Arcana aulica, or, Walsingham's manual of prudential maxims for the states-man and courtier : to which is added Fragmenta regalia, or, Observations on Queen Elizabeth, her times and favorites / by Sir Robert Naunton.

CHAP. XXV.

The Causes, Kinds, and Examples of Conspiracies with the Prince's Enemies.

YEt their Condition is, of all other, most Hazardous and Ticklish, who led either by Avarice, Ambition, or Desire of Providing for their own Security, do Conspire with the Prince's Enemies; whether they be either Strangers or Domesticks. Cardinal Balaeus, a Taylor's son, being by Lewis the Eleventh, made his Treasurer, and afterward a Bishop, at last also by the King's intercession, and the Pope's willingness, to oblige one that had been so sharp an Adversary unto him was promoted to the Dignity of Cardinal: But afterwards being Convicted of a Conspiracy with the King's Enemies, he was sent to the Tower of Loches, where he dwelt twelve years un∣til Sixtus Quintus by great Intreaties, and much Ado, procured his Release. For the like crime, the Cardinal of Prata under∣went the like punishment, in the Reign of Francis the Fifth; and had never, perhaps, got his Liberty, had he not deceived his Physicians with an opinion of the Strangury, by drinking his Ʋrine: When the King fear∣ing the anger of the Pope, if consumed with

that disease, a Cardinal should die in Prison, Dismist him. Petrus de Vineis, a chief Coun∣sellour of the Emperour, Frederick the Se∣cond, being Suspected of Intelligence with Pope Alexander third, the Emperour's Ene∣my, lost his Eyes.

Not only designs of Ʋsurping the Empire of the East, but also Private Intercourse be∣twixt him and Alaricus, King of the Goths, are believed to have caused Stilico's death: Which that shameful Peace he made with the same Alaricus, against the will of the Senate, seems to confirm; Lampadius (who always disclaimed it) calling it not a Peace, but a Contract of slavery; whereby the Em∣perour was obliged to pay Tribute to Barba∣rians.