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.

Concerning the Appanages of the Princes of the Blond.

IT is very dangerous to allot any chief Provinces for Appanage to the Princes of the Blond. Their Birth renders them great enough, neither need they any additions of Honour, especially such which may serve them to make revolts, which commonly draw their ruine with them, if their Kings rule as they ought to do. If they demand them for security, they may be answered, that they ought to expect none, but from their own obedience, and their Kings bounty. Their weakness is

the Kings strength, neither can they increase, but his must diminish. He who in∣trusteth them with power, raiseth a dangerous enemy against himself. The Sun is but one, and all the Stars receive their light from him; yet upon condition that he may at his pleasure deprive them again of that splendour; just so is it with Princes, their greatnesse proceedeth from the King, and he may despoil them of all their ho∣nour in a moment if once they recede from the due respect they owe unto him. The Riches which he bestoweth on them, are for the discharging of those expences which are proper for persons of their eminency, not for the upholding of Factions, and abetting of Revolts. What advantage did Charles of France take in Normandy, (given to him for Appanage) towards making a War against Lewis the Ele∣venth his Brother? And the States assembled at the same time at Tours, did much admire his Majesty would so give it to him, but advised him to recall it, and grant him onely an Annual Revenue, some in Lands and some in Pension, in lieu of his Appanage. Who did ever bring into so many eminent dangers, as the Appanages of Berry and Bourgogne? Were not these two Provinces the retreats of all discon∣tents? Were not the Courts of those two Dukes, the Forges where all the Thun∣derbolts that were afterwards thrown about the Kingdom were formed and contri∣ved? Were not there the springs of all dissentions, discontents, and civil wars? And were not they the persons who brought in the Kings of England, and Dukes of Bri∣tain, onely to favour the designs of their Ambition?

Notes

• Revenues for life only, the remainder being in the Crown.