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.

IT is great Prudence in a Minister of State, having once discovered that the de∣signs of a Forraign Prince, are to foment and support Revolts in his State, to cause an enemy to encounter him, that being a most infallible way to break his resolutions; for most certain it is, every one will sooner bestir himself to quench the fire which burneth his own house, then to kindle a fire in his neighbours. Pre∣vention, and Diversion, are too great advantages in War (saith Alphonsus de Arragon) thus did the Syracusians, procure the Lacedemonians to invade the Athenlans, whereby they might prevent their sending of succors to Nice in Sicily: Thus Hannibal advised An••iochus to go and Forrage the country of Philip; to the end, that finding new work for his Forces, he might be disabled from sending them to the Romans to fight against him; and thus Avitus a Roman Captain, invaded the Country of Tentari, to hinder them from assisting the Ansibarians with their Forces. To provide great Armies for the defence of a State, and for the suppressing of an insurrection, is not all, no, there ought to be prudence, and discretion in the management of affairs, and to make a strong diversion, is as necessary as to fight well: Besides, Prudence is of so much the more advantage, in regard by such di∣versions it weakneth those who revolt, reduceth them to exigencies, and inability of doing any thing considerable; and in fine, maketh them easie to be overcome, wheras without it, it would be a hard matter to secure any thing from their violence.