forbore not to spend part of what they had gotten which being ventur'd upon the banke of Plunder was to bring them in double advantage Count Merodes went into Flanders to solicite the Spaniards to raise an Army to oppose Bawdis the Swedes Generall and William Landgrave of Hesse Isolani went into Croatia and Hungary to raise horse and that he might the better intend the service he was honoured with the title of Generall of the Nation all the rest of the Commanders that had Commissions to raise men went some into Moravia some into Slecia Austria Stiria Carinthia and other Provinces where they understood men were least imployed and were given to warres so as every where the Drums were heard to beat the Trumpets to sound and monyes were disburst whereby according to custome the Emperors health being cheerfully drunke and every one providing himselfe with good armes and other acoutrements the people seemed by their discourse to presage the ruine of the Swedes The greatest part of the horse wanted Curasses by the losse of Armes in the late routes and particularly in the battaile of Leypzik where they were either left in the field with their dead owners or elswhere thrown away by such as fled there being therefore great want of armes and artificers some great men of Italy were by Walesteine sent into Lombardi to make a considerable provision of them and other Colonels sent Officers of their owne to the like purpose sparing no money in this behalfe not caring for expence for the Generals intention was to come into the field not onely rich in fame but furnished with whatsoever was requisite to a glorious Army continuing therefore his diligence he treated with the King of Poland to have men from that nation and in this he imployed his Cosen-german Tersica for they had each of them married a daughter of Charles of Arrach the Emperours chiefe Counsellour This man being one of the richest Gentlemen in all Bohemia was not much troubled to finde money to raise 3000. Horse and 4000. Foot of sundry nations Walsteine after this made the Counts Galasse Mansfeild Aldringer and Montecucully Generalls of the Artillery all of them chiefe Commanders of the Army to these he recommended the care of recruting their old companies and the raising of new ones which he allotted unto them and they overcome with the Generals gratitude did their utmost to obey him He moreover appointed eight Serjeant Majors Generals of the Army who have the command over the rest of the Colonels and whose place is to order the Army in the day of Battaile and to these he gave new Commissions to raise men They for the honour they had received and that they might preserve their Generals good will which was ambitiously coveted by all little waying the difficulty of raising men in dispeopled Provinces and full of troubles where the poorest companion could be had under 25. Dollers He gave Commissions to any one that desired imployment and disburst much money by the way of loane that the whole might be made up neither did he make any distinction as then of any that proffered their service for holding it the best counsell that can be given to a Prince who is desirous to inlarge his dominions and to secure himselfe in the faith of his friends and from the injuries of his adversaries to have copious Armies that so he might do that in some moneths which otherwise would require some yeares to effect his intention was to gather together great quantities of armed men who if they should afterwards want experienced Commanders he wanted not old Captaines under whose Colours he might put these new men and casheer those that were uncapable of such imployment before he was to march against the enemy and to this purpose he had wont to say if the Emperour will raise an Army of 30000. Souldiers the Elector of Saxony or some other Prince by the assistance of friends will doe the like that to fight with equall forces was to have the victory to be decided by fortune and not to secure ones owne selfe by power that time would be lost their Territories would be oppressed the subject would be weakened by keeping forces in their own Country businesse would be precipitated and finally peace would ensue the end whereof would be misery and ruine to the vassals that a numerous Army lords it over the fields goes whither it lists meets with no obstacle and being able to scoure the Country at pleasure loses not Contribution nor the meanes to maintaine it selfe and though this be contrary to some experience where a few men have been known to beat a great many he said that this little number must be pick't out of a gallant and well reputed nation and that the execution was easie when the Commander in chiefe had wonne the name of generous and magnanimous towards his Souldiers He would not forbeare to let fall in his discourses that the Imperiall Crowne would be but weake if it were not secured by 100000. Souldiers kept continually in pay for the Empire being a body of many members dissonant in Religion it fals out that by the liberty which many Cities professe and by the power of the Electors and other Princes the Caesarian authority being by them lessened sickens and wanting forces languishes as if Crusht to death by her owne fewdatories in briefe he so handsomely chid the errors of late successes as all such as were dejected by reason of their past terrors were seene suddainly to be clad with new hopes Hee moreover sent expresses to Charles Duke of Lorrayne as well to keep him in good correspondency with the Emperour as to perswade him to raise men in the assistance of the common interest and that he would permit the Austrian officers to raise men in his Country This Prince being of high thoughts and inclyning to warre a lover of novelty counselled by that vivacity which sparkles in the hearts of sprightly Princes and seconded by advice of others which useth not to differ from the inclination and genious of the Master did not onely yield to Walesteines request but declared that he would hazard his life and fortune with him arming and behaving himselfe as the chiefe of this league of which 't is said he aspired to be Generall this was the first beginning of the jealousies between him and France and the reason why he drew upon him the enmity of the King of Sweden These affaires past not without some knowledge of the Queene mother of France mother to the most Christian King and to the Duke of Orleans for at this instant a gentleman of hers came to Zenam who having had some discourse with Walesteine was dismist with appearances that he was well apaid with his negotiation And the Austrians building much upon the troubles of France whose union did not a little disturbe their designes they more seriously applyed themselves to invent meanes and wayes how to hinder the increase of that flourishing Kingdome
to shelter themselves there Walesteine being returned into Bohemia that he might honest his retreat from the businesse of Ratisbon advanced againe into Saxony and routed divers of the Electors Troopes of Horse making some other little inrodes in those parts of no great moment But because he had no minde to doe any thing to purpose instead of continuing his proceedings there though there were no great difficulty in it his Army being strong and desirous of new imploymenâ—s he feigned an excuse how that to keep in Saxony where there was such scarcity of Victuals and whereof the Enemy did for a good part hinder him and being obliged to be perpetually in readinesse to fight in the Winter-season wherein it was more requisite to refresh the Army then to consume it It belonged not to a wise Commander to be unmindfull of these things and therefore upon these reasons he returned to Bohemia and divided his Army in that Kingdome and in Moravia a Province comprehended in the said Kingdome of Bohemia confining upon Austria Sletia and Hungaria populous fruitfull and abounding witâ— all things requisite for humane sustenance making it be noysed abroad that he this meane while prepared to come into the field with Forces able to effect his designes this was notwithstanding onely that his evill intention to that Kingdome might appeare and that he might breake the necke of the Imperiall Authority against whose Ministers of State as it is usuall with those that conceive themselves injured to be more incensed against a friend then against a stranger Walesteines minde and industry was more bent to ruine his counterfeit friends then his open enemies The Duke of Feria having made some aboad in the parts about Fussen knowing how hard a matter it would be for him to keep his Army in that Country where was great want of Victualls and Forradge since his men were not accustomed to the German labour and toyle where contrary to the practise of Italy and Flanders the Country being spacious and having but few Forts in it the Souldier doth for the most part keep the Field and is more accustomed to Field-Battailes then to besieging strong holds resolved to go into Bavaria and winter in that Country wherein was great store of Corne and Hay He therefore spoke thereof to the Duke who though he desired not more Forreiners in his Country by whom subjects usually receive nothing but losse yet he being a very religious Prince and who kept still loyall to the Emperour setting aside all particular respects where the common cause came in question would make it appeare how firme his heart stood to the service of the Roman-Religion and the house of Austria he was moreover the sooner drawne to yield to this request by reason of the need he stood of helpe against the Swedes and for that the Spaniards assistance was requisite to suppresse Walesteine whose indeavours tending onely to his ruine had brought him to a hard condition He therefore was contented to receive him into his dominions which happened to the greater satisfaction of his subjects then was imagined for they much apprehending the Swedish excursions were very well pleased with this comming of the Spaniards who kept very good order in their treating the people nay they so civilly comported themselves as that the former feare they had of the name Spaniard they being by such as dreaded them and were envious of the glory of that Nation given out to be proud insolent and greedy of what belonged to others they now found that nation as civilly behaved and full of curtesie as the extent thereof is large in Command and to be more lovingly quiet and more to be borne withall then any other so as they were very well contented with their company and so much the more as that monies being currant the Country-people injoyed that by war which oft-times they want in peace Walesteines retreat from Saxony did not more trouble his jealous Competitors then did his negligence in comming to succour Ratisbon and in the after recovery of it For thereby it was firmely conceived the scope he aimed at was how he should withdraw himselfe from his obedience to Caesar and to necessitate the Dutch-men to unkennell the Spaniards as well from out of the Provinces of the Empire as out of the Court at Vienna that so he might rest absolute in his command and in the authoritie which he was more ambitious of then was his Master therefore were the Spaniards the worse inclined towards him for as it is usuall for diffidence to feare every shadow so did these men aime at nothing else nor did they in their secret Councell commune about ought save how to humble him And though his actions were in some sort justifiable by the Maximes of Warre by which it seemed he did well in retreating into Bohemia out of the feare he might have of Harnem who was desirous to quarter his Forces in that Kingdome yet because what the mind is once possest of is not easily extirpated this impression was by these reasons so radicated as it began to make even those doubt him who till then had stood very partiall in his defence who wanting now meanes how to maintaine his proceedings lest they might partake in blame with him for offences of high Treason are of so catching a condition as that they infect even the innocence of such as doe protect the guiltie faced about and began rather to respect their owne offices and places which they held under the Emperour then to consider their sickly and unstable hopes in him whose onely name made such hatefull as pleaded in his defence Wert having in vaine indeavoured to surprise Olims his quarters joyned himselfe with the Baron of Sois a Colonell of the Roman League and marched to Vilshoven upon the Danube betweene Possaw and Straubing and Duke Waymer finding the enterprise of Possaw to be difficult as well by reason of the naturall situation thereof as for that all the Militia that was thereabouts came in to the defence of it parted from thence and leaving 4000 Foot betweene Straubing and Ratisbon passed all his Force beyond the Danube and the Swedes perceiving that the multiplicitie of Commanders of severall Nations and differing opinions in an Army would not suffer their enterprises to take any good effect whilst envy was a hindrance to opportunities whilst glory ranne too head-long into ambition and self-interest was mixt in all their actions one Captaine disliking what another did and every one thinking himself fitter then his Companion for the charge conferred on his Colleague to avoyd these inconveniencies a generall assembly of the United States and Cities was called to re-establish the League of all the Confederates and to resolve upon such Provisions as were behofefull for the Warre or else to put on a last resolution of Peace And moreover for that it was necessary to have a Generalissime who should command in chiefe the Protestant Forces they maturely consulted hereupon
by Goltz And here he fighting himself with his sword in his hand and by his example infusing courage into the other souldiers and Captaines the battle grew so hot as shooting being given over nothing was seen but swords smeared with blood men and horses overturned and trod on by their own companions Ghetz all this while looking on that hee might come in according to appointment when Goltz and the other Captaines should have made the breach which they vaunted they would doe advanced not one inch for knowing that the enemie had likewise a reserve he intended not to hazard the whole Army unlesse hee should see the Van prevaile somewhat he therefore kept his station and would not follow his compagnions They being therefore hotly pursued by Weymars fresh men were forced to think of a retreat which ensued in such disorder as some French troopes had leisure to do no small execution upon the Caesarians Weymar pursuing Goltz in the same manner handled him so as the greatest part of his men were either slaine or taken prisoners whereat Savell and Goltz were so incensed exclaiming against Ghetz and upbraiding him with cowardize and unworthinesse as they by their letters to the Emperour Duke of Bavaria did accuse him of being the cause of all their losse and mischiefe Which being received as a trueth for great men must never acknowledge to have erred in their Commissions the miscarriage of their men and Weymars valour being attributed to Ghetz his mis-governement Philip Count Mansesielt Captain of the Emperours Guard was sent into Alsatia with ample authority to enquire into this accident to provide for what was necessary to the preservation of that importāt place The Romanists Army was much troubled at these disagreements For besides the losse of 4000. of the best men Ghetz had they greatly murmured against Ghetz his backe friends as if they had accused him falsely and seemed not to be well pleased with the processe that was making against him giving out in a skarpe and bitter manner that good and faithfull servants were through the wickednesse of their enemies and envyers rewarded with imprisonment so as the mischief that was hereupon likely to ensue was very great Ghetz having foreseen all these proceedings for hee very well knew that this successe as it would be related by the emulation of other Commanders would not only prejudice his reputation but bring his life in danger for such omissions as prove harmfull to the State are seldome favourably interpreted by Princes and oft times judged by Justice it selfe when blinded with passion he made his addresse to the Emperour with whom for his ancient services he was held in some esteem and who he knew had better respect unto and did more love his faithfull servants to the end that enterposing his Imperiall authority with the Duke of Bavaria he might not suffer him to be injured by the false informations of his enemies nor that integrity abused with which hee had at all times served his Prince offering willingly to enter himselfe into any of his Caesarian Majesties Forts and submit to the sentence of his just Tribunall To which the Emperour in his good nature was ready to condiscend had not the Duke of Bavaria who was advertised hereof sent suddenly an expresse messenger to Vienna to entreat his Majestie not to undertake the defence of an Officer of his whose faults were of too tender a condition and assuring him that all right and Justice should be observed in his processe Wherefore Ghetz being sent for to give an account of his actions was with a good guard brought into Bavaria The French being risen from before Saint Omer and Marishall Schattillion being joyned with Signieur de St. Previll in the parts about Ardres to make amends for the last ill successe and recover the reputation wherein the French seemed to suffer he resolved to storm Rentij For this Fort being built upon a passe of no small consideration upon the Frontiers of France by the taking of this place of refuge from the Spaniards they would not know how to make inrodes into the parts thereabouts and the way would be the more open for the French to enter freely into the dominions of Spaine He therefore came unexpectedly before the place and planted his Cannon against it and in a short time tooke it by storm and the French not having need thereof as having other Forts neer at hand it was forth-with slighted by command from the King and the people therein disperst into the neighbouring parts and haulting upon these Frontiers quarters were frequently beaten up skirmishes made by the horse of both sides the Commanders were very vigilant in keeping what they had got At this time 15. Gallies were come into the Port de Vado with about 1500. Foot part from Barcellona and part from Cesely who expected orders here from Milan where they should land their men When Don Roderigo de Valesco a Spaniard who in the Generalls absence commanded therein in chiefe understanding that the French Gallies were discovered to be in the Genoan Sea and knowing them to be but 15. and a Brigandine called a Councell of the chief Spaniards where it being argued whether they should fight or keepe quiet in the Haven it was the joynt opinion of all that they should set upon the French They therefore put to Sea and were little above seven miles from Genoa when they began about ten a clock in the morning on the first of September to salute each other with their Cannon and at last falling to boord with their swords and half-pikes the action grew so bloody as great was the slaughter which was made amongst the souldiers and much was the blood which ran out from the fore-decks and sides of the Gallies for many of the Knights of Malta being in the French Gallies who are accustomed to Sea-fights the fight was very hot on both sides but at last the French prevailing it behoved the Spaniards to flye with the loss of 6. of their Gallies amongst which the Capitana of Secely and Padrona of Spain And taking there of the French Gallies which for want of souldiers and Marriners were left at Sea and which were La Marishalla La Vanbelle and La Sernier the rest saved themselves within the Haven of Genoa The fight continued the space of 2. hours which being thus ended a storm arose the next night wherein the French Gallies lost La Patrona di Spagna by the breaking of the rope wherewith she was towed which being afterwards found by some Tartane and Coraline was brought to Genoa having first taken out of her all the money goods that was in her which was left with the chiefe Magistrate of Albenga and which was all afterwards restored to the French though to the small satisfaction of the Spaniard as causing strange rumors The Spainish gallies parting afterwards from Genoa came to Porto Fino to mend the harms they had received by
it is to be beleeved that the rest of the Cities betweene Mâ—lda and Danube would have done the like had not the Saxons themselves set a period to the progresse of their victories for being carelesse and idle in Praga and the adjacent parts though the King had by many redoubled Letters advised and desired the Elector not to affoord Walesteine leasure to apply remedies unto their wounds they gave themselves over to the delights of those parts and gave the Imperialists opportunity to recruite their Army and affoorded Galas meanes to come with good store of Forces to Pilsâ—m a place of great importance in that Kingdom very strongly seated by the which afterwards those Territories were secured The King did not a little rescent this as appeared by his Letters wherein he reproved the Elector of negligence though many of the wisest found it to be done out of cunning for it was apparently seene that fearing by his assistance to raise the Swedish Forces to too great a power and eminency and considering that in such a case he must be subject to their Lawes he temporized that he might affoord the Austrians leisure to counterpoise this greatnesse which weighed down too much on the Swedes side beleeving himself now to be in such a condition as that he at his pleasure might upon advantagious tearmes be reconciled to the Emperour and re-assumed into his former friendship and correspondency whilest the King reaped the fruit of his owne propitious fortune his Cosen the Duke of Mechelberg and Marshall Tod laid seidge to Rostock and tooke it 3000 Foot and 300 Horse marched out of it with their Armes and Baggage the surrender of this Towne was caused by reason of the scarcity of Victuals for so great a number as were there for a great many of the neighbouring Inhabitants had with-drawn themselves thither as likewise many Souldiers that were quartered in the townes thereabouts Bannier came with a fresh Army of about 8000 men into Pomerania and used such diligence in the investing of Vansleber as the Imperialists that were therein unexpectedly surprised straightned in time to put themselves in a defensive posture and having no hopes of escaping for they were surrounded on all sides came to agreement submitting themselves to the Swedes Conditions by whom the Common Souldiers were inforced to inroll themselves under their Colours and the Captaines and Officers were permitted to go into their owne Armies Bannier knowing how advantagious the taking of Magdeburg and the neighbouring Townes would be to the Swedes march'd forwards into that Episcopacy whither also went Benecausem with 5000 Imperialists to ballance the Swedes designes and to relieve the City which 't was feared might be by them taken he fought with the enemies Horse where the Swedes were worsted he notwithstanding beset Magdeburg more straightly into which a succour of 14 Companies of the Romanists Foot were put who by their frequent Sallies did much annoy the Swedish quarters which were thereabouts Auxillius Oxesterne Lord Chancellor of Sweden who had raised men in that Kingdome and in Prusia to re-inforce the Kings Army came much about this time to the Camp with 6000 Foot and 800 Horse so as the King not onely inriched by so many Victories but his Army being increased by the addition of these men had his thoughts hightened and aymed at greater enterprises Wherefore being informed that the Duke of Bavaria made extraordinary preparations for warre and that he had not onely made the greatest part of the country-people guirt swords about them but also sent for Tilly with the Army of the League to protect the upper Palatinat which were manifest tokens of feare whereby the Enemy is oft times invited to further undertakings hee resolved to hinder those preparations and not to afford him time to salve the wound he had received But thinking it first requisite to know the resolution of the Hauns Townes who intended to be but lookers on at this sport not siding with either party he resolved to found their intentions wherefore he acquainted them of Noremberg with his meanings he made knowne unto them the foundation and drift of his Forces and desired they would openly declare themselves either as friends or enemyes and that they would not take any long time to doe it for if they should demurre upon their answer or colour it with any appearing excuses he would take it as an expresse denyall for he liked not neutrallity nor would he take notice of any more then two parties friends or enemies These resolute words of a victorious King were of great efficacy especially amongst the Protestants who coveted much to see their Religion propagated and were ambitious of novelty The States of Noremberg after much debate judged it would be best for them openly to declare themselves as friends unto the King the which they did whereat Tilly was so incensed as though those of Noremberg sent Deputies into the Campe unto him to informe him of the necessity that had enforced them thereunto and so plead their excuse for so doing they could not prevaile with him nor keep him from expressing his rage anger which was the greater by how much greater the losse was that this declaration occasioned by beating his feet against the ground pulling his Muschatoes biting his fingers ends and vowing he would study some way of revenge he forthwith marched towards Rotemberg and Oxemfert two Townes in the midst of Franconia and surprized divers other places of the said Province which could neither be maintained nor succoured in time he likewise endeavoured the taking of Vertheim a strong City seated upon the Maine and in the mouth of Tawber but here he missed his marke for the King having early notice thereof gave the Governour of the Towne so timely advertisement as he furnished it with all requisite provisions he therefore turned his course towards Noremberg resolving to chastise the Governour thereof for his breach of faith but here he likewise missed of his errand for the Citizens having timely provided themselves of all things necessary and the Imperialists not having sufficient Force for such an enterprize and having the Swedes on his backe who gallantly marched after him after having feelingly exprest his resentments to the chiefe Magistrate of the Towne and with great fervency exhorted him not to be failing in his due allegeance to the Emperour he quitted his quarters and tooke his way towards the upper Palatinate recommending Lauffe and Hasperg places belonging to the jurisdiction of the said Noremberg to the care of One Thousand Foot and One Hundred Horse which he left there for their defence he distributed his Troopes part for the Marpuessate of Anspack in the upper Palatinate and part for Suetia The King who very well knew how much it made for his vast designes aswell to make himselfe Master of the Towns upon the Rheine as to bereave the Austrians of the helpe which they might have from thence and that he might turne himselfe towards
present affaires so as calling together his chiefe Councellours and the Prime Commanders of his Army and joyntly weighing the interests of their Forces there were some seconded in their opinion by Benard Waymar who persisted in their advise that they should turne their Forces to the utter subversion of the Roman Catholique Army they made good their opinions with these reasons That the field Forces being scattered Germany being a large and open Country the winning of Townes would be no hard matter which being weake in defence and abandoned by their Armies would strive rather to captivate the Kings good will by ready obedience than draw his anger upon them by their unwise pertinency that they should not do well to lose so much time in the taking in of places of small moment whilest the Enemy recruited and re-inforced his Army that the Austrians had no better friend then time that they had alwayes repaired their losses when either by cunning or otherwise they could fence themselves from the first violence that though the Emperours owne men and monies were well exhausted yet by the assistance of Spanish Gold and by recruites from Italy a Nation by experience knowne to be advantagious to Germany he might remit himselfe into his former condition that the Elector of Bavaria who was much concerned in the Austrians welfare wanted not a stocke of money and territories sufficient from whence to draw out Souldiers and regaine what he had lost And which was of greatest importance that the Generals place was conferred upon Walesteine who having gathered a mass of riches in the past warres being excessively ambitious of glory and great actions would not be failing in any thing that he knew might make him remarkable upon this occasion that they had the French on that side for friends who bringing their Forces upon their frontiers would hinder the Romanists from doing any thing prejudiciall to the Swedes that therefore they should leave off those machinations and rub the soare againe before it be healed But these reasons though they had much of influence upon all the Commanders and drew many of them to be of this opinion yet the King weighing them in the ballance of his wisedome was for his own interest sake inforced to oppose them saying That the Empire hung upon two strings the one composed of the selfe Austrian Forces the other of the Roman Catholique and Ecclesiasticall powers that they were to consider which of these two were to be tane away to overthrow this Chaos that he granted the reasons concerning the Spanish Gold Bavaria and Walesteine were very valid but that they were not to throw behinde their backes but rather intentively to looke upon the aid from Flanders the assistance of the Electors and Ecclesiastickes and of the Duke of Lorayne who being desirous of warre could not hereafter expect a better occasion then this to put himselfe in Armes that these men though they were new and not accustomed to warre yet were they so inheartened by their Princes courage and hope of good successe as seeing us retire they would resume the more courage and cause unto us such prejudice as usually is received from Enemies strengthened by strong impressions that it was requisite to extinguish the fire which increasing would not be so easily supprest before they should carry the Cumbustion elsewhere that the Spanish succours from Flanders was more considerable then from Italy for that compleat Arming would be found hard in Italy A Kingdome impoverished in people and the numbers whereof would be much lessened before they should passe over the Mountaines for that the rigid Climate of Germany and the Germans severe manner of lying in the field did not well agree with that Nation nurc'd up in the delights of Peace that for their money they might have men enow in the Low-Countryes that he knew the Treasury and Forces of the Elector of Bavaria was very considerable but that on the other side he knew he was not so lavish in laying out his monies nor his men so ready to take up Armes that Walesteine was a humerous Foole a fantasticall braine fit for Comedies reverenced for his wealth and fortune not for his wisedome and proper valour that he was envied by many a corrivall with Bavaria and not well thought of by the discreet Don for what concerned their hopes upon the French it was to be granted it would be advantagious to them if Princes were not ambitious of inlarging their dominions But since France was knowne to be no lesse intent to this then whatsoever other Kingdome he could not promise himselfe that the French would invert the proceedings of the Duke of Loraine and of the Ecclesiasticks against the Swedes but rather that leading their Forces upon their Frontiers and entring either as protectors of the one or arbitrators of the other he foresaw they would rather put in for themselves through the disagreement of the Swedes and Imperialists then assist the Protestants in their proceedings moreover that they ought to feare least if they once should get footing here they should following the policy of Princes who are friends as long as it makes for their owne good moderate the greatnesse of others and dissolve the League at any time when they should see the Swedes power grow to an excessive greatnesse Tod and Tuball would be sufficient to hold Tiffenbech and Ghetz play in Slesia that the Elector of Saxony being entred into Bohemia it would be no hard matter to disturbe Walesteines designes and that Bannier was sufficient to watch over Bavarias wayes that therefore they ought to secure themselves on this side for what was on their backs which being done the victory on the other side would easily be affected These reasons alleadged by the King made the Commanders aware that Councels then succeed best when they proceed from the hidden reasons of interests and that no resolution ought to be built upon the faire shewes of Princes the ground-worke of their demonstrations not being composed of any sound materials but coloured over as best seemes pleasing to the eye of the present conjuncture All of them therefore forgoing their first opinions they unanimously condescended to the King who seeing what need they had of a good Sanctuary whereunto upon any ill successe they might safely retreate as likewise how necessary it was to fence Franconia after he had diligently suryeyed all the nighbouring situations could find none more commodious then that Angle which is placed betwixt the Rhene and that part of the Mayne which is over against Mentz on the side of the Palatinate he therefore made a designe be there drawne in his owne presence of a Fort consisting of seven Royall Bulwarkes a Seat so availeable as lying in the midst between the State of Mentz and the Palatinate upon the sides of two Navigable Rivers it might be said to be the Key which opens and shuts the entrance and outgoing on both sides of the Rhene whereby he might continually
disbanded Forces and those which they drew from the neighbouring quarters This Victory which much inheartned the Austrians and all that sided with them was solemnised with a publicke thanks-giving and by speedy Posts all their friends were advertised thereof signifying what advantage the Romanists might hope from thence and on the contrary side what dammage their Enemies were to receive thereby Whilst thus incouraged they advanced to reap the fruits of so great good fortune this newes was much resented in France though some more speculative then others would say that this defeat was desired by the French and expected upon designe that they might see the Swedish Forces reduced to such Condition as that standing in need of their protection they should be necessitated to have recourse thereunto and consequently willing to put into their hands not onely Filisburg which the French so earnestly desired but likewise Mentz Benfeilt and other places upon the Rhyn possest by the Swedish Souldier and wherein they had hitherto obstinatly kept themselves nor would by any meanes be perswaded to forgoe them The Marshall de la Force who with a compleat Army of about 16000 fighting men kept himselfe in Montbelgard a Country which lyes betweene the Frontiers of Lorayne Burgundy and Helvetia not long before purchased for a summe of Mony by the French from the Duke of Wirtenberg and upon the Frontiers of Lorayne and Alsatia did by order from the King draw neerer the Rhyn not out of any intention to joyne with the Protestant Forces as it was noysed and feared by the Romanists the more for that the Marshall being a Protestant 't was doubted he might vary from his directions received from the Court and demonstrate his affection towards the Protestants to their advantage but to get into the Townes where the Swedes being no longer able to subsist 't was knowne they would rather deliver them up unto the French then to the Imperialists And just so it fell out for the Swedes being too weake to keep themselves in that Province without the aide of France resolved to quit Colmar Sclestat Hagenaw Lindaw Hermisteime and some other Towns barely begirt with ancient Wals though Populous and Merchandising which ly in the heart of that Province on the other side of the Rhyn towards Lorayne Monsieur de Fichieres who was then assistant for the King of France in Franckfort with Oxesterne and the reformed Councell making use of this occasion renewed his demand and his pretence to Filisburg and that the Swedes might the easilier condiscend to the consignation thereof he accompanied his demands with vast promises of assistance which was very willingly listned unto by them who upon this emergency stood in need enough thereof for necessity is that which makes things either acceptable or unacceptable Oxesterne notwithstanding was of another opinion though he wisely concealed it for he approved not of receiving so powerfull strangers to be companions in their atchievements and so to receive Lawes from them for by ingaging their owne liberty and subjecting themselves to France hee would say to those he did confide in that when they should have this strong hold they would desire another under the specious charitable pretence of receiving the Romanists into protection they would without unsheathing their Swords injoy the reward of the Swedish labours That neighbouring potentates nor their exhibitions ought never to be trusted in for what is not taken by the enemy with the Sword fals into the power of friends by the exposition of some writing made by some Officer of State The other Dutch Counsellours for of the twelve deputies chosen to consider of the publick government of the Confederates affaires there were nine of that Nation allured by hopes of monies from France upon which they much relied aswell for the publicke as their particular interest for they very well knew they could no longer subsist by the Swedish party and that therefore it was behovefull for them to have some other Prince to rely upon from whom they might receive such pensions as might maintaine them in the decencie of their degree subscribed to this desire of the Embassadour and perswaded Oxesterne to resolve upon sending to Colonell Smidberg who was Governour of the Fort to deliver it up unto the French the which was done though with some delay for Smidberg pretending that the Crowne of Swethland owed him certaine Monies intended not to quit that place till he had received satisfaction 'T was said he was hereunto incited secretly by Oxesterne who for divers ends would protract the surrender of that place Yet did the French remove this obstacle by satisfying Smidberg by which meanes they possest themselves of this so considerable strength Waymer being gotten with the remainder of his ill-treated Army to Franckfort and having re-assembled a new Body of an Army about 14000 Souldiers by the means of the two Brothers Otho Lodovico and Philip the Ringrave who joyned their Forces with him and by the Souldiers drawne out of the Swedish Garrisons eagerly thirsting after revenge prest the French Embassadour that he would send unto him 6000 men which had formerly been promised by vertue of the new capitulation between the Swedes Crown of France in lieu wherof the Swedes had till now taken Mony to shun such confusion as is usually caused by the French when they are mixt with other Nations By which aid he gave out he would yet be able to oppose and retard the Imperialists in their swing of Victory who were very much weakned by the Infanta's parting from them who carryed along with him as he travelled not onely all the Spanish Army being about 10000 fighting men but likewise part of the Imperialists assigned to him by the King for his convoy The Embassadour replied hereunto in an affectionate manner that his Highnesse was not at all deceived in his relying upon succour from his King who was a well-wisher to the interests of the Crowne of Swede to the Protestants in Germany and to Waymers person in particular that therefore he would suddainly acquaint the Court therewith and that he would moreover write to the Marshall de la Force to know from him what orders he had received from the King concerning this and thus he held him in suspence till having received an answer he gave the Duke to understand that the French were ready to assist him but that 6000 Souldiers appearing to them to be very few in respect of the Austrians numerous Forces imboldned by Victory they intended not to hazard the reputation of their Armes upon a new precipice that therefore they offered to second him with a compleat Army of 20000 fighting men which were upon those Frontiers in Alsatia The Embassadour did upon this offer take cunningly an opportune occasion to re-demand Benfelt Gustavensburg Mentz and other neighbouring places much desired by the French the better to secure themselves of Lorayne and that they might make the Warre in another mans Countrey if at
his most Catholique Majestie had with just reasons tane up Armes against that Kingdome not out of any intention to bereave the King of what was his since the Spaniards who have enough of the world and abound in charitie never covet what belongs to another but onely thereby to reduce the King to an universall peace which was so much desired by the Austrians for the welfare of the poore people who are those that at the last are onely indammaged by Warre and to get the States restored which were taken from the Duke of Lorayne and others as also to have satisfaction given to the Queene Mother and to have those Nobles restored to their Estates who were banished the Kingdom not for any fault of theirs but onely for that they would not depend upon his Majesties Ministers of State whom they knew to be no friends to France and in particular upon the Cardinall of Richelieu whom they feared most of all the rest having a genious opposite to the Spaniards and one who knew how the affaires of that Crowne went wherein there would be charitie and no little merit at Gods hands and all the world if those people and Princes could perswade the King to punish those as Traytors who were the cause the Kingdome was so much weakened by assisting strangers This Manifesto being published in France and comming to the Court afforded occasion of laughter to the Lords there who were much taken with the expression of the Spaniards charitie in not coveting what belongs to another they found all this to be but an invention to throw seeds of diâ—â—idence betweene the great ones too much inclined to noveltie and to put them in mind how their fore-fathers had strugled with their Kings to doe the like amongst the people who were desirous of quiet and not willing to undergoe new Impositions and in fine that this was but a bait to draw some male-contents over to them by whose meanes they pretended to receive no small benefit Yet was it not of force enough to have any outward operation for the late example of Monmerancy and other great ones of the Conspiracy had sufficiently taught them that the Subject might hope to be borne withall and pardoned for any other fault save that of infidelitie And every one knew very well that if the Crowne of France had consumed sufficient treasure by the government of such Officers yet were they secure from intestine Warres whereby that flourishing Kingdome had so much suffered in former times and which were easie enough to be renewed againe for every little distaste taken by a French Prince was sufficient to subvert whole Provinces so as it was better to indure some Taxations then to be exposed to the insolencies of a friend and violence of an enemy Moreover they saw a Dukedome of Lorayne joyned unto the Crowne the reveneues whereof did farre exceed all the expences they had beene at together with so many other Cities in Alsatia and in Italy where formerly they had not one foot of ground the maintaining whereof did keepe the Enemies of the Crowne in continuall suspition and afforded them meanes of thinking upon other enterprises and of helping upon all occasions such as were friends to France when they should be incombred by their Enemies The French having possest themselves of the seat of Panperduto and made their Trenches there in the open Fields which gave them no small hopes of further advancement and knowing that without any more adoe they should bring Milan into great streights for want of Victualls if carrying their Forces aside the great Lake they should cut from them those Provisions which were thereby brought unto the Citie they resolved upon the taking of Arona a Towne upon the Tessine in the mouth of the said Lake which would make them to perfect their designe They therefore marched with part of their Forces thetherwards but were not proserous in the attempt for all the neighbouring people taking up Armes together with others under the command of Count Iulius Caesar Borromeo they were saluted with many Cannon shot from divers places which were held by the Milanois on those Hills so as it behoved them to retreat that they might not dis-joint their Army which kept about Panperduto expecting the event of that enterprise by the benefit whereof they designed to marke where they might have greatest hopes of advantage But these proceedings were not well interpreted by those of Milan which made them murmur and complaine of the Spaniards for that they had assembled so many men together kept them so long in that State to the so great incommoditie and losse of so many people whom they had not courage to defend now that they stood in need of their helpe At which the Spaniards being much galled who fore-saw the apparent danger that over-hung them if they should make any further delay they resolved to alter their determination of keeping themselves in strong holds so to reduce the French to a scarcitie of Victualls and into a condition of receiving some great overthrow and propounded that content might be given to the Milanois by their undertaking some generous action whereby the others minds which were so farre sunck in dispaire might be somewhat comforted Leganes therefore on the 22th of Iune went from Biagras where he mustred his Army which the Militia of the Countrey being therein comprehended consisted of 15000 Foot and about 4000 Horse he was accompanied by Don Francisco di Melo Marquis Spinola and many other chiefe Commanders and in a grave and sober march he advanced in good order towards the French Army which kept in battell array within their Trenches but it being somewhat late there onely past an ordinary skirmish betweene the Horse of both parties which lasted almost all the night with little losse to either side for the Spaniards went warily to worke that they might not be brought upon disadvantage and the French attended some fitting occasion to charge them upon advantage so as the meane while the night came on which stickled the businesse Leganes notwithstanding knowing very well the Enemies condition and finding in his Souldiers a great desire to fight appeared the next morning at Sun-rising in good order before the French who kept themselves in battell array within their Trenches and going boldly on with the Spaniish and Dutch Foot against the Trenches the French though they did valiantly defend themselves and withstand their Enemies who fought very couragiously yet could they not keep one of their Foot battaglions from being routed which was charged by the Neapolitan Horse for the French Horse which were on the left wing towards the Ditch of Panperduto being playd upon by 3 pieces of the Spaniards Ordnance which were placed upon the edge of the said Ditch and being thereby much indammaged were wheeled about towards La Cassina di Tornavento from whence these Foot receding and others by reason of their feare they retreated towards the River under the shelter of
beset Selinghestat between Franckfort and Ashburg wherein was a Swedish Garrison and having throwne downe the walls and the defendants having valiantly withstood two Assaults they would not try their fortune in the third which was preparing to bee given them but upon agreement yeelded it upon condition of marching forth without the beat of Drum or Matches lighted but they kept not this condition for in their march one of their Drummers rather out of forgetfulnesse then for any reason there was thereof beat up his Drum at which the Imperialists as those who when they finde an advantage imbrace any occasion whereby they may honest their actions making this their pretence took forthwith all the Swedes prisoners pillaged the Captaines and Officers and mixt the Souldiers amongst their owne Companies Whence it may be observed how requisite solidnesse and wisedome is in Military affaires without which all indeavours are in vaine Passing after this over the Mayne they invironed Hannaw on all sides and presently indeavouring to surprise a little Fort which the Swedes had built without the Gates they were so briskly received as that with the losse of 50 men they were inforced to retreat in such disorder as the Governour perceiving it he made the Garrison fall upon them who had time before the others could beat them backe into the City to get some Corn and bring it into the Fort. Yet this their gallandise was soone quelled for Wert advancing in person himselfe hee drew his lines neerer the Fort and securing them with perfect Trenches hee used the businesse so as the Swedes prospered not in their sallies as they did before for they alwayes came off with the worst and were forced to retreat with losse of honour Duke Waymer hearing of Iohn de Werts proceedings and how he had besieged Hannaw hee presently rose from his quarters which were about Remiremont in Lorayne and was desirous to succour this Fort which had alwayes kept faithfull to the Swedish party whilest all the rest either basely or voluntarily yeelded to the Caesarians and therefore it deserved to be succoured To this purpose hee came to Haggâ—naw and whilest he thought to passe over the Rhyn at the Bridge at Strasburg the Passage was denied him by the Magistrate of that City under pretence that those Citizens intending to keep neutrals and not to declare themselves either for the one or the other side they would shun the occasion of being prejudicialll to either of them At which Waymer very much wondring for upon all other occasions hee had received all manner of helpe from that City hee desired to know what the alteration might be which had made them put on this resolution But the communality of that City desirous peacefully to preserve the liberty which they for so many yeares had enjoyed wisely foresaw that if the French should get the upper hand of the Austrians and should drive them farre from the Rhyn their City should run a hazard of losing its Franchise and they therefore desired that neither the French should grow stronger in those parts nor the Austrians weaker for their Towne being free as in the midst between too great extreams would alwayes be defended by the one of them against the injuries that should be offered her by the other and each of them being to receive advantage from her situation they would both of them strive who should most win her good will Waymer failing herein and it not being now time to shew how ill hee tooke it hee returned to his former quarters in Lorayne and marched from thence towards the Bishopricke of Basill intending to passe the Rhyn there and then to doe what he should thinke fittest to make Wert leave Hannaw by way of diversion or else to doe somewhat himselfe that might counterpoise the losse of that Towne But the Duke of Lorayne who had with him some seven or eight thousand men for the preservation of the rest of the Country foreseeing this studied how he might hinder Waymer in this his voyage Hee to this purpose went to meet the Swedes and indeavouring to withstand them with more courage then force hee at the first encounter lost about 400 men and the rest being fearfull he found his designe vaine so as quitting the field unto the Swedes left hee might meet with greater losse he betooke himselfe to strong holds Whereupon Waymer by reason of this so happy incounter changing his purpose of falling into Alsatia haulted and sent his Horse to Pillage the Towns of the County and he with all his Army incamped himselfe not farre from Bisanson intending to take that City but neither did his purpose take effect here for not being able for want of Victuals to keep longer there it behoved him to retreat and pursue his former voyage towards the Rhyn At which the Imperialists of that Province were so afraid as that presaging their ruine and not thinking themselves safe in their owne Country they forsook all the neighbouring Townes some of them flying to Strasburg some to Basill placing their best moveables and Armes in Brisack the preservation of which Fort made whatsoever the Swedes got besides in Alsatia last but a little Thus did affaires proceed in Alsatia when the Elector of Saxony every houre more molested then other by the incursions of the Swedes as much his Enemies now as formerly his friends not having competent Forces to resist these Souldiers long verst in the mischiefes of Warre did strongly presse the Court at Vienna that according to established agreements the Emperour might thinke of assisting him and 't was given out that from these delayes wherewith he was fed by the Austrians some prejudice might ensue to the Imperiall Crowne as doubtlessely it would have hapned if that Elector had reconciled himselfe with the Swedes and joyned Forces with them So as his succour could no longer be delayed though the Austrians principall scope and willing desire was to have the War maintained and nourished in Saxony for that all other parts having beene visited sometimes by their friends sometimes by their Enemies and consequently destroyed and ruinated if Saxony should likewise be in the same manner weakned the Imperiall dignitie would at last be the more secured Hereupon Gallasse received orders that having first provided for the places of greatest importance in Wirtenberg where his men were then quartered he should march with the rest of his Army which came to about 10000 towards Saxony and that joyning with Azfelt who not long before was gone in succour of the Elector he should not only have a care to defend Saxony but should indeavour to suppresse the Swedish Army and to recover such places as were fallen into the Enemies hands Which Gallasse readily obeying he went after Bannier who was about Torgaw and charged him with such dexteritie as though Bannier behaved himselfe gallantly in his retreat being farre inferiour to the Imperialists in number yet for all his warinesse when the Austrians Vanguard came up to
Imperiall Crowne they therefore differd from the others in opinion alleadging that great provisions were to be made for a Kings setting out aswell for what belonged to the decency of his person as to the maintenance of a King-like Army That the treasury was well exhausted by past expences that the ancient reputation in Armes of an Austrian King ought not to be matched with a new fierce and fortunate enemy That the peoples hopes would be much thrown down by any the least prejudice that might incurre unto him and although these considerations were qualified by the Spaniard who offered great sums of mony these notwithstanding with all the Art their owne interests could infuse into them which was to be commanded by one of their owne nation propounded Albertus Walesteine Duke of Fridland in whom there was great reason to hope well they made it appeare that to obviate the eminent danger at the present no man was fitter to take upon him the command of the Army then he who had formerly to their advantage exercised the same place and that this their proposition was grounded upon the surer foundation for that he had heaped up so much riches by his past victories as no man was fitter then he to assist in the new levyes of men and in providing all things requisite for the Army Necessity which out-weighs reason drew the Spaniards to yield unto the Dutchmen who overcome by what had been said and not having yet got good footing in Germany they came over to their opinion the execution whereof was presently resolved upon But Walestein who was then at Zenam in Moravia ten leagues from Vienna and was gone thither by reason of the Saxons Armies arrivall in Bohemia was not minded to come unto the Court for that he expected to be received and treated as a soveraigne Prince which he arrogated to himselfe by vertue of his title of Duke of Michelberg for which the tearm of highnesse was given him The Count of Verdemberg was first sent to acquaint him with this Election and afterwards the Baron of Questemberg and the Prince of Echenberg though he were sicke of the gout three of the Emperours prime Counsellours and Walesteines great friends who dexterously overcomming an apparence of deniall made by him in respect of the great griefe of soule he suffered for being formerly turned out of the same charge they by their flatteries the true sauce to the bitternesse of passion did so sweeten his distaste that at last he yielded He resolved notwithstanding as then not to receive such imployment for longer then foure moneths though these his friends used their best eloquence to perswade him to accept of this command absolutely without any such restriction The opinions of men concerning this were various some thought he did it that he might not hazard his honour and reputation in times of so great calamity and for that he had to doe with a victorious and fortunate King others because he would not oblige himself to overcome difficulties which leaned upon impossibilites others thought this was but cunning for that he being exceeding vainglorious desired the rather to accept of this command upon condition that so he might not onely oblige the Emperour but also the King of Spaine by both whose Majesties he desired to be intreated to accept of that which he underhand did mainly indeavour to have conferred upon him not foreseeing the slipperinesse and danger of the path his ambition lead him unto drunke with an over-weaning estimation of himselfe neither remembring that Princes will have their servants to be obedient and not masters Having accepted the command of this Army hee sent for all the Colonels aswell those who kept their places as those who had been casheered and for that affability is a great advantage to reputation hee received them all with a pleasing countenance as prouder Princes use to doe when they have need of Souldiers To those that had but onely the title he gave a sutable command inviting them with faire and specious words to lay out what they had gotten in former warres and promising great things unto them and helped such as he knew to be needy with monies where-with to raise men Hee then cheered them up with the undoubted hopes of profit and honour He with big and grave words canonized their precedent actions neither could he keep himselfe from using some exaggerations against them who had been the originall of the Empires ruine he moreover informed them that the present adversity ought not to be of force enough to distemper the valour of those whose resolution stood in no need of comfort That this great ship of the Empire had been agitated by tempest and yet by wise goverment had escaped running upon the Rockes He remembred them of their past victories bad them be confident of the like againe and told them how he would reward those that should be faithfull unto him Hee afterwards gave in charge to the Colonels and Captaines who were uncasheered that they should compleat their Companies and knowing that those who were verst known among the people and in good esteem amongst them have better meanes to raise men then those who are novices in warre he underwrit their Patents for more Companies allowing some fewer some more as hee found them capable of imployment he comforted them all with gracious speeches which gave so much the more contentment because formerly his words were wont to be composed of pride and to intimate servitude he afterwards sealed up all he had to say with civill intreaties that they would upon this emergency give proofe of that worth and ingenuity which kept in continuall exercise should not apply it selfe to be carryed to victories by the prosperous windes of fortune but by cutting through the waves of difficulty amidst the rocks of adversity assisted therein by the sounding line of wisedome He promised them likewise Imprest monyes and good winter quarters from which Commanders reape no little advantage since that the peoples daily contributions to the Souldier falling into the hands of the Officers are not onely alienated from their full number but in a good part from the remaining Souldiers who being permitted to run over the Countrey and goe a free-booting care not much for the Contributions and hence it is that afterwards the Souldiers growing licentious treat the good Subjects no otherwise then they would doe the enemy Estimation which is the daughter either of feare or love imprinted these words of Walesteins in the hearts of those that heard them for many of them possessing goods and lands purchased in the Empire and in Bohemia during the late Rebellion forgot not that it concerned them in their owne particuler to doe what they were able aswell to maintaine what they already had as to better their estates and conditions every one betook himselfe therefore to the worke and much valuing his favour who where he wanted not in affection was not sparing in greatnesse and liberality they
by nourishing the differences between the Princes of the bloud and thereby to affoord fuell to the flames of Ambition to kindle a new intestine warre sufficient to disturbe the Forces of that great King aswell by deviating them from his intentions upon the State of Milan which in this conjuncture was much feared as to withhold from thence that assistance which the Protestants expected To this purpose 't is said they sent some of their trustiest creatures concealedly to treate with the Duke of Orleans and other chiefe men that were discontented with the government of the Ministers of State in France not letting slip any thing that might hurle the French into those straights whereunto they were leaning for many were afraid that if the French had declared themselves in this so calamitous time after a hostile manner all their preparations would doubtlesly have been much perplext if not totally shipwrackt but for that when God extends his hand of protection over a crowned head all the plots and hatreds of their envyers are rendred uselesse many considered that the Emperour Ferdinand the second had not a little merited from Heaven whilest Princes and people jealous of the Austrian greatnesse and conspiring together to suppresse the same in stead of embracing an opportune occasion of laying the Emperour upon his backe betooke themselves to things of uncertainty and which concerned their private interests so those armes which openly joyned together would have ruined the Empire being unresolved and expecting what the event of others would be stayed from declaring themselves till such time as the prevailing Forces of the Swedes growing weaker and the Imperiall power in time gathering force they should finde it a hard matter to abate the edge of that strength which was inheartned by the experience of Armies and was made more stable by being shaked Rome increasing under Romulus had the good fortune that whilest she was fought withall by diverse Nations she was not set upon by all at once And whereas being all united they had overcome her they severally were by her overcome and by their ruine affoorded leisure to lay the foundations of the Roman Monarchy It is a truth not to be doubted of that if the French not inferiour in strength to the Austrians and who knew the Imperiall greatnesse ought to have been suppressed had followed the King of Swedes fortune and openly have drawn their swords as afterwards they were inforced to doe they would either have brought the Imperiall dignity to make peace upon their owne conditions or else have led it to some great exigency That fire that is not quencht by a little water gathering more strength and breaking forth in greater flames will not afterwards give way to greater store of water Whence it may be gathered that when a Prince may by his advancing prejudice his Enemy whilest his Enemy is busied on one side he ought not to stand idle on the other for 't is well knowne that those Forces which have overcome their first withstanders made wiser by experience grow keener and better edged against the second Knowing moreover that the only Austrian Forces was not sufficient in such an emergency as this to withstand the evils threatned by the victories and well conducted Armies of the Swedes and of so many other enemies whose numbers by their greatnesse and command was increased they sent first the Cardinall d' Arach Walesteines kinsman to the Pope and after him Duke Savell who being found innocent was absolved of the faults laid unto his charge by Tilly out of some private ill will that he bore him with pressing and earnest desires of being from his Holinesse assisted with good store of monies and newes was brought that the Pope had voted a considerable summe of money to be sent the Emperour though it were demanded with too much pretensions by the Austrian Ministers of State and advised for the interest of their Countrey by some Cardinals of the Spanish Faction and that they knew his Holinesse to be very carefull of the good of Christendome whilest by continuall exhortations he had endeavoured the safety of Lombardy against the fury which the Forces bent without regard upon the destruction of Mantua threatned by whose example the Christian Princes very well perceived that to foment the greatnesse of puissant Princes was nothing else but to nurse up a Serpent in ones bosome which at last would poison its benefactor as it would have proved in past times if the French and Swedes diversions had not recalled those Forces from Italy which neither the prayets exhortations nor protestations of the Pope could prevaile withall to make them turne backe they also sent to other Potentates and Princes of Italy the Count Rabata then Governour of Gradisca no lesse powerfull with his pen then with his sword a gentleman of singular understanding in any affaire who was very much welcomed by them all with many complements but their expeditions proved unusefull When the Enemy watches we must not be asleep therefore if Walesteine did by these new inventions recruit his Army that he might in the Spring appeare in the Field The King of Sweden growne hardy by his victory and other happy successes sent newes of this his prosperous proceedings to such Princes States and Cities as were his friends and disswading the Hauns Townes and Princes of the Empire from assisting his Enemy he did not sit still in this his prosperity but printing a Declaration wherein was contained that he would take aswell Roman Catholiques as Protestants into his protection that he might not lose time but make use of his fortune he resolved forthwith to march with his Army into Franconia This Province extends it selfe on the West and South side to the Confines of the upper and lower Palatinate on the East to Bohemia and Misnia and on the North side to Thuringia so as it may be called the Center of Germany it is partly plaine and partly adorned with pleasant hills of a fruitfull soile though in some parts sandy 'T is watered by the Rivers Mayne Aisah Ridnits Bints Stray Tawber and others to the no little advantage of the Inhabitants The King agreed with the Elector of Saxony how he should behave himselfe in the Kingdome of Bohemia he left Bannier and Tod Marshals of the Field with other great Officers behinde aswell that they might drive from the Confines of Pomerania such of the Emperours Garrisons as yet remained there as likewise that they might endeavour to win Magdeburg and other Townes held by the Caesarians in the lower Saxony and he himselfe parted from Hall upon the River of Sall towards Erfurt the chiefe City of Thuringia This Province is seated between the Rivers Sall and Wesser by which it is much enriched 't is well peopled abounding in Corne Hay and many sorts of Beasts it bounds on the South side upon Franconia on the West upon the Landsgrave of Hessen his Country on the North it is covered with the Herecinian Wood
being sufficient to withstand the Cannon-shot which drilled their Trenches through and overthrew their Towers the Inhabitants dispairing of succour from Tilly thought they had done the duties of good Souldiers and being so perswaded forsooke the City which might very well have yet held out for some time They broke the Bridge and withdrew themselves into Ingolstat to the great resentment of Tilly who as they are wont to doe that are abandoned by fortune found opposition to all his designes even in those things wherein hee thought himselfe most secure The Swedes having entred the City and repaired the Bridge withall speed they passed their horse over the Danube and over-running all the neighbouring Townes without any resistance the damage was not little which the people received by the insolencies of the Souldiers to whom the Souldiers licentiousnesse seemed the more grievous in that they had not formerly been acquainted with the evils of warre which is used in all Nations against enemies especially against such as are of another Religion The King being afterwards informed of the Condition of the Roman Catholique Army hee lodged his Army neer Druisse and extended his Quarters along the litle River Schmutter watching over Tillyes wayes who having inlarged his Forces by the accesse of multitudes of Bavarians kept himselfe along the Bankes of Lech a chiefe River which taking its head from the Mountaines of Tirolo divides Bavaria from Swabenland and fals into the Danube at Dunewert The King knowing that Princes resolutions are then best when they proceed from the advises of their Commanders thought it not fitting to advance further before he knew the mindes of the heads of his Army he therefore did send for them to him and acquainted them with what his designes were what advantage the winning of Bavaria might be to them that if they could bereave the Austrians of that leaning stocke either by drawing the Electour to some faire agreement or by utterly ruinating his Country they might easily afterwards lead their Forces into Austria and into Caesars very patrimoniall territories mature consideration being had hereupon 't was found it would be a hard businesse to effect since the Lech was guarded all along by great numbers of the enemies Souldiers The King notwithstanding with his wonted courage was for the undertaking alleadging for his reason that to an enemy already terrified and beaten the more difficult the undertaking were the greater confusion it would cause in them to the which reply was made by Horne and other Captaines that they should not doe well to fight with the enemy upon such disadvantage of the River that the enterprise would be difficult and that to boot with the difficulty thereof it was to be considered of what consequence if they should be worsted here the great inheartning thereby of the enemy would be who were not yet so weakned but that they were able to encounter with the greatest Forces that the Protestant Colleagues could make that the Country was intirely their enemy that they wanted a place of refuge whereinto in case of a storme to retreate that no little heed was to be had to Walesteines preparations who growne strong in Bohemia and in the upper Palatinat would bring the Swedish Army in that nooke or angle either to a dangerous Battaile or to unevitable destruction that his opinion was they should put off this resolution to a more oportune time and that they should go against Moravia to suppresse the Emperors Army the which being the head if it should be overthrown the other members would be weakned The King having given diligent eare to these alleadged reasons did with his wonted dexterity rise up and reply that the Passage of the River ought not to be feared though it were guarded by the enemy for the Imperialists were already at their wits ends by reason of the Swedish Victories that their recruites consisted of people more inured to the plow and to the mannuring of ground then to the handling of weapons that fortune favoured the forward and frowned upon the fearfull that she had turned her backe upon Tilly who after the first was to expect a second discomfiture that Dunawert being well guarded would serve them for a place of safety whereunto they might retreat in case of any misfortune that they were to pursue that Army which being led by an old experienced Souldier not unlike a Snow-ball which by rouling up and downe becomes a great heap might gather strength againe and recruite himselfe into his former Condition that Walesteine was farre off and had but few men and those but fresh-water Souldiers and therefore no feare was to be had of him and concluding with the manifestation of what profit and riches they should get in Bavaria and Swabenland he drew the greatest part to side with him and knowing how advantagious it would be to possesse himselfe of those Townes which lye between Lech and Iber hee commanded Horne with some choice Regiments of Horse to make excursions even to the wals of Vlm which is a Hauns Towne well munitioned and one of the richest in all Germany seated upon the bankes of Danube in the midst of Swabenland the Inhabitants whereof being most of them Protestants if they should see the Swedish Forces greater then the Imperialists in those parts would without delay cast themselves into his protection hee gave him further in charge that he should invite the Magistracy thereof to good correspondency and that he should endeavour to bring all the places thereabouts to his devotion all which Horne did not meeting with much difficulty therein for many of those Townes seeing the Conquerour in the midst of their territories and wanting of defence onely walled about with old Wals without Garrisons and frighted as those use to be who see their enemy before their gates strove who first should bring in their Keyes and Contribution money to the Swedish Officers who by the Kings directions did treate those people so civilly and had so particular a care to be lesse grievous to them then were the Austrians as they moderated the report that the Roman Catholiques had given out of them insomuch that as those which apprehend most are usually best contented those people overcome with the Swedish courtesie could not but confesse that they were better treated by their enemies then by their friends These speedy acquisitions caused much suspition in the Magistracy of Auspurg where though there were Citizens enow and the Garrison which were paid by the Senate thereof strangers sufficient to defend the same yet the Electour of Bavaria fearing left the greater part thereof being Protestants it should rather have inclined to the prevailing Swedish party then to that of Austria indeavoured to bring in a Garrison of Papists and wrought so secretly under-hand with some of the Officers as that he brought into the City two Companies of Horse and 2000 Foot who speedily disarming the Protestant Inhabitants possest themselves of the Gates and of the Arcenall and
possesse himselfe of the Lake and of those passes which lead into Retia which if he had done he might have easily lead his Forces even into Italy since that the Grisons the greatest part whereof are Protestants and at this time very much incensed against the Austrian party would gladly have seen such a novelty hoping by such an assistance to fall upon their so much desired recovery of the Valteline he resolved upon another no lesse considerable enterprise which was to invade Tiroll a bold thought and not easily to be effected though made to appeare easie by his exalted imaginations for things unexpected prove alwayes easier then those that are foreseen this was so weighty a designe that if he had prospered therein as indeed it was not impossible he should doe he would not onely have inlarged himselfe even to the Confines of Italy but descending by the River Inn which taking it's head from the Alpes in Rhetia with a swift current becomes navigable from Inspruch to Passaw where it fals into the Danube he would have brought himselfe into the Archbishopricke of Saltzburg a Province which extends it selfe on the East to the Confines of Austria upon the West to Bavaria and the Country of Tiroll upon the North is inclosed by the Inn and is bounded on the South by Stiria which abounds in Mines of divers Metals and in Cattle is rich and delightfull belonging to the Archbishop thereof one of the richest Prelates of all Germany whose rents come to neer upon 300000 Dollers yearely and winning that City which was not yet fully fortified as was intended he might doubtlessely without much difficultie passe on to Passaw a place of great importance and from thence to Lintz a City in the upper Austria seated upon the Danube where joyning with the discontented people of those parts he might have over-run Austria and marched up to the very gates of Vienna wasting and plundering all that Province which not having yet quartered any of the enemies Forces promised good booty Had this enterprise succeeded as it was undertaken and afterwards deserted it had apparently indangered the Roman-Catholick Camp before Nurenberg or brought it to some great necessity for the greatest part of their Victuals and Ammunition came from Austria and Bavaria He then with this intention passed about the midst of August with 8000 Souldiers to Mimingen from thence to Kempten and unexpectedly set upon Feltzen a Towne invironed with Towers and imperfect Ditches after the ancient manner which being seated in the utmost parts of Swabenland upon the Leech and in the Confines of Tiroll where those Mountaines meet which divide Tiroll from Swabenland was upon these present emergencies of no contemptible consideration The onset being ordered the Garrison made no resistance neither stay'd they to be assaulted but at the enemies first approach they rose in mutiny against their Governour for he being one that had tane up Armes for his particular gaine and desirous rather to inrich his purse then his reputation turn'd the greatest part of the Contribution-mony due to the Souldier to his owne privat use treating them with severe avarice and keeping in his owne quarters people who were to watch over and punish such as complained of his government so as taking him prisoner and for his greater shame binding him with cords and plundering his house they surrendred themselves and the Towne unto the Swedes Whil'st Weymar was intent upon this affair he received a redoubled Command from the King that all other businesse whatsoever set aside he should come with all his Forces to Nurenberg so as he was by obedience bound to forgo the occasion which had unlooked for presented it selfe unto him of entering into Tiroll and being returned to Kempten he had already begun his march towards Nurenberg when Charles Duke of Lorayne being on all sides incompassed by the French Forces that they might keep him from taking up Armes though he publiquely appeared to be onely for the Emperour yet having some little dependency upon the Crowne of France he resolved though his warlike and couragious spirit could not well admit of thoughts of peace to call his most intimate friends into his privat Cabinet and consult with them upon the present emergency being forced thereunto by necessity which maketh men oftentimes incline to that which they have formerly much abhorred Hereupon there wanted not some who foreseeing how he was running into imminent danger told him that nothing ought to be so deerly esteemed of by a Prince or be so pretious in his eyes as peace that no more profitable or usefull Counsell could be given him then to shun warre that the relying upon the power of great and potent men was little advantagious or rather oft-times prejudiciall for that these either that they may work themselves into their friends territories under pretence of assisting them and so appropriate it unto themselves or else that they may keep warre aloofe from themselves and bring it into their friends home doe never contract friendship but upon particular ends and such as being foreseen by wisemen ought to be shunn'd as we would doe usurers who taking double use for what they lend ruine them that adheare unto them that his Highnesse Forces were but small in comparison of so great a King that he had no strong hold to withstand or stop a Kings Army save Nancy and Motha that in Lorayne there could not be raised above 20000 Souldiers the Inhabitants being more vers'd in ploughing and cookery then in mannaging of weapons that he could not defend himselfe without the Austrian succours and that these were onely to be expected from Flanders Burgundie or Germany that the Germans were imployed in the defence of their owne Country that the Flemmish Army was imployed against the Hollanders who were very strong and were upon the Guard of the Frontiers of France that Burgundie was a little State and unable to give fitting helpe unlesse strengthened by Italy Germany or the Switsers that to bring in forreigne Forces was to bring the warre home to ones owne house and to deprive ones selfe of the free and absolute authority injoyed in peace and to receive more harme oft-times by friends then we doe by enemies that Princes ought never to indeavour a breach with such Potentats against whom all contending being vaine men onely play that they may lose that faith ought not to be given to the promises or profers of the mighty for that they use to indure no longer then serves for their owne occasion that he is an enemy who onely aspires to get the Command of another mans authority and that such as these ought alwayes to be suspected that occasions are oft-times invented by the great and powerfull whereby they doe hoodwinke their inferiours that they may pick a cause to take from them what they possesse and that they aime no lesse at the oppression of their friends then of their enemies that they did advise his Highnesse to abandon the
booty and reputation Walesteine being a wise Commander having found the Kings designes and foreseen that making use of Pappenheime's absence hee would force him to a Battaile upon the successe wherof the Sum. Total lay and having many and various thoughts hereupon weighing duly all that made against him that he might go upon secure grounds he resolved to advise with his Astrologer whom he used to trust with his greatest secrets who found that the Constellations of that Month were not answerable to the Kings former fortune or rather that the Planets seemed to have an ill aspect towards him Grounding much hereupon for imitating the ancient Romans he had an opinion of Aâ—guries and was wont to governe his actions by Astrologicall science which he had studied very diligently he resolved to see whither the Starres which had befriended him at other times would now tell truth or no he then secretly agreed with Pappenheim that hee should temporise and that each of them should advise the other when the King should advance by the shot of Cannon set purposely in fitting places and should by speedy messengers acquaint one another with the Kings proceedings and that in this case he should speedily returne to his men towards Lutzen for hee would entertaine the Swedes with skirmishes and so afford him opportunity to come time enough The King having made haste with his marches towards Lutzen Walesteine gave quickly the signe agreed upon by a three-fold Cannon-shot to Pappenheimes Centinels who were placed at fitting distances to that purpose and by speedy messengers gave him notice thereof and this meane while fearing lest the King might advance further then he desired he should he wrought all night in the digging of a Ditch whereby he advantaged his station and filling it with Muskettiers which were flanked by Cannon he stood expecting the comming of the Swedes who arguing by this their paines that the Imperialists were afraid became the bolder This meane while divers skirmishes were made between the Swedish Horse and Isolani his Crabats with equall losse and herein was passed all the night the King being by the breake of day as it were Master of the field for Walesteine keeping himselfe close within his Ditch would not quit his advantage till Pappenheime should be come to him The King stay'd all night armed in the field not minding what his body suffered and being desired by his Captaine to repose himselfe and take some rest he answered That the example of the Generall sweetens the suffering of the Souldier that to forgoe his vigilancy would shew his care over his men to be but small and make it seeme he did it that he might not feele the incommodities of his owne life which they who doe respect ought not to be in the Saddle with foot in stirrope but at their owne homes upon their downe-beds that the troubles of many suited not with the peace and rest of one alone that the world appertained to the industrious not to the sloathfull that rest was the daughter of idlenesse and peace labour the mother of glory and achievements Thus calling his chiefe Commanders about a little sire which he had caused be made to moderate the ridgednesse of the night he in a sprightly and couragious manner acquainted them with his intentions of joyning Battaile with Walesteine Some there were that advised him hee might doe well to stay for the Forces of Saxony and Lunenburg and others who were upon their march not farre from him with the which hee might the more boldly assault the Enemy that the Swedes being as well in numbers as in situation short of the Imperialists they ought not to hazard the Victories of so many Moneths upon the event of one day that Walesteine commanded an Army who coveted Battaile incited thereunto by necessity and out of a desire that they might injoy the fruits of so many Victories which they had not yet forgotten and driven thereunto by despaire seeing themselves onely subject to sufferings that fortune was unconstant and oft-times a friend to the desperate that Walesteine had Commanders under him desirous of revenge obedient Souldiers and who more apprehended their Generalls frowne then the Swedes Swords that Pappenheim was not so farre off but that if he came not time enough to the Battaile he might come soon enough at least to fall upon the wearied and so totally oppresse them that hee had people with him ancient in experience and advise but young in respect of their daring and ambition and that fortune was obliged to pay tribute to his valour that respect ought to be had to the comming up of the Saxon Forces without which they should fight upon unequall tearmes These reasons though strongly maintained were notwithstanding confuted by the King with lively Arguments made good by the heat of his desire and by his will Too much presuming upon a mans selfe-darkens the wisedome of the wisest Hee replyed that Pappenheime was very farre off that Walesteines Army was now dismembred both of Men and Commanders and that it did not exceed the number of 30000 fighting men that this might be said to be an occasion offered by fortune which ought to be taken by the foretop setting upon the Enemy before he should be more incouraged by accesse of greater Forces for that Walesteine being beaten they might be sure to beat Pappenheime that to expect the comming of the Saxons and Lunibergheses was a certaine losse of time and an appearance of fearing the Enemy that the same time which went to the bringing of them unto the Swedes did not inhibit Pappenheime and others from joyning with the Roman-Catholiques so as they should be still upon the same tearmes that in warre occasion was not to be fore-slowed that Fortune was painted with a lock in the fore-head to shew she ought to be layd hold off that there was no fitter time to set upon an Enemy then when he was discovered to be apprehensive that Walesteine was so who by fortifying himselfe indeavoured to shunne giving Battell that he himselfe would shew the way to any one that should be backward that temporising was then good when advantage might be had by delay that when an Enemy hath put on feare he must not be suffered to dis-robe himselfe thereof and on the contrary when ones owne men are incouraged the time which timely shewes it selfe ought not to be let slip These speeches comming feelingly from a King kept all his Commanders from opposing them and for that it was a nationall custome for Subjects to suit with the inclination of their Princes they durst say no more in opposition either not to seem cowards by disswading from a businesse that bore danger with it or lest the King should take the more notice of such as did oppose his reasons Therefore everyone applauding what he had said they speedily withdrew themselves to their Colours to order their Battaglions and to incourage their people Wherefore the King hasting upon the first entrance
which was of Ferias Vanguard being come into the Citie and therewithall much people Ammunition the assault was notwithstanding delayed till more Forces should come which were expected from the Duke of Berchenfield The meane while the besieged sallied couragiously forth upoâ— Crantzlingens quarters to hinder the approaches and breake the batteries but were by the Swedes beat backe with the losse of about 40 Foot and 12 Horâ—e and one Tower falling that day the batteries began to play upon another on the Lakes side The comming of foure piece of great Cannon was expected for those they had did little good by reason of the smalnesse of their Boat and the Duke of Berchenfield was arrived with 4000 Foot and 3000 Horse When newes came that Aldringer being already parted out of Bavaria was upon his march with 20 Regiments of Horse and 4000 Foot and that he had already taken Biberach being notwithstanding followed by D. Weymar who was not far from the Swedish Camp The generall assault which was intended to be made were it either that they stayd for the comming of these men or that they would not hazard themselves in vaine there being a great new succour entred the Towne which added to those that were already there and made about 8000 Foot or for some other reason or for their good successe for which the Swedes had already used all the devotions which in like cases they are used to doe was deferr'd Weymar being this meane while come to Gutleiben which was Hornes quarter with the Colonells Rotutchin Vistem Ransaw Agofelt and Plato prime Commanders of that Army and having spoken with him after about an houres secret discourse concerning the present emergencies he immediately returned to Cheli where about his men lay The next day when the great Cannon appeared those who were desirous of it were confirmed in their opinion that the Siege should be longer continued and the generall assault should be indeavoured But they soone found the error of their conceit for Weymar being in hast returned and having wisely weighed the matter with Horne that every the least delay they should make there conduced much to the prejudice of their designes and interests for the Austrians who marched apace towards their Campe might easily have stopped their passage invironed them with their Forces get luckily into Wirtenberg and make use of the commodiousnesse and situation of that State totally to destroy the Swedish Army they therefore thought it fit suddainly to raise the siege and necessary and fitting directions being given to this purpose their Cannon being withdrawne from the Batteries the Foot in handsome order backt by the Horse past over the Bridge defending themselves with as much gallantry as might be against a briske Sally which the besieged made insomuch as they burnt the barkes and shewed themselves in the Field on the other side the River in perfect Battaile-array The Swedes being risen from before Constantz the Imperialists who were come to the defence thereof came out with great force and courage and being mightily incensed rather against the Protestant Switzer then against the Swedes they over-ranne many of the Protestant Townes in Turgovia dealing hardly with many Protestants where Allarms being given by their Bels and Kesserling the Serjeant-Major of the Country he who being one of Zurich moved not at Hornes arrivall made what haste he could thither but not being able to represse the injuries done by the Imperialists he was sent as a man of quality by those of his owne side to acquaint the Colonels of the Papists Switzers who were yet at Vill with this the Austrians incursion and to present unto them the injuries and violences done by those of Constantz and to be counselled and assisted by them but as soone as he was lighted off horse-backe he was made prisoner by the Roman-Catholiques who gave no reason for it but that he had not intirely done his duty at the comming of the Swedes at which the Protestant Cantons being mightily incensed and more particularly those of Zurich and Berne they betooke themselves to Armes and were upon resolving to breake with them had not the Duke of Rohan and Monsieur Violar the French Embassadour by their interposition and wise dexterity moderated that heat with threatning revenge in every ones breast was likely to have extinguished friendship and to have kindled civill turmoyles which would not so suddainly afterwards have been extinguished The end of the sixth Book DOCTRINA PARIT VIRTUTEM The Warres and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE VII BOOK The Contents of the Seventh Booke This Book tells the comming of the Duke of Feria with the Spanish Army into Germany Aldringers joyning with him Their Consultations and Resolutions how to pursue the Warre The Swedes proceedings to shield themselves from being injured by these Forces The advancements of the Spanish Forces in Swabenland and Alsatia Brisach relieved Walesteine distaste for the place conferr'd upon the Duke of Ferias shewne by his actions The Swedes taking of Ratisbone the Duke of Bavaria's being troubled thereat and his complaint concerning it made at Vienna New indeavours of Peace with Saxony begun by Walestein his proceedings not liked of by the Imperialists his advancements in Slesia The Imprisonment of the Count D'la Towre and of Tuball and their flight displeasing to the Emperours Court The Swedes proceedings in Bavaria The Embassadour Crequi The Spaniards and Polaches Embassadours at Rome The Spaniards desire ayde from the Pope The death of Infanta Isabella in Flanders Ferias retyring from Alsatia into Bavaria Suspitions occasioned through Walesteins sinister proceedings Duke Weymar chosen Generall of the Protestant Forces Saxony his jealousies hereupon The Spaniards Councells held in Bavaria The Surrender of Filisburg to the Swedes The Arresting of the Governour of Lindaw Divers discourses upon the emergent Occurrences IT was now neere the end of September and yet Aldringer entertaining himselfe in the taking in of some places particularly of Biberach seemed rather to tarry under this pretence to keepe back recruits from the Spanish Army then out of any necessitie of taking in those places On the 29th of September Biberach being taken he joyned with the Duke of Feria and spoke with him at Ravenspurga a Towne in Swabenland betweene the Lake of Constantz and Danube where the Spaniards seemed not to be a little comforted that Walesteine had commanded his men to contemne their assistance or rather it may be desiring their ruine so as they having got together an Army of about 26000 fighting men who were fit for any enterprise the Duke of Feria calling his chiefe friends together discust the businesse with them what course they were to take to effect their Designes the question propounded was whether they were to advance boldly and not refuse the giving Battell or else more considerately not to ingage themselves in a businesse of such importance but to endeavour to get into Alsatia and succour Brisach Some were for
Swedes kept their men all that night long in Battell-Array and the Generalls though they had conveniency to rest themselves in their Coaches did notwithstanding dismisse them saying It was not fitting they alone should enjoy their ease where so many friends and fellow Souldiers suffered hardnesse they therefore were content to lye that night which was very cold and snowy upon the naked earth neere the rest of the Souldiers An example which ought to be followed by such Commanders as desire to winne the Souldiers love for there is no greater cause of murmuring then inequalitie and to enjoy a mans owne ease whilst his Companions are in misery If King Gustavus did Acts of wonder with a few men this was one of the chiefest causes thereof for he thereby gave others reason to imitate and follow his example The Swedes the next morning perceiving the Spaniards did not advance as they expected they should doe and that they could not draw them into the open Field and Horne being moreover advertised that they began to march towards Sigmering a place which though it were upon the Danube lyes yet more lower towards Bavaria And fearing least Feria and Aldringer who were wise Commanders and of a refined understanding should winne the hand of them and get into Wirtenberg by Balings side which was but two Leagues off where the Imperialists yet kept the strong Castle of Solerme situated upon a craggy Mountaine and which was then besieged by the Wirtenbergers and that they might passe from thence to Filisberg to relieve that Fort and so getting over the Rhyn recruit Haghenaw runne over the Palatinate joyne themselves with the remainder of the Lorayne Forces and with those that were rays'd in Burgundy and advance prosperously on the other side the River to Brisach they went from Dutling and tooke the same way and lodged that very night in Drussing where the newes being that Feria was upon his march and it was moreover confirmed that he had throwne a Bridge over the Danube at Shamering Horne sent 500 Horse under the Conduct of the Lieutenant Colonell of the Finlanders who was well practised in such like affaires to discover the Enemies Designe and to take some prisoners by whom he might learne what condition their Army was in This man went boldly on and as he thought to surprise a quarter wherein were 1000 of the Enemies Horse he found them ready to entertaine him as having had notice of his intention he was unexpectedly set upon by them and himselfe with many of his men taken prisoners The newes still continuing that the Caesarians were upon their march the Swedish Commanders advanced to Baling to hinder their entrance on that side into the aforesaid Dukedome and there they stayd But being againe informed that the Duke of Feria was parted from Aldringer and that he marched with onely 12000 towards Brisach and that Aldringer being sent for backe by Walesteine returned with the rest into Bavaria Horne gave order to follow them and therefore Weymar marched with his Forces towards Ebing Horne and Berchenfield towards Newstat that they might meet together before Brisach to re-inforce that Campe and preventing the Spaniards force them to depart from thence but as soone as they had begun this their march there came certaine newes that the speech of their parting was not true but that it was a stratagem of theirs by leaving their Baggage intrench't in Miskerck and that they were in hast gone towards the Rhyn and were already at Egen The Swedish Generalls advising what was hereupon to be done they resolved to follow them and to leave their Baggage at Rutuile a priviledged Citie upon the Frontiers of Wirtenberg and which was with good correspondency with the Switzers that they might make the more speedy march and overtake them Weymar therefore returned back and together with Horne and Berchenfield returned to Shemburg and marching all that night they were the next morning at Drussing Whilst the Souldiers very weary with their long marches rested themselves in this Village Horne was advertised by Letters from Scafhause that the Imperialists were past by the Townes of that Canton of which they had burnt two whereat the Protestant Switzers being much inraged had taken up Armes that many thousands of them were gathered together intending to proceed in hostile manner with those they should find had provoked them thereunto that therefore wanting Horses to backe them in the Field while they should revenge this Out-rage done unto them they desired his assistance therein This advice did much amuse Weymar and Horn though they gave not much credit to the Letters knowing that the Switzers who were divided in their opinions doe not so easily put on such resolutions of declaring themselves Enemies to a great Prince They resolved notwithstanding that they might let their friends know they never abandoned good neighbours to send Berchenfield with part of the Army to Newstat that Horne should keepe about Rotevile and that Weymar with 40 Companies of Horse should goe to know what those of Scafhause wanted When Horn was come to Rotevile Weymar came hastily to him from his quarters and brought with him certaine Letters from Oxesterne which were directed to Horne which when they were opened and a secret Commission found therein they soone changed their former orders for Weymar leaving his intention of going to Scafhause tooke the way of Franconia that he might againe come into Bavaria to the enterprise of Ratisbone to the which he was invited by secret advertisements given him by the Elector of Saxony and other Protestant friends that it was now time to thinke upon some action that was unexpected by the Caesarians for Walesteine who was distasted seemed very desirous that somewhat of mis-fortune might befall the Spanish Army and the Duke of Bavaria as he who had beene the cause that the Spaniards had passed over the Mountaines with a power independent and that Aldringer too joyned with them and that it was verily conceived that if the Swedes would endeavour the ruine of Bavaria he would not budge one foot to succour them and just so it proved as shall be said hereafter Berchenfield was left with the residue of the Army to goe to Offemberg to watch the Spaniards proceedings beyond Brisack and Marshall Horne tooke his way with 2000 Horse towards Eneding from whence he sent away a Trumpet to acquaint the Magistrates of Scafhause with his comming and so went himselfe to Bergher a little Village belonging to that Canton where he found the Deputies of the said Citie fuller of Wine then resolution for the preparations which were said to be made by the Protestant Switzers were found not be such as was given out there being onely 1000 Foot sent by the Canton of Zurich under the command of Colonell Vldrich for the defence of that Citie and to no other purpose neither did they conclude any thing but stood with their Glasses in their hands till two houres within night at which time
indeavour at least the getting of some-what some-where else Hee therefore quitting the Palatinat entred into Bavaria at Landsperg and came before Biberack the which he did furiously set upon for his Souldiers who were accustomed to Conquest being long kept fasting were very forwards so as the Towne not being able to resist such Assaults as the Swedes prepared to make wanting both sufficient Garrison and Walls yeelded on the 12th of Aprill and 400 Foot and 70 Horse were suffered to march out Hornes returne into Swabenland gave Allarme to all the Imperialists thereabouts and awakened the Commanders and this his comming causing many men to wonder who thought it was incredible that he should forsake Bavaria some began to thinke there was some-what more in 't and in particular Ossa who commanded in those precincts was more suspitious then the rest as was soone after seen in Colonell Peter Chinich of Salutorne Governour of Lindaw who was arrested and sent prisoner with a good guard into Tiroll but his reputation suffred in no one particular but only by the false suspition of the said Ossa who bore him little good will occasioned by the great friendship and correspondency which Chinich held with the Switzers and in particular with those of Zurich and Berne two Cantons which confided but indifferently in the Austrians and this much the more because some Spaniards that were of Ossa's party and held not that any one could be faithfull to them who was not a Romanist fearing much lest Chinich might be a Protestant and by reason of the good opinion the Protestants had of him they agreed to ruine him rather to free themselves of this suspition then for that he deserved it which was sufficient to nourish a conceipt that he had held Intelligence with the Duke of Rohan who was then in Rhetia And matters of State being like wax which takes heat and is distemperd upon any the least occasion he was imprisoned before he was accused though his innocency appearing afterwards by his absolution his loyalty shone forth the brighter Filisberg which as we have already said was besieged by the Swedes was now by Famine brought to great extremity insomuch as Bawmbergher and Swarez who had the custody thereof yeelded upon parly and had very honourable conditions the Fort being surrendred up to Colonell Smigberg on the 13th of Ianuary The losse of this place though it were not of so great consideration in respect of the situation yet it being a principall place it was in the present conjuncture thought to import much by reason of the consequences which depended on it for that it was likely it might fall into the Frenchmens hands who when they should have gotten thither they might easily advance further and maintaine themselves in Alsatia and in the lower Palatinat Yet they who seemed to be greater Politicians discoursed alternately hereupon those who opposed the reasons alleaged by the Swedes answered that it was better to leave it in the hands of the Imperialists then to win it for the French to whom when they should not surrender it they should shew little desire of continuing longer friendship with them by which their Interests was to receive no small detriment and by granting it the gaine would appeare to be prejudiciall for besides the depriving of themselves of such a place to retreat unto they would draw a power upon their shoulders which assuming unto it selfe the title of being arbitratour of their affaires the Swedes who should continue in those parts would consequently be brought to reverence the Lawes of France from whence it would insue that their authority being limited and made dependant on the French their atchievements would be unperfect and their greatnesse would not be suffered to exceed the limits which they should allow them And though others said that it was not to be imagined that the French would betake themselves to a businesse of small satisfaction suppose the negative thereunto were granted for that their Interests required good intelligence with friends of so great power who might otherwise wax jealous yet wise men foresaw that no good effect could ensue hereupon since that the desire of rule is blinde and the reasons of preserving it prevaile over whatsoever other respect But the considerations which the Protestants had hereupon were farre short of those held by the Austrians for they thought this to be a greater losse then any they yet had suffered not for that the Swedes or Protestants got much thereby whose power consisting in the Union of many they hoped that in time and by such meanes as they might use they should recover from them what they had lost but for feare lest it should fall into the hands of the French whose greatnesse being upheld by the Crown of their onely Monarch and those Provinces neighbouring upon their Kingdome they well â—oresaw what difficulties they should meet withall in the regaining of it The mindes therefore of the Councellours were confused their judgements uncertaine their resolutions timorous their remedies doubtfull and their hopes inconstant Yet all this notwithstanding the Spaniards who are alwayes undaunted in adversity carefull of their affaires and most faithfull in all their doings failed not with their refined judgements to calme the perplexity of their mindes to secure their feares to advise what was expedient to proportion agreements and to confirme faith in the certainty of hope The end of the seventh Book DOCTRINA PARIT VIRTUTEM The Warres and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE VIII BOOK The Contents of the Eighth Booke Wherein is described what the Austrians condition was in Italy and in Germany The doath and fashions of the Duke of Feria Iealousies in the Austrian Ministers of State touching Walesteines behaviour Meanes used by them to guard themselves against his infidelitie Orders taken therein and how his death ensued The rumours caused hereupon A Compendium of his life and qualities with an opinion upon the efficacy of his fortune and of his Army Ferdinand King of Hungary chosen chiefe Commander of the Imperialists Forces His preparations to march into the Field Divers proceedings of the Swedes in Swabenland and Alsatia Charles Duke of Lorayne his making over his estate to the Cardinall his Brother This mans marriage with the Princesse Claudia Iealousies caused in the French by reason of this Marriage the flight of the Duke and Dutches from Nancy The going of Prince Thomas of Savoy to take upon him the command of the Spanish Forces in Flanders The Swedes undertakings in Swabenland The King of Hungaries entrance into the Field The Swedes Negotiations in Holland and in England The Landgrave of Hessen his proceedings The Siege of Motha and of Bitsch in Lorayne THe Spanish Army was this meane while quartered in Bavaria to recruit themselves and the Spaniards and Italians were very solicitous and diligent in compleating their Companies that they might recover that renowne which was rather lessened by the badnesse of
partake of the fruits of his Victories and Authority They were further to adde that by the deposing of this General his promises would faile of being effected and they were to faile in their pretended satisfactions for whosoever else should Command would indeavour to reward those whom he already found inroled in his owne affection not those whom he should know depended upon his rivall and that it being usuall in these times to hate such as are friends to our Enemies preferring privat passion before publique good they should be necessitated to much obsequious sufferance to preserve themselves in his favour that therefore it behoved them all to intercede by their humble supplications to Walestein his Highnesse that he would not forgoe this Army which so much needed his assistance and wherein his owne interest so much consisted and that they should doe well to informe the Emperour how prejudiciall the losse of this Commander would be By this Tiberian cunning of Walesteine the chiefest of the Army were much moved for it is naturall to humane affection greedily to solicit such things as they desire when those things seem to shun them The other Colonels perswaded by these leading men whose speeches seemed as so many oracles such reverence did they beare unto them by reason of their intimacy with the Generall agreed all in a resolution joyntly to present themselves before Walesteine and to intreat him not to hurle that Army into a precipice of miseries which he had raised above the mountaines of Victory and Glory that they would not yeeld to obey any other Generall that great was the necessity the tempest violent the Imperiall dignity likely to be overthrown should it be deprived of his Worth that therefore they were resolved to follow him and never forgoe his Command Walesteine seeing the hearts of his Commanders so well disposed to his service wrought it so as that Illo should secretly and as it were of himselfe propound unto the rest of the Colonels that if they desired his Highnesse should continue his charge they were to secure him of their faith let whatsoever mischiefe happen through the malignity of the times and of his enviers with giving him somewhat under their hands to this purpose The Colonels who as hath been formerly said were very well affected to him for his liberality used towards them aswell in honours as in favours the greatest tye wherby the Souldiers love can be bound and who therefore reverenced him he having particularly obliged many of them by conferring places upon them which he would not perhaps have given to others following herein the Ottoman policy who value none nor take any into their Musters save such as are valiant and couragious resolved to underwrite and subscribe unto a writing drawne up to this purpose Wee Colonels and Chieftaines of the Warre whose names are under written understanding that the Duke of Mechelberg was resolved to quit his Command of Generalissimo to his Caesarian Majesty since that he is falsly calumniated in the Court at Vienna though we have ever knowne his actions to be most loyall and taking into mature consideration that if this should happen much mischief would insue hereupon wee therefore moved out of the fidelitie wee owe to his Caesarian Majestie to the Roman Religion and to the whole Empire having willingly and out of our owne accord humbly besought our said Generall not to abandon us in this so important conjuncture and great emergency wherein his assistance is so requisite doe all of us promise and oblige our selves upon the faith of Gentlemen of honour to stick still close unto him nor ever to part from him or relinquish him for any cause or accident whatsoever after the best manner and with the greatest faithfulnesse we are able This writing subscribed by 42 Colonells did much inhearten Walesteine and afflict the Austrian Ministers of State who no wayes affrighted with the eminency of this danger but rather assuring themselves by these proceedings of what before they did suspect betooke themselves to their deepest wisedome and acutest wit Whereupon it was given out that the wisest of the Austrian Officers meeting on the 12th of Ianuary in Count d'Ognates house the Spanish Embassadour the fittest meanes were considered of how to save the Imperiall authoritie from receiving a blow by the treachery of this man Some were of opinion That they ought to temporize and beare with his actions and afterwards upon fitting occasions withdraw the Souldiers from him under the command of Italian Colonels and not Bohemians or Dutch that so being deprived of his so much feared retinue he might be brought to give an account of his actions Many knowing that in State-affaires Princes ought not to deferre their resolutions but rather to consider every shadow of danger as a reall harm were of opinion and this was the embraced advice That Picolomini and Gallasse men of unsuspected fidelitie should be suddenly sent unto him to arrest his person But some difficultie appearing likewise in this resolution the good successe whereof was not certaine for that Walesteine was begirt with many Troopes of his Kinsmen and such as sided with him so as though the rest of his Army should have obeyed the Emperours letters Parents conferred upon Gallasse which notwithstanding would be hardly effected the Bohemian Captains and the greater part of the Dutch Commanders whose affections were great unto their Generall would not withdraw themselves from his obedience whereby hee might betake himselfe with his most intimate friends to some strong holds from whence hee could not be gotten out without surprizall or siege things of time and full of lets the Enemy being neer at hand by whom he might be succourd and so the undertaking prove rather prejudiciall then profitable therefore craft and deceipt was thought to be the best resolution and that to compasse their ends they were to corrupt some of his Commanders the true way to work mischiefe to ones Enemy for there is no so secure Treason as that which is wrought by ones deerest friends or most esteemed Servants nor was there any better meanes found to secure themselves from this flame then to take away the fuell that fed it They therefore secretly wrought an understanding with some Irish Officers of Tersica's Regiment with whom certaine Spaniards were very inward that by all meanes they might be sure to secure Walesteines person by which action to boot with the purchase of immortall glory they were promised large recompence and extraordinary honour nor should they by such an act any whit staine their reputation or their bounden duty since that fighting under the Empire of Ferdinand the second they were first bound to him before unto their Generall nay it would bee a great evidence of their loyalty to fence their Prince from Felony These words prevailed much with Lesley Captaine of Tersica's Regiment who betaking himselfe unto the businesse communicated the whole affaire to Captaine Butler and then to Cordon Lieutenant-Colonell and
to his favour He valued high spirits above vulgar wits no lesse then doe good breakers of Colts He held an opinion that a Souldier who had too tender a conscience and was too scrupulous in his resolution could never be perfect in the Souldiers craft He was not given to sensuality for since lust reignes onely in idlenesse he that had his understanding busied about the speculation of greatnesse and sublime affaires could not bend to a flying shadow of imperfect fruition He affirmed there was no defect more blamable in a great man then sensualitie that the strength of Mars grew weaker in the delights of Venus that the toughnesse of the mind was distempered by the fire of appetite that constancy was lost in the laborinth of too much tendernesse and politick wisedome in the like of speculation that the livelinesse of the spirit suffered through the mist of Effeminacy He much coveted to exceed others in glory and being almost drunke with envy he let himselfe loose to be governed thereby he termed those poorly-minded who content with the condition they were in did only live to eate and slept to divert the tediousnesse of time which they could no otherwise employ then in satisfying their senses he was immesurably angry sudden in his hatred rash in resolutions obstinate in the execution thereof Lasinesse was never lodged in his bosome he spent such houres as he could exempt from either politick or military affaires in the study of some Science and in speculation how he might make himselfe more remarkable Dissimulation was banisht his Court nor cared he for any that used it he said it was the weapons of fearefull and basely minded men who would cover their pusillanimity under a smile or teare that base flattery became not freedome and liberty Hee was well-pleased with pompe sumptuousnesse and applause He affirmed they merited not the honour of Command whose appetite lead them not to glory that glory was the Lanthorne which led the way to worthy actions Such of his followers as were most brave and costly in their apparell were best liked by him he had no harbour for covetousnesse he abounded in liberality he cald those who were mony-Masters Servants and that wise man a foole who did worship his Cofery he was of opinion that he who had not a great heart and much of generosity could never become a great Commander He would reply to some of his friends who would put him in minde that Gold is the sinnewes of greatnesse you say well but it must be then in the hands of one that is not a slave thereunto greatnesse followes greatnesse great Souldiers have great hopes and these keep the field where great rewards are to be had whilst Caesar powers on me his great magnificencies you see how he is served I finde no Gold that can weigh in the scales with the merit of a valiant Souldier read the bed-role of my Commanders and then argue upon any actions Hee added that Souldiers were Masters of Gold not that of them Kingdomes might be said to be cheaply got by rewarding the Militia that no better interest or use was made of Monies then from that principall which was invested in the Sword in a bold courage and resolute headpeece that Princes were never impoverished by rewarding their servants He greatly loved his masters gereatnesse he desired he should be reverenced and coveted still to make him greater knowing very well that by how much the greater Princes are so much more conspicuous is the function of their Officers He laught at some ignorantly ambitious who for having mustered their Squadrons or stood Centinell some one might in some safe Fort farre enough from the Enemy pretended to be equally treated with them who had lost their bloud and by their experience had made themselves worthy of imployment as his favours shewred plentifully downe upon men of worth so were the hopes of ignorant and poorly spirited men but small To counterpoise his praise-worthy conditions they were much allaid by his haughtinesse cruelty and hasty fiercenesse his unstablenesse in Religion the little respect he bore to the Churchmen and his hereticall maximes made him be knowne to be wicked a miscreant and not deserving a good name Hee together with the Church-men exceedingly hated their riches were it either that he himselfe coveted them or for the naturall envy he bore to another mans goods or for that he would curry favour with the Germans the greatest part whereof were no friends to Friers Hee would abusively say amongst his friends that the exorbitant greatnesse of some of these Church-men was both ratione divina and humana to be moderated by wise Princes exaggerating that cloathing their appetites with these worldly preferments and giving way to temptation through their having the world at will they became idle and ran into many publick scandals he added that the inriching of these men was the impoverishing of the laity since that the Monies which were more then superfluous for them and was lost in their luxuries might be imployed to the publick service of the Empire moreover that since by their great revennues the incomes of Princes was lessened it was a matter of great consideration that so many should be suffered to injoy so pleasing a quiet for that if they were turned loose into the world neither would generation so much decline nor would Christian Princes bee put to such streights for Souldiers Townes would not be so unpeopled neither would Principality be so much prejudiced Hee had under his service men of all Nations of Europe and every valiant man found a place in his favour but of all other Italians had the preheminency hee would call that Nation spritly wary full of craft and to this purpose he was wont to say the Italians were the onely wits on the other side the Mountaines to those that would propound Spaine unto him for a wise Nation hee would reply that the great wisedome wherewith the Spaniards maintained their greatnesse had not its originall in Spaine but was learned in Italy the Councels of that Monarch being best guided by Spaniards Itallianated and Italians Spaniolised He was of opinion that the quickest spirits were bred up in the schooles of Vice and accademies of craft His thoughts were high his hopes vast and his ends strangely profound He consented not to the warre of Mantua but disswaded from it and made it appeare that the unconquered Forces of the greatest Emperour that for many ages had reigned and who was victorious over so many Provinces ought not to bee imployed against one of his owne innocent Feudatories He termed revenge upon inferiours the advice of weake spirits high and magnificke resolutions the effects of a well qualified soule His intention was as his most intimate friends said to carry his Forces against the Ottoman Empire and he vaunted himselfe that he would give a happy beginning to that war without putting the Emperour to any cost A high designe but who shall
Brussels his great danger of being totally bereft of his Dukedome and yet resolving not to forgoe his good Intelligence with the Austrians desirous likewise not to see Lorayne fall into the hands of any others then some of his owne family pitcht upon new resolutions which were very considerable and thought to be very opportune had not he through this vizard looked upon another object and higher designe He therefore resolved to renounce his state to the Cardinall Francis Nicholas his Brother for that he being one that had beene no wayes faultie might easily find both pardon and favour from the King The Cardinall desired the Kings consent thereunto who graciously afforded it him Insomuch as it was reported this was done upon promise he should joyne in alliance with some such Prince as the King should approve of whereupon it was jestingly said it was with the Daughter of Charles Duke of Mantua and that he should really quit all intelligence with the Spaniards and with Duke Charles as those who caused jealousies and suspitions in the French But because these pretences were regulated by the Dukes agreement and the Austrians approbation as it was commonly said to delay time till fortune might look favourably upon the affaires of the Empire and the Spaniards not permitting that the Cardinall should marry with a Subject that depended upon France nor yet that submitting himselfe to the will of the French he should unherd himselfe from them and their protection and the streights wherein they found themselves being of moment herein they the more willingly set about it So as that the marriage which the King approved of might not take effect and that the new Duke might not forsake the Austrian partie they betooke themselves to new resolutions But being the resolutions of Princes when they are farre other then what they promise cloath themselves usually with artificiall honesty and goe beautified by some pretencâ— the true meanes to cover all breach of word Duke Charles wrought the matter so as that the Dutchesse his Wife should relinquish all her claime she had to that Dukedome as heire to Duke Anthony her Father and Charles his Uncle to her Sister the Princesse Claudia for that the Cardinall perswaded afterwards by reason that he should not be Duke if the Princesse Claudia as enfeoffed by the Dutchesse were descended out of the house of Lorayne that I say palliating by these excuses which were so advantagious to this so well woven peece of Art he might marry this Princesse and render the French designe vaine The Cardinall suffering himselfe thus unwisely to be governed by his Brothers interessed counsell and the like of his friends unprovidently and without the Kings knowledge or consent resolved upon this match which proving a great concernment to the French Commanders and Governours who very well knew how ill those Princesse and the people of those parts were inclined to them they sent speedy newes hereof to the Court and were advised to increase their guards and to watch more narrowly over the new Dukes proceedings On the other side this Duke judging by the new demeanour of the French and call'd on by his owne consideration to examine his interests found that he was to expect some new accident he judged it was not safe for him to tarry longer at Nancy where he was little better then a prisoner amidst so many guards nor yet to quit the State which by his assistance he hoped to preserve He chose a third way believed by himself and confident to be the most behovefull for the safety of his owne person upon all occasions and not to give jealousies to the French and this was to retire himselfe to Luneville a place begirt onely with bare Walls seated neare the Mosell ten Leagues from Nancy where the Dukes of Lorayne have their places of pleasure and are wont to recreate themselves with Hunting Under pretence of such disportment he went thither and being there answer came from France to the Letters formerly sent wherein was contained as was commonly reported that the French Commanders should have a diligent eye to secure the forth-comming of both their Highnesses that upon the occasioned appearances since the Dukes deeds differed from his words La Motta should be demanded of him a strong place situated upon a Rock that the Princesse Claudia should be sent to Paris and that the French might be permitted to put a Garrison into Luneville whereby they might keepe those Dukes from parting thence To performe this the Marshall Dela Force went to Luneville and in seemly and faire manner delivered his Embassy to the Duke who surprised with this unexpected accident granted Luneville but did immediately refuse to deliver up La Motta or to be deprived of his Wife upon reasons conformable to the agreement a little before made But the Marshall replying that this was his Commission and exhorting his Highnesse to submit unto the Kings will the Duke growing pale and complaining of violence replyed he had no other place to retire unto but La Motta that his Wife was given unto him for a Companion by God and that nothing but death should part him and her that the King might content himselfe with being Master of Nancy and of all the remainder of his State To which in conclusion the Marshall replyed I ought and will obey my King your Highnesse may doe well to aske counsell this night of your pillow I will send one of his Majesties Captaines of the Guard to morrow for your answer The Marshall this meane while taking his leave gave order that such Foot and Horse as were lodged thereabouts should draw neerer Luneville to prevent any thing of noveltie that might ensue if the Duke should escape thence The next morning the Captaine of the Guard came accompanied with good store of Horse and insisted upon the three demands made by the Marshall but got no other answer from the Duke save onely that if he would accept of Luneville he would deliver it over unto him it being a place of no consideration but that he would never forgoe La Motta nor his Wife and with these words making his owne Wife and the Wife of Duke Charles goe into the Coach he himselfe got on Horse-backe and going from Luneville went towards Marienville The Captaine following him came up unto him and desired to know whether hee intended to goe to which the Duke replyed whether it shall please God since I can find safetie in no place the Captaine added your Highnesse will please to excuse me I onely askt it that I might wait upon you 'T is more then needs said the Duke I am commanded so to do said the Captain and then poynting out unto him the way to Nancy he said your Highnesse must goe this way not that way The Duke astonished to see himselfe thus made prisoner galloped to the Coach where the two Duchesses were and crying out aloud that they were betrayed broke out into such expressions against the
entertained by the Infanta and being furnisht with Monies and all things requisite they went to reside at Florence and in this case remain'd the begun misfortunes of that house which as formerly it had vaunted it selfe to be envied for its happinesse appeared now to be prosecuted by fortune as much as any other whatsoever And by this vicissitude it is proved how unstable humane constancy is how flattering hope is false and what folly is in the best wits The chiefe French Commanders who were quartered every where in that Dukedome upon the newes hereof flockt to Nancy newes was sent to the King The Marshall de la Force was this meane while drawing neer to la Motta to force the Garrison thereof to yeeld if he should not obtaine it by Commission from the Duke when hearing what had happened he delayed not to come before it to raise his batteries and on the fifth of Aprill began to play upon the Towne wherein the Baron d'Ische commanded in Chiefe a valiant Gentleman and who playing reciprocally upon the French shewed he had no mind to yeeld the Towne Prince Thomas was at this time imployed in the government of Cambray and Savoy who incited by his sprightly courage thinking that his Martiall Genius would be suffocated by keeping quiet within the precincts of those Mountaines whilst Warre was waged in all parts else and remembring that nothing doth more prejudice a lively Prince then idlenesse resolved to betake himselfe to some imployment wherein he might exercise his valour whereupon since the Spaniards who exceedingly desire to have the Princes of Italy their stipendaries aswell to draw them to side with them as to make their service seem the more honourable had often times invited him to take upon him the place of his late Brother Prince Philiberto or else the government of the Flanders Forces he resolved at last to accept of their offer Hee therefore consented to take upon him that imployment left Cambray and passing into Burgundy went from thence to Brussels having sent his Wife the Princesse of Corigniano together with his Children to Milan This Princes suddaine departure afforded matter of discourse to the curiosity of our newes-mongers some would have it that he had thus secretly absented himselfe out of some privat distate hee had taken at the Duke his Brother others thought hee thuâ— indeavoured to better his condition invited thereunto by glory and desire to change the government of Savoy for that of Flanders others that were more speculative would not sticke to say that this was done by the privity of the Duke his Brother who was thought by many that though he outwardly appeared to be well affected to the French yet that inwardly hee depended upon the Spanish party so as they thought this his departure was not without the consent of his Brother but covertly cloaked lest he might cause jealousie in the French who were ready openly to declare themselves against the Spaniards The Austrians aswell in Vienna as in all other places were this mean while diligent in providing for the present emergencies and more particularly the Spaniards used all possible meanes to provide for all necessaries for the Field and they imployed all their indeavours that since the place of Generalissimo which was conferred upon the King of Hungary concern'd them in reputation he might performe some notable piece of service To this purpose some Regiments commanded by Colloredo were made to advance towards Slesia where having possest themselves of a great part of the Country they recovered the Citie and Castle of Olss situated in a large plaine between the Oder the Bartsch begirt about with Ditches Wals it made no defence but yeelded upon discretion and the Garrison being 500 Souldiers took service under the Emperours Colours And for that the businesse of Ratisbon was that which most troubled the Spaniards they resolved to indeavour the recovery thereof aswell that they might satisfie the Duke of Bavaria as likewise to honest their owne Counsels for they knew the name of this Citie was famous for the many Dyets had been held therein and therefore the taking of it would sound wel in the peoples eares and would win reputation to the forces of a King who would not be much cried-up should hee meet with misfortune at the first entrance into his government Besides they thought the enterprise would not bee very difficult the Towne being unprovided of necessaries the Country and strong Holds round about it possest by Romanists and it not being in a Condition to resist an Army since it was not perfectly and according to the rules of Fortification walled about or defended nor could be succoured by the Swedes without evident danger difficulty and disadvantage All requisite preparations were made in Austria as also in all other Provinces belonging to the Emperour and his friends to effect so important a businesse wherein so much of reputation lay and so much the rather for that it seemed a shamefull thing to every body that a place not very strong and in the heart of the Romanists Territories should have it in a Garrison of such as were of a repugnant beliefe The Landgrave of Hessen who was with his Army as this time about Hidelshâ—ime did draw neerer unto it And the losse of this place being like to prove a great blow to the Romanists the Elector of Coln perswaded Benecawsem who was Marshall of the Field to succour it by all meanes possible the which though he knew it would be a difficult matter he indeavoured but to no purpose for he was beaten back by the Swedes with some losse in his Reare so as the besieged seeing themselves but in a sad condition failing of their expected succour and thinking that they had done all that their honour did oblige them unto they soone after delivered up that good Citie upon honourable conditions into the hands of the Landsgraves Commanders marching forth with flying Colours Drums beating two piece of Cannon 1700 Foot and 350 Horse The delay of Miminghen had opened the passages of Swabenland and secured the Swedes behind on that part But Horne who knew it would be hard for him to keepe in that Countrey if he should not first make himselfe Master of some place upon the Lake of Constantz and Lindaw being a place not to be then indeavoured by reason of the situation and the strength thereof it being well guarded and much valued by the Austrians and finding Constantz impossible to be taken he thought upon the taking of Vberlinghen which though there were divers circumstances which would render it hard to be taken notwithstanding invited by some intelligence hee held with some of the Protestant inhabitants and comforted by hope which makes men carefull in what they goe about he resolved to try his fortune He to this purpose moved with his Army from their severall quarters and marched thitherward came with 8000 fighting men and 12 piece of Cannon before the Towne and within
put into the hands of the French it was to be hoped that they would not draw ruine upon themselves but that well weighing their owne interest they would pitch upon some such expedient meanes as they might know fittest to keep their neighbours lowe That the Country was narrow guarded by considerable Forts and that the Italians who shewed themselves to be jealous of the Spaniards greatnesse in that Country 't was to be believed they would shew no lesse dislike against the French when they should appeare to advance towards them So as it was better to take Filisberg since thereby they should drive beyond the Rhyn and the Palatinat secured and to hazard themselves upon an open Warre then by neglecting such an occasion to preserve a suspicious Peace which was likely to be broken to their greater prejudice These reasons weighed together with others seemed to be more valide and therefore consent being thereunto given Baumberger made some crafty Souldiers advance towards the Towne in Country-mens apparrell that at the appointed time they might surprise the Corps de Guard that was at the Gate in a very darke and cold night and hee himselfe marched thitherward and by meanes of the Ice which was able to beare any whatsoever weight hee drew neere the Rampiers with his Ladders and easily breaking downe the weakned Palisadoes hee put some 300 of his men into the Towne who joyning with the former and possessing themselves of the Corps de Guard within and beating downe the Drawbridges with a Petar on the out side the Caesarians luckily entred the Towne the 24th day of Ianuary whereas otherwise it was thought a presumptuous and vaine attempt to have offered at it They tooke the Governour Officers and most part of the Souldies prisoners who foolishly believing that the Austrians would never have dared to breake with their so strong and fortunate King whilest they had other Irons in the fire and thinking themselves to be in a sanctuary neglected their Guards not dreaming of any such novelty By this surprisall and other fortunate successes of the Imperialists the Inhabitants of Franckfort were as much moved as they were unresolved what side to betake themselves unto they saw apparent ruine if they had not speedy recourse to Caesars clemency they were weary of the Swedes who began to be troublesome to them for knowing they were to forgoe that City they indeavoured by indirect meanes to get what they could from the Citizens none of the Protestant party caring then for the publicke good which they held as good as lost The Inhabitants of Franckfort therefore seeing themselves reduced to this condition began to treate of agreement with the Austrian Agents And the Capitulation being ended they tooke in a Garrison of the Emperours and though they were not sure this their resolution should prove so successefull as they expected for the Towne of Sassenhawsen which was over against the City was in the Swedes possession by whom they might suffer injuries and to this consideration was moreover added the neighbourhood of the French Army and Waymers which might cause to them some considerable prejudice yet they thought it more advantagious at the present to cloze in with the Emperour who offered them a gracious pardon then be exposed to the misfortunes of Warre and put their hopes in those who minding nothing but their particular affaires wanted both meanes and will to thinke of the publicke interest and of their confederatâ— friends Franckforts accommodation was the losse of Sassenhawsen for being plaid upon on two sides by the Austrians though the Swedes under the command of Colonell Vistam did for many dayes gallantly defend it yet were they at last compelled to yeeld to greater Force and upon honourable Conditions which were granted them to quit the Towne and withdraw to Mentz The proceedings of Wert and Gallasse were likewise furthered by the taking of Sassenhawsen for Wert passing over the Rhyn tooke Spier without any gaine-saying a City of good receipt but onely walled about after the ancient manner and put poorly inhabited seated neer the Rhyn and wherein the Imperiall Chamber had wont to be And Gallasse without much adoe possest himselfe of Wassenburg in the lower Alsatia upon the Confines of Lorayne at the foot of the Mountaines which divide Lorayne from Alsatia a Towne reasonably well peopled and surrounded with a good Ditch but old Wals. This meane while the newes of the surprisall of Filisburg came to France which as it was a thing altogether unexpected by the French who could hardly be perswaded that the Austrians in this present conjuncture of time would have broken the Peace with them So was it very displeasing to the whole Court which being highly incenst that tâ—e Imperialists should have ventured upon that place which was under the protection of that Crowne as part of the Bishopricke of Spier belonging to the Elector of Triers who had already put himselfe into the protection of France the King and all his Officers began to seem more inclined to breake with the Austrians presuming they had now just reason so to do And though the Austrians indeavoured to moderate this opinion in the King signifying unto his Majesty that they were forc't upon that enterprise by the French who had in effect declared themselves Enemies to the house of Austria by taking of such places as made for their prejudice the Emperour by capitulation made with the Elector having alwayes had a part in the Garrison maintained in the very Towne of Filisburg and though with many like messages from Rome they were not wanting in indeavours to retard and divert the breach betweene those two Crownes the Pope very well foreseeing that from thence nothing could be expected but some singular prejudice to the Roman Religion and to Italy also whither certainly Forces would be brought Yet were they not able to appease the French who in a threatning manner prepared for revenge making much Warre-like provision and beginning really to think upon Warre Commissary Bullyon was therefore dispatcht from France into Rhetia with some Monies to pay the Souldiers there and to make other provisions secretly to effect the enterprise of the Valteline and they sent likewise a good quantity of treasure to Pinerolle and some recruits of men to guard that Fortresse and in fine all things necessary were provided in all places for a War against so considerable a Potentate Whilest France made great preparations on all sides for Warre and Foot and Horse were frequently raised no declaration being made whether they tended the Infanta who had already taken upon him the government of Flanders finding the Popes wholsome admonitions not able to appease the pretences of the two Crownes their diffidence being grown too great that hee might lose no time made use of the Intelligence he held with some of the Inhabitants and of the negligence had by some of the French guards and bethought himselfe of the taking of Triers which was kept at this
time by a French Garrison Having therefore agreed on the manner with Prince Thomas who was then Governour of all the King of Spaines Forces in Flanders and was with the other Austrian Forces in Lucemberg hee made Count Finden march thitherward and by the favour of the season of the Intelligence hee held and of the neglected guards who expected not such an accident the City was suddainly set upon and taken on the 21th of March the Elector made prisoner and brought with a good Convoy to Brussels many of the Garrison slaine and taken This action though it were of some consideration to the House of Austria aswell by the addition of the Towne as for the Electors person who to purchase his liberty would at all times give his voice in the Imperiall Dyet for the crowning of the King of Hungary King of the Romans yet was it thought by some to be no little misfortune for this being a blow wherewithall France being now great in power and Military preparations would bee netled so great ruines were foreseeen as not onely their owne Subjects but their Neighbours yea all Europe should suffer thereby and so it fell out For the King of France to boot with these apparent injuries sufficient to legitimate an occasion of breaking Peace was little satisfied with the proceedings of the Spanish Agents who were publickly peacht by the French for having wrought upon the Duke of Orleans and other subjects of France by many hopes and filled them with vast imaginations thereby to cause civill discords then which they could finde no better diversion and for having done other things prejudiciall to that Kingdome And finding at last the breach might well be retarded but not evaded for the Spaniards would never have suffered the French to make such Achievements without drawing a Sword and not requite them by Armes since it so became them to doe in respect of those who for their sakes were turned out As likewise for that it did not well agree with their government that the French should grow greater and should get neerer to their Confines whereby they should be continually jealous of their neighbourhood and be sure to have them alwayes a counterpoise to their greatnesse whilest under the name of good neighbours they had possest themselves of such Townes as were held by their Forces for the preservation of such as had flowne unto their King for protection They resolved not to permit any longer any such hostility without resentment Having therefore concluded upon Warre the King of France sent an intimation to the Infanta which implyed an open breach unlesse hee would presently restore unto him Triers and set the Elector at liberty the Messenger whereof was not by his Highnesse listned unto Henry Duke of Rohan who was with a great body of men about Ramberviller in Lorayne was commanded to fall downe into Alsatia that he might be ready for the imployment he was put upon Duke Crequi who was returned from his Embassy from Rome and who was made Lieutenant-Generall of all the French Forces in Italy had Commission for the raising of 10000 Foot and 2000 Horse in Dolpheny and Bresse and to be ready to fall into Pâ—emont upon any such order from the King 2000 French Foot were sent to Casalle Much Military Provision was sent to Pinerolle The Inhabitants of Pragelle which is a Vallie on this side the Mountaine of Geneva and from whence issueth the River Chison which having cut through the Vallie of Perosa fals into Poe neer Villefranca were commanded to make certaine places of those Mountaines more easy to be passed that such Souldiers as were to goe from Lyons and Grenoble into Italy might passe that way Monsieur de Bellieure a personage of great esteem was declared Embassadour extraordinary to all the Princes and Potentates of Italy And because the Duke of Parma who was still more and more distasted with the Spanish Agents held good correspondency with the French divers Companies of Horse were sent towards Parma and a good summe of Mony was sent by the King to the Duke thereof to raise new Troopes and for the payment of an Army in his owne state of which together with the assistance of other Princes their friends the French thought to make use to assist them on that other side in the assault they intended to give by the way of Montferrat to the state of Milan And if the effect thereof had been answerable to the wisedome of the plot and his Majesties advice had been readily executed doubtlesse the Spaniards might have run the hazard of losing the state of Milan which did then sufficiently want men for its owne defence Thus the Embassadours being dispatcht away diligent preparations for Warre were made on both sides The newes hereof comming to the Emperours Court which was not yet quite free from the former disorders altered the pulse thereof on this side and did not a little obviat those hopes wherewith they were already much comforted by their late good successe against the Swedes Wherefore fearing some new mischiefe they speedily summoned the wisest of their Councell together and examined such things as most concerned the preservation of the Empire and found that their discords with the Protestant Princes were the repletions which kept it languishing for that the Warre maintained in their owne Territories weakned the Frontiers of Germany and laid low the Spaniards high designes built upon the power of the Emperour 'T was therefore agreed upon that all diligence should be used to finde out an adequat remedy for this malady which they found not to consist in their owne Forces disperst abroad in other places through the hostility of the Princes of the Empire The Elector of Saxony was then againe invited to a new treaty of Peace which was propounded unto him and accompanied with the fairest propositions that necessitie could find out Baron Curts went to Prague to treat with those deputed by the Elector who though at first they were hardly perswaded to come thither they at last agreed upon a meeting wherein the Electors pretensions and the Emperours proffers were made knowne The Duke was found to be already somewhat diffident of the Swedish Agents for the Reasons that have beene said and that he was greatly jealous of the French-mens having declared themselves whose greatnesse was distasted by the Dutch and that he feared lest by the assistance of that King Duke Waymer and the Swedes might grow to such an excessive power as that he himselfe should not dare to answer to Waymers pretensions which might perchance fall upon the Electorate as being formerly the patrimony of his Progenitors Hereunto was added That the Princes of the Empire not being pleased with the depression of the Austrians thereby to exalt Forreiners it was no good Maxime so farre to agrandise their friends as to become afterwards no lesse jealous of their greatnesse then of the Emperours excessive power So as finding himselfe in a condition
Nation not persisting in their first furies and their first heats being over they cannot easily do those Achievements which are proper for flegmatick and patiently minded men Whilest Flanders was jusled on all sides by the Forces of two so great Kings threatning mischiefe and troubles to Italy and that the great preparations of both sides promised a storme Marshall Bannier who was in the Bishopricke of Magdeburg understanding that Peace was concluded between Caesar and the Elector of Saxony as also the uniting of their Forces foreseeing the breach which was likely to ensue between the Swedes and Saxons and knowing the first hostile act would be upon the City of Magdeburg as a place of great concernment to the Elector it being a very strong hold in the bosome of his Territories and to which hee likewise laid pretence began to repaire the Fortifications thereof and to take order for such Provisions as should not onely be necessary for the preservation of the Towne but for the maintenance of all the Swedish Forces in those Provinces These preparations being heard of at Dresden the Elector desiring quiet which made him make Peace with the Emperour sent letters speedily away to Bannier wherein by well grounded reasons hee perswaded him to accept of the Capitulation of Peace made at Prague for the publick quiet and offered him a summe of Mony if he would friendly deliver up Magdeburg into his hands and remove from that Bishopricke Bannier who was not to conclude nor treat any thing herein without the consent of the Crowne of Swethland and the other confederate Princes returned no answer at all but meeting with some Troopes of Saxon Horse and skirmishing with them wherein the Saxons had the worst began the breach with the Elector of whom the Swedes much complained saying hee was not worthy the benefits he had received from their King who to preserve his Dukedome from invasion had not onely imploy'd his owne Forces but shed his blood and lost his life and that instead of ingraving the memory thereof for ever in his heart hee had secretly concluded a Peace prejudiciall to the Crowne of Swethland and to the Princes and States of Germany without acquainting his friends and confederates therwithall as in all reason he ought to have done These complaints of the Swedes comming to the Electors eare he presently published a manifesto wherein was declared That he had made this Peace as a lover of the good of Germany without the which all those States were in danger of being over-run by Forreine Forces That hee had contracted amity with the King of Swethland onely for preservation of the common liberty the which being now yeelded unto by Caesar the reasons were consequently taken away for which he had joyned himselfe in that union That as he intended it the Crowne of Swethland was to be satisfied for all the expences it had been at and to be included in the agreement made at Prague but that the great Chancellour Oxesterne and the other Swedish Officers being ambitious to command in Germany to injoy a better climat then their owne and to inrich themselves by the spoiles of that exhausted Country would not listen thereunto though the businesse was faire and to be desired In briefe that he was a Prince who would not obey the vast desires of such Ministers of State as did not love the weale publicke and lastly that his proceedings were not prejudiciall to the interest of his friends These excuses and declarations did not mitigate but more inflame the Swedish Commanders and invite them to revenge for as good Wine makes the sharpest Vinegar so their former good friendship turned to the greater enmity The King of Hungary who having wintered his men in the Dukedome of Wirtenberg and in Alsatia remained himselfe in Vienna to assist at the emergent consultations and resolves of greatest concernment and to make necessary Provisions for the Empire having agreed with his Captaines what waâ—â—o be done in the future field and parting from Austria with such Forces as he could that Winter get together tooke the shortest way towards Wirtenberg to re-inforce his Army not onely with men but with his owne presence When hee was come to Helbrune the Commissioners of Vlm whose condition did daily impaire and troubles improve allured by the good Articles granted to those of Auspurg and Nurenberg prostrated themselves before his Majesty and demanding pardon were received with such courtesie as is usually practised by generous Princes and sent backe with all their desires subscribed unto Gallasse having received directions from the King to move with his Army and indeavour somewhat whilest his Majesty staid at Helbrune to treat of accommodation with many Cities whose Commissioners flockt to him for pardon past over the Rhyn at Filisburg and knowing that to take Wormes a Towne neer Mentz and Franckendalle seated upon the Rhyn and invironed with Rampired Wals would be a businesse of some moment to make the recovery of Mentz and Franckendalle the more easie set upon it and readily planted his Cannon against it The Swedish Garrison which exceeded not 900 men too small a number to guard so great a circumference of Wall finding all the opposition they could make bootlesse and so much the rather because they durst not trust in the Inhabitants after having seemed to hide this their weakenesse compounded before any assault was made and retreated to Mentz Miminghen following the example of other Haunse Townes understanding the conditions granted to Vlm and being in the midst of the Austrian Forces without hopes of succour did likewise Article with the King of Hungary and was received to favour having its ancient priviledges subscribed unto The like did Schorndorfe one of the strongest Townes of Wirtenberg seated in the Center of that state upon the River Rems in a large Champian invironed with Hills which makes it seeme a Valley this Towne did for some moneths indure the Siege but now compounded and received Lawes from the Enemy The Austrians were not wanting in all requisite diligence but knowing that England though separated by a large arme of the Sea which makes it as it were another world if the French should grow to a greater power would suffer by the shade of so over-spreading a tree the people whereof to boot with their owne politicke interest of not desiring their neighbours increase in greatnesse whether it proceeded from envy or from their naturall hatred occasioned by the diversity of the Nations dis-agreeing in Tongue and Customes or from the memory of the ancient cruell Warres between them and the French were generally jealous of the French indeavoured by the perswasions of such Counsellours as were of their partie to move the King of England in their behalfe so to weaken the French Forces by this friendship for that being entertained in having an eye to these they could not so easily reflect upon Flanders This their indeavour did in realitie meet with many lets and difficulties though in
The raising of the Siege from before Valenza caused much murmure between the French chiefe Commanders and the other Colleagues in their argumentations what had inforced them thereunto Some openly complained of the Duke of Savoy as the authour and abettor thereof others blamed Crequi saying he cared not to end the worke but onely that the Warre should bee prolonged for his owne interest and others accused the French Commanders in generall for that not caring how their Companies diminished they little minded the preservation of their Souldiers so as their Army lessening and the Spaniaâ—ds increasing in their Forces they were necessitated to forgo the enterprise which if it had been wisely handled there were very strong arguments to prove that the Towne could not have been maintained By this confusion of the Colleagues the Spaniards hopes began to bud againe which were well-nigh withered out of feare of losing that Towne Though Celada's death who died within the Town of a malignant Feaver much lessened the contentment which every one had in the victory for this young Gentleman had upon this occasion given such proofe of his worth as had filled all men with much expectation from him After having returned thankes to God with great demonstration of joy they thought that since the French had failed in their taking of Valenza they should be prosperous in their intended purpose of driving Rohan out of the Valteline Egg'd on therefore by this desire which usually accompanies hope they resolved thereupon The enterprise was therefore agreed upon with Serbellone and Robustelli one of the chiefe men of that valley and who depended upon Spaine both which being ambitious to have their share in so great glory were too lavish in their counsells and reasons and coveted by whatsoever meanes to free the afflicted valley and drive out the French who were already dejected by their compagnions retreat from Valenza All such Souldiers and Provisions as were thought requisite for such a businesse were sent therfore away towards Fort Fuentes But because Rohan was then at Tirano about the building of a Fort there for his keeping of that valley Serbellone wisely as became a good and experienced Souldier would first be informed in what condition the French Army was in and what they did before he would advance further Hee therefore sent a friend of Robustelli's from Morbegno thitherward that hee might discover and accordingly advertise them what the Enemy did that so they might governe themselves as they should see occasion This man when he came to Tirano at his entrance in at the Gate were it either by his pale lookes or by the uncertaine answers he gave unto the Guard who according to the Military fashion asked him whence he came and whether hee went was laid hand of and brought to Rohan who like a wise man after having very curteously received him said unto him My friend I know wherfore you are come hither conceale therefore nothing but tell the truth which if you doe I promise you not onely to save your life but to send you safe backe whence you came He not knowing how to answer to such questions as one convinc'd kneeling downe acquainted him with all the affaire and with the Spaniards designe Whereupon imbracing the present occasion which he thought very opportune and not to lose time he called his Commanders and chiefe Officers together and acquainting them with the Spaniards designe incouraged them all by calling to minde their past victories and putting them in hopes of more which seemed like a flash of fire that had made its way through some inclosed place for all doubt and fear of the enemy vanishing immediately from out the hearts of those CoÌ„manders he speedily marched towards Sondrio a Town in the midst of that valley whether he came before the Spaniards knew that hee was gone from Tirano where having refresht his men who lay all night in the fields for he would not suffer them to come into the Towne for the gaining of time and being advertised that the Spaniards Cannon was not yet parted from Delibio a place between the Lake and the River Lesina beneath Fort Fuentes nor yet the Souldiers who were there to guard them hee advised with his Councell of Warre what was best to be done who all joyned in opinion to advance forward and without any delay to set upon the Spaniards that were about Morbegno Serbellone hearing of the French-mens approach would not give one foot backe but in all haste made the Count S. Secondo advance with his Horse on the right hand unto the foot of a Mountaine behinde a little Church dedicated to S. Peter Trivultio's Brigado placed it self towards the Ada having the advantage of a little Fenne not farre from the said Church and the Spaniards staid in the Reere upon the plaine of the Parish of Morbegno Rohan advancing by the Champian of Talemona made Monsieur de Vandy's Regiment march forward to possesse himselfe of Bit Bridge but not comming time enough he found the Spaniards had prevented him Rohan finding these difficulties resolved to make his Horse advance wherin he trusted most but the straightnesse of the place and narrow wayes would not suffer him so to doe wherefore fearing lest they might fall upon some Ambush he coÌ„manded them to retreat made Monsieur de Lecas his men to advance which was composed of new men He was notwithstanding fought withall by the Italians and with no little losse to the French repulsed Rohan being hereat mightily incenst marcht himselfe in person in the head of Frideliera's Regiment and gave upon the Spaniards who with equall valour withstood their fury after an houres very hot service and wherein they fought Sword to Sword the French-men charging with great obstinacy at whose head stood 100 Souldiers lighted from off their Horses Trivulsio's Regiment was at last forc't to forgoe the Fenne and consequently to retreat which being confusedly done by those Souldiers the greatest part of them being new men who had never seene the face of an Enemy before as the other Spaniards had usually done they fled from the French and lost many of their Souldiers and Officers of importance and amongst others the Count S. Secondo This losse made the Austrians perceive how the difficultie of getting the Valteline grew every day greater and greater Yea after Serbellone was routed a body of Dutch advancing towards the Bathes of Bormio so to enter the Valley was likewise routed and driven backe Hereupon they bethought themselves how they might bring the Emperours aide into the state of Milan And lastly knowing no other way but by the Switzers they communicated their desires to the Canton of Lucerna and other Papists Cantons with promise of good store of money who allured by profit suffered them to passe through their Townes Thus by their dexterious behaviour did the Spaniards overcome those difficulties by their moneys which they could not so easily have done by their Sword The great Duke of Tuskany
other people of the Countrey Army who neither withstood them nor indeavoured to disturbe their passage The Spanish Foot came notwithstanding that night to Schietto and the Horse to Casse where they kept themselves all night in Armes and being told that the Savoyards were disperst abroad in little Cottages thereabouts Captaine Miazza was ordered to scoure the Countrey who fell in upon the quarters of some of the Enemies Horse wherein he came off with much losse the assaylants were few but those that were set upon fewer Villa in all this march was very vigilant and kept his men in good order So as those of Parma and the Savoy Horse passing on successefully they haulted at Castle S. Iohn and quartering themselves in the Piacenzan Townes they expected what resolves their Commanders would put on The Spaniards this meane while not onely at Madrid but in the state of Milan and in all other places appertaining to the Austrians studied the best they could and used their utmost diligence in taking care for all things requisite for the Crowne and especially in providing to withstand the French invasion in the Valteline and in the state of Milan the losse whereof they much apprehended seeing the French so strong and so united and which imported more having such friends and holding such correspondency in Italy for the Austrians held for certaine that the Venetians by reason of their ancient league and mindfull of the injuries formerly plotted against them by the Spanish Agents were too much interessed with the French That the Duke of Savoy invironed by the French Forces was obliged in outward appearance if not inwardly to declare himselfe their Enâ—my Parma had denounced Hostilitie Mantua was a Confederate Genua a Neuter So as if things had so fallen out as they imagined the Spaniards being on all sides invironed with so great powers could not for certaine have saved themselves from the On-sets in every part And though the wiser sort saw plainly 't would be a hard businesse to agree so many in unitie or so many unions by reason of the differing interests of the Italian Princes and that well weighing the reasons of State it was probably seene that this the Spaniards conceit was built but upon a weake foundation though it carried likelyhood with it yet the Kings Ministers of State having maturely considered the present emergencies resolved that Marquis Leganes declared Governour of Milan some moneths before should speedily goe to his charge Whereupon parting presently from Bartelona in Gallyes and Galliouns he about this time landed at Genua with 2000 Spanish Foot went from thence to Pavia and was with much applause received into Milan Where after having taken order for the Civill Government he applyed himselfe with all industry to what concerned the Warre and though the hardnesse of the Season already white-headed suffered him not to proceed further and that the Spaniards intended to spend that Winter onely in raysing more men so as at the next Spring they might be able not onely to defend their owne but to invade the States of others yet to keepe the Souldier in exercise to winne credit at his first entrance that he might not seeme to give way to the Confederate Forces and to give the Duke of Parma an inkling how at the last all the Warre was likely to fall upon his Countrey and therefore he should doe well to thinke of an accommodation He commanded the Marquis of Caretsana the Captaine of his Guard to march from Lugdiano to before Guardamiglio a Castle belonging to the Piacenzan jurisdiction upon the Confines of the Lodian Territories whether the Marquis comming forthwith and planting his Cannon against it the Castle not being in a case to make resistance yeelded upon discretion The Forces of the Emperour and of the Catholick League were already advanc'd from Alsatia into Burgundy and to Rumberviller upon the very mouth of Lorayne thinking to doe somewhat in that Dukedome incited thereunto by the no good will which the Loreyners bore unto the French and who was desirous to have their first master a neutrall Where Wirt being advertised by spies that some Carriages of victuals were upon their way to the French Camp neeâ— Niclanport he marched privatly to them with 1000 Horse and 700 Muskettiers making such haste as falling unexpectedly upon 600 Horse which was their Convoy he put them all to flight and tooke from them 70 Carriages loaded with Wine and 30 with victuals Gallasse on the other side likewise having taken Mentz which was farre from succour and wanted such Rampiers as might serve for longer defence for it was onely begirt with bare Wals and old Towers upon the Rhyn over against the mouth of the Mayne and leaning to a little hill upon the which stood a Castle fortified by the Swedes with Bulwarkes after the moderne fashion which after some dayes Siege yeelded it selfe Thinking to doe somewhat more hee went with his Army from those parts and meeting with no resistance came within sight of Sarbruch a Towne upon the Confines of Germany parted from Lorayne by the River Sar which after some Cannon shot made at it likewise yeelded from thence hee advanced and came neer the City Doiponti or Dupont which gives the name to a space of land adhering to Lorayne and the lower Palatinat called the Dukedome of Dupont and is seated upon the bankes of Bleis where he haulted fearing to encounter the French Army if he should advance further which being joyned with Duke Waymer was very strong and numerous about Metz a chiefe City of large precincts invironed with strong Walls and watered by the Mosell where the French were quartered And knowing hee should not tarry long there by reason of scarcity of Victuals and the Souldiers sore complaints hee resolved to retreat and to winter his men in Franconia Wirtenberg and Alsatia But thinking he should doe amisse if he should leave Deistem uncorrected wherein was a French Garrison who by their frequent Sallies much terrified the Inhabitants of the neigbouring Villages he marched thitherward raised two Batteries aginst it and aftâ—r an Assault wherein were slaine about 40 Imperialists and 30 French the Imperialists stormed the Towne and put all to the Sword whom they found Armed On the other side the Elector of Saxony was joyned with the Forces of Lunenburg and some other Dutch Regiments which were come to serve him by reason of the Swedes ill usage of them the chiefe Commanders whereof appropriating unto themselves such contributions as they got from the Countries through which they past leaving these men to pay themselves out of the advancements due from the Townes which they had ruinated and were forsaken by the Inhabitants whereupon they became so insolent and licentious as that behaving themselves without any manner of discipline they had the boldnesse to plunder and sacke their friends Townes and flying from their Colours came in great numbers to inrole themselves under the Elector and Imperialists The Saxons
Spaniards Therefore they more then ever renewed their hostilitie in the State of Piacenza and making more Dutch Troopes advance they tooke the Castle of Rottofredo betwixt Titon and Trebbia and afwards Valditaro and S. Donino and wasted all those Territories 't was said their intention in doing this was that if the Duke should come with a French Army into his Countrey to invade the State of Milan on that side he should find neither Forrage nor Victualls to maintain himselfe by which meanes they should secure themselves on that side and so much the rather for that the French when they should be brought to that ruined Countrey of narrow Precincts they being a Nation who cannot well endure hunger if at other times and in other places they were accustomed to runne from their Commanders they would much the more doe so here having the commoditie to goe see Mantua and Venice And the Spaniards greatly fearing that the French upon the Duke of Parma's comming and their Commission from the King should rather attempt somewhat in the State of Milan they sent Don Alonso de Quiranes the Lieutenant Generall of the Horse with 24 companies of Horse into Novara to watch over the French-mens wayes and to oppose them in such sort as his experience should bid him till such time as necessary Provisions for defence were had in the State of Milan And because the Spaniards knew of what importance Rottofredo and the Borrough of Valditaro were by reason of their situation for the present Warre they resolved to fortifie them for that maintaining themselves there though the French should come to succour Piacenza they would be able to bring them to great sufferings and to hinder the French from advancing on that side into the States of Milan or of Modena And for that the keeping of good intelligence betweene the Spaniards and the Duke of Modena was very requisite in many respects they sent Don Francisco di Mello to the greater Cassall whither likewise the Duke came and speaking together 't was said that Mello in his Kings name did againe assure his Highnesse of his Majesties perfect good inclinations to what concerned him wishing him to cast away any umbrage of feare he might have that the French passing into the Countrey of Parma were to lay hands on the State of Râ—giâ— or of Modena Others said that Mello let fall some words to invite the Duke to come to the Court of Spaine which was much desired by the Spaniards that they might not goe lesse with France which had beene visited by the Duke of Parma Others said it was to raise more men out of that State and to interest that Prince yet more with the Crowne of Spaine but every man judged as he thought good guessing onely by conjectures for no man knew any word he said The Duke of Alcana came likewise at this time to Milan who was reported should be entertained as Governour thereof and who was much welcomed and in stately manner met without Pavia by Leganes Mello and other Cavaliers The French were as diligent as the Spaniards in examining what would make most for their advantage and of all the rest Crequi was offended that his fame should not now mount as high as it had done in his former actions foreseeing that if by his valour he should not make good those hopes which the Court expected from the comming of the Duke of Parma and the Kings commands he should goe lesse in reputation The French Kings chiefe Commanders and Ministers of State being met in Cassale such Propositions were put to be wisely weighed as were thought fitting by such as were more passionate then others to see the honour of the French Forces lessen the contents whereof were That the Army being brought together it should immediately march towards the State of Parma that when they should have driven the Spaniards from thence made Piâ—cenza their Arsenall of Armes and all necessary Provisions they should couragiously and boldly set upon the State of Milan on this side which as it was more opulent and abounding in plentie then any other part so did it want Forts able to withstand a strong Army and that when they should have ransackt the Countries of Cremona and Lodegian and made themselves Masters of those two Townes which were not very strong they might easily beleaguer the Citie of Milan they fortified these opinions by these reasons That if this were not done the Duke of Parma who had readily without any respect to his owne particular declared himselfe for them might lawfully make his peace with the Spaniard Whereupon together with the losse of so important a friend they were to suffer not onely in their reputation but even in their plighted faith for all other Princes taking example hereby would be careful how they built upon hopes from France That the friendship of the Princes and Potentates of Italy was one of the greatest goods that could befal the Crown of France and contrariwise the greatest prejudice that could happen to Spaine That Charles Duke of Maâ—tua's obligations to France were knowne the affection and intire friendship of the state of Venice That doubtlesse though the state of Parma should prove penurious as not to be able to maintaine an Army it would be supplyed from Mantua Ferara and Venice That the Princes would be glad of such a neighbour-hood for that the Spaniards having thereby recourse unto their Townes their Territories growing consequently more populous and they inriching themselves by their neighbours pillage their Principalities would be thereby advantaged That it was not to be believed that the Spaniards though stronger then they were would resolve upon a generall battell with the French Army since by losing they should lose too much and by winning gaine but little That therefore they were to furnish Brem Cassalle and other neighbouring Forts with all things necessary to send speedy advertisement to the Court to the end that more Forces might with expedition be sent by the King to set upon the State of Mila on the other side that so they might effect the work according to their desire The other Commanders would easily have given way to these reasons as appearing probable and valid but considering the end and scope of the enterprise there were some who openly opposed them alledging That the French had not about 7 or 8 thousand Foot and 2500 Horse wherewithall to keepe the Field that this was a small number in respect of the difficultie of the undertaking and the recruits which the Spaniards had received from divers parts that they were for many miles to passe through the Enemies Countrey having Valenza Alessandria and Tortona upon their Flanks and backs that the Army would be perpetually disturbed that they could not promise themselves any safe retreat if they should have occasion so to doe it was rather to be feared that the Spaniards by possessing themselves of the most advantagious Avenues might crosse them in their march and
ways wrought upon by these the Spaniards fetches but answering their Civilities with as much courtesie thanked his Majestie for the honours he had received and took his leave of the Court the King having notwithstanding declared him to be his General of his Navy at Sea that by that title he might keep him as a servant to that Crown The Duke came by gally to Genoa to the great contentment of his Subjects who by his absence and because of the report that hee was to change his State for Sardinia were much sadded And his Councell not thinking it fit for him to deny the raising of 2000. men out of his Dukedome to the King of Spaine who had shown so much affection to his Highness it was concluded it should be done that he might thereby witness his gratitude to his Majesty of Spain for the honours he had received from him yet were not the Spaniards suffered to carry away full 2000. men for that the reason of State shews that Principalities may be termed poor which are poore in Subjects The French all this time continued their siege of Fonterabbia which as it made much for their affaires so was it very prejudiciall to the Spaniards since great consequences arising from the loss of this place all the neighboring parts would have run hazard of falling under the dominion of the French Therefore the Admirall of Castile with an army that he had got together prepared to assail the enemies Camp The which he did on the 7. of September and obteyned his ends For the French who were before the Town being much lessened in their numbers and who were desirous to tarry no longer where they suffered so much did not behave themselves according to their accustomed valour And though the Prince of Conde and other chief Commanders behaved themselves with such courage as becomes men that are ambitious of glory and did endeavour to withstand the Spanyards yet were they not able to doe it for the souldiers villified rather with their being there inclosed then by their enemies valour were so confused and fought so coldly as they were fain to raise the siege which was joyfull news to the Spaniards and as unpleasing to the French and in particular to the King who not thinking that Conde had behaved himselfe answerable to the expectation that was had of him the Prince began to be ill thought of at Court though when the businesse was maturely scand those lost their first impressions who immediately surprized at the appearance of evill stop their eares and will not let in truth But if the French were sad for their no better successe before Fonterabbia the Dolphins birth which was on the fifth of September caused such joy among them and gave such generall contentment throughout all France as they every where exprest such Jubilies and rejoycings as it very well became them to do for so great a blessing from God They who by reason of their Queenes barrennesse for the space of 22. years had given over all hopes of seeing any Issue by their King and who therefore much feared the mischief that might befall the Crown by change of Successor in an instant cleared up their countenances and were greatly consolated at this so great mercy from Heaven The King being piously given threw himselfe upon his knees before a Crucifix humbly returned thanks and acknowledgments to God Almighty for his so great goodnesse towards him The Duke of Orleans who till now was in nature of the Kings Eldest Son next heir unto the Crown came in all hast and with great respect unto the King and humbly acknowledging the Dolphin beg'd of his Majestie that as he had hitherto held him for his son his Majesty would now love him as his Cadet The King taking him up in his armes and imbracing him witnessed his neernesse of blood and the tendernesse of his affection All France was full of jollity as they expressed by their voyces gestures and actions bon-fires abounded every where In briefe as Marriners are comforted by the change of a crosse winde into a favourable gale so did this sterrility being turned to fruitfulnesse make the French rejoyce wherein such as depended on them did share but their enemies were hereat displeased The Count Palatine of Rhene whom my Author must give me leave to call Prince Elector had at this time what with 4000. Foot from England and other forces which by moneyes from the King of England he had raised Collonel Kings men being likewise therein comprehended who was Serjeant Major Generall of the Sweedish army and who had orders to joyne with the Prince Elector about Munster got together a body of men amounting to about 10000. wherewith he was advised by his Captaints friends to joyn with Melander Generall of the Hassian Forces which after the Lansgraves death continued still in service of the Crowne of Swethland that so during the Emperours being held in play by the Sweeds French he might by way of arms enter into the Palatinate and recover that which being so oft put for and desired of the Emperour was still denyed or at least fruitlesly deferr'd But before their undertaking any greater business 't was adjudged fit by men of understanding not to leave any Towns behind their backs which were possest by those of the League since thereby they might easily bring the Imperiallists to great scarcity of victuals if their Army should unadvisedly engage it selfe The Prince Elector therefore by the disbursment of some moneyes got Asnapruch and Mindell to be assigned over to him by the said King to the end he might have places to retreat unto when hee should lye with his army in the fields in those Provinces so as it seemed hee began to proceed on fortunately in those parts But Azfelt being solicited from Vienna to have an eye to the proceedings of these new Forces and the rather for that the Elector of Mens and other Ecclesiasticall Princes had very earnestly desired and accompanied these their desires with protestations that the War might not be suffered to be made upon their Territories hee came thither made towards these new souldiers with about 8000. good men drawn out of Garrisons whose places he supplyed with new men taken out of the Arch-bishopricke of Cullen The Prince Elector being therefore brought to great scarcity of victuals and not able to endure that his men should perish as they daily did through discommodiousness which was very prejudicial to the English who taken from the commodiousness of their own country are usually at their first entrance more sensible of sufferings in the field then are other Nations resolved to fight whereunto he was also inticed by his Captains who troubled that they should find their hopes fail them desired rather to hazard their lives in atchieving an honourable victory then poorely to die through sufferings Both the armies joyned therefore together in battle betweene the Vesser and the County of Osnapruch on the
before CINGIO much diligence was used in the opugning of that place and the more for that Don Antonio Sottello being sent to command the Forces there in the place of Don Martin that he might not at his first entrance come short of the expectation was had of him he behaved himselfe with all industry and valour Upon the newes of the Aragons death the Cardinall de Valette and Marquess Villa with 3000. foote and 2000. horse came to the reliefe of Cingio and set upon the Spanish quarters who valiantly defending themselves for the space of seven hours at last by reason of the narrownesse of the place wherein the French horse could not be so well exercised the Spaniards having great advantage in foot Villa was enforced to retreat with the worst Which when Monseiur de Mason Neuâ—e who was Governor of the Town knew despairing of reliefe and almost all his musquets being broken through continuall shooting and the ill temper of the iron not being able to defend himselfe without them and having stoutly with-stood two assaults he treated and yeilded up the place marching out with his armes baggage and one piece oâ— Cannon This was cause of much content to Leganes for the Lange being better secured hereby and consequently the passage from Finalle to the State of Millan made more commodious hee considered he might the better turne his Forces else-where Chedini being left Governour here those forces marched towards Montferrat Prince Thomas and Leganes understanding that the French were marched towards Cingio the Prince came from Pavia where hee had finished his purgation and arrived at Vercelles where Leganes was and making use of the intelligence which hee held with the Governour of Chinas a place neere the Poe betweene Cressentine and Turin hee on the 26th of March came by breake of day with two thousand horse before the gates of the Towne and without effusion of blood made himselfe Master thereof For the Governour who held correspondedcy with him not endeavouring any defence after the playing of one Petar suffered the Prince his men freely to enter By this meanes the way being opened into the heart of Piemont the Cardinal was presently sent for thither by the Spaniards that by doing so they might honest their no ways gratefull intentions towards those people who seeing their Forts assigned over into the hands of their owne naturall Princes would the easilier be perswaded to side with the Spaniards though the Garrison and Governour which was put thereinto being Spanish it might indeede rather be said that the Cardinall had put himselfe into the hands of the Towne then that the Towne was put into his hands Prince Thomas seconded by some companyes of Foote sent unto him by Leganes went to â—hier and Moncallier places not farre distant from Turin which presently submitted unto him and many of those inhabitants following him hee came before Aglie a Towne belonging to a Count of the same name which standing out he sacked it From thence he marched with his horse within sight of Turim hoping through intelligence which he held with some of the Towne to doe the deed but hee found hee was deceived by reason of the strict guard made by the French and the Dutchesse her people so as after having given the Governour to understand that if hee would receive him in hee should not only purchase his favour but better his own condition much and finding that neither promises nor threats would work upon his loyalty he retreated lest he might give upon the French who prepared to light upon him at unawares Passing from thence to Hivenea a City placed upon Doria Bautia he took it by storme and tooke afterwards the Towne and Castle of Bard which is the key of the valley of Osta by which he likewise reduced the City of Osta and all that valley the people comming in unto his service The French were much terrified thereat For they could not at the same time march forth against their enemies and keep an eye upon their friends fidelity The taking of this valley was thought to be of great consequence for besides the getting from thence a considerable strength of men the possession of this passe made much for the Spaniards for thereby they might the more easily passe into Burgondy Leganes who would not advance before he saw the event as well not to hazard his reputation upon an uncertainty as not to exasperate those people with his presence who as they willingly saw Prince Thomas so was the sight of the Governour of Millan most hatefull to them from whom they expected nothing else but some trick whereby to bring them to his obedience when he heard of this rose with all the forces he then had about Vercelles and speaking with Prince Thomas and his brother the Cardinall betweene Hâ—verea and Vercelles they joyntly agreed upon what was best to be done the present conjunctures considered Those of Piemont were of opinion they should forbeare to sit downe with their Forces before any Forts and only keep in the field and so rather invite the Inhabitants to lay down their arms then to employ them the more in their defence and to effect that by treaty which was hard to doe by arms that by no meanes Leganes who was come hither as it was said to assist the Princes should seem to do so For the people when they should see the Princes endeavoured to captivate the Subjects good will not for themselves but for the Spaniards they would rather keep firm in their loyalty to the Dutches young Duke though in doubt to be mastered by the French then side with the Princes with certainty to bee inslaved by the Spaniard Leganes who saw whether this tended or at least suspected that the Princes would only seeme to depend upon them till they might be brought to have the government of Piemont either by force or faire meanes thought it not good to condiscend to this the rather because it was not likely the Princes would bereave the Duke their Nephew and the Dutchesse their Sister in Law of what was theirs and drive out the French who were the Protectors of that State to ruine together with themselves the whole State and their faithfull Subjects and assubject themselves to the Spaniards to whose proceeding the Dukes of Savoy alwayes had an eye But the Spaniards chiefe ends being that they might get into the best Forts of Piemont particularly into such as might help them to get Montferrat which they so thirsted after he resolved in some sort to satisfie the Princes in their desires with specious words and faire promises he did all that might seeme outwardly faire but at the same time he had an eye to his chiefe aime which was to streighten Cassall by taking Trino and other neighbouring places The meeting being dissolved the Cardinall went to stay at Hiverea to keep those people in their fidelity and to raise some forces in those parts Prince Thomas came before