The history of the government of France, under the administration of the great Armand du Plessis, Cardinall and Duke of Richlieu, and chief minister of state in that kingdome wherein occur many important negotiations relating to most part of Christendome in his time : with politique observations upon the chapters / translated out of French by J.D. Esq.

Intreagues of the English Embassadour with some Ladies of the Court, dis∣covered by the Cardinal.

THe great Delays which were used in the Court of Rome, in the procuring of the dispense for the Marriage, forced the English Embassadour to a long stay in France. Now whether it were for diversion, or to make any advantage by their stay, they strook into acquaintance with certain Ladies, under pretence of Gallant∣ry; but indeed that they might dive into the particular Affairs of France, and to get into the Power of such who were able to make Intreagues, that they might do something as occasion should serve for their Masters advantage. Their meetings were so frequent, that it gave a cause of suspicion; especially to those who were not ignorant, that Women do neither want Craft or Malice in their Souls, to raise

Factions and foment them. There were many entertainments made at the Court, to serve for a pretext to their interviews. It was well known, that there had been divers Essays made, to gain such persons as were near to those Ladies, and had some share in their beleef, and withall, some small beginnings of discontent; insomuch, that the King was acquainted with it, and concern'd to redress it by removing some of those Ladies further of, amongst others, the Dame de Vervet was one, and to fore-see that, the excesse of their conservation might not produce other effects, then those of Gallantries. But as they verily beleeved the Cardinal, to have been the Promoter of his Majesties resolution in that thing, so they conceived so great a ha∣tred against him, that they had much ado, to be induced to pardon him, though hee did not for his part much trouble himself at it, for that he onely acted for the service of his King, and the good of the State.