An history of the late warres and other state affaires of the best part of Christendom beginning with the King of Swethlands entrance into Germany, and continuing in the yeare 1640 / written in Italian by the Count Galliazzo Gualdo Priorato and in English by the Right Honourable Henry Earle of Monmouth.

[illustration]

DOCTRINA PARIT VIRTUTEM.

(Book 3)

The Warres,* 1.1 and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome. THE III. BOOK. (Book 3)

The Contents of the Third Booke. (Book 3)

In the Third Booke is contained the Swedes continued proceedings in the Circuite of Rhene, and in Franconia; the dangers the King ran in his owne person; His remarkable sayings; The taking of Dunavert; The Swedes entrance into Bavaria; The Councels held, and reasons alleadged by those of the Kings side before they besiedged Lech; The service that happened at Lech; The death of Tilly; A digression upon the life of this Commander; The Conditions required by Walesteine, before hee would accept the place of Generall; The Bavarians entrance into Ratis∣bone; What effects Walesteine being made Generall wrought; The Iealousies between Caesar and Bavaria quieted; The renewing of their good Correspondency; Walesteines comming into the Field; His pros∣perous proceedings; His actions, and his extravagant way of govern∣ment; The recovery of the Townes in Bohemia; Duke Bernard Waymer his proceedings in Swabenland; The entrance of the French into Lorayne; The Embasy of those of Nurenberg; Walesteines designe against Nurenberg; The encamping of both the Armies about that City, and the actions that insued between the Swedes and the Impe∣rialists before it.

THe Austrians exalted designes being by the losse of Mentz overthrowne,* 1.2 and the high hopes of the Ecclesi∣asticall Princes dispersed by that blow. The Kings u∣niversall proceedings did so blunt the Spaniards bold∣nesse who were quartered thereabouts, as that their Councels being confused, their Forces dismembred, and the vigour of the Catholique League crusht: that Circuite of ground which being possest of an appearing power, seemed to threa∣ten the enemy, incumbred on a sudden with feare and astonishment, did incourage the Protestants to new atchievements; so as the opportune Situation of this City (being one of the chiefest of all those Provinces) upon the bankes of Rhene, and over against the

Mayne, opened the way to the getting of Bacharach, and other adjoy∣ning places, which at the first sight of the Swedes forerunners yielded themselves; Wisbaben, Hofen, & Koningstein all of them belonging to the Elector of Mentz, were likewise brought under the Kings obedience. Duke Bernard of Waymar a Prince of the bloud of Saxony, and des∣cended from that Frederick whom the Emperour Charles the first be∣reaved of his estate, had not many moneths before raised 4000 men at his owne expence, and was entertained by the King, and honoured with the title of Master Generall of the Field, whose valour was ex∣ceedingly seconded by fortune.* 1.3 This man in the beginning of Ianuary did by way of stratagem send 500 Horse, by night too, before the gates of Wahnheime, a Fort standing upon the Angle which is made by Necker, where it fals into the Rhyn, to the end that seeming to be Im∣perialists, who had been defeated by the Swedes, they might endeavour the being received into the Towne. These men behaving themselves wisely, and by the assistance of some fugitives fled from the Garrison, who were acquainted with the customes of the Towne and of the Guard, deceiving the Centinell, the Officers, and even the Governor himselfe, with suppositions, names, likelyhoods, and appearing conje∣ctures, were admitted into the Towne; where scouring the streets, opening the gates, seising upon the Port, and cutting in pieces all they met, they let in their Companions who were not farre off, and made themselves masters of the Town. Thus it befals Governours, who believing in others, have not as yet known that often times hard and incredible things have unexpected events, they not having learnt to sleep with their eyes open.

In the inundation of victories, and the mannaging of Military af∣faires, Politicke considerations and negotiations ought not to be for∣gotten: therefore the King staying some dayes at Mentz to discusse divers businesses of waight, thought it not fitting to passe by an ex∣act consideration of the present affaires; so as calling together his chiefe Councellours, and the Prime Commanders of his Army, and joyntly weighing the interests of their Forces, there were some secon∣ded in their opinion by Benard Waymar, who persisted in their advise, that they should turne their Forces to the utter subversion of the Ro∣man Catholique Army, they made good their opinions with these reasons;

That the field Forces being scattered, Germany being a large and open Country, the winning of Townes would be no hard matter, which being weake in defence, and abandoned by their Ar∣mies, would strive rather to captivate the Kings good will by ready obedience, than draw his anger upon them by their unwise perti∣nency; that they should not do well to lose so much time in the taking in of places of small moment, whilest the Enemy recruited and re-inforced his Army; that the Austrians had no better friend then time; that they had alwayes repaired their losses, when either by cunning or otherwise they could fence themselves from the first violence; that though the Emperours owne men and monies were well exhausted, yet by the assistance of Spanish Gold, and by recruites from Italy (a Nation by experience knowne to be advanta∣gious

to Germany) he might remit himselfe into his former con∣dition that the Elector of Bavaria who was much concerned in the Austrians welfare, wanted not a stocke of money, and territo∣ries sufficient from whence to draw out Souldiers, and regaine what he had lost: And (which was of greatest importance) that the Ge∣nerals place was conferred upon Walesteine, who having gathered a mass of riches in the past warres, being excessively ambitious of glory and great actions, would not be failing in any thing that he knew might make him remarkable upon this occasion; that they had the French on that side for friends, who bringing their Forces upon their frontiers, would hinder the Romanists from doing any thing prejudiciall to the Swedes, that therefore they should leave off those machinations and rub the soare againe, before it be healed.

But these reasons, though they had much of influence upon all the Commanders, and drew many of them to be of this opinion, yet the King weighing them in the ballance of his wisedome, was for his own interest sake inforced to oppose them; saying,

That the Empire hung upon two strings; the one composed of the selfe-Austrian Forces, the other of the Roman Catholique, and Ecclesiasticall powers; that they were to consider which of these two were to be tane away, to overthrow this Chaos; that he granted the reasons con∣cerning the Spanish Gold: Bavaria, and Walesteine were very valid, but that they were not to throw behinde their backes, but rather in∣tentively to looke upon the aid from Flanders, the assistance of the Electors and Ecclesiastickes, and of the Duke of Lorayne, who be∣ing desirous of warre, could not hereafter expect a better occasion then this, to put himselfe in Armes; that these men though they were new, and not accustomed to warre, yet were they so inhearte∣ned by their Princes courage and hope of good successe, as seeing us retire, they would resume the more courage, and cause unto us such prejudice, as usually is received from Enemies, strengthened by strong impressions; that it was requisite to extinguish the fire, which increasing would not be so easily supprest, before they should carry the Cumbustion elsewhere, that the Spanish succours from Flanders was more considerable then from Italy, for that compleat Arming would be found hard in Italy: A Kingdome impoverished in people, and the numbers whereof would be much lessened be∣fore they should passe over the Mountaines, for that the rigid Cli∣mate of Germany, and the Germans severe manner of lying in the field did not well agree with that Nation, nurc'd up in the delights of Peace; that for their money they might have men enow in the Low-Countryes; that he knew the Treasury and Forces of the E∣lector of Bavaria was very considerable, but that on the other side he knew he was not so lavish in laying out his monies, nor his men so ready to take up Armes; that Walesteine was a humerous Foole, a fantasticall braine, fit for Comedies, reverenced for his wealth and fortune, not for his wisedome and proper valour; that he was envied by many, a corrivall with Bavaria, and not well thought of by the discreet Don; for what concerned their hopes upon the

French, it was to be granted it would be advantagious to them, if Princes were not ambitious of inlarging their dominions: But since France was knowne to be no lesse intent to this then whatsoever other Kingdome, he could not promise himselfe that the French would invert the proceedings of the Duke of Loraine, and of the Ecclesiasticks against the Swedes; but rather that leading their Forces upon their Frontiers, and entring either as protectors of the one, or arbitrators of the other, he foresaw they would rather put in for themselves through the disagreement of the Swedes and Imperialists then assist the Protestants in their proceedings: moreover, that they ought to feare, least if they once should get footing here, they should (following the policy of Princes, who are friends as long as it makes for their owne good) moderate the greatnesse of others, and dissolve the League at any time when they should see the Swedes power grow to an excessive greatnesse. Tod and Tuball would be sufficient to hold Tiffenbech and Ghetz play in Slesia; that the Elector of Saxony be∣ing entred into Bohemia, it would be no hard matter to disturbe Wa∣lesteines designes, and that Bannier was sufficient to watch over Ba∣varias wayes; that therefore they ought to secure themselves on this side for what was on their backs, which being done, the victory on the other side would easily be affected.

These reasons alleadged by the King, made the Commanders aware, that Councels then suc∣ceed best when they proceed from the hidden reasons of interests; and that no resolution ought to be built upon the faire shewes of Prin∣ces, the ground-worke of their demonstrations not being composed of any sound materials, but coloured over as best seemes pleasing to the eye of the present conjuncture.

All of them therefore forgoing their first opinions, they unani∣mously condescended to the King; who seeing what need they had of a good Sanctuary, whereunto upon any ill successe they might safely retreate, as likewise how necessary it was to fence Franconia, after he had diligently suryeyed all the nighbouring situations, could find none more commodious then that Angle which is placed betwixt the Rhene, and that part of the Mayne, which is over against Mentz, on the side of the Palatinate, he therefore made a designe be there drawne in his owne presence, of a Fort consisting of seven Royall Bul∣warkes, a Seat so availeable, as lying in the midst between the State of Mentz and the Palatinate, upon the sides of two Navigable Rivers, it might be said to be the Key which opens and shuts the entrance and outgoing on both sides of the Rhene, whereby he might continually bridle the Inhabitants aswell of the one as of the other circle: more∣over, besides the securing of what he had already wonne, there was hereby a way opened to ends not yet knowne. He gave it the name of Gustavemborg, though through the Souldiers playing upon the Ro∣man Catholiques, it came to be called the Priests scourge; alleadging thereby, that being seated in the sight of Mentz, and in the very midst of the Electorate, it was fit to keep the neighbouring Prelates in obedience and under the yoake of the Swedish Forces. Having left or∣der for the perfecting of this Fabricke, and for the preservation of

Mentz, he with his Army marched in Ianuary against Spier, the Ma∣gistry whereof endeavoured, though in vaine to keep Newters: for the King having declared himselfe to be an Enemy to that name, this Towne accorded, as did likewise Wormes, Landaw, and Weissenburg, Cities beyond the Rhen in the lower Palatinate, begui••t only with ancient walls, these submitted themselves unto the King, quartered some of the Swedish Regiments, and parted with some monies to free themselves from the insolency of the souldiers. Franckendal and Heidelberg, Townes well provided with men, victuals and Fortifica∣tions, were the only two places that held out against the King: For though they were at this time set upon with much violence, they un∣dauntedly defended themselves, and rendred the attempts of the Ene∣my vaine, who held it not fit to lose time before such Forts, since they were Masters of the Field, and consequently might over-run whole Provinces, and hinder the new recruiting of the Enemyes Army. Franckendal lyes in an open Countrey between Spier and Wormes, sur∣rounded with gallant Bulwarkes, Ditches, and Rampiers, it was anci∣ently the chiefe strength the Elector Palatine had; but since the over∣throw in Bohemia, it was held by the Austrians. Heidelberg is seated upon the N••cker in the mouth of two Mountaines, upon which the Palace and Castle stands; and here the Count Palatine had wont to keep his residence before the Emperor bereft him of his state.

At the same time that the Swedish Forces meeting with lesse oppo∣sition, did over-run the Countrey that lyes upon the Rhen and Fran∣conia. Popenheime having drawne out the greatest part of the Garri∣sons from the places upon the Wesser, and out of the Countrey of Brounswyck, they being knowne to be little available to the preser∣vation of those places, weake in situation and Fortification; and ha∣ving gathered together a Body of men to about 10000 Souldiers, he recovered Barleben upon the Elb, which made no great resistance, from thence he passed towards Magdeburg to relieve the besieged; for being beleaguerd by Bannier, they were reduced to some necessity, and herein his successe was good: For Bannier understanding his approach, and thinking the Romanists Army to be much greater then his, withdrew himselfe aside to Kalbe, upon the banks of Elb. Here he tooke up his Quarter in an advantagious Seat, shunning to fight; for the King ha∣ving given generall directions to all his Commanders who were dis∣joyned from the Army that himselfe led, that without great advan∣tage and certainty of victory, they should shun comming to a gene∣rall conflict, he temporised, betaking himselfe only to such enter∣prises as agreed with the Kings instructions; whose ends was to keep the Imperialists Forces severed in sundry places, that he might have the more freedome to make his desired Conquests, and to beat the maine Body of the Roman Catholiques, which when he should have done, the members thereof would be of no use. Pappenheim having thus raised the siege, though he failed in some intentions he had of falling upon the Swedes Quarters, who had withdrawne themselves further off, entred Magdeburg, and straightway sent his Van-guard towards Gomeren, a place belonging to the jurisdiction of the Bishop

thereof upon the Confines of Saxony, but hee began no sooner to march, then he was advertised that George Duke of Lunenburg, a Pro∣testant Prince and who adhered to the Swedes, was drawing neere to Wolfenbuttell a place of great moment, which made him thinke it re∣quisite to turne his march thitherward; for this Towne standing in the Center of the territories of Brounswyck, and being strongly sea∣ted upon the River Alre, being likewise the place of refuge for the Imperialists, and the Arsenall of their Army, by meanes whereof their Forces in those parts did wholly subsist; if it should have fallen in∣to the Swedes power, either by holding intelligence or otherwise, it would have been a great advantage to the Protestants Forces, and a very great blow unto the Roman Catholiques; hee therefore drew out the Garrison from Magdeburg, and knowing it would be a difficult matter to maintaine it, he slighted it, breaking downe the Wals in sundry parts, to the end it might not be of service to the Swedes: hee advanced toward Sechenser and Wolfenbuttell about the end of Ianu∣ary. Bannier had newes hereof,* 1.4 who being certified of truth, that the Imperialists were departed, returned suddenly to Magdeburg, where he left good order for the repayring it, judging it a place of no small importance for the affaires of Swethland; hee from thence marched after Pappenheime and wonne Steimbruck, intending thereby to streigh∣ten the enemies Army; for this being a passe of some importance up∣on the River Obroe, and very commodious for the Imperialists, the Swedes might here have fought with much advantage against their ene∣mies, but Pappenheime did so gallantly acquite himselfe as though he was beset on both side by the Protestants, he without any losse came to Beterloo, a strong place not farre from the River Glien, between the territories of Heye and the Bishoprick of Hildeskeim, having brought under Contribution the Townes of Brounswyck and Lunenburg, rich Provinces, which lye between the Wesser and the Elb, bordering on the South upon Misnia and Thuringia, on the North upon the Low∣er Saxony; hee at last recovered the Confines of Hamelen, that hee might make use of that City, and of the Wesser, aswell for the safe∣guard of his owne Forces, as for the preservation of such Townes as had not yet revolted from Caesar, wherein his successe was so happy, that by this occasion he had meanes to shew how advantagious in war it is, to have undaunted, wise, and valliant Commanders, and (which is of greatest concernment) such as understand their profession, hee defended, he maintained himselfe, and with a few men stopt the ene∣mies advancing; who knowing him to be resolute and industrious, durst not come to handy-blowes with him: effects which are not one∣ly occasioned by mens fearfull apprehensions, whose losse takes its rise from selfe beliefe, but particularly by the valour of other men, which begets feare and admiration even in the Enemy.

High mindes are alwayes verst about great matters, the King be∣ing gone from Mentz, considered the importancy of Creutsbag, a Towne seated upon the River Nayle, which takes its head from a little Lake in the state of Swibrechen called Scheidambergerway'd, fals into the Rhyn at Binghem, by the taking hereof he should secure unto him∣selfe

the possession of the neighbouring parts; he should drive the Spaniards from those Frontiers, and should open the way to the win∣ning of the Townes upon the Mosel belonging to the jurisdiction of Triers▪ and thereby not onely keep those people under, but fortify∣ing himselfe on that side from being injured by the Spaniard, he should bring his Forces there into a good condition; for it was a place in¦vironed with good Ditches and strong Wals: he forthwith beset it, and planted three great Batteries against it, and without delay began to assault those fortifications, from the which he by the Defendants was by reciprocall resolution kept off, they exercising the utmost of Military art, as being the most of them Spaniards, a faithfull Nation, much adicted to the service of their Prince, and in the sufferings of warre, of all others the most resolute and constant. The King in his owne person came before this place, not without danger of his life; for approching according to his custome neere the Wals, that hee might more inhearten his Souldiers, and know what was requisite to the enterprise, being much grieved for the reputation of his Armes, and for his owne interest sake, to linger so long before such a Towne, a Page who at that instant presented him with a letter, was slaine by a Musket-shot; upon which accident Mounseir de Pauch Embassadour from the States of H••lland, who was then with him, could not for∣beare entreating his Majesty to have more care of his Royall Person, the preservation whereof, like that of the soule in the body, was the maintaining of the publique liberty, to the which he smilingly repli∣ed; My Lord Embassadour, Cities are not taken by keeping in Tents; the Scholler when his Master is a farre of, shuts his booke; so the Souldier without my presence slaken their handy blowes; my houre is written in Heaven, it cannot be altered on earth; then turning himselfe to a Colonell, who being somewhat deteyned under the Bar∣bers hands, came to receive his Commands, he said unto him; I mar∣ry, this is a gallant Cavalier, and by my faith a valiant one in womans warres; he is longer in trimming of his Beard, then I am in taking in a Towne: Having said these things pleasantly, he advanced yet more forward, giving order to streighten the Towne yet a little more; the which was done with such diligence as upon like occasions is re∣quisite, in execution of the orders of their Lord and Master; whence it is to be observed how available the presence of a Prince is in Mili∣tary affairs. After it had indured three fierce Assaults, and had been pel∣ted with above 1700 Cannon-shot, at fourteen dayes end he inforced the Defendants to beg Articles of him, which were granted unto them, no lesse favourable then those of Mentz; and thus he made himselfe Master of the Towne, to the admiration of many, who knowing how the Towne was seated, what number of men it had in it, and how it was provided, thought it not a worke to be effected with foot in stirrup. He then dispatch't away Horne, and Duke William of Waymar Elder Brother to Duke Bernard into the Bishopricke of Bam••berg, which is a space of ground in Franconia, lying between Bohemia and the Mayne, appertaining to the Bishop thereof, who is aswell a Temporall as a Spirituall Lord, that they might set upon that Ci∣ty,

and by the taking thereof, divert Tilly, and Count Aldringer, who were diligent in recruiting their Forces in those parts. Hee himselfe with the rest of his Army having provided themselves with all things requisite for Victuals, with a great Trayne of Artillery and Ammu∣nition, having left fitting order for the maintaining of the Townes along the Rhene, tooke his way towards Steinham, and Ascheburg, en∣tring thereby into Franconia: being come to Schewinfurt, and from thence to Gelterseym, hee againe recalled the Forces of Gustavus Horne, designing to go himselfe in Person with the grosse of his Army, a∣gainst the Army of the Roman Catholiques, and indeavour to bring them to a new Battaile, the Victory whereof was the bounds of his vast desires: turning therefore upon the right hand he bent towards Kitzing, betwixt Erbipoli and Bamberg, a Randezvouz for Tillyes For∣ces; but found that he being diffident of his strength, as both in number and in courage much inferiour to the Swedes, had retreated into the upper Palatinat; that he had re-inforced the Garrisons of Forcheim and Granach, two of the best Townes in Franconia, by the preservation whereof hee hoped not onely to make good the Imperiall Forces in that Province, but thereby retarding the Swedes proceedings, he thought he should be able when his Army should be recruited from all parts that appertained to Caesar, to face his enemy againe, and regaine his losse in the Battaile of Leipsick. The King incouraged hereupon, believed that (as it is usually) he that flies feares; and hoping to drive him quite beyond the Danube, and beat him in the field, he sent Gustavus Horne towards Winsheim, which lyes between Nurenberg and Erbipoli, and from thence to Habersdorfe, and Shennabach, places of that Country; who marched with such di∣ligence, as though the enemy in their retreate had broken downe the bridges, burnt and destroyed all that might be serviceable to the Kings Army, that they might streighten him in Victuals, incommodate him, and stop him, till such time as the Forces which they expected from Bavaria and Walesteine, were come unto them; the King not∣withstanding arived about the midst of February in the fields of Nu∣renberg, beyond the expectation of the Imperialists.* 1.5 Hee there muste∣red his Army, and found it to consist of 130 Cornets of Horse, 86 Foot Ensignes, and 28 pieces of great Cannon; which having againe ordered, he pursued his way towards Dunawert upon the Danube, where there is a Bridge over that River, which makes it a place of great Consequence; for by the getting thereof, the way was opened to the Swedes for their entrance into Bavaria, one of the chiefe Pro∣vinces of Germany, between the Danube and Inn, an open Country, not having any place of strength within it, unlesse it be Ingolstat. He came before Vitsborg, a Fort belonging to the Marquisat of Anspach, he sent to the Governour to Surrender the Towne, otherwise he de∣nounced his anger against him, and therewithall the losse of his life: but such threates did no wayes trouble the undaunted Commander, who preparing for defence, the Kings threates were of no availe, for it made not for the King to stay there, since thereby he should have gi∣ven time to the Roman Catholiques, (as was desired by Tilly) to pro∣vide

for the defence of Danube: hee therefore marched forward in the beginning of March, and with his Army drew nigh to Dunawert, where the Imperialists had built a Fort upon the hill, which hee set up∣on, and finding nothing to withstand him in those yet imperfect workes,* 1.6 hee forced the defendants to retire into the Towne, which being played upon by the Kings Cannon, which thundred on all sides, and assaulted round about, the Wals not being sufficient to with∣stand the Cannon-shot, which drilled their Trenches through, and overthrew their Towers, the Inhabitants dispairing of succour from Tilly, thought they had done the duties of good Souldiers, and being so perswaded, forsooke the City which might very well have yet held out for some time. They broke the Bridge and withdrew themselves into Ingolstat, to the great resentment of Tilly, who (as they are wont to doe, that are abandoned by fortune) found opposition to all his de∣signes, even in those things wherein hee thought himselfe most secure.

The Swedes having entred the City, and repaired the Bridge with∣all speed, they passed their horse over the Danube, and over-running all the neighbouring Townes without any resistance, the damage was not little which the people received by the insolencies of the Soul∣diers, to whom the Souldiers licentiousnesse seemed the more grie∣vous, in that they had not formerly been acquainted with the evils of warre, which is used in all Nations against enemies, especially against such as are of another Religion. The King being afterwards infor∣med of the Condition of the Roman Catholique Army, hee lodged his Army neer Druisse, and extended his Quarters along the litle Ri∣ver Schmutter, watching over Tillyes wayes, who having inlarged his Forces by the accesse of multitudes of Bavarians, kept himselfe along the Bankes of Lech, a chiefe River, which taking its head from the Mountaines of Tirolo, divides Bavaria from Swabenland, and fals into the Danube at Dunewert. The King knowing that Princes resolutions are then best, when they proceed from the advises of their Comman∣ders, thought it not fitting to advance further before he knew the mindes of the heads of his Army;

he therefore did send for them to him, and acquainted them with what his designes were; what advantage the winning of Bavaria might be to them; that if they could bereave the Austrians of that leaning stocke, either by draw¦ing the Electour to some faire agreement, or by utterly ruinating his Country, they might easily afterwards lead their Forces into Au∣stria, and into Caesars very patrimoniall territories: mature conside∣ration being had hereupon, 'twas found it would be a hard businesse to effect, since the Lech was guarded all along by great numbers of the enemies Souldiers. The King notwithstanding with his wonted courage was for the undertaking, alleadging for his reason, that to an enemy already terrified and beaten, the more difficult the under∣taking were, the greater confusion it would cause in them; to the which, reply was made by Horne and other Captaines, that they should not doe well to fight with the enemy upon such disadvantage of the River; that the enterprise would be difficult, and that to

boot with the difficulty thereof it was to be considered of what consequence (if they should be worsted here) the great inheart∣ning thereby of the enemy would be, who were not yet so weakned, but that they were able to encounter with the greatest Forces that the Protestant Colleagues could make; that the Country was in∣tirely their enemy; that they wanted a place of refuge, whereinto in case of a storme to retreate; that no little heed was to be had to Walesteines preparations, who growne strong in Bohemia, and in the upper Palatinat, would bring the Swedish Army in that nooke or an∣gle, either to a dangerous Battaile, or to unevitable destruction; that his opinion was, they should put off this resolution to a more oportune time, and that they should go against Moravia, to sup∣presse the Emperors Army; the which being the head, if it should be overthrown, the other members would be weakned.

The King having given diligent eare to these alleadged reasons, did with his wonted dexterity rise up, and reply;

that the Passage of the River ought not to be feared, though it were guarded by the enemy, for the Imperialists were already at their wits ends, by reason of the Swedish Victories; that their recruites consisted of people more in∣ured to the plow and to the mannuring of ground, then to the hand∣ling of weapons; that fortune favoured the forward, and frowned upon the fearfull; that she had turned her backe upon Tilly, who after the first was to expect a second discomfiture; that Dunawert being well guarded would serve them for a place of safety, whereun∣to they might retreat in case of any misfortune; that they were to pursue that Army, which being led by an old experienced Soul∣dier, not unlike a Snow-ball, which by rouling up and downe be∣comes a great heap, might gather strength againe, and recruite him∣selfe into his former Condition; that Walesteine was farre off, and had but few men, and those but fresh-water Souldiers, and therefore no feare was to be had of him; and concluding with the manifesta∣tion of what profit and riches they should get in Bavaria and Swa∣benland, he drew the greatest part to side with him, and knowing how advantagious it would be to possesse himselfe of those Townes which lye between Lech and Iber, hee commanded Horne with some choice Regiments of Horse to make excursions even to the wals of Vlm, which is a Hauns Towne well munitioned, and one of the richest in all Germany, seated upon the bankes of Danube in the midst of Swabenland, the Inhabitants whereof being most of them Protestants, if they should see the Swedish Forces greater then the Imperialists in those parts, would without delay cast themselves into his protection;

hee gave him further in charge, that he should invite the Magistracy thereof to good correspondency, and that he should endeavour to bring all the places thereabouts to his devotion; all which Horne did, not meeting with much difficulty therein, for many of those Townes seeing the Conquerour in the midst of their territories, and wanting of defence, onely walled about with old Wals without Garrisons, and frighted, as those use to be who see their enemy before their gates, strove who first should bring in their Keyes and Contribution money

to the Swedish Officers, who by the Kings directions did treate those people so civilly, and had so particular a care to be lesse grievous to them then were the Austrians, as they moderated the report, that the Ro∣man Catholiques had given out of them, insomuch that (as those which apprehend most are usually best contented) those people overcome with the Swedish courtesie, could not but confesse that they were better treated by their enemies then by their friends.

These speedy acquisitions caused much suspition in the Magistra∣cy of Auspurg, where though there were Citizens enow, and the Gar∣rison which were paid by the Senate thereof, strangers, sufficient to defend the same; yet the Electour of Bavaria fearing left (the grea∣ter part thereof being Protestants) it should rather have inclined to the prevailing Swedish party, then to that of Austria, indeavoured to bring in a Garrison of Papists; and wrought so secretly under-hand with some of the Officers, as that he brought into the City two Com∣panies of Horse and 2000 Foot, who speedily disarming the Prote∣stant Inhabitants, possest themselves of the Gates and of the Arce∣nall, and the Souldiers being changed, the Guards were doubled. But the King who upon all occasions did ever desire to advance, was minded to passe over the Lech, and remove Tilly from thence, who kept the maine body of his Army along that River; and although the enterprise was some-what hard, yet observing the course of the River and the Bankes thereof, he suddainly raised thereupon a good Trench, and planting his Artillery, began to play upon the enemy, who keeping themselves close within their Trenches, did valiantly reply upon him and withstood his Passage: the bickering began to grow very hot, where whil'st both sides were busied and plyed the Bat∣taile a pace; the King being advertised by Duke Bernard Waymar how that he had discovered a Foord, a little lower, by a little Island, by the one side whereof he might easily wade; hee presently sent back the said Duke thither, with certaine Boates carried to such like purpose upon Carts. Whil'st the King-indeavoured by all meanes he could to passe over, Waymar past over some select Souldiers by the benefit of those Boates into the said Island, to the end that if need should be they might make good the Passage, till such time as a Bridge might be pre∣pared: and he so well placed his Cannon and Muskets upon the Flankes of the enemy, that Tilly who marched thitherward in Person to hinder the Passage, had not the fortune, either to beat the Swedes out of the Island, or to hinder them for making their Bridge; for his shot did little availe him, the Swedes being fenced by the point of the Island. Whereupon Tilly knowing the importance of the affaire, and the great difficulty, made a fierce and bloudy skirmish amidst the waters, which on the other side of the River might easily be waded over, for it came not to above a mans middle; but at last the Swedes prevailing, who incouraged by the comming of their King, strove who should first throw themselves upon the Bridge, they got unto the other Banke notwithstanding all the enemy could doe; there were slaine of the Romane Catholiques side about 2000, and Tilly himselfe being hurt with a shot from a Sachar, dyed within three dayes. Count

Aldringer was likewise here hurt in the head, whereof he was after∣wards healed; and the Imperialists, after a long and bloudy Battaile were forced to retreat: this Battaile continued for the space of six whole houres▪ and so great was the hail of Cannon and Musket-shot, as many Souldiers who had been in divers other well fought actions affirmed, that this in their opinion was to be numbred amongst the bloudiest that they ever saw; it happened on the Twenty second day of March.* 1.7

The Duke of Bavaria was no lesse troubled at this misfortune, then at the death of Tilly, a Commander of tride valour and of great experience: nor was his death any whit lesse lamented by the Empe∣rous selfe, and those other temporall Princes who well knew his wise∣dome, constancy, watchfull diligence, and choice wit. His descent was not great amongst the Wallones; In his youth with continued pa∣tience, persevering in the duties of a private Souldier, and by his pe∣culiar valour, working himselfe by degrees from one preferment to another, he at last to his great glory, to the satisfaction of his Prin∣ces, and to the great advantage of the Roman Religion, arived at the honour of being supreme Commander of the Armies of the Roman Catholique League, wherein he behaved himselfe so wisely and with such courage, as being victour in many field Battailes, and vanqui∣sher of many people, he deservedly merits to be numbred in the first ranke of the famous Commanders of our time: he was of a middle stature, of a strong complexion, and of a martiall-like agillity, pre∣serving even in his gray headed yeares, a youth-like bodily strength: he was zealous in the service of his Princes, and a very great defender of the Roman Catholicke Religion; for he was often heard to say, he would rather run hazard of his life, then shun the occasion of well doing; his devotion in all his actions was admirable; he never went about any action, before he had humbly on his knees begged of God, that the event might be answerable to his divine will: 'tis said that if a man may live a Religious life in warre, he did so. All the workes of this Generall were commended by the Souldier, and admired by the people; his very enemies not undervalluing him. The only thing that might fully his pious fame, was the cruelty and barbarousnesse com∣mitted by his Souldiers at the taking of Newbrandeburg, and Magde∣burg, which was such, as the Romanists themselves were scandalised at the report thereof; many were of opinion, that this his want of com∣passion cryed for vengeance from God Almighty, who is not pleased with cruelty though exercised against Infidels and Barbarians; and that the chastisement which useth to fall upon wise men, to wit, the infatuation of their wisedome, happened unto him, for that mode∣ration, for which in all his other actions he was admired, being suffo∣cated by his too great daring, he came presumptuously to the Battaile of Leipsick, which was the break neck of all his glories; for had he therein carryed himselfe according to his wonted warinesse, many are of opinion he could not have missed the glory of happy successe; and for that one misfortune treads in the heels of an other, as though he had beene unwilling to out live this losse, he ended his life in the bo∣some

of glory, writing in Characters of his owne bloud to posterity, his eternity of merits from the Duke of Bavaria, and pointing out unto them the way which leades generous mindes to immortallity. In Walesteines Court his death seemed rather to cause joy then sorrow, and this, for that all Courtiers, fawning or frowning as do their Lords, their Masters, knew that Walestein envying this warriers good condi∣tions, and the renowne which by the Victories in so many Battailes he had wonne, loved not to see this great tree over-shadow the branches of his ambition; and the occasion hereof was, for that 'tis impossible for him to love the Servant that hates the Master; so Walesteine not caring for the Duke of Bavaria, as suspecting that it was he who had perswaded the Emperour to take from him his former place and make use of Tilly, who was thought to be fitter then he for so great an employment, did no lesse despise and emulate the actions of the ser∣vant, then those of the Master.

The Duke of Bavaria not thinking himselfe safe now in Monaco, the place of his residence, which was only walled about with old wals, conveyed speedily all his most pretious movables to Saltsborg, belong∣ing to the Archbishop thereof, an Ecclesiasticall Prince, and one of the most potent and richest of all Germany; this City is seated in a pleasant Country upon the River Zalza, a Towne lately fortifyed with two Castles upon two hils which command the River on both sides: hee with the remainder of his Army did wisely retire himselfe to Ratisbone or Regenspurg, intending to secure that place, and to keep himselfe there; for the losse thereof would not be a little prejudiciall to him, it standing in the heart of his territories▪ but this being a free City, and no lesse priviledged then the other Hauns Townes, and a good part of the Garrison thereof being Protestants, was by reason of the Swedes so many victories very unwilling to declare it selfe; it did not therefore condiscend to the entertaining of the Bavarians, who had declared themselves enemies to the King, lest thereby they might pull the warre upon them, and by declaring themselves friends to Ba∣varia, publish themselves enemies to the Swedes, who were not farre off with their conquering Army; they therefore in a faire manner de∣sired to be excused by the Duke if they did not what he required of them; and that he might not be jealous of their loyalty, they pro∣mise to stand newters, and not to furnish the King with any thing, save what they could not chuse but grant him. But the Duke knew, that if the Swedes should possesse themselves of that City (which they might easily doe) they would not onely hinder the joyning of the low∣er Palatinate with Walesteine, but would againe open the passage for their inrodes into the rest of Bavaria, to the no little prejudice of Ingolstat, the which being in the midst of the enemies Forts, ran danger of either being surprised by treachery, or enforced by some on-set to leane towards the Swedes, which would be the totall ruine of Bavaria, since it was the strongest key which shuts and opens the way to all for∣raigne invasions: so as since neither by his perswasions, nor by his promises, he could get them to open their gates, he resolved to try his wit; to which purpose holding intelligence by the meanes of a

Lieutenant of Lorreyne called Monseiur D'Erbois, with some Citizens and other Chiefes of the Country people of those parts, who had withdrawne themselves thither for feare of the Swedes, he agreed with them that the Court de Guard of the Gates being often-times by these men doubled, they should upon a night concluded on betweene them, and at which time they should have the custody of the Gate that opens towards Monaco, open the Gate and let him in. The bargaine was made and the desired end had: for the Count de Gratz who then com∣manded in Chiefe all the Dukes Forces, sent 500 Horse and 2000 Foot thither in May,* 1.8 who being let in, forced the Magistrates there∣of, though much against their will, to receive the Dukes Lawes.

This was the condition of the warre, and these were the procee∣dings of the one and the other party; the King not failing to prose∣cute his good fortune, nor the Austrians to fence those blowes which thundred upon them. When the foure moneths time being expired, wherein Walesteine had in some good sort re-inforced the Army, and put all things in order for his going into the field, the Court at Vi∣enna seemed to be much appaid with the proceedings of so gallant a Commander, who had given so good a beginning to the resolutions which was conceived and hoped for, from his being Generall; but ha∣ving some whimsie, were it either that he desired to be intreated, and to sell his service at a deere rate, or the more to advantage his imploy∣ment, or out of some other extravagant and Capricious opinion, whereof he wanted not good store, hee was heard to say, that not ac∣cepting of the Generals place, he was content to enjoy the repute of being a good Servant to his Caesarian Majesty, and that he had made himselfe knowne to be so. 'Twas therefore resolved that Prince Ec∣chenberg, and the Abbot of Cremismister Bishop of Vienna should a∣gaine be sent unto him, to worke him to accept of the absolute Com∣mand of the Emperours Forces: together with these, the Spaniards sent likewise Father Chiroga a Capuchen, a great wit, and who in his time was a wise Commander, to offer him 50000 Dollars a moneth in the name of the King of Spaine, for maintenance of the Army, instead of the men that were promised and raised in the Low-Coun∣tryes, which they now stood in need of in Flanders, to oppose the great Army of the Hollanders, which were upon their march to take Maestricht. This mans proffers and the others prayers, made him give way to their alleadged reasons, which were used more to flatter him, and to satisfy him, then that the businesse required it: for he much more desired the place, then the Emperour did to conferre it upon him; nay indeed, he feared to be excluded from it, by the well grounded reasons, which the Spanish Ministers of State offered, which were alwayes averse to such a resolution as to conferre that au∣thority upon him, the halfe whereof might have contented him: but necessity which is the glasse that dasels the eyes of the interest of States, shewed not the blurre that was in the forehead of this ex∣pedition.

And for that Walesteine knew, that in former times the greatest part of what had beene wonne in warre, and by the sweat of the Soul∣dier,

had been conferred to the great dislike of the Souldier upon such as had never been of that profession; pretending hereby to be favourable to the Souldier, whose good liking he ambitiously cove∣ted, he stood not onely to be declared Generall Independent, of all the Emperours and King of Spaines Forces in Germany, but to have a great stroake in the disposing of such goods as should be gotten; and therewithall at his pleasure to remunerate such as by their valour should have best deserved: a thought which rather arose from his de∣sire of obliging the Souldier unto him, then out of any worthy cause which might incline him to it. He likewise desired, that no peace might be at any time treated of without his privity; hee de∣manded to have these and some other articles subscribed, which though by reason of the urgent necessity were granted unto him, as likewise by the Counsels of some Lords who gloried much in decla∣ring themselves to be partiall on his side, upon whose greatnesse they grounded high hopes; yet could not the faithfull Austrians, and in particular the sincere Spaniards, who are true lovers of their Masters greatnesse, forbear to murmure at the conferring of so great a power; and though they seemed outwardly to be pleased, yet were they much troubled, that they must confide in one whom formerly they had de∣clared themselves to be diffident of, and of whom they ceased not yet to be jealous; as likewise that the Servant should be possest of the Masters authority. They said, that certainly Germany was very poor, if it had none other fit for the managing of such an Army; and what would become of them if he were not there? many such things as these they muttered; above all it was very hard to tollerate him, who growing every houre more ambitious, seemed to be offended with that imployment, which of right he should have petitioned for; and treated arrogantly with those, to whom in all respects he ought to have humbled himselfe; which shewed that by degrees he would pretend to give Lawes to Caesars selfe, and all his Councell. The Spaniards not well disgesting these things, and much offended with this Generall, could not free themselves of the distaste wherewith they were totally possest.

The news of this mans being made Generall did much rejoyce the common-people, who incapable of the high mysteries of policy, feed themselves with such hopes▪ as sute best with their desires, seeming now almost to have lost all fear of sinister events. Thus every one out of their opinion of the witty extravagancies of this Commander, built Castles in the aire, and prognosticated such events as did better be∣come a better genius: in particular many Counsellours and Mini∣sters of state look cheerfully hereupon, who had received much Gold from Walesteine, thinking that he continuing in his Command, they should be advanced to greater honours, credit, and authority. And to say truth, Walesteine brought businesses to a good passe, in that so nar∣row and threatening a time, wherein fortune would peradventure have beene more sparing to others; and if as he was wonderfull inge∣nious, and in all his actions exceeding acute, and diligent, he had been endued with the vertue wherewith now adayes few men are, of

knowing himselfe, and resisting his owne affections by moderating his extravagancies, and suppressing his pride, he would not onely have wonne the love of his Lord and Master, (one of the most magnani∣mous, religious, and mercifull Princes, that ever governed the Em∣pire) but would have brought even his competitors and enemies to have partaken of his service.

Where Force availes not, 'tis good to have recourse to policy; an many times those things are brought to passe by wit, which were dis∣paired of by power; Therefore Walesteine being a great Polititian, and a wise negotiator, knowing that he wanted such Forces as hee could have desired, to encounter with an Army already inheartened by so many victories, and inrich't with Souldiers, whilest all men flocke to those Colours which are favoured by good successe, exerci∣sed his wit, how he might withdraw the Kings confederates from si∣ding with him: good correspondency was held betweene him and the Duke of Saxony, whil'st he waged warre against the King of Denmarke; and the Elector did in effect shew himselfe mindfull of many fa∣vours which he had received from him then, when he Commanded in Chiefe the Caesarian Forces; for at the taking of Prage, he kept Wa∣lesteines well furnisht Palace, and all things belonging unto him, from being injured by the Souldiers; yet it was rumor'd that he did not this by the way of friendship, but out of Policy; to the end that by this way of partiall proceeding, the Emperour and his Court might have some jealousie of Walesteine; as likewise for that Harnem, who was trayned up in warre by Walesteine, commanded in Chiefe the Dukes Forces, keeping in memory the good discourses that had past between them; he was hereunto likewise perswaded by the means of a certain letter, written by the King somewhat too sharply to the Elector, wher∣in he blamed him of negligence in not advancing (whil'st he was victo∣rious in Bohemia) into Moravia, yea, even to the Danube, were it on∣ly to hinder the new levies of men, which were made by the Empe∣rours Officers in those parts. Walesteine laid this for his ground rule, that if he could remove this one Prince from his union with the King, not onely the Hauns Townes, but the greatest part of the chiefe men of the Empire would follow his example; a businesse of such importance, as it would not onely have made plaine the way to his designes, of beating backe the King, of establishing his owne great∣nesse in Germany, and of punishing his competitors: but finally he would have reduced the Army to his owne secret intent; which Ar∣my he wisely indeavoured to make depend on him, by conferring pla∣ces and imployments onely upon such as were affectionate to him. He bent his whole indeavours to effect this; and though he might first have regained Prage, yet went he not about it; but persevering in the satisfaction he had received from the Elector, he by the meanes of Count Adam Tersica, propounded a treaty of peace with Harnem, whereunto he by many promises invited him. But were it either to winne time, and afford the King scope enough to effect his desires in Bavaria and Swabenland, or that the Duke was not yet in condition to purchase his peace with the Emperour, upon so good tearms as hee

desired, or else for feare of the Swedes, he prolonged the negotiation, asking such things as were not to be granted him. Walesteine thought himselfe now in the Haven, and believed the more therein, for that he was more and more aware how the Saxons apprehending the Swedes growing to excessive greatnesse, did delay the taking of those places, which had they been solicitous they might have gotten, which shew'd they might easily be brought to disagreement; since Princes are not pleased with their neighbours too much greatnesse, as likewise that by judiciall Astrology, (which he studied very much, spending every day some time in it, and keeping alwayes some famous Astrologers about him) he found out some Starre which shewed to be propitious unto him; he therefore bent himselfe wholly hereupon, and went a∣bout to bribe Harnem and other of the Dukes Ministers of state and Officers by rich gifts.

The Treaty was by all meanes indeavoured to be brought to a con∣clusion, and Walesteine this meane while kept himselfe in Moravia, that he might not by the moving of his Forces give jealousie to the Saxons, who having (as it may be said) forgotten warre, enjoyed the delights of peace, where they were quartered in Bohemia. Many were of opinion, that the Electour did this to afford Walesteine time to se∣cure the Emperours patrimoniall estate, against the Swedes, whose proceedings were by this time growne to an high eminency, as the Princes of the Empire ought rather to have desired them moderated, then foment them yet to a greater height; as also not to disturbe the businesse which was fairly proceeded in with Harnem: when at the same time the League was openly ratified in Court, between the Duke of Bavaria, and the house of Austria, the Duke having for∣merly been some-what doubtfull therein. This was attributed to the distaste the Duke tooke, to see Walesteine re-assumed to the Generalls place, contrary to the good rule of government, which teacheth no more to trust in him, by whom we have once thought our selves of∣fended; fearing perhaps lest he likewise might receive some prejudice by the ambition of Walesteine, who did not much affect the Dukes per∣son: others would mutter, that this was occasioned by the promises of the French, who would have brought him to conformity with Swethland; and at the same time his highnesse's demand of succour was propounded to Walesteine, who after having first suffered him∣selfe to be much intreated thereunto, (so very vain-glorious was hee) to boot with sending Aldringer to joyne with the said Duke, he like∣wise sent him for his re-inforcement, the Horse of the Grand Prior Aldobrandini, of the young Colloredo, of Maracini, and one Regi∣ment of Isolini his Crabats; commanding them notwithstanding not to make too much haste, either for that he desired Bavaria should be totally ruinated, or for that if the Bavarians should have the better, the glory might not be attributed to them, (which he alone coveted) or for that he liked not his men should be consumed so farre from where he commanded; for being onely intent how to effect his own designes with ease, he cared not upon what disadvantage he put others, the workes of a proud and cruell man.

The Duke of Bavaria kept with his Army about Ratisbone, sollici∣ting speedy succour from Walesteine; who notwithstanding being hardly hereunto moved, alleadged for his excuse, the newes of some good hopes hee had of making peace with Saxony; still feeding Ba∣varia with hopes neverthelesse▪ when at last he perceived that Har∣nems faire words, though solid in circumstances, and of good appea∣rance, brought not any thing to maturity; and that the King still ad∣vanced, insomuch as having made himselfe master of Bavaria, hee might easily arear Austria, a signe that he might compasse his designes, not onely by his numerous Forces, but likewise by the assistance hee expected from the ill affected Inhabitants of Austria, about Lintz, who were much unsatisfied with the Emperours government, and who when the King should draw neer them, would doubtlesly declare them∣selves, and would side with the Swedes; the priviledges and franchise of many Cities of the Empire, being envied by many other Towns, which though they neighbour upon them, are yet in subjection, doth awake in them likewise a desire to enjoy the like liberty, and not to appeare inferiour to the others; whence ariseth that whilest they hope to make good their resolutions, they feare not to put them in ex∣ecution; and this hath been the cause why the peoples evill disposi∣tion, and the difference of Religion, have more prejudicated the Au∣strian power then the invasion of the enemy. Walesteine then resol∣ved to advance with his Forces, as well to shun mens murmering at his so long delay, and to go into Bohemia, there to effect peace by his weapons, since words, gifts, and promises, had not been of force e∣nough to obviat the difficulties met withall in the negotiation; as likewise to recover Prage, a thing which the Spaniards much desired, who the better to authorise their advise; had designed to bring thither the King of Hungary, and his Queen, and they would have done it, by reason of their farre distance from Vienna, there being no small emulation between them and the German Lords, who being much troubled that the Spanish Courtiers who came with the Queen should be admitted to serve, contrary (as they said) to all forme anciently used, and which was almost become a Law, That a Prince should have no servants placed about him, save such as are of his own Coun∣try, and subjects to him, they attested that strangers were not to be admitted in a Court, to have equall authority with those of the Na∣tion, which they had by all meanes indeavoured, and by their monies purchased.* 1.9 Hee in the Moneth of April went from Lenam, and took his way towards Pilsen in Bohemia, where Galasse then quartered; hee from thence dispatch't expresses into Slesia, Austria, and wheresoever else any of the Emperours Forces were, that they should all march towards him; the which being done, hee mustered his men in lesse then twenty dayes neere Pilsen, and found them to be above 30000 Souldiers.

On the other side, the King of Swethland; who did not let time run uselesly away, having brought his Forces before Auspurg the 10^th of April,* 1.10 made himselfe Master thereof with lesse difficulty then did the Duke of Bavaria, when he brought in his 2000 Foot, and 200 Horse:

For the people being many, and the greatest part of them Protestants, they said they would not take up Armes against a King who was their friend, and of the same Religion, and the Roman Catholike Garrison not being of it selfe able to defend the walls, and fence themselves from the Citizens, the Towne and King shooke hands at first sight. Auspurg is seated in the noble Province of Swabenland, between the Rivers Vertech and Lech upon the Confines of Bavaria, and between Tirold and the Danube, in a most pleasant Countrey, it is a Hauns Towne, one of the fairest and richest of all Germany, of a large circuite and full of people, all given to merchandizing; it is not very strong, as being fortified after the ancient manner; yet in respect of the situ∣ation and of the number of Citizens, it may be reckoned amongst the good Cities of Germany. The King by staying some dayes in this Ci∣ty, (all which time he entertained himselfe in sports, Invitations and Feasts, and particularly in playing at Ballowne, at which he himselfe played) seemed (as it was spoken of by diverse) to have laid aside the gallantry of his minde, and to have delighted himselfe in the sweetes of pleasure: he notwithstanding changed these conceipts, and made it be knowne, that though he knew how to emulate Hanniball in victo∣ries, yet did not he imitate him in the flatteries of Capua: 'twas known he endeavoured by keeping himselfe a while quiet, to obtaine that, which he could not hope for by much labour; and if the event was not good, the fault lay in them that received the directions, not in him that gave them. He during this leisure-time, held intelligence with Fornespech, a Colonell of Foot of the Army of the League, who had formerly served in Prusia against the Polacks, and had agreed with him upon a certaine time, to be let into the Fort of Ingolstat, wherein his Regiment was quartred: The King beleeving by this mans treacherie, to make himselfe Master of so important a place, parted unlooked for from Auspurg, & with his Army consisting of 14000 soldiers, came on the twentieth of April to Dunawert;* 1.11 where faigning to passe over the Danube, and goe towards Franconia, he did unexpectedly come before Ingolstat; the Governour whereof having some suspition of the said Fornespech, (for treachery which is displeasing to God, betrayes it self▪ did not only change his men from their Quarters, but setting a Guard upon the Colonells selfe and his Officers, he doubled the Guards, planted the Cannon upon the walls, and tacitely expected the com∣ming of the Swedes, who having stolne privately into the ditches, and fitted their Ladders to the appointed places, where they thought to have this Colonels men keeping the Guard, they were received with so great a Tempest of Cannon and Musket-shot, which made such havocke amongst the souldiers, and some of the Captaines, (who de∣sirous of such an enterprize, and being couragious and lovers of glory, ran thither where their life was most endangered,) as they were in∣forced to fall backe into the ditches, and retire: And the King him∣selfe who was lighted off horsebacke, encouraging those who yet re∣mained to scale the walls againe, and exercising himselfe in all the du∣ties of a bold spirit, which is oftentimes seconded by fortune, had like to have run danger of his life there: for his Horses shoulder was shot

off there with a Cannon bullet, whose skin was afterwards hung up in the Cathedrall Church of that City as a memoriall thereof. The King adventuring his life upon this occasion, as likewise in many others, afforded much discourse to the Souldiers and Commanders, by whom being humbly intreated that he would have a greater care of his owne person, he with a pleasing countenance answered a Minister who exhorted him thereunto;

That a King who puts himselfe in Armes must not dreame of Court-delights and safety; that death ought alwayes then to be esteemed deare, and cherished, when it gives life to honour, and is advantagious to the publicke; that Masters commands are never better obeyed then in their owne presence.

Ha∣ving after this stayed some dayes about the City, he resolved to leave certaine Regiments there to hinder the Garrison from making such sallies as they might doe upon his neighbouring Quarters: and that he might linger no longer before a Fort, the situation wherof gave him no hopes of effecting his desire, he marched with his Army to∣wards Landshut, a place of some moment in Bavaria, seated upon the River Iser in the bosome of the two Rivers, Danube and Inn, which not being prepared for defence, and having in it a timorous people, yeel∣ded it selfe at the first Cannot shot. And after this, having taken Morsperg not farre from the mouth of Iser and Amber, he came before Monaco, the Metropolis of Bavaria, and the Dukes Seat; a faire and great City but weakly fenced; the Magistrate whereof finding him∣selfe not in a condition to contest, sent twelve of the chiefe of the City to throw themselves before the Kings feet, and to desire a treaty for suspension of Armes; but this being by the King denied, who would not receive it upon any other tearmes then upon discretion, it behoved him at last to doe as was desired: And the King not having forgot the bloud that was shed by Tillies men at Magdeburg, where the Inhabi∣tants were almost all put to the sword, and their houses burnt; And this being attributed to the Bavarians, though (as it hath been said) it fell out by reason of the fire which tooke in a Drugsters house; the King I say taking occasion under this pretence to make the misfor∣tunes of warre seeme lesse terrible to those people,* 1.12 who not having till now made any tryall thereof, could not well disgest them; and that he might have an occasion to make himselfe be esteemed mercifull, and consequently their evils appeare lesse to these Citizens (for a mis∣chiefe though great, becomes a consolation, when thereby a greater, which is near at hand, is prevented) he commanded, that in revenge of the aforesaid slaughter at Magdeburg, Monaco should be set on fire; the which the Citizens having notice of, and all of them striving who should first throw themselves before the Kings feet, they begg'd par∣don of him, alleadging they were not in any blame of what the Souldiers had mischievously done, for that their whole life was spent in traffique and civill affaires: at these lamentations and teares the King suffered himselfe soone to be entreated, his intentions being not to ruinate and destroy, but to preserve and restore; he recalled his direction, nor was there any fire seene but in Kitchens, to make good cheer for the Souldiers; and in the Minthouse where 12000 l. in mo∣ny

was coyned to bestow as a donative or contribution upon the Souldier. Many religious people came likewise before the King to entreat safety of him; for being more than others enemies to the Pro∣testants, they feared to be more injured then others by them; yet were they better received then they imagined; and in particular the Capu∣chins were better satisfied then the rest: for the King caused some Almes to be given them, and commended their Religion and life, as honest and good; and though one of them had the boldnesse to re∣prehend him of the errour wherein he lived, and to exhort him to ac∣knowledge the Roman Church, as other his forefathers had done, hee seemed not to be offended at him, but to make good esteem of him.

Walesteines arrivall at Pilsen with so great an Army, govern'd by so brave Commanders, and so well provided with all things necessary, did not onely amuse the King but all the Protestants, who thought the Austrians would never have been able to have assembled so many peo∣ple in so short a time; but above all it troubled the State of Nuren∣berg, who by its declaring it selfe in the behalfe of the Swedes, was dis∣obedient to the Imperialists; and the riches thereof provoked the Souldier to thinke upon revenge: they therefore hoping in some sort to allay the ill will the Austrians might beare them, by sending to collogue with Walesteine, acknowledging him to be the Emperours Generall, and acquainting him with the reasons which moved them to declare themselves friends to the Swedes, those foure Commissio∣ners who came to Pilsen in the beginning of May,* 1.13 to congratulate the said Generall; but they met with so strange an entertainment, as well shewed how capricious the giver thereof was; for at their arivall Walesteine gave order that they should be met in great Pompe, as Em∣bassadours of the greatest Princes of Germany; that they should be discharged at the publique cost, and received with such honour as is wont to be used at publique magnificencies: he afterwards put off their audience for six dayes, and at last when they came before him with their letters of credence which they presented him withall, there∣by expounding their Embassy, he welcomming them in all honou∣rable manner, and receiving them with much appearing courtesie, re∣ceived the letter from their hands, which before he had read through∣out, he answered; hee was very well informed of their Embassy, that he would come himselfe in person to give them his Answer, and that he should then know, whither the effects were answerable to the handsome expressions of their letter; and so without more Comple∣ment dismist them. Whereat the Commissioners being much per∣plext, much made on by all, and better attended then before, returned home. The Novelty hereof being knowne in the Camp, and in the Court, past not without some curious discussions; some thought that Walesteine had done a memorable act, and that he could not doe better; they said such were not to be pardoned who driven thereunto by feare, beg it, but that they deserved punishment, who had forsaken their formerly sworne allegeance; and that chastisement was the true looking-glasse for wicked men: from thence he dispatched away Co∣lonell

Spor a confident friend of Harnems, and made 50000 Dollers be delivered out unto him, and other Regalities, thereby to dazle the eyes of such difficulties as he should meet withall, and to re-assume the new Treaty of this accommodation, wherewithall he was much troubled by breaking off the diversion of this peace, his ends be∣ing to remaine himselfe alone the sole Commander of all the Empe∣rours Forces in Germany against the Swedes; but the Treaty being prolonged and nothing therein concluded hee determined to march forward; hee therefore mustered his Army at Raconick, a place be∣tween Pilsen and Prage, wherein he found 214 Cornets of Horse, all well in order, 120 Companies of Foot, 44 pieces of Cannon, and two thousand Carriages well furnished; and having his head full of whimsies, and being a great observer of punctuality, he would here make knowne his Commands how he intended to be served: hee ordained that every one should weare a red Scarfe, forbidding all o∣ther Colours upon paine of life, (for hee could not punish any the smalest fault, but either by the Gallowes or by the Pillory.) I cannot herein passe by an accident, which befell a Captaine of the Artillery, who having upon him a rich Scarfe embroydered with Gold, when he first heard this order, tore it from about his necke, and treading it under his feet, shewed his ready inclination to obey his Commands; wherewithall the Generall being well pleased, he received such reward as is used to proceed from satisfaction; for hee was soon after made a Colonell, taken into his good opinion, and made his Copartner. By this example he made the rest readier to serve him, as having means to oblige them unto him: and the more to secure his own Command, and holding it a good rule in policy, to keep his Souldiers and Officers in obedience, he gave Command under paine of his displeasure, that no Souldier, Captaine, Officer, or Colonell whatsoever of Foot, should weare any bootes or spurres; as on the contrary he forbad the Horse Souldiers and Officers to go at any time without them: he imposed such punctuall silence in his Court, and more particularly about his owne lodgings, as he would not have one thereabouts raise their voi∣ces higher then he would doe if he were in a Church, which was du∣ly observed by all, yea of the chiefest Commanders; and this respect given unto him was grown unto that hight, that lest they should make a noise with the rowels of their spurres, they fastened them with lit∣tle buckles. 'Tis said he did this that he might be the more dreaded, for he was so over-Mastered with ambition, as that no Prince in our age was ever knowne to covet so much respect, or to have it observed towards him, as this man did and had. Hee having given these and o∣ther directions to his Army, boldly came before Prage, and the very first night surrounded it with his Horse, commanding Gallasse to set upon it on the side of Mount St. Laurence, and the Marquesse of Gra∣na on the Capuchins side. Gallasse upon the breake of day played upon the Wals with eight piece of Cannon, whereby in a short time a breach being made (the Wals being but old and weak) a certain hour was appointed to give the assault, but the Souldiers of Count Bartal∣doe Wallesteines Regiment at the first making of the breach, before the

houre appointed for entrance was come, without any directions from the Generall, being desirous to shew their courage, (and thereby to purchase such reward from Walesteine, as he used to bestow upon the valliant,) fell with such violence upon the breach, as they by maine force wonne it, and without any withstanding entred the City; for the Saxons knowing it impossible to defend so weake wals, had with∣drawne themselves into the Palace Royall, which commands the little City; the Marquesse of Grana did the like on the other side, so as the Saxons dispairing of defence resolved to parle, the which Wale∣steine being acquainted withall, he gave the charge of the Treaty to the said Marquesse, as being very fit for that imployment, who did mannage it with great advantage, and concluded it with honour; ob∣liging the besieged to come forth of the Towne, barely with the safe∣ty of their lives: but Walesteine were it either that he would over∣come the Elector of Saxony with courtesie, and so sweeten any dif∣ficulties that might hinder the accommodation, or else to requite the honour he received, in having his Pallace kept in that City untou∣ched, gave the Souldiers their Armes, and moreover their Baggage; (which being the most part booty, they had formerly got, was worth about 100000 Dollers) and made them all, (who were about 4000) be safely conducted to Letomeritz, where the Saxon Army was quarte∣red. The Imperialists Souldiers at their entry sack't that part which is called Ofeinstat, or the little City, at which the Popish Inhabitants murmured; since that the new and old City, inhabited for the most part by Protestants, and Jewes, by the Contribution of certaine mo∣nies kept themselves from the insolency of the Souldiers, the like would notwithstanding have befallen them, if the Towne had beene set upon on their side; and if the Souldiers could have entred there∣in by force, but their wals and the River saved them, and afforded them time to make agreement. Prage is in the Kingdome of Bo∣hemia, whereof it is the Metropolis, it is a large and lovely City, di∣vided into three parts, two of them on this side Molda called the new and old City, and the other on the backe of the Mount St. Laurence, called the little City; this City formerly in peacefull times was full of people, and had in it store of strangers, for that many Emperours had kept their Court there: the Wals are of bricke after the ancient manner; it is not defenceable against an enemies Army, unlesse it be defended by another Army without. Here Walesteine resolved to stay some time, as well to agree what he should next go about, as to re∣assume the Treaty of peace.

The taking of Prage and other Townes in Bohemia did not more rejoyce the Imperialists, then it did Walesteine's selfe; who thinking it would be a sufficient argument to perswade the Elector to con∣clude a peace, upon which his minde was wholly bent; hee resolved to send againe to Harnem, who was in Letomeritz, a City lying upon the Elb, on the Confines of Bohemia towards Saxony, and where the Electors Forces then were, observing the Imperialists proceedings, and to desire him to put a good end to the peace that was propounded; he accompanied this message with new offers & promises, which though

they were very efficacious, yet were they not sufficient to draw the E∣lector into his trap; but the Treaty did every day seeme farther off then other: Walesteine therefore marched againe with his Army, resolving upon the Electors utter ruine: and Egra remaining on the part towards the Palatinat, neere the River Ros••a, as also Elnbogen, a Towne upon the side of the River Eger, in the uttermost parts of Bo∣hemia, both of them (by reason of their situation) considerable pla∣ces, hee about the midst of May dispatch't away Holca, Serjeant Ma∣jor Generall of the Battaile,* 1.14 with certaine Forces to take them in, the which he easily did; for they wanted Munition and other things, fit∣ting to defend themselves against so great an Army. Walesteines selfe marched towards Letomerits, and finding the Saxons removed from thence, he passed over the Elb, and made a hault about Melnick, a wal∣led Towne upon the same River; where after many skirmishes had past between his Crabats and the Saxon Horse, (wherein the Saxons came off alwayes with the worst,) hee againe propounded the Trea∣ty of agreement with the Duke, and seemed much grieved at the de∣lay, for that the totall ruine of the Swedes depended upon this peace. For the Frontiers of Bohemia being secured on this side, and the Souldiers who did defend those Frontiers being joyned to his men, and his Army doubled by the Electours Forces, he would not onely have exceeded the Swedes in numbers, sufficient to drive him out of the field, but consequently the greatest part of the Princes of the Em∣pire, who were in League with the King, following such an example, might take such courses as they should thinke fittest for them.

Hee againe sent Colonell Spor with new donatives, and larger of∣fers, who though he used his best discretion in mannaging the affaire, yet was he as formerly entertained, onely with words and comple∣ments, so as he dispaired of effects: for the King being advertised of Walesteines proceedings, and how he intended to invade Saxony, which he had promised as a reward unto his Souldiers; and fearing lest the Elector being pursued by the Austrians, might finde some pretence to breake his word, and comply with the Emperour, (which would have beene much to his prejudice) was already parted from Bavaria, and was come with all his Army neere Nurenberg, resolving to set up∣on the Imperialists both Flanke and Back, when they should be enga∣ged in Misna or Saxony.

* 1.15The King marched on the eighth of Iune to Dunawert, with 8000 Horse, and 14000 Foot, 60 peece of Cannon, and with a well furnished Baggage, leaving the Mashall Bannier behinde him, who after the taking of Magdeburg, being retired into Swabenland waited upon the Bavarians, and did all he could to hinder their attempts, as likewise the attempts of other Souldiers that were raised in Tirroll; and he sent Duke Weimar towards Swabenland to take in Lindow, a considerable place upon Lake of Costantz, on the Confines of Helve∣tia and Tiroll, which being a Peninsula, and invironed with strong Bul∣warkes, and Wals after the moderne fashion, is accounted for one of strongest places in all Germany. This might have easily been effected, had not the designe been discovered; for Weymar having made 2000

of his Foot descend a steep and craggy mountaine, with hooks of yron underneath their feet to keep them from tumbling down, whilest they thought to have surprised the Towne, and have effected their designe, they found the Imperialists acquainted with their intentions, and with their weapons in their hands, by whom they were valiantly, and with their no little losse repulsed. Weymar perceiving this under∣taking to be vaine, faced about to Mimmingen, the chiefe Towne in Swabenland, numbred amongst the Hauns Townes in Germany, placed in a fruitfull Countrey, and watered by a little streame of Isler; and having brought his Army before it, and raised his batteries, the Gar∣rison and Citizens beleeving that they had done what became their loyalties, he got the Towne upon agreement that they should be suffe∣red to goe out with their Armes and baggadge, and their liberty of conscience to be preserved to them. By the winning of this place (though of no great moment) the Swedes were to receive great advan∣tage: for it being a very fruitfull Countrey, and therefore convenient to refresh their Army, not only by depriving the Austrians thereof, but by thereby accommodating themselves, it would be very beneficiall to them and prejudiciall to their enemies; and it fell out that by get∣ting footing in these parts, Wirtenberg being surrounded, the Duke thereof would easily be brought to an agreement with the Swedes, when he should see the Caesarians farre from him, whereby the profit would be considerable in respect of the taking in of Alsatia contiguous to this State.

Walesteine understanding the Kings removall, and fearing lest if he should advance further into Saxony, the King might easily hinder his return, or else reduce him upon some disadvantage to be undone by fa∣mine or by Battell, entertaining himselfe on this side the Elb, he mar∣ched towards Egra, aswell that he might joyne himselfe with the Duke of Bavaria, and together with him defend the upper Palatinat, and that part of Bohemia from being invaded by the Swedes, as to try some other enterprize, leaving Don Baltisar de Mafredas with 8000 souldi∣ers at Letomeritz, to hinder any alteration which in his absence Harnem might endeavour▪

Whilest these parties floated thus up and downe in Bohemia, the Landsgrave of Hessen opposing himselfe to Pappenhaime, some of his Troops had ill successe, for fighting with some other Caesarian Troops about Wolfembuttell; they were ill dealt withall, & the Landsgrave him∣self was forced to retire to Gottingen, a Town between the two Rivers of Ruma and Verra: whereupon Pappenheim making incursions even unto Northeim by the side of the River Helme, belonging to the jurisdiction of the County of Hobensteime, did without any obstacle make himselfe Master of the Castle, putting them that there kept it to the sword; whose example taught some Cities thereabouts, and amongst the rest, Gos••ar, a Towne standing neare the River Onnare, betwixt Halberstat, Hedelsein, and Lunenburg, to demand Garrisons of the Swedish Gene∣rals to secure themselves from the said Pappenheim; who wholly in∣tent upon the glory of Warre, and upon the Emperours service, with a great deale of boldnesse, though but with small Forces kept about the

circuit of the Rivers of W••sser and Elb, Provinces of great conside∣ration, for the interest of both parties: For many Ecclesiasticall Principalities lying therein, if for want of being sustained by the Austrians, they should fall into the Protestants hands, (to boote with the losse of a rich and opulent Countrey, whereby the way was ope∣ned to greater Conquests,) the enemies party growing stronger, and all the adjacent Protestant Princes and great men freed from the feare of the Emperours Forces, and discovering their dislike of the Papists, it would without doubt redound much to the prejudice of the Popish jurisdictions; for the Landsgraves Army being augmented by the forces of that Country, he being a spritful Prince & inclined to War, having in a short space either subdued the Ecclesiastickes of those parts, or brought them to a prejudiciall agreement, he would without any other impediment have brought his Army into the Emperours owne pa∣trimoniall Territories, and those of his confederates. Tod Marshall of the Field, who had raised the body of an Army in those parts for the Kings service, was not now idle for setting upon Boxtchude, which is seated upon the banks of that River not farre from the Elb, betwixt the State of Bremer, and the Dukedome of Lunenburg, and playing upon it incessantly with two Batteries, he in twelve dayes space brought the Imperiall Garrison which defended it, to parley, and to surrender the Towne, upon condition that they should march out with their Collours flying, Drums beating, and Matches lighted; yet the greatest part of them willingly entred themselves into the Kings service, who (as is usuall amongst mercinary men) intending their particular gaine had no regard unto their faith, nor honour, but thought to speed better under those (then fortunate) Collours, then under those of the Emperor, which were then successefull.

Whilest these things went thus on, Aldringer was informed of the Kings being marched towards the upper Palatinat, and of his going towards Nurenberg, wherefore in obedience to Walesteines orders he rose with his Army from before Ratisbone, that he might joyne with him, since any longer abode there might have made much to his pre∣judice: for the Swedes getting further footing in the Palatinate, and thereby hindring his joyning with Walesteine, and consequently in∣joyning the benefit of the Field, the Roman Catholiques would be removed from their attempt upon Nurenberg: moreover, since it behoved the Bavarians to tarry in their owne Territories beyond the Danube, for that the other part wanted Forradge, the Swedes might the easier prejudice the Imperiall Army; so as fearing lost he might be hindred in his march by the Swedes, he hastened his pace, coasting along Newcost, Amburg, and Weiden, places walled about after the ancient manner, yet chiefe Townes in the upper Palatinat.

The King being come to Nurenberg, and hearing that Aldringer was come to Weiden, and that Walesteine was comming thitherwards, thought it were fitting to hinder the joyning of their Forces: the which if he should chance to doe, staying on the one side, the Empe∣rours Army upon the Frontiers of Bohemia, Bavaria being on the other side confined to the Danube, He himselfe by reason of the open

passages to Nurenberg, receiving fit provisions for his incamping, (which would be wanting to Walesteine and Bavaria, who were shut up in narrow bounds) he to the great dammage of the Romanists, and good of his owne men, would make good his station, diverted Wale∣steines intentions, and have facilitated the enterprises of his other Commanders, dispersed in the neighbouring Provinces. He there∣fore went in person with his Horse to Anspach (a Towne in the Pala∣tinat walled about with old wals, belonging to the Count of that name) and sent some Troops of Horse too within sight of Weiden, but to no purpose; for the Commanders of the Roman-Catholique League having some notice of it, and fearing lest the joyning of their Forces formerly agreed upon, might be hindered by the Swedes, they sounded the Sourdet, and that very night went in haste towards Egra, where they thought to meet with Walesteines Army. The Swedes could not march so fast, as to come up to the Romanists, for it behoved them to march circumspectly, lest they might fall into the Imperialists am∣bushes, who were already increased by some Regiments of Horse: and lest all these retiring themselves towards the grosse of Walesteines Army, should have leasure to joyne together, and force the King to retreat, all that succeeded herein, was some incounters between the Crabats, and some Troopes of the Swedish Horse, wherein the Swedes had the worst.

Walesteine being now come to Egra, and certified of the Kings pro∣ceedings, whereby he foresaw his designes, seeing withall the Bavari∣an Army neer at hand: and Elnbogen having surrendred it selfe for want of Munition, to Holca, sent that very night his Horse to backe the Bavarians, and was himselfe by the breake of day on the 18^th of Iune at Lutitz,* 1.16 a Towne upon the Confines of the upper Palatinat, not farre from Egra; where meeting with his Highnesse of Bavaria, ma∣ny complements past between them, (though Walesteines countenance agreed not with his heart, which agitated with intestive passion, with the ashes of simulation, hid that fire which hatched in his minde an unextinguishable combustion to the interest of that Prince.)

The King not being able to hinder the joyning of the Romanists Armies, nor yet to relieve Elnbogen, withdrew himselfe under Nuren∣berg, (one of the chiefe and richest Cities of the Empire,) which ly∣ing as it were in the bosome of Germany, between Franconia, the Pala∣tinat, and Swabenland, having the River Pegnits running through it, o∣ver which there are many Bridges built, joyning the two sides of the City in an opulent Country, invironed every where about with fruit∣full territories, abounds very much with all things requisite for hu∣mane sustenance; and is so populous by reason of the multiplicity of handycrafts, which are in better perfection there, then elsewhere, as it is not out-done by any other City in Germany. Nurenberg is eight miles in compasse, and is doubly walled and ditched, according to the ancient mode; the government thereof is Aristocraticall, the Se∣nat thereof being composed of 24 ancient Families, out of which 26 are chosen who governe. This Towne made much for the Kings advantage, for he received from thence continuall refreshments, and

Ammunition for his Army, and berest the Imperialists of their as∣sistance, as likewise he thereby kept himselfe from the hazard of a Battaile, with fresh and numerous men, and did also preserve that communalty from the Austrians resolution, of giving it in prey unto the Souldier, and serving it with the same sawce as they had done Magdeburg; and if this prime Towne, and divers of the rest, had seen themselves abandoned, they would soone have indeavoured a re∣concilement with the Emperour, changing their love of the Swedes into hatred; since the friendship and correspondency of Princes, and more particularly of Republiques indure no longer, then their owne requisite interest indures, and their hopes that by the friendship of others they may advantage themselves, and fence themselves from be∣ing injured by the more potent. There were some notwithstanding who were capable of reason, that thought the King did this to detaine the Romanists Army, and make them perish for hunger, in a Country unpeopled, and rendred waste; and the rather for that a contagious disease broke forth amongst them, called the Hungarian disease, which being begot in the Emperours Army, was no small dammage unto them, which would not onely have been very advantagious to the King, he having already had sufficient Provisions from the City: But that which was thought to be the basis of this affaire was, the fa∣cilitating the Duke of Weymars affaires at this time in Swabenland and Tiroll, and the like of Gustavus Horne in Alsatia, and of other Com∣manders elsewere; to hinder whose proceedings Walesteine must have much dismembred his Army, or else quitting his resolution of win∣ning Nurenburg, turne himselfe thither where he thought his Masters dominions stood in most need of defence, or else leave those Provin∣ces to their fortune, and to the Swedish Armies. The King began then to fortifie his Camp in so advantagious a place, as that nothing could be thereby judged, but that he meant to keep within those rampiers some time; there were some others, notwithstanding who thinking they knew the Kings minde, were of opinion, that he did this to the end he might play a safe game, and not hazard all that he had wonne with so much labour and expence of so much time upon one daies for∣tune; and that his ends were to keep Walesteine all the summer about that Towne, and his new men in continuall sufferings, they not be∣ing accustomed to hunger, against which they could not be provided so easily as they desired, being so farre from those opulent Countries; and then in the midst of winter to endammage them more by the hardnesse of the season, (which the Swedes could better indure being bred up in the most frozen Northerne parts) and the incommodity of their incamping, then by his sword. But the truth was, that the King not believing a beaten Army could like Antaus grow the stronger, thought that being herein deceaved, he might meet with the like difficulties in the sequell; and finding himselfe amisse in his o∣pinion, which he maintained against those who had told him, that Walesteine had given order for an appearance in the field with 40000 Souldiers; after this experiment he was heard to say, that the house of Austria was so mighty a monarchy, as that he himselfe had seen that

effected by it, which he thought had been impossible

Walesteine having spoken with the Duke of Bavaria, and their Forces being united, (after many consultations held how they were to behave themselves in the future Battaile) being informed of the Kings approach neer Nurenberg, and of the deep Trench wherewith he had fortifyed his Army, they thought that to be true which they had been told by many, to wit, that the Swedes being very weak, durst no more scoure the Country over as they had wont; and thinking that by their numerous Army▪ they might be able on all sides to invi∣ron the Swedes, and to hinder their succours from Franconia, Swaben∣land, and Saxony, (bringing them consequently to the point of not on∣ly fa••ishing their men, but of destroying their horses (wherein their greatest strength consisted) by hindering them of forrage they all a∣greed to march towards them. They therefore raised their Tents from the quarters they had taken up, and in good order marched towards Neuburg, a walled Towne seated upon the bankes of the Ri∣ver Schwartza, belonging to the jurisdiction of the upper Palatinat, and from thence to Neumarck, a Towne of the said Province seated upon the Sultz, and lastly too within sight of Nurenberg.

The Imperialists Army being come to Freistat, Walesteine made there a generall Muster, where were found 314 Cornets of Horse, 210 Ensignes of Foot, 70 piece of Cannon, and 4000 well furnisht Wagons. His Highnesse of Bavaria, and Aldringer marched in the Van; the Battaile fell to Gallusse his share, and Walesteine brought up the Rear; in which order they marched too within sight of the City, scouring the Country with their Crabats and Dragoons; the Imperi∣alists were saluted with above 600 Cannon-shot from the Swedes, who made divers sallies out upon them, but came alwayes off with losse; for the Austrians Horse behaved themselves so gallantly, as that the Swedes durst not almost stirre out any more from their Trenches, so as it was impossible to hinder the Romanists from making their Trenches, which were in short time perfected, and wherein were lodged their Horse and Foot.

But it must not be omitted, that as the Imperialists marched from Neumar••k to Freistat, Walesteine being in the Reare, as hee marched through a wood, between these two Townes in his Coach, 'twas said a Harquebusse was discharged at him, which hit behinde the Coach, but did not hurt him: this accident though very considerable, was busht up, and no inquiry made into it; but the little that was known thereof, fell from the mouth of Tersica, who shared in the danger, and from those that followed the Coach, who said that this was a plot of some of his enemies, so to kill him, whose life was a dangerous rocke to their designes; but those that understood more were of dif∣fering opinions, some said it was a chance-shot, made by some of his owne Souldiers, who discharging their Muskets for pleasure, doe many times without thinking of it, shoot one another, and this was the likelyest to be true; others conceived this to be a piece of Walesteines cunning, to make the Court of Vienna believe, he ran great danger for serving the Emperour faithfully, and thereby to inhance

his merit with his Master, and to exalt his owne fame, which might appeare to be so much the greater in being attempted against; others (and with more appearance of reason) thought this report to be false, and spread abroad onely to know what men thought of him; for Walesteine was therein very inquisitive, and would often afford discourse thereof to others.

Whil'st the Imperialists labour to strengthen their Camp, the King kept within his Trenches; making notwithstanding continuall excursions with his Horse, and skirmishes, to know the Caesarians pro∣ceedings; who haulting here, pitched their Camp in sight of the e∣nemy, with whom they had divers actions, wherein sometimes the one, sometimes the other had the better. The Imperialists took divers Villages wherein they quartered part of their Horse, sacking many Townes formerly forsaken by the Inhabitants; for upon the newes of the Caesarians march, every country-fellow provided for his safety; amongst the rest Allerspurg, a Towne neere Freistat, was insolently visited by some Troopes of Hungarian Horse, a Nation more severe and lesse compassionate then many others; yet were they requited for their extortions; for being closely pursued by 2000 Swedish Horse, about 200 of them were slaine, and some of them who were taken prisoners for the reward of their barbarousnesse were paid with the Gallowes.

Plundering, Ambushes, and beating up of Quarters, was dayly used by both these Armies; when the King seeing how much he was molested by the frequent incursions of the Crabats, (whom Walesteine had commanded to disturbe the Swedish Camp, by giving them con∣tinuall alarums, that so they might weary out the Swedish Horse,) which being armed and kept in continuall motion, did with little ad∣vantage consume away of themselves: for when the Swedes came forth to Charge them, they having their Horses ready saved themselves by flight; the King, I say, much incensed at these people, by whom his Camp was more incommodated then by all the rest, resolved to use what possible diligence he could to rid himselfe of this trouble. Hee commanded therefore that the out-guards should be re-inforced with fresh Horse, and that amongst these many Dragoons and Musketiers should be mingled, who lying in fit ambushes should waite the com∣ming of the Crabats; and when they were within Musket-shot, give fire upon them, and that then the Horse-Squadrons opening should inviron them, this was more then once done to good purpose, so as the Kings quarters were not so much troubled, for the Crabats being thus aware of their too much forwardnesse, were not so apt to let loose their horse reynes.

These Dragoones are Musketiers on horse-back, who are pick't out men, strong, and couragious; for the continuall duties which they are put unto, requires they should be such; their office is to backe the grosse body of the Horse, and upon occasion to light from horse∣backe, possesse themselves of the most advantagious places, and play upon the enemy with their Muskets, which if they shall not be able to doe, they getting on horseback may easily retire themselves to the

grosse of their Army; these are sent upon convoyes, are imployed in making of ambushes speedily, in surprising fitting passes, in cleering waies, assailing Forts, and in doing all things which are requisite in the mannaging of Armes; they for the most part serve with Foot Mus∣kets; they carry their match lighted tyed to a cloven sticke, which is fastened to the headstall of their horse; they have short swords, and a little Axe hanging at their girdles to cut wood, break downe Pallisa∣does, and to do other occurrences: this is a new sort of Militia, and of late usage in the last warres of Bohemia and Germany, and the ef∣fect hath shewed it to be of great use: some will have Ernestus Count Mansfeild to be the first inventer thereof, who fighting against the Emperour, (being an exile) and having no permanent place of safe∣ty, horst his Foot, that he might the more readily march whither hee would.

Walesteine being advertised that some Carriages of Ammunition were comming from Herbipoli to the Kings Camp, not thinking it fit to let them passe, resolved to bereave the enemy of this supply, and to relieve his owne men therewithall; hee gave the charge hereof to Colonell Spor, one much verst in warre, to whom he to that purpose allotted some Regiments of Curassiers, Dragoones, and Crabats. This, Spor put readily in execution, chasing some scouts backe to the King, taking some prisoners, and others saved themselves from the Imperialists in the woods. Spor not knowing that any of them were fled away, for the wary prisoners affirmed unanimously that there was no more in their company, pursued the enterprise, and ordered his ambush, weighting for the comming of the Swedes; but the King having advertisement hereof, presently doubled his ambush, which Spor was not aware of, so as he was retiring to his quarters (for seeing no more Swedes appeare, he feared they had had information) he sell upon the Kings ambush, which handled him very sorely, few of his men escaping away by flight, he himselfe being taken Prisoner, and the Marquesse of Gonsagas Regiment (who valiantly maintained the brunt) had much adoe to retreat. Issolani (he who by continuall and briske skirmishes afflicted the Swedes, (whereby he had not onely wonne credit to that Nation, which was therefore tearmed the Swedes scourge, but advantaged himselfe thereby, (for Walesteine (who was a bountifull Prince, and prodigall to brave and couragious Souldiers) had presented him with 4000 Dollers, and a gallant horse) knowing that the Kings new way of waging warre had prejudiced their fencing, and being much incensed at the routing of his Hungarians at Aller∣spurg, at the late businesse of Spor, and in other incounters.) went with 1000 Horse into the fields, and resolutely fell upon some of the Kings Squadrons, broke them, kill'd about 300 of them, and much to his content, brought Walesteine two of the enenies Horse••Stan∣derds; and (for that reward given by the Prince unto the Souldier is a great provocation to good service, and the true bond whereby to keep fast the obsequious affection of Commanders) he was brought to the quarters of Gount Michenea, Commissary-generall of the Cae¦sarian Army, to be congratulated (according to the German fashion)

by viands and wine for this his service: where passing from healths to play, he lost well nigh all the reward given him by Walesteine, when during his play he was againe presented by Walesteine with 2000 whereupon being restored to what he had lost, and leaving play, hee immediatly went to Court, where being told by the Generall, that a Convoy of the enemies were upon their march from Erbipoli, hee without replying (for Walesteine loved to be so dealt withall) lept in∣to his saddle, went towards them, and meeting with the enemies Horse, after a fight stoutly made good by both sides, the Crabats at last prevailed, & having slaine about 200 Swedes, hurt many others, and ta∣ken many prisoners, they came backe to their quarters, with three Cornets, where meat was provided for those Souldiers, whereby they were well refreshed, who were before well-nigh famished.

I thought good to commemorate this act of Walesteines liberallity, to the end that by his example, it may be knowne of what force a Ge∣nerals generosity is with his Souldiers, and that though Walesteine was held for strangely extravagant, insomuch as many thought all his actions had a tang of madnesse, yet for what belonged to a Worthy, he was a man of most eminent vertue: all his actions leaned upon the deepest mysteries of experimentall policy, upon which occasions me-thinkes I should not omit any thing, though if I should relate all, my story would be nothing but the recounting of his magnanimous acts. He was prodigall in his rewards, and severe in his punishments; and as his gifts did alwayes exceed thousands of Crownes, so were his punishments seldome or never lesse then death: He who thought himselfe to be no ordinary Prince, and to have a more then generous heart, neither knew how, neither would reward vertue and fidelity with small recompence, and therefore he had wont to say,

that the worth and service of a Souldier was to be esteemed so great and ac∣ceptable, by how great the price was wherewith it was recompen∣ced; and by how great estimation was put thereon; and that he that thought to be served good cheap, had but cheap service done him; for the reward of a thing ought to be answerable to the worth there∣of.

Vertue was therefore cherished and much made of in his Court, insomuch as every one indeavoured to go thither fraughted there∣withall, as much as he could; just as Merchants doe, who carry their merchandise thither where they have the best vent; and therefore he never rewarded any man poorly; and herein I must not forget an act of magnificence used by him to an Astrologer. Walesteine was so gi∣ven to affect judiciall Astrology, as that he governed all his actions, as if it were by the influence thereof; undertaking businesse then, when he seemed to be seconded by propitious Starres, and forbearing any action when he discovered an averse constellation; and imploy∣ing onely such in the charge of his Army, at whose nativity the Pla∣nets seemed to be well inclined, and to whom they promised good for∣tune in warre. He being informed that there was a Genovesse in Vienna, named Iohn Baptista Seni, a professor in that learning, who had foretold many things that had accordingly succeeded, sent Iohn Peroni (a Flo∣rentine, who was very inward with him) to bring him to his service,

which hee did agreeing with him for a pension of 25 Duckets a Month, at which Walestein being offended, he sharply reprehended the said Peroni, for having brought a vertuous or man of worth, to serve him for so small wages,

saying, you Florentines had best exercise those your good husbandries with Italians, and not with me; who abhor to have the learned at so cheap a rate.

So great a friend was hee to unaccustomed greatnesse; hee gave order hee should have forth∣with paid unto him for his journy, (which was but ten Dutch Leagues) 400 Dollers, and that he should be furnished with a Coach and six Horses, and gave unto him a stipend of 2000 Crownes a year to be paid him before hand, his Coach and all other requisites being maintained to his hand. He so inamored all men with these his mag∣nanimous actions, as it was noted he had got unto him the most fa∣mous men in all sciences that our age produced: and many a privat Souldier for doing some one remarkable act, hath been by him in one day preferred to a Captaines place, and they have had monies assigned unto them sufficient to maintaine them in that dignity; wherby hee did not onely make those observant of him, who were so raised by him, but did by their examples attract others out of hopes of faring alike; so as all his Souldiers strove who should most please him, by their worthes and valours, not by flatteries, and other indirect meanes, whereby the good will of many in these corrupt times are wonne. By equall rewarding valour he allayd the pretensions of such as were of great birth, wonne the good will of the people, and ma∣king those his favourites who had particular dependency upon him, he made himselfe be the more reverenced, and bridled the ambition of great personages; for to conferre favours onely upon such as are nobly discended, makes the meaner sort dispaire.

To this purpose he had wont to say, that worth and vallour did not consist in a spruce-beard, in a well-ordered head of haire, nor yet in titles of birth and greatnesse, but in a dauntlesse spirit and ready hand.

Hee perfe∣ctly detested Ceremonies and feigned Complements, too much used now adayes in Courts: and therefore he had wont to laugh at those who would bow too low and cringe unto him, and mocking them would say,

this would do well at Rome, where a man may catch a cold with standing an houre bareheaded with his hat in his hand, up∣on Indeed Sir it shall be yours.

Hee also liked not many words u∣sed by Lords or other novices in warre, in the proffering of their ser∣vice, insomuch as at last he denyed to give audience to any such; let∣ting them know that valiant and faithfull actions, were the meanes whereby to please a Prince, and that thererefore in their service they shoud testifie their valour, which would be the most pleasing vi∣sit they could make to him: yet failed he not to make his Officers welcome all forreigne Cavaliers with much civillity, and to reward their good service. Neither did he this so much for the aforesaid rea∣sons, as for that he very well knew how great an enemy familiarity is to respect, and particularly in his case, who having formerly had much acquaintance and many comerades, who thought themselves therein now to be happy, he could not but say,

that domesticke∣nesse

cancelling respect, did detract from the splendor of his place, and from such observance as his eminency required: and that he had rather his commands should be observed by his Officers, as Counsels, then as orders of his power.

He severely punished e∣very least default, which though it got him the name of cruell, yet he valued it not,

saying, this was the true way not to mischiefe his men; for he who saw a small fault punisht, would the more appre∣hend the punishment of a greater; and this feare becomming the rudder whereby the ship of their actions was steered, kept the course therof streight upon the Haven of obedience and of their Ma∣sters favour:

he caused one that waited on him in his Chamber to be hang'd for waking him contrary to his order; he banished a Souldier out of his Army for having no bootes on: this his severity seemed to many to be tyrannicall, and barbarous cruelty, but in the hidden se∣crets of his maximes 'twas found to be a discreet piece of wisedome: for such events were the Trumpets which banish't Cowards from his Camp, and was so wholsome an electuary to the fearefull, as many lest they should meet with death through their owne negligence, be∣came hardy, and one feare drove out another: yet did he moderate this bitternesse of his government by the sweet of his rewards, of the which he was as liberall, as he was pro∣digall of punishment.

The end of the third Book.

Notes

• * 1.1

  LIB. 3. 1632.
• * 1.2

  1632.
• * 1.3

  Ianuary.
• * 1.4

  Ianuary.
• * 1.5

  February.
• * 1.6

  March.
• * 1.7

  March, 22.
• * 1.8

  May.
• * 1.9

  April.
• * 1.10

  April. 10.
• * 1.11

  April 20.
• * 1.12

  February.
• * 1.13

  May.
• * 1.14

  May.
• * 1.15

  Iune. 8.
• * 1.16

  Iune. 18.