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.

Politique Observation.

VVHen it happeneth as oftentimes it doth, that Ministers are to redresse the disorders committed by Grandees, who are persons tenderly to be dealt withal, they ought to follow the example of the wise Pilot, who though the Wind be contrary, yet he so ordereth his Sails by turning and winding too and fro, that he neverthelesse goeth on in his voyage. It is with them as with Mettals, the no∣blest are the most flexible, and if they want discretion and addresse to bend and comply, when occasion is, they will be sure to meet with enemies, who will stick upon their skirts. If there be any Ulcer in their minds, they must never open it with Iron, unlesse there be first of all some soft cotten tied about it, though in a case of extremity, I must confesse, they are bound to make use of fire and Rasors to cut and burn out that which corrodeth within them, or grateth without them. Great freedom of speaking the naked truth, is not proper in a Court, or amongst Gran∣dees, with whom all kinds of devices and Artifices are to be used for the disguising of it; nay some, disguise it how you will, do not willingly love to hear it. The respect which is paid unto them in this kind, is not so much a bare complaisance or simple submission, as an effect of a good judgement, which knoweth that their dis∣content

doth often raise great broils in the State, which by this means are prevented, because it keepeth them from anger, and allayeth any of their heats and emotions. When Ministers are, as oftentimes it happeneth to treat with Women, who are persons of quality and concernment in affairs, they ought to remember there is no way to satisfie them, but by doing whatever they desire good or bad, their Souls being uncapable of bearing a denial, how just and reasonable soever, when as they are once bent upon it; wherefore it is not safe to discommend their Proceedings, unlesse they have a mind to have their eyes scratched out. But at last Prudence doth oblige them to do that which is fittest and most proper to be done; so that having once done that which is just and reasonable, they ought to sit still and leave the rest to Gods Providence, who is the King of Kings, and Governour of all Kingdomes.