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.

A fight wherein the French were worsted by the Spaniards.

FOrtune (like the Sun, never at high noon, but soon after sets,) was not con∣tented after so many glorious victories, obtained in Savoy and Piedmont, to afflict his Majesty, with the sickness in his Army, but would add to it the trouble of causing him to see the losse of the Duke of Mantua's Chief Town. Those prepara∣tions of War, which were made in the beginning of the year with so much pru∣dence, had not so happy a success as was expected. Colalte assisted by a confident of the Duke of Savoy, and by Panigaole in the behalf of Spinola being incouraged by the Spaniards, was not wanting to urge the Emperor, for the obtaining of some

new Troops, and to assure him of the taking of Mantua before the end of the Som∣mer, which being granted he appeared in the head of a strong Army, which had given him the means of attempting any thing he would in Italy, had he not met with the Venetians Army in front of him; who though they had not the Glory to overcome him, had however the power to impede the course of his designs. It was not long before these two Armies met at Villebone, but the Venetians not being disciplined to War, gave ground, so that only the French, the Corses and Capelets continued the fight, their courage carrying them on, to resolve to perish in that incounter, in which the smalnesse of the number, to which they were reduced, did not give them any hopes of overcoming; only they would not loose their reputa∣tion by a shameful flight; so the most part were taken, kild, or wounded, so much did the heat of their courages ingage them: They had doubtlesse had a happier success, had they been seconded by the Venetians though never so few; who not being accu∣stomed to fight, were dazled with the brightness of the Arms, and affrighted with the noise of the musquet shot.