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.

The Princesse Marguerite leaveth Nancy, and go••th to Bruxels.

THough the Cardinal de Lorrain had assured his Majesty that the Princesse Marguerite was in his disposal; yet it was well known that the Princesse de Falsbourg her sister, unable to indure the Propositions of delivering her into his Majesties hands, in order to the nulling of her marriage by Law, had found an invention to save her, which she had made use of with the better effect, in regard Ambition and Love make all things feasible to women. It was known that she had habited her self like a Cavalier with Boots and Spurs, well horsed; and in this equipage she left Nancy, about four of the clock in the morning, attended by a Gentleman, named Davise, who had heretofore belonged to Madam de Remire∣mont, together with two others, that she pass'd through divers Sentinels, and that at last being stopp'd by one, Davise made him beleeve that they related to the Marquesse de St Chaumont, and that by this means she had got thirteen Leagues on horseback; that meeting with certain Swedish Troops, she had been compell'd to hide her self in a very thick Copse Wood, where she much scratch'd her hands, and that the next morning she got to Thiomville, where at first they would not open the Gates, and indeed had absolutely refus'd her, But for the charms of her beauty, which mov'd great compassion in those who beheld her lying on the ground wrapp'd up in Clokes, whiles Davise treated for her admission; and that at last being got in, the Governours Wife of the Town had chang'd her habit. From thence she writ to the Sieur de Puy-Laurens, to intreat him, to acquaint Mon∣sieur with the manner of her escape, and that she should stay in those places to ex∣pect his commands; but afterward thinking it more proper to go to Namour, for fear lest the way might not be open after her escape, she resolv'd to advance thi∣ther. His Majesty receive this news with some regret, foreseeing that her flight might be succeeded with troublesom consequences, and make the dissolution of the marriage more difficult: He much blamed the Marquesse de St. Chaumont, for suffering himself to be surprized, especially after he had been advis'd by the Cardi∣nal, to have a great care of all those who should travel upon the Road, because

she might probably passe by him in some disguise; to which he return'd this an∣swer, that they should rely upon his diligence. Monsieur Duc d'Orleans, recei∣ved no great satisfaction from it, fore-seeing that this Princess would be a new Obligation to tie him to the Low-Countries; but the Laws of Civility, and the consideration of the Spaniards, who he was forc'd to content, perswaded him to seem very glad of it. He presently dispatch'd the Sieurs de Fontain Chalendre, de Rames, and de Lavaupot to Thionville, who were followed by the Duke d'Elboeuf, and the Sieur de Puy-Laurens; they met her upon the way, and Monsieur, in per∣son, went with much affection to receive her, as far as Marshe, and accompanied her from Namour to Bruxelles, with all the honour and endearments she could de∣sire. That day that she was to go into Bruxelles, the Infanta, with the whole Court went to receive her, half a League from the Town, and meeting, they both aligh∣ted from their Coaches to salute her; the Infanta kissed her, and then taking her by the hand, led her into her own Coach, where she alwaies gave her the right hand. Comming to the Gate of Bruxelles, the Companies of the City gave her a Volley of small shot, and the Magistrates went to welcome her; she alighted in company of the Infanta at the Queen-Mothers, who testified much joy for her arrival, and kissed her, and after half an hours entertainment, the Infanta carried her to her own lodgings, which she had prepared two dayes before, with very rich Furniture, her soul being no lesse replenished with Magnificence then Piety. The Princesse Marguerite could not forbear the expressing her content, so sweet it is to attain any eminent point of honour, after the running of great hazards; but often repeated, that she could never have beleev'd what History relateth, concern∣ing fugitive Princesses, had she not her self experimented it. The Infanta did dayly indeavour to augment her joy, by her great care, and the Presents she sent her, in which the quaintnesse of her fancy, was no lesse admirable then her liberality.