhere he undestood passion enough, being the common language of Nature, but nothing else: for they spake in their own Tongue. At last this vvas the Conclusion, That a Gentleman should be immediately dispatched to the Elector Palatine (supposed at Preslaw in Silesia) to understand vvhether he vvould joyn vvith the Hungarians in a Treaty vvith the Emperor: and in case of either delay or denial, to make a solemn protestation, that they vvould provide for them∣selves: Of the event vvhereof the Prince of Tran∣silvania undertook by the 15^th of this Month, aut circiters to give knowledge hither. I must profess unto your Majesty, that I did little expect (for my part) so much formality from the said Prince, in hoc statu rerum, as to attend a return from Silesia; having before (as hath been written) so closely be∣gun here to practice of his own reconcilement: But the truth is (and vvell he knows it) that he may be heard vvhen he listeth, by reason of the Turk at his back; under vvhose shadovv he vvill •…•…it himself.

Novv touching mine own peculiar duties. For

vvith Bethelem Gabor and the Hungarians I have no∣thing to do in single consideration (as your Ma∣jesties▪ Servant) till vve shall hear vvhether the Elector your Son-in-lavv, and that Kingdom, vvill treat vvith the Emperor conjunctively or no.

Before the going of de Preaux, I had one access to the Emperor, and two other vvhile he vvas away.

The first after consultation here vvith the French Ambassadors, about the Answer vvhich we had (vvith no small loss of time and advantage) so late received from Bohemia, addressed unto me by Sir Francis Nethersale in French, as it came to him from the Camp.

The other two, touching your Majesties decla∣ration of your self in the Palatine cause, and in∣tercession against the Emperors Bann, as they call it: about vvhich I shall need to trouble your Ma∣jesty no further then vvith the perusal of such Mar∣ginal Notes as I have added both to the foresaid French Paper, and to the Emperors two Answers in Latine, vvhich come herewith, and contain all that may concern your latter directions in two Letters from Master Secretary Nanton. Yet I must not omit, that between the second and third of these Audiences, I vvas visited by the Baron of Ec∣kenberg (the Emperors inwardest Counsellor and Favorite) vvho spent an hour or two at my Lodg∣ing, vvith much protestation of his Masters respect towards your Majesty; of his grief that things were gone on to such expence of blood; of his vvishes that your Son-in-lavv had rather taken your Ma∣jesties counsel then the Duke of Bovillons; of his forgiving nature; of his desire to recover only his own, and to redeem this Imperial House from open scorn: Lastly, that the King of Spain also had

vvritten hither, hovv glad he vvould be that your Majesty might have all possible satisfaction. This vvas after the Emperor had been informed of his success at Prague; vvhereunto there vvas, as to all other fair discourse of this kind, but one only reply on my part; That your Majesty might justly promise your self very good respect here, and good offices from Spain, by the merit of your own moderation in the Bohemian Cause, and by your Christian endeavors for the common quiet vvith such perseverance. I must not forget likewise to inform your Majesty, that my self visiting here the Spanish Ambassador (as I have usually done after my Audiences vvith the Emperor) and falling (as I thought might vvell become me) into vvonder at Spinola's intrusions, enough to inflame all Chri∣stendom, vvhich your Majesty (measuring other Princes by the equity of your own heart) had no reason to expect. He asked me, after a little deli∣beration, Whether the Marquess of Buckingham were not a Gentleman of Honour? I need not profess how glad. I vvas of such occasion to do your Majesties Dearest Servant, and mine own most Noble Pa∣tron, all the right that my voice could utter; but in truth, on the other side, extreamly surprized vvith so impertinent a question to my discourse, till he eased me vvith the sight of a Paper out of his Cabinet. It vvas the Copy of a Letter vvritten by my Lord Marquess, in your Majesties Name, to the Spanish Ambassador residing vvith you; vvhere∣in your Majesty did thus far justifie the Spanish proceedings, As never to have made any promise that they would not assail the Palatinate. Whereupon this Ambassador inferred, that the said Letter vvritten by so Noble a Personage, and in your Majesties

Name, vvas a high discharge for Spain in the point of real dealing. I replied, That indeed I had never heard of any direct promises, or denial made about that matter; but that your Majesties Servants em∣ployed therein (whereof I vvas one my self to the Arch-Duke Leopoldus) did rather complain of An∣swers obseure and ambiguous, and very different from our plain English style. This vvas all that passed between the Conde d'Ogniate and me, into vvhich I have a little digressed. Novv then to re∣collect hovv vve stand here in point of Negotia∣tion.

The Prince of Transilvania hath prefixed the 15^th day of this Month, or thereabout, (as I said before) for his Term; within which he will signifie in what manner he intendeth to Treat, according to the Answer out of Silesia. The Emperor on the other side, did take the term of forty days for the declaring of his mind fully to me and the French Ambassadors, which expire, by our computation, on the 27. of this said Month; intending in the mean time to preconsult with his Friends, or ra∣ther (as we perceive) with his Fortunes: And how∣soever, Not to Treat of any Province, or part, as then reduced to his obedience. So as plainly enough he chose that respite to contemplate the intervenient changes: For at first he was more tractable; he spake of no Friends whose advices were before to be asked; he demanded no term to think farther on the matter; he added no restriction: all these are the suggestions of his prosperity. And so we stand in point of business.

In the state of the Provinces I can deliver no∣thing but fluctuation and submission, the ordinary consequences of Victory.

The first were the Bohemians, who forgetting both Oaths and Contracts, yielded up the Ori∣ginal Patent of their Combination to the Duke of Bavaria, as the Emperors Commissary.

The next were the Moravians; who after the Count Bucquoy had taken Trigla, one of their wealthiest, and summoned Zuam, the chiefest of their Towns, resolved in a full Assembly of their States, to submit themselves by Deputies, who are hourly expected here.

The other Appendants to the Bohemian Crown are likely to follow the Moravian example, being incomparably (as hath well appeared) the most re∣solute piece of the whole knot, and that which gave vigour to the rest, dum Troja stabat.

What the Hungarians shall determine of them∣selves, I will set down in a Postscript; for which I have long suspended the dispatch of this Bearer.

I cannot conclude without representing unto your Majesty, in all event, two humble remem∣brances, vvhereof your higher wisdom may per∣chance make some use.

The first is, That I conceive the French King bound to joyn with your Majesty in the Palatine Cause: I do not mean only by reason of state and jealousie of this spreading House, cujus gliscit po∣tentia, as I may modestly say, nor by Ancient ob∣ligation and gratitude to the said Electoral Line, or to your own Kingdoms in the needful days of hi, Father, but by a fresher band, even by the Treaty of Ulm, where his Embassadors did inter∣vene: For they tell me, that by virtue thereof, neither directè nec indirectè, any of the Provinces belonging to the League, or to the Union, could be molested by either side. Which the Electors of

Mentz and Colen have broken by permission of Spi∣nola; nay, divers ways, by subministration of com∣modities to his Army. And I hear, that to save themselves, they have procured Patents from the Emperor, that as his Commissaries, they may do some things which they could not do or permit as Leaguers. Always sure I am, that the Duke of Bavaria did three or four days withstand the no∣minating of the French Ambassadors in the foresaid Treaty, which the other side did as vehemently af∣fect; for no other imaginable reason, within my penetration, then only to engage France in the maintenance thereof. This I have touched, not that I doubt of your accommodating of those things civily without Arms, or that your Majesty shall need (if extremity require the sharpest re∣medies) any help to vindicate your own Descen∣dents from violence; but because en tout cas the conjunction of France would be some ease to the Princes of the Union, whereof your Majesty is the head.

The other point that I am bold to offer unto your Majesties consideration, is, That the King of Spain himself is bound by his own protestation to revoke Spinola: For therein he declareth, that his meaning was not by assisting the Emperour, Cuiquam Mortalium per injuriam vim inferre, aut in aliena cupiditatem suam extendere: which protesta∣tion the Emperor received from his own Ambassa∣dor in the Spanish Court, and by his Secretary here did communicate the same with me, to be sent unto your Majesty, as I did in my first Dispatch; and have now again sent another Copy, least the for∣mer should be strayed. And so with my humble

Prayers to the eternal God for your blessed health and joy, I ever rest,

Your Majesties long devoted Servant, and faithful Vassal, H. W.

POSTSCRIPT.

The expected Advertisement is now come from the Prince of Transilvania to this effect. He great∣ly complaineth of the faintness and defection of his Confederates in general: And in particular, first, that an Ambassage which he addressed since the Battel to the Moravians, with animating per∣swasions, took no place. Next, that the Elector Palatine (to whom he expresly sent into Silesia Io∣hannes Krauss, Secretary of the Kingdom of Hun∣garia) hath not vouchsafed him any clear or de∣terminate Answer to the Subject of his Errand, which I have before set down. Nay farther, that the Prince of Anhalt, and the Count of Hollock, came joyntly together unto the said Iohannes Krauss in Preslaw, and there among other discourse told him, That the remainder of this affair was not to be handled by the French Ambassadors, nor by me here; which the French take very sensibly, especially their offer and intercession having before by the said Prince of Anhalt been unaccepted, and a Letter which they wrote unto him, to this hour unan∣swered; though sent by Monsieur de Ste Catherine, no suspected person, but one who had been so long resident in the Palatiae Court. Upon which premises, they have seriously desired me to testifie unto your Majesty (as in truth I am bound) their

willingness to have mediated in this cause, and their continual frank and faithful conferences with me about the common end. On the other side, I have desired them to represent things fairly to the King their Master, and not upon any private distaste to abandon the common interest, which so many Princes have in the subsistence of the Palatine. Since this Advertisement from Bethelem Gabor and his Hungarians (who are resolved to Treat singly, and have sent hither to propound it) we have got∣ten knowledge, that such a Letter is come to the Emperor from the Duke of Saxony, touching the Palatine Elector, as makes us conceive he will use his mediation rather then ours: So as I am pre∣paring towards Venice in this hard season, where (as your Majesties Servant) I have the honour to be much expected and desired, as I hear by their Resident in this place; especially the Republick standing in no small perplexity and sollicitude at the present divers ways. There I shall attend your Majesties farther directions, and leave the French (as I found them) upon this Stage, till they get leave to depart, for which they have dispatched home an express Currier, intending in the mean time to deal between the Emperour and Bethelem Gabor.

The Accord of Ulm, June 23. 1620. (mentioned in the foregoing Letter.)

NOus Maximilian par la grace de Dieu Conte Pa∣latin du Rhein, Duc de la haute & basse Baviere, &c. Et nous Joachim Ernest par la mesme grace, Marquis de Brandenbourg. Duc de Prusse, Stetin,

& Pomeranie, des Casoubes, & Wenden, de Silesie, de Croonen & Jagendorff, Burgrave de Nurnberg, & Prince de Rugen:

Be it known unto all and every one, that seeing as well within the Sacred Empire of Germany, as in divers Kingdoms and Neighbouring Estates, Troubles and Tumults, and Alterations have been on foot, and long continued, whereas not the Ca∣tholicks only, but the Electors, Princes, and Con∣federate States of the Religion, have taken oc∣casion to Arm themselves, which indeed hath been the cause of great differences and misprisions, if these preparations of Arms, and levy of Souldiers should proceed further on both sides, to offend and destroy one another: Therefore that such despight may be removed, and good friendship between both Parties in the Empire established, We have made a firm and constant Agreement, by means likewise of the French Ambassadors, which were at that time in the Imperial City of Ulm.

And first of all, We Maximilian Duke of Bavaria, as General of the Catholick League, by virtue of our Authority; and We Ioachim Ernest Marquess of Brandenburg, as Lieutenant General of the Union, by virtue of our Authority, in the presence and approbation also of other Princes, States, Alliants, Deputies with full Power and Authority, do pro∣mise and vow for our Selves of each Party, Alli∣ants, Electors, Princes, and States, by all the real Words of Truth and Fidelity, in the best and most stable form that may or ought hold, or stand firm by all the Rules of Right, That none Electors, Princes, Alliants, States, of either Party, in what manner soever, or under whatsoever pretence, neither by themselves nor any other, shall with

Arms pertaining to either Party, offend or cut off the Treaty of Peace, nor discommodate, pillage, spoil, attaint, or trouble one another, nor any thing to them belonging, as Electoralities, Prin∣cipalities, Subjects, Towns, Villages, Revenues Ecclesiastical or Civil: But that as well the Ca∣tholicks with the Gospellers, as they again with the Catholicks, be and remain in true and un∣feigned Peace, Concord, and Charity, every of them secure in their own Proprieties, without fear of Trouble or Assault. And to the end that this Promise and Confidence (being otherwise required and enjoyned between Princes and Neighbouring Estates, by Constitutions of the Empire) may faithfully be continued, it is provided, That the two Armies here near encamped, with all possible speed remove out of the places where they were pitched, without any detriment to either Party, and that they lodge not together in one place.

Secondly, it is concluded, That if perchance any Elector, Prince, Confederate, State, of either Party, or indeed either of them in gross, should require upon necessity a Passage, by virtue of Or∣dinances of the Empire, for the Defence and Se∣curity of them and their Subjects, having first peaceably given sufficient Caution, neither of them ought to deny it: Provided the same requisition be seasonably made, not upon rash and precipitate Advice, when the Army be upon the Frontiers, or indeed within the Territories of them, with com∣plaint or discommodity of the Subject.

Thirdly, Forasmuch as We Maximilian Duke of Bavaria, and other Electors, Princes, Catho∣lick Estates and Alliants, have excluded from this present Treaty the Kingdom of Bohemia, with the Incorporated Provinces, and other States He∣reditary

of the House of Austria, and compre∣hended within the Treaty, only the Electorals, and Countries belonging to Electors, Princes, and States Confederates of either Party, under which also is contained the Electoral Palatinate, with all Inheritances thereunto belonging, scituate within the Empire; They ought not to be expended fur∣ther, seeing at this present we persist not in these differences, that having nothing common with the rest, but we will keep good Correspondence with them without any suspition: Which likewise We Ioachim Ernest Marquess of Brandenburg, do agree to the Resolution of the Electors, Princes, and States Catholick, touching the Kingdom of Bohe∣mia, and the United Provinces, with other Inhe∣ritances appertaining to the House of Austria, for Us, our Alliants, Electors, Princes and States; and We will no less on our side, that the said Kingdom of Bohemia, with the United Provinces and Coun∣tries Hereditary to the House of Austria, be not comprised in this Treaty, understanding as well this Declaration to be for the Electoralities, Prin∣cipalities, and Estates scituate and being within the Empire.

Fourthly, Whereas during this Treaty, divers times mention hath been made of the Griefs of the Empire not yet decided, the decision of the same is remitted to some more convenient time, seeing this was too short, and the Grievances touched not only those of either Party, but in general all, both Catholick and Evangelical States of the whole Em∣pire, concerning which, for this present, there is no sufficient Power or Authority to determine.

And seeing both of either Party pretend losses and damages done and received by either side, and

particularly at the Village of Sandthaim, and there∣abouts, it shall be shortly treated of reasonable re∣stitution for the same. All vvhich things, vve Maximilian Duke of Bavaria, and vve Ioachim Er∣nest, Marquess of Brandenburg, as vvell for us, as for the above-named our Confederates, Electors, Princes and States, do promise to maintain and keep inviolably: In vvitness of vvhich, vve have set to our Hands and Seals,

the 3.July / 23.June An. 1620.

• Locus O Sigilli Maximilian.
• Locus O Sigilli Ioachim Ernest.

A Dispatch by Ralph from Venice, 1621.

SIR,

I Choose at the present to vvrite thick and small, for the closer conveyance of that vvhich follow∣eth, first to your faithfull hands, and by them im∣mediately unto our Soveraign Lord the King.

The deputed Cardinals of the Congregation or Committee in Rome touching his Majesties Matri∣monial Treaty vvith Spain, having resolved negatively, even after six Assemblies; the Cardinal Ludovisio and the Spanish Ambassador vvent joyntly to the Pope, to pray him, that by no means the negative resolution might be divulged as yet, but suppressed for a time; because some turns vvere to be done by the concealment thereof. Hereupon the Ven•…•…tian Ambassador, by name, Reniero Zen, (the most diving man that ever the Republick hath held in that Court, and of much confidence vvith the Pope upon old acquain∣tance)

observing that the foresaid Congregation had voted, and that their censures vvere concealed; comes to the Cardinal Ludovisio, the Popes Nephew, before-named, and extracts from him the vvhole matter, vvith the means and reason of the suppres∣sion. This I have received from a credible, and I vvould say, from an infallible fountain, if it did not become my simplicity, in a point so much con∣cerning the eternal dishonour of a great King, to leave alwayes some possibility of mis-information. Yet thus much more I must adde, not out of intelli∣gence, but from sober discourse; that although the present Pope hath been hitherto esteemed more French, then any of his Predecessors a great vvhile; yet is not the King of Spain, such a Bankrupt in Rome, but that he might easily have procured an assent in the fore-named Congregation, or at least a resolution sooner, then after five or six meetings of the deputed Cardinals; unless delays had been studied. Be it how it vvill; as to his Majesty doth belong the Soveraignty of judgement; so to his poor honest Creatures abroad, the liberty of rela∣tion, and a frank discharge of our zeal and duties. To vvhich I vvill subscribe my unworthy Name.

Venice, Feb. 15/25. 1621.

A Dispatch about the King of Bohemia's Affairs at Venice, 1622.

Right Honourable,

I Have formerly acquainted his Majesty, through your hands, how my self being then in Padoua

under Physick (of late my familiar evil) I vvas recalled to Venice, by the arrival here of Seignor Filippo. Calandrini, expresly sent to sollicit some contribution from this Republick to the support of Count Mansfelt's Army, vvherein my joynt endea∣vour vvas required by Letters from the Elector himself (as then at the Hague) And likewise I vvas thereunto the better enabled by very carefull instruction from Sir Dudley Carlton under cypher, of the vvhole business how it stood. Neither did I need any new immediate Command from his Ma∣jesty, to serve in the Cause of his own descendents, especially after your Letters of the 19th, of January, by Order vvhereof I had before in his Royal Name made a general exploration here of their good vvill towards us, and now by the present imployment of the foresaid Calandrini, as also upon Letters from the Elector to this Duke, (vvhereof the delivery and pursuit vvas recommended to me) I found apt occasion to descend à Thesi ad Hypothesin; vvhich vvith vvhat discretion it hath been handled, I dare not say; but sure I am, vvith as much zeal and fer∣vour, as the capacity of my heart could hold; vvhereof the accompt is now due, as followeth:

Two full Audiences I had upon this Subject at mine own demand, and a third at their calling as long as both the former. In my first (to make it appear more serious then an ordinary duty) I told them I vvould do that vvhich I had never done be∣fore. For vvhereas vve commonly leave the refe∣rence of our Propositions to a Secretary of the State, vvho stands alwayes by the Ambassador, and is the transporter both of our Arguments and of our affections to the Senate: The Tribunal vvhere vve speak being not diffinitive (vvhich is no small dis∣advantage)

I now promised to ease his memory my self vvith an extract of vvhat I had said, vvhich vvas accordingly sent him the next morning, con∣taining two principal heads:

• 1. The merit of the Cause;
• 2. The community of the Interest;

Both as clear as the Sun. For touching the first, the question now vvas only de recuperatione proprii, violently invaded: In the course of vvhich action, it did appear by pregnant inferences, lately pub∣lished, together vvith those intercepted Letters vvhich Frier Hiacintho, an out-cast from this Town, did carry in his Wallet, that the Duke of Bavaria had practised the Electorate of Rhine before the true Elector vvas called to the Crown of Bohemia; vvhich I thought the fitter to be touched; for that I knew the Duke had newly received a Copy of the said divulged Letters from his Agent at the Hague, and it vvas a point of great impression.

Now their Interest vvas as plain as the Case it self: For if such violences shadowed vvith Imperial Authorities, should likewise be countenanced and comforted vvith success, vvhat could hinder, vvithin a vvhile, the same Torrent to overflow Italy, and especially this Dominion, circondato da affetti poco sicuri d'ogni intorno, as I told them I might vvell say, even vvith modesty. These premisses being laid, I inferred, that his Majesty, upon a Cause so just, and a common Interest so clear, vvas most confident in the vvisdome of this grave Senate, that having spent vvith palpable benefit in their last Motions of fresh memory qualche bona sum∣ma (indeed about two millions of Duckats) to maintain a diversion so near at hand as il Piede delli Monti, they vvould find it more reasonable to

foment the like further off; all diversions and re∣vulsions (both Politick and Natural) being so much the more effectual, by how much the more remote. Lastly, that though his Majesty in exchange of that open, frank, and voluntary Declaration, which he made of himself heretofore in time of their Troubles, might now expect the like again from them ex aequo; and that no Prince living knevv better what the declared Authority of a Dominion so eminent, vvould import to the sum of the bu∣siness. Yet not to press his Friend too far, his Majesty vvould be contented vvith a silent Con∣tribution without noise, under any form that should best please them, and in such proportion as should be conformable to their Love; whereby they should oblige his Royal Person and Progeny, not to be wanting unto them in any of their own just Occurrents. This was the substance of my first Audience, and of my Memorial sent to the Secre∣tary. At my second, after I had pressed the same Inducements more effectually, and informed them that the Elector was now gone in Person to add vigor to his Subjects, so as their help could never come in a better season: I fell to tell the Duke, that though it could not become my simplicity to prescribe any form to so wise a Prince, yet I would •…•…rave leave to insinuate thus much that they might under the Name of the States (with whom their Confederacy was already known) pass their good will towards his Majesty and his Son-in-law, with∣out any further imaginable noise, by adding what they should please moreover to that Contribution (whereunto they are tied by League) of 50000 Flo∣rins, or 5000 l. sterling per mensem, for which surcrew (whatsoever it should be) the States would be an∣swerable

to the Elector. Nay farther, I told him, albeit now by long service, and by the very con∣science of my zeal towards them, I might presume to merit some part of their confidence; yet I would therein dispence even with mine own ambition, and undertake as much likewise for Signior Calan∣drini, leaving it free unto them to exercise their friendship through the hands of Signior Surriano, their own Minister at the Hague, without acquaint∣ing us here with their determination, for the more silent carriage thereof: yet withal, I was not tender to re-intimate unto them, that both the King my Master did merit a Noble and open Proceeding; and on the other side, this Republick was by Gods blessing so powerful, as they should not need to smother their Resolutions in so just a Cause. In conclusion I told him, that I did languish for the Senates answer; for well I knew that they are much guided, like the wisdom of a Merchant, by acci∣dents, which makes them so prone to defer, still hearkening how things fall or rise, and accord∣ingly shaping their Counsels. Between these Au∣diences Signior Calandrini did likewise twice in∣terceed in name of the States, whose perswasion (as their Instrument) he spent apart from mine, though otherwise our agreement was well enough known.

On Wednesday last, some five or six days after my second Audience, I was called to college, and the Senates Answer read unto me very loud and treatably, as the Duke willed the Secretary; where∣of yet I required a second reading, for Copies are not usually granted; which I must note for ano∣ther disadvantage of moment in negotiating with this State, because they may appeal from our Me∣mories.

In this Answer were repeated, with some new beautifying, the three points wherein they did pretend to have prevented his Majesties for∣mer imploration of their concurrence, when he wrote his own Letters in behalf of his Son-in-law. The three points were these:

1. Their Contribution to the States, by which they maintain in those Provinces 4000 men.

2. Their Entertainment and Pensioning of the Count Mansfelt, with intent to fix him where he is, who else might have been drawn away by other offers.

3. Their Promise to joyn with the French King and Savoy in the Rhetian business.

All which three, they call Points of Common In∣terest with his Majesty, and of Common Benefit to the Elector by way of Diversion; and two of them Actual Ingagements of this Republick. Now to these in the foresaid Answer, they added a fourth, for a little stronger excuse at the present; namely, a fresh and sharp Insurrection amongst the Grisons, where the Patriots of the Dieci dritture, seemed to have overmatched the Party of the Arch-duke Leo∣poldo with such considerable success, that the Can∣•…•…on of Surick (who are nearest the truth) are like∣wise in some motion to help them; so as this State expecteth also to be called to that Feast, and well inclined thereunto. This was all the new garnish∣ment that I could observe in their Answer. To∣wards the end whereof I was much surprized with their telling me, in plain terms, that his Majesty was well satisfied with those former Demonstra∣tions of their good will in the Common Cause, represented unto him by their Ambassador La•…•…do, as he had written hither. To which Point, though

the last of theirs, I replied first, That indeed his Majesty (whose excellent heart doth believe always the best of his Friends) had no reason to mislike their former Answer: And so far I had co-ope∣rated with their own Instrument, as to represent it con buon' sapore; but yet no further then the mat∣ter would bear, which was but a generality of good will, and no direct satisfaction. And whereas now they did desire me likewise to reiterate to the King my Master, their great sensibility of the Common Interest; I told them ingeniously con un' stringer di spalle, that I knew not well how to do it, till they gave me more subject: For Philosophy (whose naked Principles I had more studied then Art of Language) had taught me, even in one of her most Fundamental Maxims, that ex nihilo nihil fit. Here∣upon the Duke fell very seriously to dilate upon the Senates Answer, and left me indeed with some occasion of contentment: For he told me, I might mark by the said Answer, a Resolution in the Senate not to neglect a Cause wherein they held themselves so interessed, and (as had been said before) already actually ingaged, though the busi∣ness of the Grisons, and the new noise from thence did at the present distract them. Of this I took presently hold; replying, That I would receive this Speech as a Commentary upon the Senates An∣swer; and represent unto his Majesty, that when the principal reason of their excuse should cease, namely, these fresh stirrings so near them, which seemed to require their abetment, then they would give us more particular satisfaction. For which (to rivet it the better) I gave thanks, and told him, I would hearken after the issue of this Rhetian noise, and accordingly put him in mind again of our own

necessities: to which he gave me un gratioso accena∣mènto, and so fell to tell me, with extream gladness, their news of the late defeat given by Mansfelt to the Bavarian Troops.

Now to collect the fruit of my poor endeavors, thus we stand; If action shall grow on this side, we shall surely receive more benefit by that diver∣sion, then we should by contribution: For the Arch-duke Leopoldo would by chance be drawn from Alsatia to think of Tirol; and the Neapolitan and Milan Levies, which should supply Germany, will be spent here. If Italy be quiet, then (dicam audax verbum) this State must necessarily help us, that it may be so stil; for I shall not need to make them sensible of the vicissitude of humane, troubles, ei∣ther here or there, which is their common Text: But all dependeth upon his Majesties urging of his own merits, which was my highest Argument, to∣gether with that Obligation which he will acknow∣ledge, as his own gracious Letters import.

This account I send with some diligence, that it may prevent the new Venetian Ambassadors first Audience, or at least the leave-taking of the old; into whom it may please his Majesty to infuse his good thoughts, and to take notice of these Audi∣ences which I had here in the way of his Service. And so the Lord of Heaven bless Him and His.

POST SCRIPT.

Signior Filippo Calandini came hither vvith In∣structions from the States, much resembling a Qua∣druple entrenchment; vvherein being beaten from the first, he vvas to retire to the second, and so forth. The first vvas, To sollicite a free and open Contribution. The second, That they vvould at

least Contribute under the Name of the said States. The third, That they vvould Contribute joyntly vvith the States. The fourth, That at least they vvould pay the Arearages of 10000 Florins per men∣sem, that have run due by virtue of their League, from the 9th of April, 1621. Since vvhich term, the said States pretend to have re-entred into Action; and in this Case the States promise to contribute five of those Months to the Elector. Novv, con∣sidering the hopeful Answer that I have received, I have dealt vvith Signior Calandrini, to spend the perswasion of the States in the first point absolute∣ly; and in the last, to urge only the Arearages upon the Contract, vvithout adding the intention of the States to contribute any portion thereof to the Elector; least it might prejudice the hope of a greater Contribution, vvhich no doubt his Majesty may have from hence, if it please him to urge his own merits.

1624. S. P.

I Send you both the inclosed, unclosed, and my Seal vvithal, that vvhen you have perused them, you may seal them; for because they contain a re∣commendation of your self, it vvere somewhat in∣congruous to present them open.

You had yesterday received them, but that I suspended my hand too long in expectation of Iames; about vvhom vve are yet in much doubt of some misadventure by his stay. You see that in the Postscript to the Duke, I mention the design of Caprarola, vvhich I have left out of his Letter, that you may not come unto him vvith empty hands.

It shall be fit for your self to offer him your ser∣vice abroad, which I have (as you see) offered the Prince through Mr. Thomas Carie's hands, who, I hope, will let his Highness see my Letter.

And so languishing to hear somewhat from my Nephew, with all my duties remembred to all, I rest,

This Tuesday Morning.

Your ever true Friend, HENRY WOTTON.

Upon the Design you must play the Mountebank. And tell the Duke, that the one Paper containeth the Plant or ground-Lines, the other, the reared work, in Perspective with all the Dimensions so exactly, as if it please him he may easily have a Mo∣del made thereof in Pastboard.

If Mr. Thomas Cary should by chance have been sent away again into France, then deliver, with my humble service, the Letter to my Lord of Le∣pington his Father, and beseech him to shew it the Prince.

May, 1626. The Copy of my Report after the Examination of the Lord of Oldebare's Daughter.

ACcording to His Majesties good pleasure sig∣nified unto me by an Order from His Coun∣sel. Table, under the 19th. of May, and delivered by an express Messenger on Monday morning the

22. of the said Moneth, at His Majesties Colledge of Eton, that I should examine the Lord of Olde∣bare's Daughter, now resident in the Town of Windsor, in the circumstances of a business which His Majesty had committed to my trust; vid. con∣cerning a certain Roll of Names mentioned in a late malicious diffamatory Pamphlet, which one George Eglisham had scattered in Print; pretending there∣in that it was a Roll of divers great Personages which were to be poysoned by the now Duke of Buckingham, and among those Great ones, the said George Eglisham himself for one; which said Roll (as the said Eglisham affirmeth) the foresaid Daughter of the Lord Oldebare had brought to the late Lord Marquess of Hamilton her Cousin, who was one of the inrolled to be poysoned; grounding this defamation upon the testimony of that Roll, brought by the said Gentlewoman to the foresaid Marquess: I say, According to His Majesties Command herein, I * 1.12 repaired, the next day after the receit thereof, to the said Lord of Oldebare's Daughter, by Name Anne Lion, (though not nominated by the foresaid Eglisham, but under her Fathers Title) at her Lodging in Windsor, where I found her accompa∣nied with her younger Sister, and a Gentlewoman of her attendance, who were all three in the Room while I spake with her, and I brought in with me Mr. Michael Branthwait, heretofore His Majesties Agent in Venice, as a Gentleman of approved con∣fidence and sincerity. At my access unto her, be∣cause I was a stranger, and the business somewhat harsh and umbrageous, I laboured to take from her all manner of shadow touching her self; which in

truth I found very needless: For after I had shew∣ed her my Commission, and the places in Eglisham's Book wherein she was traduced for a Witness of this foul defamation, she was so far from disgui∣sing or reserving any circumstance, that she pre∣vented all my inquisitiveness in some Questions which I had prepared, making a clear, a free, and a noble report of all that had passed, which she did dictate unto me, as I wrote in her Window, in her own words, without any inforcement or inter∣ruption, as followeth:

At His Majesties being in Spain, a Carr-man of one Smith a Woodmonger in Westminster, found a Paper, as he said, and gave it to my Mothers Foot-man to read, whose Name was Thomas Allet, who brought it immediately to me; it was half a sheet of Paper laid double by the length, and in it was written in a scribled hand, the Names of a number (above a dozen) of the Privy Counsel: some words had been written more, which were scraped out. The Names were not writ in order as they were of quality. In it, next to the Marquess of Hamilton, was writ, Dr. Eglisham to imbalm him. No mention of poysoning, or any such thing, but very Names. I not knowing what it might import more, the Marquess of Hamilton not being at that instant in Whitehall, I sent for Iames Steward Ser∣vant to the Duke of Richmond, and desired him to shew his Lord that Paper, wherein was his Name. He said he would not present it himself, but would give it to Alexander Heatley, his Secretary: So he took the Paper from me; and within a day or two after he brought it back to me, and said, the Se∣cretary thought it not necessary to trouble his Lord with all, for as he did conceive, some that

had a Cause to be heard before the Privy Counsel, or in the Star Chamber, had written these Names to help his own memory, to reckon who would be with him or against him. Immediately then I sent the said Allet to David Strachen, Servant to the Marquess of Hamilton, and bade him give that to his Lord from me immediately; which he said he did, and that his Lord read it, and put it in his Pocket.

These are the very express and formal words, which this noble Gentlewoman, with a very frank and ingenious spirit, as I am bound to testifie of her, did dictate to me, in the presence of the above-named: Whereby may appear to any reaso∣nable creature, what a silly piece of malice this was, when Mr. Alexander Heatley, a Gentleman of sober judgement, to whom the Roll was first sent, though that be concealed by Eglisham, did think it too frivolous to be so much as once shewed to his Master, howsoever named therein. At this first Conference, as I was ready to depart, my Lord of Oldebare's Daughter desired of me a view of the Book, out of which I had read her some passages, wherein her Name was traduced; which could in no equity be denied. So I left it with her till the next day, praying that I might then have her full judgement of it: When repairing again unto her, she told me as freely as the rest, in the hearing of the same company as before, except her Gentlewo∣man, that Eglisham had gone upon very slight grounds in so great a matter.

The Copy of my Letter to the Duke about the same Examination.

I Send unto your Grace by this Bearer, Mr. Mi∣chael Branthwait, the Examination of the Lord of Oldebare's Daughter, touching the Roll of Names said to be found in Westminster, of Great Personages which were to be poysoned here, while you were in Spain: In the delivery whereof, I have been carefull, as an Examiner, and Relater, to set down nothing but her bare and free report; which is the Historical part: The Critical now remaineth; for after the examination of circum∣stances, there is a liberty of judgement.

I have seen many defamatory and libellous things of this nature, abroad and at home; though for the most part alwayes without truth, yet often∣times contrived with some credibility: But this appeareth, in the whole contexture, utterly void of both, even though we had never known your Grace; nay, I will say more, though we had known you to be as bad, and as black, as this Au∣thor would paint you. For first, the main ground upon which he would raise this defamation, is the foresaid Roll of Names, found, forsooth, not in a Cabinet, but in a dirty Street. Now, when we come to hunt it home, the authentical Instruments that should give it credit, are a Carrman, and a Footman; till at last it came to Mr. Alexander Heatley: a Gentleman indeed (as I have conceiv∣ed of him) of sound abilities. Then what does he with it? Marry, He thought it so frivolous, that albeit it had passed to him through the hands of a noble Gentlewoman of his own Countrey, yet he

vvould not once trouble the late Duke of Richmond his Master so much as vvith a sight of it, though his said Master vvas one of the inrolled. Then, it comes back again, and the Gentlewoman convey∣eth it by another hand to the late Marquess of Ha∣milton: What doth he vvith it? It sleeps in his Pocket. There, vve are not only at a fault, in the Hunters term; but at a rest, as if vve vvere but playing at Tennis: I am sorry to charge the memo∣ry of that Worthy Gentleman, to vvhom I vvas much bound for his favour, so far as his Doctor hath laden him; that if he thought it more impor∣tant then Mr. Heatley did, either by vvant of chari∣ty he vvould smother so horrible a practice against the lives of at least a dozen of his Collegues in Pri∣vy Counsel, or for vvant of courage not prosecute his own Cause: Especially, your Grace (vvhose power this Pamphletter doth alledge for the impe∣diment of all prosecution) being then (as appear∣eth by the Examination) in Spain.

Much more might be said upon the matter: but I value, not only your Graces, but mine own time at a greater price: Yet I have committed a remem∣brance or two to this Bearer; for vvhose sincerity I am bound to answer, because I did choose him for a Witness in the Examination. One scruple only I had in point of formality, Whether I should ad∣dress this accompt or no to the Counsel. Table, vvhence I received the Commission. But consider∣ing, that it came unto me, though by Order from thence, yet under the Kings trust; I have directed it to your hands, vvhom it most concerneth.

I had vvaited vvith it on your Grace in person, but that in truth, some straitness by distillations in my brest, makes me resolvs to enter anew into a

little course of Physick. And so having discharged this duty according to my Conscience and capacity, I humbly leave your Grace in Gods blessed love; remaining,

Your Graces ever devoted and professed Servant, HENRY WOTTON.

1626. The Copy of my Letter to the Queen of Bohemia.

Most Resplendent Queen, even is the darkness of Fortune,

I Most humbly salute Your Majesty again, after the longest silence that I have ever held with You, since I first took into my heart an image of Your excellent Vertues. My thoughts indeed have from the exercise of outward duties been confined within my self, and deeply wounded with mine own private griefs and losles; which I was afraid, if I had written sooner to Your Majesty, before time had dryed them up, would have freshly bled again. And with what shall I now entertain Your sweet Spirits? It becomes not my weakness, to speak of deep and weighty Counsels, nor my pri∣vateness, of great Personages: Yet because I know Your Majesty cannot but expect, I should say somewhat of the Duke of Buckingham, whom all contemplate, I will begin there; and end in such comforts as I can suggest to Your present Estate: which shall be ever the Subject both of my Letters and of my prayers. But before I deliver my con∣ceit

of the said Duke, I must use a little Preface. I am two wayes tyed unto him: First, for his sin∣gular love to my never forgotten Albertus; there∣in likewise concurring with Your Majesties inesti∣mable affection. Next, for mine own particular, I hold by his mediation this poor place, as indeed, for the benefit, I may well call it, though not for the contentment: But if it were worth Millions, or Worlds, I protest unto Your Majesty (to whom I owe the bottome of my heart) I would not speak otherwise of him, then I conceive. There∣fore, setting aside both fears of Parliament, and hopes of Court, I will spend my opinion, which is all my freehold.

And truly (my most gracious and Royal Mi∣stress) I cannot weigh his Case without much wonder: being one of the strangest (all consider∣ed) that I ever yet took into my fancy. Not, that the Commons assembled should sift and win∣now the actions even of the highest of the Nobility: Not, that an obscure Physician then among them (ambitious of some glory out of his own professi∣on) should dare to give the first onset on so emi∣nent a Personage: Not, that such a popular pur∣suit once begun by one, and seconded by a few other, should quickly kindle a greater Party. These are in their nature no marvels, nor Novel∣ties. Neither can I greatly muse, that in a young Gentleman, during thirteen years of such prospe∣rity and power, the heighth of his place exposing him to much observation and curiosity; the Lower House l•…•…kewise opening the way to all kind of com∣plaints, (as they did;) and examining nothing upon Oath, (as they never do;) there should be matter enough gleaned to make up thirteen Ob∣jections,

and none of heinous degree: For after such boltings to the quick, even among men of far meaner managements, I think there would be found every where some Bran. Therefore I can pass all this over with easie belief. But there is a consideration or two, which do much confound my judgement. First, for the matter it self: That this very Noble man, who at the Parliament of 1623. was so universally applauded and celebrated in every corner, as a great Instrument of the Pub∣lick good, (in so much as for my part, I conceived him then to be that which few or none had been before in all ages, No less Favorite, I mean, to the People, then to the King) should now be persued with these dislikes, when for the most part the very same Objectors were in the foresaid Parliament, and the very same Objections (except one or two) might as well then have been alledged: This is, I must confess to my understanding a Labyrinth. Again, When (from the matter turning to the Person) I view the fairness and equality of his temper and carriage, I can in truth descry in his own nature, no original excitement of such di∣staste, which commonly ariseth, not so much from high fortune, as from high looks. For I most in∣geniously avow unto your Majesty, that among all the Favorites which mine eyes have beheld in di∣vers Courts, and times, I never saw before a strong heart, and eminent condition, so clearly void of all pride and swelling arrogancy, either in his face or in his fashion.

These are partly the Reasons that make me vvon∣der, hovv such offence should grovv like a mush∣rome in a night. But there is one thing above all other that hath strucken deepest into my mind,

and made me see, hovv the greatest men have this unfortunate adjunct in their felicity, to be some∣times obnoxious to the foulest and falsest reports; vvhereof in the person of this very Duke himself, I shall lay a monstrous example before your Majesty, out of mine own particular knowledge and em∣ployment.

It pleased my Sovereign novv being, to direct unto me hither a Commission to examine my Lord of Oldebares Daughter, by name Mistress Anne Lion (I think sometimes not unknown unto your Ma∣jesty) then resident at Windsor, about an abo∣minable Pamphlet published and printed towards the time of the last Parliament, in divers Lan∣guages, by one Doctor Eglisham, a Scottish Physi∣tian, vvho therein chargeth the Duke of Buckingham vvith such trifles as these: The death of the Mar∣quess Hamilton, his near Friend and Ally; the death of our late King, of ever blessed memory, his most dear Master; the intended deaths of divers Counsellors of Estate, his Associates: painting, in effect, a nature far beyond that of Richard the Third, vvhen he vvas Duke of Glocester. And for a Wit∣ness hereof he traduceth the foresaid Gentlewo∣man, or rather as the main ground of his vvhole Book: vvhich occasioned her examination, at the Dukes pursuit against himself; whereof I send your Majesty a Copy herewith, as I took it from her own free delivery; vvherein you shall see a bare Note of a few Counsellors Names, found at first, not in the Dukes Cabinet, but in the very kennel of King-street by a Car-man, Servant to a Wood∣monger: Secondly, by him brought to a Foot-man; by which honourable degrees it came to the Gentlewoman all dirty. And at last, it is turned

by this Doctor into Bill of Personages to be poy∣soned, out of a very charitable interpretation then reigning in him. I am doubtful, what passion it will most stir in your Majesty, when you read the Circumstances; whether meer laughter at such a ridiculous slander, or a noble indignation at so desperate impudency. And so not to stay any longer upon this Cobweb, I will end with such comforts as I propound to my self in contempla∣tion of your present being.

The first shall be a general impression which we have taken of his Majesties Nature: And it is this, That he is not only (to consider him absolutely in his own composition) of singular virtue and piety, and resolution in good; but likewise (to consider him relatively) he is an excellent Husband, Bro∣ther, and Friend. I call Favorites the Friends of Kings, as your Majesty (who is so well versed in the best of Books) knows I may do with very good warrant: For was not Hushai the Archite so styled to David, and after him Zahud to Solomon? Nay, had not the Highest of all Examples, in the time of his Humane lowness, both among the living a Beloved that lay on his bosome, and another also whom he calls his Friend, even when he called him from the dead? Thus much I could not abstain to let fall from my pen, by the way, against all mur∣murers at any singularity of affection, which a∣bound both in States and Families. But of these three Relations, I will now only contemplate that which respecteth your Majesty; which indeed is as clear and visible as the rest: For surely all the Parlia∣ments that our most Gracious Sovereign hath hi∣therto assembled, and all the Actions that he hath undertaken abroad, either of himself or by com∣binations,

and his private Counsels at home, have principally levelled at your support and restore∣ment; as the Deliberations likewise that went before, in the latter time of your most blessed Fa∣ther. So as your Majesty, in the justness of your Cause, and in the sweetness of your Nature, doth stand firmly invested in both the titles of as be∣loved a Sister as you were a Daughter. And I am confident, that our living and loving God, who did accept the zeal of your Royal Brother, and bless his own and the publick devotions at home, with almost a miraculous conversion of the infirmi∣ty which raged, into health, and of the sterility which was feared, into plenty; will likewise find his own good time to favour our pursuits a∣broad.

Your Majesties second comfort, is the universal love of all good Minds. To which I may justly add, a particular zeal in him who is nearest his Majesty, to foment his best desires towards you; which he hath expressed sundry times within my hear∣ing.

The last and inwardest consolation that I can re∣present unto your Majesty, is your self, your own soul, your own vertues, your own Christian constancy and magnanimity: Whereby your Ma∣jesty hath exalted the glory of your sex, conquered your affections, and trampled upon your adversi∣ties. To conclude, you have shewed the World, that though you were born within the chance, yet without the power of fortune.

And so having sought to redeem so long a silence, I tear. with too long a trouble; I will promise your Majesty to commit no more of the former

fault, and humbly beg your pardon for the other: ever and ever remaining,

Your Majesties poor Servant with all humble and hearty devotion, HENRY WOTTON.

To my most dear and worthy Friend, Mr. John Dinely, at the Hague.

My ever most dear Jack Dinely,

THe Queens last Letter (wherewith her Majesty did too much honour me) coming when my voices of any value were no more in mine own power, was nearer a torment then a surprizal. It shall teach me to reserve my self, as wiser men do, for such supervenient temptations, I must confess, above all strength, if the least possibility had been lest. It is true, I could have given him a latter place: but in that, I should have disgraced the suiter, and disrespected the Commander. I have therefore rather chosen to put him in the Vanguard the next year, being the Son of a Souldier, then now in the Rear. And this is the summe of my humble answer to her Majesty, though in other terms.

Your Anthony (who is my Guest every Saturday night) is well grown in stature, and more in knowledge. I verily believe he will prove both a wise and learned man, and certainly good. We have passed over quocun{que} modo the most troublesome

Election, that, I think, was here ever seen. Wherein, according to my usual fashion, I have lost four or five friends, and yet I thank God, not gotten the value of one Harrington: So as they are angry at me on the one side, and they laugh at me on the other. If my most gracious Mistress will in her goodness be pleased to drown her displeasure till the next turn, I shall chearfully in the mean time, bear the weight of mine own simplicity.

I have gotten, with much adoe, some of the Psalms translated by my late most blessed Master, for the young Prince of Bohemia, (which is one of your memorials that have slept too long by me) and I have ransacked mine own poor Papers for some entertainment for the Queen: which shall be sent together. Though it be now a misery to re∣visit the fancies of my youth, which my judgement tells me, are all too green, and my glass tells me, that my self am gray. Till my next, let me trou∣ble you no farther. The love of God be with us, and we are well.

Your poor true Friend, HENRY WOTTON.

From the Colledge at midnight, the 12. of August, 1628.

I hear that one hath offered to the Prince of Orenge, an invention of discoursing at a great di∣stance by Lights: Is it true?

A Noble Lady who is desirous to bestow her Son at Leyden, would fain be first informed, what com∣modity for education the place doth yield: where∣in you shall do me and her a great favour.

To my very worthy and ever dear Friend, Mr. John Dinely, at the Hague.

My ever dear Jack Dinely,

YOur last of the 6th. of October vvere vvelcome beyond all expression: intimating a hope that I shall see your self shortly; vvhich vvill be mille Epistolae. I do not see how you can fail of the thing vvhereof you vvrite, if you come quickly. The Letter in your behalf from our Royal Mistress to his Majesty here, is too faint, being moulded in your own modesty: Therefore, I have a little in∣vaded it, vvith some violence unto you. When you consult vvith me about the Personage that should first, or second, or tertiate your business vvith the King, I must answer as Demosthenes did of Action; My Lord Thresorer, My Lord Thresorer, and so again. We contemplate him, not only in the quality of his Place, but already in some degree of a Privado; and even the fresh introducement of Sir F. Cottington to the Counsel-Table, is no small argument of his strength, though otherwise a Sub∣ject of merit.

I hear likewise, that his own sorraign imploy∣ments have given him a great taste of things abroad: So as you vvill not find him incurious to discourse vvith you: And I verily believe, that he vvill take an address of you from the Queen unto him, as the principal Personage, to the heart; vvherein, me∣thinks, it vvere fit and proper, that her Majesty vvould be pleased likewise to favour you vvith some lines to my Lord Conaway, because they vvere joyned in Ambassage unto Her at Prage. This is

all that I shall need to say, till your own coming. Your little Anthony prospers extreamly vvell; and I dare now say, he vvill prove a good Scholar. And so being in truth in no very chearfull disposi∣tion at the present, but newly come out of two or three fits of an Ague, I vvill trouble neither of us both any further: ever resting,

From London, ready to return to my Coll. at Eton, this 13. of Nov. 1628.

Your poor professed Friend, HENRY WOTTON.

If the Queen have not heard the Epitaph of Al∣bertus Morton and his Lady, it is vvorth her hearing, for the pas∣sionate plainness * 1.13:

He first deceas'd. She for a little tryedTo live vvithout him: Lik'd it not, and died.

POSTSCRIPT.

In a Letter under this date to her Majesty, I conclude vvith a supplication, that She vvill be pleased to receive a Page, at the joynt suit of the House of Bacons: A Boy of singular spirits, vvith∣out aggravation of her charge; for he shall vvant no means to maintain himself in good fashion about so Royal a Mistress. I pray heartily further this motion, and be in it your self, Nuncius laetiti∣arum.

Part of a Letter to the Lord Treasurer, Earl of Port∣land (ut videtur.)

THis is the reckoning of my unpleasant time, whereby your Lordship sees, that my silence hath been a symptome (as I may term it) of my in∣firmity, from all outward respects and duties, contracting my thoughts about my self. But can that serve my turn? No in troth (my good Lord) For I should while my self was in contemplation, have remembred, that I was bound to congratulate with your Lordship even for mine own sake, espe∣cially when I found by the long use of two or three Physicians, the exhaustion of my Purse, as great as other evacuations. It would breed wrinckles in my face, if I should stay any longer upon this point. I will chear my self, that your Lordship did love me, even before I was so worthy of your compassion. I have tasted the benefit of your dis∣course, I have enjoyed your hospitality, I have been by your favour one of your familiar guests, I have had leave to interchange some good tales and stories in your company, and to exercise my natu∣ral freedom. Besides, we have been conjoyned in a serious business, wherein, I do even yet hope for some good by your means: So as I have had in your Lordship the interests both of earnest, and of plea∣sant conversation, which gives me the boldness to assure my self, that I am still not only within your Lordships remembrance, but likewise within your loving care.

But I dig in a Rock of Diamonds.

To the KING, 1628.

May it please Your most Sacred Majesty,

IT is more to be bound to Your Majesties judge∣ment, then to be bound to Your favour. Therefore, I do not only joy, but glory (though still with humble acknowledgement and feeling what my self am) that You have been pleased (as I understand from my Lord of Dorchester) to apply my Pen to so noble an end: being confident, that the very care, not to disgrace Your Majesties good pleasure, and indulgent choice of me, will invigo∣rate my weakness. But before I enter into the de∣scription of others actions and fortunes (which require a free spirit) I must present at Your Royal feet, and even claim from Your natural equity and goodness, such compensation, (as it shall please You) in that which followeth.

I served the King Your Father of most blessed me∣mory, from the time he sent for me, at the begin∣ning of his Raign, out of France, (retaining then some gracious remembrance of my service with him in Scotland) twenty years, that is, almost now a third part of my life, in ordinary and extraordi∣nary imployments abroad. I had many comforta∣ble Letters of his contentment, or at least, of his gracious toleration of my poor endeavours: And I had under his own Royal hand, two hopes in re∣version. The first, a moiety of a six Clerks place in Chancery. The next, of the Office of the Rolls it self. The first of these, I was forced to yield to Sir William Beecher, upon the late Duke of Bucking∣ham's former engagement unto him by promise,

even after Your Majesty had been pleased to inter∣cede for me, with Your said ever blessed Father. And that was as much in value, as my Provostship were worth at a Market. The other of the Rever∣sion of the Rolls, I surrendred to the said Duke in the Gallery at Wallingford-House, upon his own very instant motion (the said Duke then intending it, upon the now Attorney, Sir Robert Heath) though with serious promise, upon his honour, that he would procure me some equivalent recom∣pence, before any other should be setled in the place.

The truth of my humble claim, and of his sin∣cere intentions towards me, I present herewith un∣to Your Majesty, in a Letter all under his own hand.

I could likewise remember unto Your Majesty, the losses I have sustained abroad, by taking up moneys, for my urgent use, at more then twenty in the hundred; by casualty of fire, to the damage of near four hundred pounds in my particular; by the raising of moneys in Germany, whereby my small allowance (when I was sent to the Emperors Court) fell short five hundred pounds, as Seignor Burlamachi too well knoweth; and other wayes.

Now for all this (that I may not press Your Majesty with immoderate desires) I most humbly beg from Your Royal equity, and I may say, from Your very compassion, but two things: First, That Your Majesty will be pleased, in di∣sposing of the Rolls (to which I was assigned) to reserve for me some small proportion, towards the discharge of such debts as I contracted in publick service, yet remaining upon interest. Next, That You will be likewise pleased to promise me,

the next good Deanry, that shall be vacant by death or remove: whereof I also had a promise from Your blessed Father then at Newmarket, and am now more capable thereof in my present condi∣tion. And thus shall Your Majesty restore me, both to the freedom of my thoughts, and of my life; otherwise so intricated, that I know not how to unfold it. And so with my continual prayers to the Almighty, for his dearest and largest blessings upon Your Royal Person, I ever rest,

Whitehall, Feb. 12. Styl. vet. 1628.

Your Majesties most faithfull poor Subject and Servant, HENRY WOTTON.

To my most worthy Friend Mr. John Dinely Esq at Boston in Lincolnshire.

My dear Jack Dinely,

YOu see I keep my familiarity, though you be the governor of Princes: And I see by your Letter, that I am every where in your remem∣brance, even where so many natural pledges divide you. The Parliament is, since your going, dis∣solved by the King, upon such reason, as in good faith, all sober minds must approve, even while they wish it otherwise. Never was there such a morning, as that which occasioned the dissolution, since Phacton did guide his Fathers Chariot.

We are now cheared with some forraign news: but I am still sorry, that we must fetch our com∣fort from abroad, and from the discords of Italy,

instead of the harmony of England. Our Lords sit often, and vvere never more close: insomuch as it is as hard to get any thing out of the Counsel-Chamber, as out of the Exchequer.

Sir Henry Vane is suddenly sent Extraordinary Ambassador to the Hague; vvith the more vvonder, because Sir Robert Carr is yet there, omni par negotio. The others having been Cofferer, breeds some conjecture that the business is pecuniary. Nothing is yet done about the Rolls, and those other places in sequence: And my Lord of Bristow's re entry into the Court (vvho the last vveek carried the Sword before the King) filleth us vvith new dis∣course, as if he should be restored to the Vice-Chamberlainship, vvhich yet lyeth amortized in your Noble Friend.

Mine own businesses stand as they did: And the best is, they are rather stationary then retrograde. I pray remember my hearty affection to your vvor∣thy Brother, and give him the best hope of his An∣thony. And so languishing for you again, I com∣mit you all to Gods dear love.

March 11. 1628.

Your faithfullest poor Friend, HENRY WOTTON.

To the same.

My sweet and dear Jack Dinely,

I Am come newly from those Ladies, vvho think themselves more lovely then before, and per∣haps then they are, ever since I shewed them your

Character of their beauties, in your Letter from the Gally-Gravesend. Never vvas a Town better Epithited. They all remember themselves extream kindly unto you. While I vvas there, I should have vvritten Letters provisionally to go vvith Mr. Griffith: But my Brains are even yet in some distra∣ction among good Ideas, vvhereby I am put now to vvrite these, and other that go vvith them, in hast: For my said Friend hath given me vvarning that he shall be gone to morrow morning from London.

I have vvritten to our Royal Mistress, upon a touch in your last, (vvhich found me at Bocton) that I had now sent her my Niece Stanhop's Picture in little, if an express Messenger sent for it, the very night before I cam away, by my Lord of Chesterfield (to vvhom it vvas promised) had not ravished it out of my Pocket. But I shall have it in a greater form at my return thither immediately af∣ter our Election; vvhich vvill begin to morrow se∣ven-night: And the Friday morning following Sir George Kevet's Son is in the head of our List; For Lentum est, to say he shall be, after your late re∣freshment of the Queens Commands. Sir Edmund Bacon vvas likewise vvith me at Bocton: vvhen your Letter so over-joyed him, that he called in the very instant for some Paper to send for the spiritous Frank Bacon from Redgrave. And Sene viene volan∣do, as fast as he can trick him up for the Souldier. Of vvhom I vvill vvrite more by himself. For to discharge the thanks that are due for him, is no sudden business. To return to Mr. Griffith; No man living ever took a kinder impression then he hath done of his obligations towards you: And it is indeed a piece of his Character, to take the least

kindness to heart. He knows all news. You have him now in your hands. And God be between you both.

Your poor Friend suisceratissimamente, H. WOTTON.

To my most worthy dear Friend Mr. John Dinely, Attendant on the young Prince at Leyden.

From the Colledge the 16. of August, 1629.

My sweet Jack Dinely,

WE have newly concluded our Anniversary business, which hath been the most distracted Election that I verily believe had ever before been seen, since this Nurse first gave Milk, through no less then four recommendatory, and one mandatory Letter from the King himself; besides intercessi∣ons and messengers from divers great Personages for Boys both in and out, enough to make us think our selves shortly Electors of the Empire, if it hold on. Among which confusions, I did not for∣get (as I have written to our Royal Mistress) to put Sir G. Kevets Son in the head of our List.

After this, which I have truly told you, you can∣not well expect many lines from me; for as the Seas require some time to settle, even when the winds are ceased, so need our brains after such an agitation: yet somewhat I must say by th•…•… Bearer. You have gotten a great interest in the whole Family, and in all that touch upon it, by the pains which you have taken, and yet they re∣serve themselves not to be more beholden to you for the introduction, then they hope to be for you•…•…

direction of him there; though he comes, I can tell you, with severe advice from his Uncle, that if ever he be an inch from the eye of the Prince, (un∣less with the Queen) either in time of security or danger; Actum est; between them. We leave him now to your moulding, as if he were (as he is indeed) to be melt in a new fornace: there is spirit enough to work upon, though perchance overshadowed with some rural modesty; but that among Camps and Courts is now and then too soon divested. I shall be glad to hear how he appeareth di prima vista; as likewise of little Griffith, after whom I hearken with no less affection.

Dum verser in hac materia: I could wish you at some times to quicken your Anthony here with a line or two; which in Persius phrase, Patrnum sa∣piant: Not truly that I perceive any slackness in him, but you know what our Italian Horsemen say, Un Caval del Reguo vuol anche gli sproni.

We are divided by sundry reports from you, between hopes and fears, both great; your next will ease us: which will find me in Kent, whether I am turning my head again for a while, that I may be present at my Niece Stanhops good time.

My Niece Hester is absolutely reclaimed from those foolish impressions which she had taken, Gods Name be ever blessed for it; and it is none of the least ends of my going to rivet that business I hope at the next Term to do some wonders for my self; so I call them, and so they must be if I do them: for among Courtiers I am a wonder, as Owls are among gay Birds. Now farewel for the present: let us still love one another, and our dear God love us both.

Your truest poor Friend, H. W.

I had made it a resolution to my self never to write to the Queen, without somewhat likewise to the King; but understanding that they are now sepa∣rated, I have this time forborn to trouble him in so noble an action.

To my most dear and worthy Friend Mr. John Dinely, Secretary to the Queen of Bohemia.

My dear J. Dinely,

FOr I am loth to lose the possession of our fami∣liarity; you left me here your Letters and your Love in deposito, and I have since received other from you, somewhat of a sad complexion, touching the affairs of Germany as then they stood: But more newly we hear, that Barhard of Weinmar doth miracles upon the Danuby, the River some∣times of our merry passage.

We vvish in this House (where you have placed me vvith much contentment) that every Mole-hill that he takes vvere a Province; and that the Duke of Bavaria vvere not only fled to Saltzburg (as is voiced) but even to the Capital of Rome, and all others vvith him, that adore the purple Beast.

Here vve live in dayly (sed hoc lentum est) let me say, in hourly (quin & illud frigidum) nay in con∣tinual remembrance of our Royal Mistress, the very Triumph of Virtue. I have at the present vvritten to her Majesty, as I shall do often, being novv in the proper place of her addresses, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 such opportunity to express our zeals, as hath-less a lazy Pen no imaginable excuse hereafter.

Through your hand I novv send her my late Pa∣negyrick, vvhich I blush to tell you hovv vvell it

takes here vvith some indulgent and mercifull Readers.

The interpretation to her Majesty of as much therein as concerneth her self, I can commit to no spirit more sweetly, then to yours, vvho are so conversant vvith her vertues.

With us here Things stand as you left them. Most indubitably an infinite affection in the King towards so precious an only Sister: But I know not vvell how our Times vvill sort vvith your Pro∣positions. Yet I hope vvell, as Abraham did, vvhen he vvanted a Sacrifice, Deus providebit. And so for this time, in confused hast I rest,

From you know where, Dec. 10. 1633.

Your ever vowed poor Friend, HENRY WOTTON.

I have vvritten to the Queen touching Iames Va∣ry, vvho commits himself to your affectionate me∣mory: And vve languish for a return from you.

I pray remember my humble service to his Ma∣jesties most vvorthy Resident vvith you, to vvhom and to my Noble Secretary I vvill vvrite by the next occasion.

SIR,

I Am glad of this opportunity to acquaint you, before your going, vvith the cause vvhy Mr. Avery's Son did fail at our late Election.

When the Boy came before us, being asked the ordinary Questions, Quod est tibi Nomen? Quot Annos natus •…•…s? Quo Anni tempore? Quo Comitatu?

Quo Oppido? Quave Villa? (To all which his An∣swers must remain upon Record in our Indentures of that year, if he be chosen) he stopped a little at the two last; and then (as if he had meant to suf∣fer like a Martyr for the Truth) he told us flatly, That he was born in the Low-Countreys at Delft. This retrenched all farther Examination of him; for thereby he was ineligible, our Statutes only admitting the English Shires, with exclusion, not only of Ireland and Scotland, but even of Wal•…•…s; and much more of any forraign Province. Here∣upon we called in his Father, who handsomely skirmished in his behalf, That Children born of English Parents in the Staples of Merchants abroad, were by an Act of Edw. the third, habilited to all purposes at home, as well as the inward Natives. And thereupon he went and took Counsel o•…•… Mr. Newbury, Steward of Windsor, and no obscure Lawyer, who did set down his Judgement in wri∣ting clearly for him, That all Local Statutes are void which are either against the Common Law, or against a general precedent Statute, as he said this was. Now although we could have been glad all to be left as free as your Arminians leave our Will; yet considering that our Local Statutes were long after the foresaid Act of Habilities, and that how invalid soever they may appear to some other man, yet that they bind us at least in Conscience, espe∣cially after so long Custome. These points I say considered, the last good will we could express to∣wards the Father, was to offer him (as I did) to propound the Case to my Lord of Canterbury, our Visitor Paramount, and now in Ordinary (the B. of Lincoln being in an unvisitable case himself) that so his Grace might relieve him withhis Inter∣pretation:

wherein I got the Provost of Kings to concur with me; and so I drew a Letter with all possible advantage on his side, inclosing therein the favourablest Branch of our Statutes. This Letter Mr. Avery carried to Croydon with paternal Affecti∣on and Hast, and brought us back an Answer to this substance; That though his Grace should be heartily willing in respect of the Fathers relation to her Majesty of Bohemia (as I had represented him) to do any thing for the Child: yet being a binding Precedent against Custome he could not suddenly determine the Point, being at that time without Civil Lawyers, by whose advice his Court was guided: And therefore if we would defer our Election till Michaelmas, he would then orderly decide it. But we being by other Statutes bound not to prolong our Election an hour after such a time as was already near spent, and to tell you in Sinu, being loth to leave our selves so long upon Interpretation, we gave it over. I understand since a circumstance that must needs trouble Mr. Avery more then the Business it self: That it failed by his fault, and not the Boyes. For after our Usher (the Childs Tutor) had instructed him, That by no means he should confess his forraign Birth, his Father, whom the Boy had not ac∣quainted with his Tutors Instruction, not know∣ing our Statutes, bade his Son answer, when he should be asked the last Question, That he was born in Comitatu Hollandiae; and so the Child trust∣ing his Father more then his Tutor, fell through the Basket.

With this Story I have entertained you at large, because, besides my zeal towards any thing that our Royal Mistress can wish to be done, I was en∣gaged

in a promise to your self, vvhom I vvill fol∣low vvith Letters to her Majesty by the conveyance of Sir Abra. Williams, and vvith a little Nuptial Present to your self, vvhich you had had vvith you, if a Friend of mine, vvho should have made it ready, had not been skared from London. And yet (to shew you my poverty) it is only a pair of Sheets vvhich I mean to send, vvith this Mark at the corners, PRO DINLEIANIS. In the mean vvhile, God hold you and your Love in his Love, vvherein after the uncertain Traverses of Courts below, dwelleth all Abundance and Infalli∣bility above.

By your ev••r the same affectionate poor Friend, HENRY WOTTON.

Dictated from my Bed, Au∣gust 18.

To Mr. John Dinely, at Westminster.

SIR,

I Understand by your last kind lines that you vvere to be at Court as to morrow; so as I hope by our next Foot-Post to hear the Crisis of that day: and am sorry to hear in the mean time that your dreams vvere impropitious. We had here taken a voice and strong belief coming from a Recusant, (vvho know many things, and quickly) that the Infanta Queen of France vvas brought to bed of a Dolphin, and not of a Distaff. But your Letter saying nothing either of the one or of the other, I have suspended my faith.

London is the Ocean of Novelties: Here vve speak of nothing but a certain new Aguish disease, vvhich invadeth many Families, but vvith little mortality.

The Plague at Dover is by Gods blessing ceased, and their Tents taken down. At Boughton the Small Pox fallen first upon a Chaplain, and after, upon one of the fair Faces, but a Deering; vvill keep me, I doubt, from that place: Not that I ap∣prehend any Contagions vvhatsoever (as I think you know) but the Winter coming on, and the Place bleat, a small excuse vvill serve my turn. God send you all comfort in your first and second self: To vvhose goodness I leave you, resting,

Your most affectionate Alla Suiscerata, HENRY WOTTON.

From the Pallace by Canterbury,August last, 1638.

SIR,

NExt your own and your dear Consorts health, I languish to hear of your first reception at Court. For though I suppose it vvas short, yet vve Philosophers say, that Principia plus valent vir∣tute quam mole. Next that, I pray let me know your opinion of the prodigious escape of the Queen Mother of France, out of the Spanish clutches to the Hague: And vvhether she be trajectura, as our right vvorthy Friend Dr. Dorislaus vvriteth me. I am come hither in a very benign Constellation, and silent conspiracy of my chiefest Friends that have met here at the same time; Sir Edmund Bacon, Sir Francis Barnham, and Sir Thomas Culpepper: All, men of singular conversation; and some of them, though of the same County, yet that had not been here in seven years before. Of vvhich, my Nephew Sir Edmund and my self are to pass this next vveek under the Roof of my L. Chief Justice Finch, at his House of Mote close by, through his Noble and unresistable Importunity. God keep us in his Love, vvherein is all joy and abundance.

Your ever most affectionate, HENRY WOTTON.

From the Palace by Canterbury, this St. Bartholomew's day, 1638.

SIR,

I Send you inclosed the preparation of Guajacum, as I have found incomparable benefit thereby. I expect in exchange the Letter touching the Dutchess de Cheureuse. I am in great perplexity by hearing no News of Nicholas Oudard since the first of September Stylo novo from Bruxels: being that af∣ternoon to go to Mechelen vvith a Letter of Autho∣rity for his present dispatch; so as he vvrote, he vvould either send me vvord, if any impediment should intervene; or bring the first News himself. Besides, Monsieur Gerbier thought his business in so fair a vvay, as he left a Maid there to come over in the company of himself, and his Mother. When I lay these things together, I can make no good in∣terpretation of it: Yet I vvill not anticipate and prejudge mine own mishaps, as I should account the loss of him, vvhom I have trained from a Child. God grant all be vvell. If you could meet vvith Monsieur Gerbier and enquire vvhether he hath heard any thing, it vvould much ease my heart one vvay or other. And so leaving you in the Lords protection, I rest,

Your true Friend in omni fortuna, HENRY WOTTON.

From the Colledge, Septemb. 26. 1638.

SIR,

I Was glad for all the private in a late Letter from you, and sorry for the publick, both forraign, and inward: But I like Plato's counsel vvell; In adversities to compress murmur: For our Provi∣dence (saith he) is too short to judge, vvhether there may not lye under the outside of an apparent evil some in-imaginable good. The last Philoso∣phy is, Voluntas tua fiat Domine. Upon hearing, some good vvhile since, of the misadventures in the Palatine House; his loss of Meppen, before he had it; the defeat of his Troops, as soon as he had ga∣thered them; the taking of his Brother, &c. I fell upon a conceit, that perchance these unplea∣sant things might call over Sir R. Cave; the Prince being destitute of counsel, and of proper Instruments of Action, (for they say, Ferentz is likewise prisoner) And so there vvould be room here for your Imployment: vvhich I vvould vvish you to press extreamly. But of this more in my next. I now send you an Hogshead of more then Soror Tonantis; and very vvillingly, though so long after March you take us Sul basso. But one thing I must tell you, that for your Wives Splene∣tique Infirmity, there is nothing worse in the world then either strong or stale Beer. Now, that we have you out of the Streights and in the Ocean (as you call it) both of novelties as well as of other things, Matthew Saye shall have order to call upon you at least once a week. And for the present I leave you in his Love that never faileth: remaining,

Your very truly affectionate, HENRY WOTTON.

From the Colledge this Thursday morning, 1638.

SIR,

BEtween you and me Complemental Letters are as needless and improper, as I hope, the pro∣visions of Armour in the Tower will be. As for Novelties of State, you are in the Center, and we rural Wights in the Circumference, and Skirts, entertained with nothing but some cold icesickles and droppings from you Londoners: Imagine us therefore to stand gaping for the return of the Lord Marquess. In the mean while I should be glad to know in what quality my Nephew Colonel Morton is imployed towards the North; for I hear of one Serjeant Major Thelwel in more noise. And so in∣tending (as soon as it can be ready) to entertain you with a strange Collar of Brawn, I rest,

Ever your own, HENRY WOTTON.

This Epiphany, 1638.

SIR,

MY Pen hath not conversed with you for certe Gite of our Boat a pretty while; not want∣ing affection, but matter. You are in the Center of Novelties. God send all well, as I have no doubt it will be at last. I am within some few weeks tending to my Genial Soyl at Boughton Mal∣herb; and thence about by Redgrave I shall make a Circle hither again, taking perchance both Uni∣versities in my Line homewards. You married men are deprived of these evagations. While we stand in a little suspense touching the event of in∣ward Affairs; I am glad to hear from abroad in the High Dutch Gazette, that there is a Treaty of Ex∣change in hand between Prince Rupert, and Prince Casimir of Poland, whom the Swedes have in custo∣dy. Methinks, it is a pretty balanced intention, and of no improbable issue; the King of Hungaria (aliàs Emperor) growing every day lower, and lower. I desire much to know how your vertuous Consort standeth in her health, and how your self proceedeth in your hopes; resting,

Semper, Semper Tuus, HENRY WOTTON.

From the Colledge, Feb. 21. 1638.

Charissime,

I Am sorry to hear of new Oaths in Scotland be∣tween the Covenanters, vvho they say will have none but Iesus Christ to reign over them: A Sacred Cover of the deepest Impiety. God open their eyes, and soften their hearts. I have read a good part of the Declaration, wherein the Dean of Dur∣h•…•…ns Pen doth well appear: and the whole business is very black. Never was there such a stamp∣ing and blending of Rebellion and Religion to∣gether. I thank you for your news touching Prince Rupert; but I fear the Hungarian King will hold him too fast. To your Question about mine own Remove, it vvill be towards the ending of this vveek for a night or two to London; so as I hope to save you the labour of journeying hither. My Lodging, if it be not prepossessed, will be at Mr. Alkinds House in the Strand, or otherwise per∣adventure vvith your Friend in Lombard-street, vvhereof you shall have notice in time.

I am yours every where, H. WOTTON.

From the Colledge April 21. 1639.

SIR,

I should be sorry for your departure towards our Royal Mistress, before some short meeting at least between us: for I have much discourse to un∣lade in your honest brest; and I can tell you, vve had need lay up discourse safely; vvhich I hope you vvill take for some excuse of my seldome vvri∣ting unto you: for I suspect a certain natural fr•…•…e∣dom in mine own Pen.

In the Scottish Affairs, it is one mystery, that we know not what to believe. Only this we can say, That there is nothing to be praised in it on their part; and I could wish, there were as little to be feared on ours. Deus operatur omnia suaviter: And to his Power and Mercy vve must leave our selves.

Your ever faithful poor Friend, H. WOTTON.

From the Colledge April 17. 1639.

Sir, My Coach-man is yet crasie, from a late great sickness; but if it please you to specifie the time of your conveniency, my Geldin shall vvait upon you at Branford; A poinct nommé.

SIR,

I long novv to hear of nothing more then a little Deynleiolus; and if it prove of another Gender in Grammer, then let Philosophy comfort you, that says, It is Natures method to begin ab Imper∣fectiori: But by my contemplation of your own, and your Wives complexion, and of her late sick∣n•…•…ss, I should imagine that Fortior pars trahet sexum.

We are sorry to hear that the Scottish Gentle∣men, vvho have been lately sent to that King, found (as they say) but a brusk vvelcome; vvhich makes all fear, that there may be a rebullition in that business.

We have a nevv strange voice flying here, that the Prince Palatine is towards a Marriage.

I apprehend much the event of your new Ambas∣sage from the States, being carried by a man who hath had his vvhole fortune out of France; but the vvisdom of the Instrument may mollifie all. I should be glad to knovv, vvhether his Son-in-law Constantinus Hugeinus be in his company. Lastly, I should be glad to hear that you are un tantino pro∣moved in your own ends; for vvhen the first vvay is plained, all will go smoothly. Let us howso∣ever love one another, and God love us both.

Your poor Friend, H. WOTTON.

Notes

• * 1.1

  JAME'S.
• * 1.2

  27. Styl. nov.
• a 1.3

  1. The Style of the Emperours Chancery when he treateth with Kings, is not Majestas, which he reserveth for himself, but either Sere∣nitas, or Regia Dignitas: This made him angry, when he heard that the French Ambassadours styled Bethlem Gabor, Serenissimum: who on the other side, gave them leave to entitle him how they would, adding this Reason, That they were not Ambassadours which could make or unmake Kings.
• b 1.4

  2. Of these words he taketh advantage, which were in your Majesties Credentiall Letter delivered by me.
• c 1.5

  3. I wonder he should touch this point, wherein I had cleared both the Arch-duke Leopoldus and the Em∣perour himself: name∣ly, that the first subsi∣diary Troops sent to∣wards the Palatinate, were-meerly Volunta∣ries, without Your Majesties Contributi∣on, and defensively intended, before any noise of the Invasion.
• d 1.6

  4. In declaring Your Majesties Will and de∣termination from the beginning touching the Palatinates, if they should be assailed, I told the Emperour, that though in the sin∣gle Business of Bohemia You had suspended Your judgement till more liquid proofs; yet You found Your Self tyed, both by Na∣ture and Reason, not to suffer the Patri∣monial Inheritance of Your Own Descen∣dents in the hands of an Alien Usurper.
• e 1.7

  5. At this Audience I told the Emperour, that Your Majesty would hardly be per∣swaded, without his own affirmation, that Spinola had invaded the Palatinate by his express Order: And much less believe, that he would lend any approbation thereunto ex post facto, by way of Ban, or otherwise. Which action of Spinola, the Emperour doth here assume: But whe∣ther such was his meaning, from the beginning; or that his success in Bohemia hath bred this resolu∣tion, may be somewhat questionable. Alwayes sure it is, that he affirmed unto the French Ambassa∣dors long since, that the Marquess Spinola was to come into Bohemia.
• f 1.8

  6. Of this term of 40 dayes, and the follow∣ing restriction, not to treat touching any Province that in the mean time shall be re∣duced to his obedience, I have written the true cause in my Letter to Your Majesty.
• g 1.9

  7. In Letters from M. Secretary Naunton of the 23. of Sept. which came so late unto my hands, that the Emperors Ban was already formally touched, and ready to be put to the Print.
• h 1.10

  8. This I think was added, out of meer conjecture: For wee have heard nothing of the Electors Actions, since his retiring into Silesia.
• i 1.11

  9. So as upon my In∣tercession the Emperor hath granted some su∣spence of the Banne: Which I required for two principal Reasons:

  1 Because the King my Masters moderation in the Bohemian Business, not Cause, Who was so much interessed in the Per∣sons, did justly merit from the Emperor an ex∣change of temperate proceeding.

  2. Because such an Imperial Proscription would but more and more inflame the minds of all Princes interessed by reason of Bloud or State in the subsi∣stence of the Palatine, and would be the cause of a perpetual War in the bowels of the Empire, con∣trary to the Christian endeavours and wishes of Your Majesty: Whose good intentions were now so manifested to the World by sundry Ambassages, that You were satisfied in Your Own Conscience, and justified before God and man, whatsoever should ensue. I told him besides, that I thought Your Majesty would take it kindly, if at Your re∣quest this Proscription were forborn.
• * 1.12

  When I had first enquired out her Lodging.
• * 1.13

  Authoris Incerti.