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.

REvolts are the most dangerous Convulsions in a State, and as in mans body there are Symptoms which are as so many Prognosticks, to tell us the event of them, so those of States are most commonly accompanied with certain circum∣stances, which give a just cause to fear, lest they may end in the ruine of the King∣domes,

where they are first born, without present remedy to prevent it. The wise Pilot when he fore-sees any storms, as usually he doth, by some secret Winds, and I know not what tremblings upon the surface of the Waters, provideth himself against they happen; and a wise Minister, discovering by a revolt, such signs which may make him suspect their consequence ought no longer to defer the imploying of his utmost power, to divert those mis-fortunes which are threatned. Now among ••ll such Prognostications, none are more apparently evident then manifest Decla∣••ations, unlawfull Assemblies, Levies of men, keeping of watch in Towns and Ci∣••ies against their natural Prince. For these things are indeed the fore-runners of ••aying aside all respect and duty; and in some sence the dividing their Kings Autho∣rity and his Kingdom too. These are manifest Symptomes of a mortal disease which threatneth the State.

Now as a wise Physitian when once he discovers in his Patient any one, or more signs of death, doth no longer delay his applying of all necessary preventions. So a Minister when he finds any people either resolved or inclined to it, is obliged to make use of his masters forces to prevent it, and allay such storms in their first growth, which if delayed would perchance in danger the whole structure. In such occasions, he ought to use an extraordinary diligence; for if vigilance and care be necessary in such enterprises as are made abroad, much more is it in those nearer home; especially when it concerneth the keeping of a people (inclined to Rebel) within the limits of their duty. By this means was it, that Alexander prevented that general insurrection which was intended in Greece; for he appeared there in the head of his Army, before there was a word heard of his being upon his march. And how much recommended was that vigilance of Rhodoginus King of the Persi∣ans, who being one day told whilest he was washing of his head, of a certain re∣bellion newly began amongst his people, had not the patience to sit until he had made an end; but tying up his hair, mounted on horse-back to go and take care about it, well knowing that Rebellion is like a Viper, easily killed in the Birth; but much more difficultly overcome, if let alone until it gain force and strength.