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.

Monsieur arriveth at Bruxels.

THe Duke of Lorrain was not a little happy in having obtained his Peace from the King's Bounty, neither was the Cardinal a little extolled for having setled Peace between the Churchmen of the Kingdom: But the sky cannot long continue without clouds, neither can a Peace be so established, as that no troubles should at any time arise, which now fell out accordingly: For Monsieur having resolv'd to go unto Bruxels, began to prepare himself for his journey, that he might make sure of those Forces which the Spaniards had promised unto the Sieur de Puy-Lau∣zens towards the invading of France, and there to conclude with them that course it were best to steer. Monsieur at his departure from Nancy, made a small days journey unto Remiremont, where the Princess Marguerite then was, that he might satisfie the passion which is incident upon new Marriages; From thence he went unto Besançon, whence after a short repose he went towards Bruxels by Luxem∣bourg. Passing by Thionville, he left Coigneux and Monsigot behind him, having taken his Seals from the former, and delivered his Pen unto Guillemi•• in place of the second. I may not omit to observe that the discredit of these two persons was but the effect of Puy-Laurens displeasure, conceiv'd against them for their boldess in informing Monsieur with reasons to divert him from the marriage, whereunto he had alwaies inclined him: for from that time he put an hundred several tricks upon them; and such was his Love and Ambition, that he could not endure the sight of any one in the House, who durst contradict his Will and Pleasure. The Infanta hearing that Monsieur was drawing near unto Bruxelles, gave order for his reception according to his Quality: At his coming he was entertained not only with great honour by her Highness, but from the Spaniards too, who finding him inclined to interest himself in their designs, endeavoured to give all imaginable content. Monsieur made his entrance on the 28. of January, attended with two hundred Horse. The Marabel received him in the King of Spain's name. The Marquis de Sainte Croix, with all the Officers and Nobility of Flanders, met him a league from Bruxels, with a Troop of Gentlemen before them, armed from head to foot: All the Companies of the City came to salute him; Briefly they did him all the same Honours as had been shewed to the Queen his Mother; He dismount∣ed at the Infantas Palace before he visited the Queen; She received him with those Civilities and Favours which are inherent in her, and those so obligingly, that they

were extraordinary great in persons of her age. She came to meet him at the first Hall, where she intended him his audience, and presently told him she was very sorry there should be any quarrel between them at their first interview, because he had come to visit her before the Queen his Mother: Whereunto Monsieur reply∣ed very handsomly, that he should more easily give her satisfaction as to that Quar∣rel, then for the great obligations which he owed unto her: After some other Ci∣vilities, she lead him into a Hall, where were the Grandees of Spain, together with the Knights of the Golden Fleece, who saluted him, being all bare, himself being likewise uncovered some little time: After which Monsieur and her Highness seated themselves in chairs provided for that purpose, th' Infanta in that on the left hand, and Monsieur on the right; where after half an hours entertainment, Mon∣sieur desired leave to kiss the Ladies, who were all placed as if it had been at a Ball, This complement pass'd over, he went to visit the Queen his Mother, who consi∣dering him as the person who should vindicate her quarrel, force his Majesty to banish the Cardinal from the Court, and establish her in her former power in France, received him with all the testimonies of joy and gladness, though she for∣bore to discover all her thoughts, the better to hide the intelligence and agreement between them. The Infanta defrayed all his expences until the 17. of May, when he departed from Bruxels, and took great care that he might pass away his time with all sorts of diversions, both within door, and abroad; which recreations were somtimes interrupted by the jealousies and quarrels hapning between those of her Court, and the Queen-Mothers.