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.

THE greatest testimony of fidelity which Minister can give, is to renounce his own Interests, for the glory of his Master. One cannot doubt but that he was obliged to hazard his Fortunes for his service, seeing that he gave it him, but not his blond and life too. However as there are no stronger or more natural in∣clinations, then those which carry a man to love that which concerneth him, so he could not give more certain proofs of the true passion which he had for his Prince, the to prefer the Glory of his Crown, of his Power, before all the advantages which he hath received from Fortune. But as this is the best Touch-stone by which one can judge of the sincerity of his Affections; so one is obliged to esteem him so much the more after the shewing of such a proof: for this true affection is a rare thing in the Courts of Kings. Every one sacrificeth to his own Interests: Great∣ness is honoured with so much esteem, that no one but stoops to it, and abando∣neth all things to attain it. Whatever obligation there is to love Kings, yet they are the men, who have the fewest true friends, and if their service bring the least pre∣judice to any man's Fortunes, they will soon find themselves deserted. They are ordinarily loved as the Sun, with which one is glad to be enlightned, so long as his

light and influences are favourable, but shuts too the Dores and Windows, not so much as to see him, if his heat (as in Summer) doth but a little incommodate or trouble one.