The most Illustrious and Victorious Prince of famous memory Gustavus Adolphus by the grace of God King of Sweden c. to bee sould by Peeter Stent AN HISTORY Of the late WARRES And other State affaires of the best part of CHRISTENDOM Beginning with the King of Swethlands entrance into Germany and continuing to the yeare 1640. Written in Italian by the Count Galliazzo Gualdo Priorato And in English by the Right Honourable Henry Earle of MONMOVTH LONDON Printed by W. Wilson and are to bee sold by Iohn Hardesty Thomas Huntington and Thomas Iackson at their Shops in Ducklane MDCXLVIII THE TRANSLATORS EPISTLE TO THE READER AMongst many other times that I have had the honour to wait upon his Royall Majestie who now lives and whom God long preserve and speedily restore to all his Due Rights and Praerogatives I humbly beseech him it was my fortune once to attend him when a young Nobleman that was then going to travell came to kisse his Majesties hand and to take his leave of him To whom the King was graciously pleas'd to give this sound though succinct councell My Lord keep alwayes the best company and be sure never to be Idle As King Iames of blessed memory did deservedly entitle his Booke dedicated to the then so hopefull Prince Henry ΒΑΣΙΛΙΚΟN gr ΔΩΡΟΠA Kingly guift I thinke I may safely stile this his Sonnes advice ΒΑΣΙΛΙΚΟΠΒΟΥΑΗΜΑ A kingly Councell It doth indeed containe very much in very little I am sure it made such impression in mee as I hope shall not quickly be effaced Cum his versare qui te meliorem facturi sunt saith Seneca And where is this conversation better to be had then in the best company Dimmi con quien tu vai e sapro quel che fai saith the Spaniard There is no better touch-stone whereby to know the worth of a mans actions then to observe what company he usually keepes Our English Seneca Doctor Hall sayes Next to being good 't is good to converse with them that are so if we be not better'd by their example we are blest by their protection and as for Idlenesse the same man saies The idle man hath neither leasure nor power to avoid sinne To apply this to my selfe and to the occasion since it hath pleased Almighty God to seat me in such a condition as for the present and for some yeares last past I am not onely debarr'd the attendance upon his Maiesty a happinesse which from his infancy and mine till of late yeares I have enjoy'd but also am inhibited to sit and vote in the house of Peeres the next best of Companyes for having obey'd his Maiesties command upon no lesse penalty then the forfeiture of my allegeance and for not having obey'd the Summons of the House of Lords when I was not in a condition or capacity of doing so A fault which mee thinkes and I wish I could perswade others to thinke so too Five yeares deprivation of birth-right might be able to expiate I have betaken my selfe to converse with Bookes which if good in themselves certainely are no bad company Amongst these lighting upon this my Author which if not too much injur'd by my Translation I presume may be admitted into the number of good bookes that I might the better evade Idlenesse the Kings second Cautelous Councell and that I might in some sort be serviceable to my Country since I am not permitted to be so the way I would I betooke my selfe to put it into our Idiome and have now adventur'd it and my judgement in the Choise thereof to the censure that usually waites upon the presse The subject thereof is Warre inter-laced with other occurrences as Treatyes Leagues Embassies Councells Discourses Geographicall descriptions of Countryes and Rivers Comments upon actions Characters c. The Warre here treated of is that which hath befalne Germany France Italy Flanders Holland Lorreine Piemont Leige Montferrat the Grisons and other adiacent parts of so late times as there is none who hath arrived at maturity of yeares but may remember somewhat of them and whose eares have not been acquainted with the Names of the Princes and other chiefe Personages herein mentioned so as it may serve to recall into their memoryes that little which they may have heard thereof before and compleate their understandings with the full and satisfactory knowledge of what may not as yet have been so perfectly deliver'd unto them And all this in a well-woven History which may be termed a Tragedy the Scean Christendome the Actors the Princes and as many as have been famous in this our age as well for the conduct of Civill as of Martiall affaires There is a second volumne of this History already published by the Author whether I shall trace him in that or no lam not yet resolved according as this shall take I may be more or lesse perswaded thereunto But if my Author proceed further upon this subject and consequently fall upon our troubles for his second part ends just where our miseries began he must pardon me if I tread no farther in his foote-steps since they are such as I could wish were rather buried in Oblivion then recorded unto memory being by all parties interessed acknowledged to be unnaturall The Lord of his infinite mercyes put a Happy a spedy and a lasting period unto them and let all true hearted Englishmen say Amen And that I may perswade them so to do by putting their helping hand to an happy accommodation I shall referre them to what Guicchiardin sayes In tutte le attioni humane e nelle guerre massimamente bisogna spesso accommodare il consiglio alla necessita ne per ottenere quella parte ch' e troppo difficile e quasce impossible esporre il tutto a manifesto pericolo non essendo manco officio del Ualoroso capitano far operatione de savio che d' animoso in English thus in all humane actions and especially in warre men ought oftentimes to advise which necessity and put on their resolves accordingly and not expose the whole to manifest danger out of a desire of obteining a part which is to hard to compasse and almost impossible it being no lesse the duty of a worthy commander to be advised then valiant in his proceedings And to what the same Author saies in another place La prima laude nella disciplina militare consiste piu nel rendere con la industria con la patientia e con s' arte Uani i conati degli anversarij che nel combattere ferocemente which may be more breifely Englished in Mr. Fullers words Not Fury but Discretion must be the guide of war And lastly I shall recommend unto them the opinion of Cicero Quem discordiae quem caedes civium quem bellum civile delectat eum ex numero hominum eijciendum e finibus humanae naturae exterminandum puto I am of opinion that he who takes delight in discord murther of
and made the King see he would nor refuse to fight with him no nor with Saxony though both joyned together The King likewise seeing himselfe in the head of an Army ready to fight and that at last a Battell must be had he losing no time least Tilly might be by Aldringer re-inforced couragiously advanced towards the Enemy he mustered both his owne men and those of the Elector on the fifteenth of September in the Fields about Dieben and found them to amount to about 40000 Souldiers and having given unto them two payes he with Princely words and courteous expressions full of honour encouraged all his men and tooke from them that feare which they might have received by reason of the Imperialists fortune who had stil bin victors in so many Battels And moreover making it publickly knowne that he intended nothing to himself of what should be gotten but to part it all amongst his fellow souldiers he heartened his men with sure hope of good successe and with a grave and slow march tooke his way towards the Austrian Quarters The Vantgard towards the East between the Villages of Dieben and Lindaw consisted of 14000 Saxon Souldiers rancked into eight Squadrons foure of Foot and foure of Horse and was commanded by the Duke himselfe who in his owne person lead them on accompanied by above a hundred of the prime Gentlemen of his State all Volontiers He had upon him a breastplate lined with gold a blacke Scarfe all imbroidered with silver and was upon a Sorrell Horse all dapled Behind the Elector on the left wing Lieutenant Generall Harnem marched who leading on 2000 Horse well mounted their Riders all armed in black burnisht Armes under the Command of the 2 Colonels Brintauff Corville himself mounted on an yron-gray Steed appeared in a threatning posture to the lookers on the Foot flankt in the midst between the Elector and Harnem were lead on by the Colonels Offchirchem Damniger Marshall Helmendort and Spinghell over whom as Generall of the Foot was the Duke of Iltemberg the Electors Cousin clad in perfumed Turkish leather with a great black feather in his head amidst those Foot were 16 peeces of great Cannon drawne by good Horses and 26 Sachers and after them followed all the Carriages of the Saxon and Swedish Army which were so disposed of by the Kings directions On the right side towards the Village Delicts did the Swedish Squadrons march on the right hand whereof stood the King in a mingled coloured Cloth suite with a Jupe of perfumed leather with a gray Hat on his head and a little green Feather mounted on a Dun Horse behind him followed 2000 Dutch Horse and 2000 Finlanders armed with Curases Pistols and broad Swords Amidst these Squadrons which divided into foure Bodies left between them a vacuitie of about a hundred Foot broad were two hundred choice Musketeers placed ready to salute the Enemies Horse before they came to Pistoll-shot the Battaglions of Foot which were in the Van-guard were led on by Banniers Marshall of the Field a Swede by birth before the which he marched in a sute of Turkish leather with arming points of gold and a skie-coloured Scarfe upon a Flea-bitten pacing Horse with a Truncheon tipped with yron in his hand These Regiments were divided into six Battaglions each of them consisting of 1500 Foot betwixt each of which in the Front five peeces of Cannon was drawne very light and of a moderne invention loaded with bags of Musket-bullets These Companies were under 72 Ensignes of various and lovely Colours upon the which was set the Kings Armes and upon that a great Crowne the Motto was Gustavus Adolphus Rex Fidei Evangelica defensor the greatest part of the souldiers were clad in blew and yellow Jackets upon the left wing did Marshall Gustavus Horne march who had the Command of foure thousand Horse armed with Curasses divided into foure Squadrons under fifty two Standards part blew part Orange colour wherein was read a Motto under an arme which in its hand held a Sword Si Deus pro nobis quis contra nos and under a Scepter over which a Sword lay crosse was another inscription which said Ensem Gradivus Sceptrum Them is ipsa gubernat he was a Swede by Nation and a man of great esteeme he was armed with a Curasse upon a daplegray Horse and clad in Turkish leather The rest of the Foot followed divided into six Battaglions lead in the Battell by the Colonels Wiston Ruthen and Heburne the chiefe Commanders of the Army who marched before upon little naggs and within these Battaglions were placed thirty peeces of Field Cannon at equall distances betwixt the one and the other Squadrons were 87 Ensignes of diverse Colours and with diverse Mottoes amongst these underneath a Sun overshadowed with the Clouds was read this inscription Sero sed serio In this order which bore with it a formidable appearance the Swedish and Saxon Army advanced on the sixteenth day of September too within two leagues of Lipsick Tilly upon the hearing thereof had sent forth certaine Squadrons of Horse to spye out and informe themselves of the Enemies proceedings between which and the Horse of the other side there happened a very hot skirmish and had not the Sun which was then upon the setting parted the fray which was maintained valiantly by the one and the other parties doubtlesse both Armies would then have joyned battell as they did the next day The King who all the night long kept himselfe in the Field going now hither now thither instructing every one what order they ought to keep encouraging his souldiers with this pleasing speech and cheerfull voice and calling unto him all the Commanders of the Army he with a merry looke said unto them That now the occasion was presented which he had so long desired that he might make a triall of his Souldiers valour he told them that past victories and renowne already gotten did vanish into smoake when daring was suffocated with feare that they ought not to value that Enemy who being so oft beaten within his strongest holds does now appeare in the fields lesse strong dismaide and quaking at the rusling of their own Armes that feare was the Harbinger of death for which cowardise did oft provide Quarter that courage was the sonne of Fortune the Father of renowne and the beautifull dispencer of greatnesse honour and riches he acquainted every of them how he would be served by them in this action he shewed the whole Army of what great consequence the winning of this Battell would be what advantage would thereby accrue to the publique and to each private man since great booty was therein to be had much acquisition extraordinary honour the increase of the common safety he with words of efficacy moderated the estimation which such as were fearfull might have of the valour and renowne of the Enemy letting them know that Tillies Forces were not great that his souldiers were
to the Burgers they were counselled by the feare they had of the weakenesse of their owne Forces and out of the desire they had of quiet foreseeing they could not long hold out against so potent an Enemy being every where invironed by them and having no hope of succour as likewise knowing it was alwayes better to listen to such capitulations as are friendly propounded then to be put afterwards to demand them with feare of not having them granted they therefore tooke in the Swedish Garrison forcing the Imperialists though much against their wills to depart hoping notwithstanding to receive them in againe when it should be their fortune to be Masters of the Field and that they should be neere their City At this time Franckendal the chiefe Towne and Fort of the Lower Palatinat being betweene Spier and Worms not farre from the Rhyn and which was exactly fortified was streightly besieged by the Swedes was out of all hope of succour the Austrian Forces being too far from it and the Enemy too neere it so as the Spaniards who were in possession of it finding they could no longer keepe it for that their friends Forces were every where all imployed in the defence of their own Estates consequently they had not wherewithall to assist them these wise States-men knowing how advantagious it is to surrender up that by the way of seeming curtesie which they could not by force maintaine they resolved to handle their necessitie with cunning and artifice Insomuch as the English Embassadour to the Emperour pressing hard for the restitution of this Towne and the rest of the Palatinat they seeming to put a value upon the satisfying of that King and to seem well disposed towards him that they might win upon his good will which they very much needed for their interests in France and Flanders delivered up the Towne into the hands of the English Officers who had been sent over and were entertained into the service of the Crowne of Swethland the one and twentieth day of November The restitution of this place promising the like of the whole Palatinat to the Princes Palatine the Inhabitants thereof who intirely loved their Princes and hoped to have them hereby againe their Soveraignes had their sorrows somewhat lessened for the death of Fredericke Prince Elector and late King of Bohemia who dyed of a Fever in Mentzon the 29th of November 1632. a Prince so sweetly conditioned as that he was universally beloved by all Protestants This Prince was in his first yeares much favoured by fortune hee was first Elector of the Empire possest of the most fruitfull and pleasant County of all Germany insomuch as other seeming to emulate his happinesse kept their eyes onely fixt upon him but as our weaknesse is usually wont to grow so much neerer to an unhappy downfall by how much it is higher raised by worldly ambition so this Prince begirt on every side with peace and quiet upheld with reverent and obsequious estimation strengthened by a dreaded jurisdiction comforted by his Allyance with Iames the first King of great Britane and by the beauty and perfection of the Princesse Elizabeth his Wife secured by confederates both within and without Germany and though of himselfe he was incomparably moderate yet great mens desires being like fire which the more materials are heaped on it the higher doth the flame mount so this peacefull Prince called on by his peoples unquietnesse to a higher degree of Majesty perswaded by the suggestions of his interessed friends to further greatnesse counselled by his unstable ambitious and vain-glorious Ministers of state to inlarge his bounds and finally allured by his wife who as shee was Daughter to a King desired likewise to be Wife unto a King to girt about his Electorall Cap with the Crowne of Bohemia which was presented and offered unto him the flames of ambition being blown by so many somenters notwithstanding his naturall moderation were of force enough to evaporat that wisedome which hee having afterwards lost was the ruine of all that happy Empire giving a beginning to so horrible tourmoyles as doe cause even yet the sufferings of many regions Hee was of a pleasant aspect of a browne complexion of an easie minde of slowe impression a Prince more given to the ease of peace then to the troubles of warre In these dayes some of Walesteines and Tersicas Officers being upon the Confines of Slefia and sent thence towards Polonia passed on together with a good number of Polaches which they had assembled to Neiss which Towne by reason of an insurrection made by the Inhabitants the greatest part whereof were Roman-Catholiques and well affected to the Caesarian party would make use of this occasion and no longer conceale the ill will they bore the Protestants so as upon the appearing of these Forces they quickly delivered themselves up into the hands of the Caesarians when not long after Harnem being advertised thereof faced about with his Army and Tuball laid an ambush for the Polaches wherein he put above 208 of them to the sword whereupon it behoved the said City to submit it selfe againe to the Saxons as did likewise Ratibor and Leschnitz which were ill treated shewing their Rebellion against their native Prince Baudis made no lesse prosperous progresse in the parts about Coln who without being master of the Field did with his Army over-runne all the County when those of Coln fearing lest at last they might bethinke themselves of taking in their Citie made haste to Fortifie Dutts a Towne on this side Rhyn over against their City but by the mediation of my Lords the States of Holland they obteyned leave to be Newtrals upon condition that they were not to Fortifie any place that did not belong unto them Though this Towne was within the limits belonging to them yet Baudis as those are used to doe who minde their own profit desirous of any pretence or just occasion to breake this agreement knowing that this Towne might easily be taken whereby he hoped to inrich himselfe either by taking the sayd City or by composition made by the richer Inhabitants to buy their peace with a summe of mony acquainted the chiefe Magistrate that he expected he should desist from the Fortification which he had begun to make as contrary to the Articles of Capitulation to the which those of the Magistracy did in a handsome manner and with reason reply that their intentions were onely to secure their Towne but this answer satisfied not Baudis who answered againe that under the flowers of this their pretence the Serpent of some deeper designe lay hid whereupon drawne by hopes of profit which oft-times prevailes more with Souldiers then reason doth he resolved to advance and to try his fortune He the next night unexpectedly came before it planted his Great Guns and played upon the weakest side of the Towne where a Bullet fell by chance into the Ammunition and setting fire thereon about 400 men
opinion that they should passe by all the Forts and strong holds and suddainly over-run all the whole State of Milan possesse themselves of the most advantagious passages fortifie themselves there infest the Country continually and so bring the Townes and Cities to compound for the Country being well peopled full of Nobility and Inhabitants that lived commodiously when they should see their grounds wasted and their goods destroyed they would easily be brought rather to thinke upon the preservation of their owne estates and privat interests then upon the King of Spaines Forts and this opinion was assented unto by many as known to be the likelyest to prosper but this resolution requiring more Men and Mony and being by powerfull reasons disswaded by the Duke of Savoy not grounded upon any good intention to the French but upon his owne particular interest with the which it did not well agree that the State of Milan should fall into the King of France his hands the enterprise of Valenza was agreed upon Before the which the French being to spend much time the Spaniards consequently reaped thereby the benefit to provide for the defence of the other places and to succour Valenza likewise and the French losing many of their men before this place 't was easily descryed they would be able to effect little or nothing it being held as a strong reason of State that the French-mens further progresse in that Province made not for the good of any Italian Prince by reason of the good neighbourhood which they finde who confine upon great Potentates particularly upon such who desirous to inlarge their dominions invent pretences to breake their word and to usurpe what belongs unto their neighbours Yet this Counsell was held by wise men not to fit so well with the present interest of the States of Italy who gave for their reason that the State of Milan being a new Carthage which kept all its neighbours in continuall motion and being possest by the Spaniards a powerfull Nation ambitious of glory and which hardly ever parts with what it hath once gotten Italy would alwayes be troubled with their pretensions that the French were on the contrary unquiet impatient of staying long out of France thinking there was no other world but their own Kingdome that it would not be impossible to drive out them when they should have driven out the Spaniards and so redresse that Kingdome under the power of some Italian Prince as it formerly had been They added that to adde to the power of great Princes was to nurse up a Serpent in ones bosome which at last would devour the nourisher for great Potentates remember not their neighbours good turnes but are mindfull how they may commodiat themselves by the ruine of such as border upon them Others more partiall to the French replyed That all the foolish French were dead and all the wise Spaniards All things requisite being in a readinesse they gave order for their march thitherwards which was for a few dayes retarded for their were some who thought it was not good to undertake a businesse wherin any difficulty lay with the French Forces onely since Savoy and Parma had not covenanted openly to declare themselves till they should see some Towne possessed by the French and though some were of opinion that the Duke of Parma who had a strength of about 4000 Foot and 800 Horse was able to have made an Impression in the State of Milan by which the Spanish Forces being in many places cut short the worke would consequently be the easier for the French yet did not this opinion prevaile for the Duke not daring to declare himselfe openly an Enemy to the Spaniard till the French were so farre advanced as that they might easily succour him upon any occasion kept his Forces upon his owne grounds holding the Spaniards onely in jealousie But Crequi incouraged by the hopes hee had of the Duke of Parma's being well-inclined towards his King and by the desire he found in that Prince to breake with Spaine pitcht his Camp before Valenza raised Workes and planted his Cannon and began couragiously to set upon it The Marquis of Calada who was a little before put in there as superintendent Signor Francesco di Cardine who was the governour of the Towne and Captaine Spadino a worthy Gentleman knowing how acceptable the preservation of that place would be to the King of Spaine and how much glory they should thereby gaine unto themselves began to shew as much courage and industry in the defence thereof as the French did in their desire to win it The newes of the French Armies arrivall in the state of Milan being come to the knowledge of the Townes and Cities thereof brought with it no small feare to the Inhabitants and to the Spaniards themselves For those places wanting men sufficient for their defence the whole Countrey was in a confusion for the Souldiers of the Trained Bands by their taking up Armes were rather cause of grief lamentation to their wives and children who quit the Countrey then of comfort or incouragement to defence they being generally known for white-liver'd men Yet amidst these emergencies was not the Cardinall Albernois and the other Spanish Agents wanting in courage but according to their innate undauntednesse began to make such Provisions as they thought necessary and as the shortnesse of time would permit them Expresses were sent by Post into Spaine Naples and Germany to sollicite the amassing of men and moneys a new scrutiny was made of all the people of the state and out of every hundred men eight of the ablest were chosen to place in the Forts and Forreiners were removed from thence to be made use of in the Field Il Maestro de Campo Roma was sent to Mortara a Towne betweene Pavia and Verculles to be super-intendent there Don Carlo Colombo was sent to Alessandria and divers other men of worth to the Fort Sandavall and other places upon the Confines and all those places were re-inforced with men the Drummes beat up every where and Provisions were made for the present occurrences The Spaniards desisted not notwithstanding to negotiate by their Agents with the Pope and Republique of Venice that if they intended not to succour them neither should they assist the French and chiefly they feared lest the Venetians should declare themselves who were instigated by mightie offers from the French to appeare in their behalfes and to bring their Forces on this side Alda the Venetians being very strong having 8000 Foot of sundry Nations and 2000 Horse well in order in Lombardy beyond Mincio under the command of Luigi Zorzi their Generall a valiant man much esteemed and feared who to boot with his refined judgement was couragious and resolute in his Warre-resolves they had moreover more men quartered in Crema and thereabouts under the conduct of Michell Priuli a sonne not unlike his father who had formerly beene Duke of Venice an Heroick Prince who had a
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
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
if it should be needfull Some horse were sent abroad to discover the enemie and the order of his march to the end that the FRENCH Armie might put themselves in the most behovefull order to give them Battell and being informed by these that they advanced in a close body and in a threatning manner and by what was affirmed by some prisoners taken by the said Horse-men with a resolution to fight The Frenchmen put themselves in Battel-array betweene the Mossell and a deep ditch which is there in the Champion towards the West and stood firme expecting the Germans Whereupon Picolomeni advancing immediately set upon divers Sconces from whence being couragiously repulsed the Germanes having at last got to a place which commanded the Flanke of the Enemies Armie and placed some Cannon there they made so good use thereof as the French that they might be no longer subject to the mischiefe of those Cannon which went through their Battaglions from one end to another as they were retreating to make a stand elsewhere Picolomeni gave in furiously upon them with his horse and after having found some resistance though not such as hee expected hee wrought himselfe into the FRENCH Squadrons and made them turne their backes Then Monsieur de Fichiers comming boldly on with squadron of French horse did with unheard of bravery make head against the Schock of Picolomeni and encouraging his men that they might second him the action was likely to be much more fierce and bitter had his entreaties been of force enough to detaine those that gave backe but his speeches avayling nothing and being still pursued by Picolomeni Fichers being at last wounded with a Musquet and surrounded by the Enemie hee was taken Prisoner as were likewise the Marquesse De la Force and Count De Pas the Foote remaining at the discretion of the Germans who breaking their rankes did great execution upon them tooke all their Baggage tenne pieces of Cannon slew sixe thousand Souldiers and relieved the Fort to Picolomenies great glory whose actions had afterwards as they well deserved a great value put upon them The King who was then at Abeville not farre from Hesdin was much troubled at the newes of this defeate yet not appearing any wayes moved but taking it as a mutuall blow of fortune he commanded his Captaines to prepare to make a generall assault upon Hesdin in which he himselfe in person would assist For since he could not get Theonuille he was absolutely resolved to have Hesdin But the besieged who had already endured seven assaults and were reduced to a small number would contend no longer and not hoping in any succour for the Infanta was removed further off from his former quarters they upon capitulation surrendred the Towne on the 29th of Iune the Garrison marching out upon honourable Conditions The Prince of Conde and Schamburg continued still to oppugn Salsa towards which though men were sent from all parts of Spaine and 2500. Foote raised in the State of Modena Luka and other places holding of the Emperour to goe to the succour thereof were embarqued at Genua yet the new levyes of the Spanyards taken from the commodiousnesse of their owne houses not being able to buckle with the French who were accustomed to Warre and experienced upon other occasions and the Towne not being able longer to resist without reliefe it was enforced to yeild as it did about the latter end of Iune to the Spaniards great griefe who fore-seeing that if the French should likewise take Perpegnian they would cause great feare in the Inhabitants of those parts they used the best meanes they could to prepare for their defence They therefore promised great rewards to whosoever would upon this occasion raise men which the Kingdome of Spaine wanted more then any thing else neither were they negligent in preparing to shelter themselves from the tempest which threatned them from the County of Rossiglione But if the French had made a good amends by these two victories for their defeate at Theonuille they were also much sollaced at the newes that Duke Weymar proceeding successefully in Burgondy had likewise taken Salins by which the passage being inlarged into the heart of that Province they feared not but that Weymar would in a short time adde it to their Crowne But these ends built upon uncertaine futurity shewed by the sequell how unstable mens thoughts are and their designes deceitfull For the Duke of Bavaria being againe come into the field after the route given to Ghetz and keeping about Vertemberg with powerfull Forces Weymar was taken from the designed enterprize of Burgondy and appointed to march towards the Bavarians Therefore rising from about Salins hee sodainely fell into Alsatia and whilst having thrown a bridge over the Rhene at Newburg he prepared to goe with his army against Bavaria struck with a sodain sicknesse he dyed within three dayes to the unexpressible griefe of his Commanders souldiers and of all the Sweeds Duke Weymar was of a gracious aspect a brown complexion a proportionable stature very active of a strong and wel disposed body of the Auncient and Noble Family of Iohn Frederick Elector of Saxony who being overcome by Charls the Fifth had his State taken from him From his tender yeares being thereunto prompted by his naturall disposition he applyed himselfe to the Warres wherein as nothing is hard to him whose wit and spirit doth accompany the genius thereof so he being all life and full of ingenuity became so capable of instruction bold in the execution as that he with honour past from one employment or place unto another not for that his condition needed to take this way to bring him to greater employments but that hee might by degrees come to the height of that experience which above all things else is requisite for him who girts a sword about him under the command of Drum and Trumpet He past his youth amongst the Protestant forces and entered his mans estate in the King of Sweedes warres where he wonn such credit as desired nothing to highten the splendor thereof save the beames of that Kings worth which reflecting upon merit made the Disciples of his great Schoole good Masters in other Academies being imployed in the most principall charges of the chiefest armies he so punctually observed orders did with such courage performe what was injoyned him did with such eagernesse mannage what he tooke in hand as deservedly purchast him that applause which brought him to the hight of praise passing unoffended by backbyting or emulation whether men hardly arrive unlesse sustained by worth and guided by fortune his affability and sincerity intreating did worke upon the good will and obedience of his souldiers as giving themselves wholy over to be disposed off by him they strove who through their actions should shew themselves most affectionate to him He dispised the haughtinesse of Pompe and pride of gravity as things misbecoming a Souldier wherewith he was wont to say ignorance doth
fellow Citizens Civill Warre ought to be thrown out from conversing with men and not to be admitted within the precincts of humane nature For the truth of what is herein written you heare the Author say in his Epistle part of it is drawn to the Life as actions whereof he himselfe hath been an eye witnesse the rest he termes a Copy yet such a one as is copied from the best hands he having been very curious in the choise of those whose relations he hath list'ned unto and made use of so as at least you may afford him an Historicall faith All that of my selfe I shall say concerning my Author is that in my life time I never mett with lesse appearing Partiality in any Treatise of the like nature partiality being a corruption wherein usually the greatest escape But to keep thee no longer from tasting better Viands by a homely break-fast I leave my Author to thy judgment and my selfe to thy Favourable Interpretation Iuly the 5 th 1647. The Author to the READER WHen I was arrived at a fitting age for the managing of armes my father Count Nicholas Gualdo Priorato Colonell and Campe-Master to the most illustrious state of Venice desirous that that service which for many yeares our family had discharâ—ghed to our Prince in honourable and prime imployments should not find an interruption or stop in me sent me into Flanders where I was three yeares a voluntier amongst the chiefe commanders from thence I past into Germany and from thence to France whilst warre was there waged with the Hughenots being afterwards invited by the commotions of Italy which were great in Piemont and in the Ualceline I returned into Lombardy where I stayed till such time as the Plague being ceased and the warrs of Mantoa ended I had a minde to returne againe for Germany where I tarryed a long time with Walesteime being afterwards inforced to returne to mine owne country by reason of my fathers death which happened unto him in his returne from the government of Candia where having stayed some few dayes I had a minde tho see the King of Sweeds Army which bore so great fame whereupon I past the Alpes againe and spent about a yeare in those armyes under Marishall Horne and Duke Weymar All the time I was abroad and out of mine owne Country which was above the space of 14 yeares part whereof I spent in warres part in Princes Courts my indeavour was by the words and actions of other men to get the knowledge of Politique government and military observation upon all occasions at all times and in all places I weighed the reasons why men did rather thus then thus I diligently applyed my selfe to spy into the negotiations of Officers the difficulties of managing affaires and the issues or conclusions of treaties I thought it advantagious to observe the condition of Cheeftaines the councells of wisemen the conceptions of the Common people the opinions of the Nobility and the interests of great men I fixt mine eye upon the successe of undertakings upon the nature of Countryes the variety of manners the importancy of scituations and strong holds the considerablenesse of rivers the difficulty of passages the experience of Souldiers upon time place and causes and kept distinct notes of those things for my better memorys sake in the best manner I was able and as I was befriended by time wherein some times I was streightned sometimes had sufficient oportunity These rough draughts of mine coming to the sight of some of my friends afforded them occasion to perswade mee or to say better to constraine mee to print them promising me that if they could not be admitted into the narrow path of praise they would at least passe the gate of gratitude whether he sometimes gets who without pretence of merit doth by the sincerity of his will make amends for the faultinesse of his effects I confesse this their invitation seemed a dreame to me for to carry the splendid tables which in these dayes are so imbellished a dish ungarnished with the amber of invention and wanting the flowery garlands of stile is no better then to nauciate the guests But these my friends perswading me that men doe differ in their tasts that some like better what is tarte and sharpe than what is sweete and that the greediest understandings doe oft-times distaste meats too artificially cooked they did perswade me into this errour I say errour for if whosoever differs from the generall custome goes astray I who write my beard not being gray and without Horace his nine yeares rule shall peradventure be blamed for putting moderne actions to the presse written by a young head They freed mee also of this feare telling me that Horace was a Poet and that he spake of Poems Orations and other quaint composures not of History since that she which ought alwayes to be the picture of truth and without the attendants or imbellishments of witt is alwayes one and the same when the draught is made by the life and is much more comely naked then when cloathed by invented adornments drawne from time And they added hereunto that those who writt things which were acted many ages agoe doe it for that there being none to oversee them they may boldly tell some untruthes without feare of reprehension and if they compose with their hand upon the planke and their foot in the ditch they doe it least they become spectators to the anatomies of their owne workes I have therefore yeilded to slip yet but with one foote For though I have written all the warres of Bohemia France and Italy which have fallen out in my time I publish onely the successe of things from the moving of the King of Sweedes forces to the taking of Turin And have done this for that I thinke if what hath hapned in these eleaven yeares and which peradventure will be fullest of curiosity please not my former discourses will be lesse taking so as I may spare the labour which would be troublesome to me and tedious to the Reader Those actions where I was an eye witnesse are pictures drawne by the life that which I have received from the relation of others is a copy If such be not truely drawne the fault lyeth not in me who have copyed things as they have been discribed to me but in those who related them unto me It can hardly be made good that Copyes drawne from others hands conteyne in them a perfect forme for many overcome by passion or overswayed by affection speake as they would have it be Nor doth it avayle that things doe come from or be reported by great personages or well reputed Ministers of State for lyes like flyes flocke every where and where they most smell the sweete of curiosity there they take their station I have notwithstanding indeavoured to have the relations of what hath hapned from who have been present in the actions but not from every one that hath been so for many although
and was composed of 6000. Foot belonging to the Regiments of Gratz Contras Holia Offâ—nts Montecucoli and Differt which were all lead on by the Sieur D'Offcutz upon a dapple-gray horse behinde these Foot and behinde the baggadge which came in the Rear marched the Regiments of the Colonels Montecka Michna and others which were commanded by the Counts of Mansfield and Fucari great men in Germany Tilly as the soule of the body kept himselfe in the midst of the Army accompanied by many Gentlemen of quality stiled Voluntiers he rod on a chesnut horse had on him a gray sute and was armed back and brest The Imperialists Army being thus ordered and placed in a very advantagious place upon which all the great pieces of Ordnance were raised they stood waiting to see what the King would doe but hee having advanced the Saxon horse against the Crabats and the Curaseers which guarded the left flanke of the Emperors Army and the Crabats charging fiercely upon the Swedes being back't by the body of the armed horse the fight was very hot about three houres after Sunne-rising where after the discharging of their Pistols and their incountring with their swords the Saxon horse gave backe being charged in the front and on the flanke by the Imperialists Vanguard of horse lead on by Shamburg and Cronemberg who with their Swords in hand prest hard upon them who falling foule upon the Electors squadrons in this confusion and hurley burley opened the way to the Caesarian horse to do no small execution on them The King seeing what prejudice the Saxons received commanded Bannier to advance with his horse of the right wing against the left wing of Tillyes Army which being lead on by Count Fistemberg did in close order couragiously set forward to meet the Enemy Hee likewise set forwards two great squadrons of Swedish Horse seconded by a squadron of Foot and lead on by Hebron against the Crabats who boldly advanced to discharge their Carabines opening the horse files and there being faced by Muskettiers they to their great losse received a sore salute of Musket-shot and some field pieces charged with bags of Musket-bullets did so powre downe shot amongst them as many of them being put out of their rankes and many unhorst they caused much mischiefe to their squadrons Yet notwithstanding not abating their courage they amidst the bloud which in all places flowed apace and the smoake and fire which lightned round about them gave on undauntedly and with much violence upon the Saxon horse who being drill'd through by the uncessant shot of certaine Culverings and likewise charged by some squadrons lead on by Tilly's selfe who being followed by some of the bands of the most ancient stoutest and best experienced Souldiers as likewise by many Voluntiers charged through them they were routed and began to be scattered on all sides leaving the field to the Conquerour The King seeing this confusion and the eminency of danger the Elector not being able to stay his men from running away neither by threates nor yet by intreaties hee advanced some Squadrons of the Findlanders Horse which were kept for a reserve and he himselfe with his sword in hand hasted to the place where the Imperialists Artillery was placed which he found guarded but by a few men the greatest part of them being run to the Pillage of the Saxons who were run away and made himselfe master of it and straightway turning the Cannon upon the Enemy made them play upon the flanke of the Caesarians who prosecuting their victory laid load upon the Foot Regiments of Colonell Steinack Halli and Hebrun who being sent by the King to incourage the Saxons did there desperately defend themselves with their Pikes and Muskets Hee then caused some Horse to advance against certaine battaglions of Foot who came from the Imperialists Reare-guard unbackt by Horse which caused such feare in them as setting upon them in divers parts with Curasiers mixt with some few Muskets though the enemy made good their ground for about an houres space the old Souldiers not ceasing with incredible undauntednesse to fight though lam'd and wounded they were at last routed their Pikes cut in pieces on all sides their Foot trod underfoot and their Rankes broken then seeing what impression his men made amongst the enemy he commanded Gustavus Horne with part of his Horse and some Foot to make good the Artillery which he had wonne and that he should withstand Popenheime who with the Imperialists Horse of the Battaile and foure battaglions of Foot came hastily on to succour his side Then observing how the Imperialists crying Victory Victory were run to the Baggage and were intent thereupon as if the Battaile had been ended hee couragiously placed himselfe in the head of 4000. choice Horse followed by 4000. good Muskettiers and 800. Dragoons and crying out follow me and feare not he with his sword in his hand charged the Imperialists giving in upon them with so much violence mingling his men amongst theirs and killing many of them with his owne hand as though they indeavoured to rally themselves together and make head against him yet their Souldiers being scattered some here some there and some of them busie in pillaging the Carriages they could not resist the Swedes invading them who charging afresh with more fury and force had in the space of an houre slaine the greatest part of them Tilly was mad to see this unwonted confusion of his men he solicitously indeavoured to get his men in order againe and to re-assume the fight to him Popenheime hasted with Squadron of reserve though sorely wounded in two places the blood gush't from him apace but being pursued by Bannier and Horne with whom till then he had been a fighting and by this time the grosse of both Armies being gotten likewise thither the scuffle began againe the Cannon thundred from every side some loaded with great bullets some with bags of small ones there was nothing seen but smoake fire and bloud some of the most couragious without mercy trod under the horses feet and members torne from the body by the Cannon flying in the aire Then was the Battaile renewed on all sides on Flanke Front and Reare amidst this horror the King with some able and resolute squadrons charged in and with his sword made way through the thickest of the Caesarian squadrons Here the Findlanders Horse shewed such assurednes and resolution as cheerfully incouraging each other with their voices they charged Tillyes squadrons through and through so as the Imperialists no longer able to defend themselves against these men who had banished all feare of death who were inheartened with the opinion of winning the day and had likewise got the advantage of the winde which with a briske gale blew the smoak and powder into the enemies eyes they in disorderly retreat fell foule upon the squadrons of their owne Foot which being by them opened and broken began to run Tilly observing this confusion
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
the said Peroni for having brought a vertuous or man of worth to serve him for so small wages saying you Florentines had best exercise those your good husbandries with Italians and not with me who abhor to have the learned at so cheap a rate So great a friend was hee to unaccustomed greatnesse hee gave order hee should have forthwith paid unto him for his journy which was but ten Dutch Leagues 400 Dollers and that he should be furnished with a Coach and six Horses and gave unto him a stipend of 2000 Crownes a year to be paid him before hand his Coach and all other requisites being maintained to his hand He so inamored all men with these his magnanimous actions as it was noted he had got unto him the most famous men in all sciences that our age produced and many a privat Souldier for doing some one remarkable act hath been by him in one day preferred to a Captaines place and they have had monies assigned unto them sufficient to maintaine them in that dignity wherby hee did not onely make those observant of him who were so raised by him but did by their examples attract others out of hopes of faring alike so as all his Souldiers strove who should most please him by their worthes and valours not by flatteries and other indirect meanes whereby the good will of many in these corrupt times are wonne By equall rewarding valour he allayd the pretensions of such as were of great birth wonne the good will of the people and making those his favourites who had particular dependency upon him he made himselfe be the more reverenced and bridled the ambition of great personages for to conferre favours onely upon such as are nobly discended makes the meaner sort dispaire To this purpose he had wont to say that worth and vallour did not consist in a spruce-beard in a well-ordered head of haire nor yet in titles of birth and greatnesse but in a dauntlesse spirit and ready hand Hee perfectly detested Ceremonies and feigned Complements too much used now adayes in Courts and therefore he had wont to laugh at those who would bow too low and cringe unto him and mocking them would say this would do well at Rome where a man may catch a cold with standing an houre bareheaded with his hat in his hand upon Indeed Sir it shall be yours Hee also liked not many words used by Lords or other novices in warre in the proffering of their service insomuch as at last he denyed to give audience to any such letting them know that valiant and faithfull actions were the meanes whereby to please a Prince and that thererefore in their service they shoud testifie their valour which would be the most pleasing visit they could make to him yet failed he not to make his Officers welcome all forreigne Cavaliers with much civillity and to reward their good service Neither did he this so much for the aforesaid reasons as for that he very well knew how great an enemy familiarity is to respect and particularly in his case who having formerly had much acquaintance and many comerades who thought themselves therein now to be happy he could not but say that domestickenesse cancelling respect did detract from the splendor of his place and from such observance as his eminency required and that he had rather his commands should be observed by his Officers as Counsels then as orders of his power He severely punished every least default which though it got him the name of cruell yet he valued it not saying this was the true way not to mischiefe his men for he who saw a small fault punisht would the more apprehend the punishment of a greater and this feare becomming the rudder whereby the ship of their actions was steered kept the course therof streight upon the Haven of obedience and of their Masters favour he caused one that waited on him in his Chamber to be hang'd for waking him contrary to his order he banished a Souldier out of his Army for having no bootes on this his severity seemed to many to be tyrannicall and barbarous cruelty but in the hidden secrets of his maximes 't was found to be a discreet piece of wisedome for such events were the Trumpets which banish't Cowards from his Camp and was so wholsome an electuary to the fearefull as many lest they should meet with death through their owne negligence became hardy and one feare drove out another yet did he moderate this bitternesse of his government by the sweet of his rewards of the which he was as liberall as he was prodigall of punishment The end of the third Book The Warres and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE IV. BOOK The Contents of the Fourth Booke Duke Weymar in Swabenland affrights Tiroll withdrawes and joynes himselfe with the King before Nurenberg Charles Duke of Loraine being environed by the French promises to forbeare taking up Armes for the Austrians His consultation He secretly holds intelligence with the Spaniard adheres to the Duke of Orleance conspiracy against the King his Brother Duke Momerancy is routed tane prisoner and beheaded Ernestus Count Montecuculi is dispatcht away to defend Alsatia is routed by the Swedes The Duke of Wirtenberg not satisfied with the Austrian Ministers of State declares himselfe for the King of Swedes His reasons and resolutions Horne goes to the enterprise of Alsatia His proceedings The Imperialists enter Lusatia their proceedings The Duke of Orleans perswaded by his Favorit Pilleran flyes out againe from the obedience of the King his Brother and retires to Flanders Treveres is taken by the French The Hollanders in the siege of Mastricke defend themselves valiantly against the endeavours of Pappenheims Army and take the Townâ— The proceedings of George Duke of Lunenburg in the Dukedome of Brounswyck The Swedish and Imperialists Armies keep still before Nurenberg fight fiercely in their Trenches Treason discovered in the Roman Catholique Camp The King of Swedes rises from before Nurenberg Walesteine doth the like their proceedings Gustavus Horne from Alsatia enters Bavaria the Duke thereof and Aldringer hasten to the defâ—nce thereof The Country people in the upper Austria make insurrection The King of Swedes at Erfart his counsels conceptions and resolutions he marches towards Walesteine desires battell which is not by the Romanists refused both Armies come to a pitcht field before Letzen the King dyes BOth the Chieftaines of the Armies remained constant in their opinion of confounding their Enemies Walesteine desired to raise the King and to besiege Nurenberg The King resolved to maintaine it and to raise the Romanists Army they each entertaine other dayly with skirmishes and other slight incounters when Duke Weymar having indeavored the taking of Lindaw in Swabenland being come even to the gates of Vbberlingen and Cell Townes seated upon the Bodem Sea in the uttermost easterne parts thereof failing in his intentions which was to surprise the said Fort and thereby
were come neer Lutzen about the Wind-mils Walesteine had upon his left Flanke a great Squadron of Crabats and Hungarians mounted upon very fleet Horses commanded by Isolani with 28 Standards of various Colours after which followed three Squadrons of Curassiers belonging to Cornemberg Ghetz Deffart Tersica and Bredaw The Front of the Battell was a great body of Foot belonging to Count Bertaldo Walesteine Chisisa Colorido and Duke Lavell men of experienced wisedome with 25 severall Ensignes before which seven peeces of great Cannon were drawne and behind them marched two other Battaglions of Foot drawne out of the Regiments of Gallasse Grana Holke Guâ—is Contees Prainer and other Colonells all of them Gentlemen of great hope and good birth under 32 Colours These Foot were back't on the right hand by Squadrons of Horse belonging to Octavius Picolomini Marquesse Gonsaga Strozzi and Coronino all of them valiant Gentlemen and reputed for the best Sword-men of all the Army under 24 Standards followed by many Ranks of Musquetiers and neere these above the Wind-mills the way was shut up by other two Squadrons of Horse belonging to Count Ierome Coloredo Rachemburg Spor Schamburg and Offcuts all of them Chieftaines of good esteem under 33 Cornets who had neere unto them another Battaglion of Foot newly raised by the Baron Done Montecuculi and Tersica under 16 Ensignes guarded behinde with a Squadron of Crabats and Dragoones under 15 Standards of Frocats a Gentleman of worth Another body of Foot marched in the Reare commanded by the Counts Maximilian Walesteine the Generals Nephew Contrees and other two Regiments of Fucary and the Duke of Sacen with 22 Ensignes and upon the left wing hereof other 3 Squadrons of Curasiers under 30 Standards led by the Colonels Maracini and Harcourt and these were flanked by 10 other Ensignes of Crabats and Hungarians The Artillery with a good guard of Muskettiers was placed over the ditch in the field and 17 other pieces upon the little hill neer the Wind-mils Gallasse marched in the Van having on his right Flanke and on his left the Serjeant Majors generall of the Battaile Cornemberg and Deffart Offcutz led on the Foot the Generalissimo Walesteine followed in the midst of the Battaile accompanied by Princes of Tuscany by Michena Commissary-generall and by an infinite number of Counts and Voluntiers Count Shamburg and Rinoch commanded the left Wing of the Battaile and the Seignior d'Harcourt and Diodati Quarter-Master generall brought up the Reare Walesteine having thus ordered his Army and acquainted all his Commanders with what orders hee would have kept in fighting with the King after he had caused Masse to be Celebrated through his whole Camp and had incouraged his Souldiers with words expressing hope honour and greatnesse He lighted out of his Coach and mounted a brown-bay Gennet expecting to be set upon by the Swedes The Horse by this time began to exchange Pistoll-shot on both sides and the Imperialists Artillery began to play a pace upon the enemies Squadrons in the Flanke and the Kings saluted the Imperialists who upon the rise of the hill lay open to the annoyance of the hale of bullets which flew from their Cannon so as the Fray began to be very hot for the Foot being come to the brinke of the Ditch and in their advancing orderly discharging their Muskets the King Commanded the Regiments of his Guard to passe over it and he himselfe was in readinesse to second them with 4 Squadrons of Horse of the right Wing Here the Files of the Swedes battaglions being opened and the Field pieces loaded with bags of Musket-bullets playing upon the Caesarians and very much gawling them the Swedes were ready to passe over but 4 battaglions of the Romanists standing close to their tackling made good by the Horse letting showers of Musket-shot fly upon the Swedes with their Cannon bearing downe whole Files of the Enemy and with their Pikes sloaped throwing them down from the top of the Trench and one File supplying the place of another the fight grew to that heat as it lasted for halfe an houre when the Swedes not able to passe over hindred by the ditch Muskets playing upon them began to give backe but the King who stood looking on expecting the issue that when these should have made the way hee with the Horse might follow upon the Imperialists foreseeing what prejudice such a retreat might make thrusting on the Regiments of Count de Torre and the Prince of Hannault nay lighting off horse himselfe and taking a Pike in his hand he made towards them crying out unto them And what is become of my Soulders valour who having waded through so many Rivers scaled so many Wals and overcome so many difficulties cannot now win a dry ditch these words so much inheartened the Souldiers as that joyntly answering Ah Sir keep your Majesty aloofe off and feare not us who are your faithfull Servants have onely a care unto your selfe and leave the care of this to us they threw themselves headlong downe into the ditch where the Austrians no lesse incouraged by Walesteines arivall who reproving them foâ— that they should having a breast worke to defend them feare that Enemy which upon equall tearmes they had made no account of and putting his Captains in minde that now it was time to give proofe of their valour and experience and every one of them being much more ambitious of being accounted valiant then fearfull of death making good their stations and incouraging each other the Battaile grew so fierce that th' one and th' other of them breaking their Pikes and bloudying their Swords great was the slaughter the groanes of the wounded horrible the losse of companions deplorable and the number of dead bodyes nauseous and a hinderance at last the Swedes incouraged each other with loud shouts of Victory Victory and the Regiments of Winchell and Sticknitz comming in unto them the following Files making good the place of those that were slaine in the former they got at last through the Trench and passed on into the midst of Walesteines Forces Here the Caesarian Horse hasting in in close rankes and giving upon the Swedes Foot with their Swords in hand who were not seconded by their Horse by reason of the difficultie they found in descending the ditch yet with their Musket-shot and Pikes withstanding the violence of the Enemy and charging upon the Imperialists Horse comming on all sides close up unto them and breaking their first Rankes the Imperialists broke in upon them with such violence as that the wounded and halfe dead being by the Horse trod underfoot and the strong and able cut in pieces by the Sword both these Battaglions were little lesse then consumed with so much honour though as that witnessing their loyalty and writing it in Characters of bloud it is worthy observation that many Souldiers as they lay gasping and giving up the ghost did notwithstanding with their Swords pricke the horses in the bellyes that
the Emperours Forces were very much greater then were his and Walestein feigning to expect an answer from Vienna he held the Elector and his Counsellours in hand which by his mony he made his friends seeming to be very ambitious of their friendship Gustavus Horne being certified by some Fugitives how that a Convoy of Bavarians were going into Newmarch with many Waine-loades of Victualls to replenish that Citie he straight put foot in stirrop galloped after them and being come up unto them broke some Companies of Crabats that were their guides and tooke the Provisions from them he then came before the Citie and raysed his batteries in fitting places against it the defendants did for some dayes make good their Partie against him but at the last seeing the Swedes ready to make a faire assault and fearing lest with the Citie they might lose their lives they quitted the Towne and the Swedes were let in The 15 dayes of Truce concluded betweene Saxony and Walesteine were already past The Elector who saw himselfe so much intreated hoysted his pretensions much higher Walesteine who though he very much desired Peace could not in reason yeeld unto the Elector for he stirred not a whit from his resolution of having the Swedes likewise included whose vast pretensions the Emperour could not otherwise satisfie then with the Sword the Treatie broke off for the Elector would make no resolution without the consent of all his Colleagues nor would Walesteine doe any thing which might withdraw from the value and estimation which he coveted to preserve himselfe in Inraged therefore at these unfortunate lets and the impediments he met withall in all these Treaties be suddenly set upon Sweinitz but he lost many men in sundry assaults which he made being moved rather thereunto out of anger then for any hopes he had of good successe and believing that by this hostilitie might the sooner bring the Elector to conclude a Peace The Citie being succoured by the Saxons he forsooke the enterprise to keepe himselfe from losing more men which by reason of their scarcitie were much prized by him At this time Count Crats commanded the Duke of Bavarias Forces he was a well verst Souldier and one who had given good proofe of his experience in Warre He was a Low-Countreyman borne in Luxembâ—rg he had for a long time by reason of private differences borne but little good will to Walesteine before Walesteine was arrived at the absolute command of the Emperours Forces who likewise continuing his inward hatred to Crats and villifying him in all his discourses commanded such Captaines of his as upon any occasions were sent to assist Bavaria that they should not obey Crats his commands Crats on the other side caring as little for Walesteine whom he tearmed by the name of Beast Mad-man and of one that was no wayes fitting for the place that was conferred upon him their passions were growne to that height as Crats who found himselfe inferiour to Walesteine in command did not onely envie Walesteines preferment but was not well contented with the Duke his Master for divers of the Bavarian Courtiers who were his rivalls did by Court-policy indeavour his downfall and the Duke himselfe not thinking it now time to renew jealousies which upon other occasions were too rise amongst them and standing in need of Walesteines assistance holding the place he did nor yet being willing to cashier a servant who by many yeares good service had merited much at his Highnesse hands kept Crats without other imployment in Ingolstat whilst those that were under his command were in the Field so as not contâ—nted with the actions of such as bore him ill will Crats resolved to be reveng'd of them He therefore by meanes of a Trumpeter who upon occasion of ransome of prisoners past and re-past betweene the two Armies gave Horne to understand that he desired to speake with some one that might be confided in concerning a businesse of great importance Horne who had already found Crats his discontentment listened hereunto and applyed himselfe unto the businesse so as some few dayes after at which time he sent his Trumpeter touching the ransome of some prisoners Crats discovered how that being uncivilly used by Walesteine and but coldly looked upon by the Duke his Master he was resolved to quit the service and make it appeare what prejudice they did unto themselves who evilly intreat their servants or suffer them to be misprised by their Officers that therefore he would deliver up Ingolstat into the hand of the Swedes the Trumpeter ambitious to appeare a good negotiator in a businesse of such weight incouraged Crats with hopes of great preferment whereupon some Companies being about this time expected in exchange of some of the Garrison he agreed with the Trumpeter that he should acquaint Horne how that he would have him advance towards the Towne the night before the comming of the others for that he would make the other Officers believe that they were the expected recruits and so let them into the Citie The Trumpeter who very well underwood Crats his meaning informed Gustavus Horne punctually thereof who was well pleased with this Plot and beleeving it to be a thing very feacible he re-advertised Crats that he would not faile to send fitting Forces at the appoynted time he therefore communicated this designe to Schavalichi a valiant Colonell who was to take the charge of this enterprise and who made choice of 1000 Horse and 2000 Foot and did with those secretly and opportunely present himselfe before the gates of Ingolstat on the 13th of May. But that very night the Bavarians being come thither who by reason of the Swedes proximitie had hastened their march they were let into the Citie and the Swedes arriving after them made as if they were those who were expected for supply but though Crats was much for their being let in alledging that they were other Souldiers sent unto him for another designe and for a greater inforcement yet the greatest part of the Garrison being true to their Prince and not thinking it became a wise Governour to throw open the gates of so important a place in time of Warre and by night to so many men of whom they stood not so much in need but that they might tarry without till the morning and being moreover jealous by reason that the Bavarians Officers who were arrived affirmed they did not know of any but themselves of their Partie that were thereabouts opposed Crats and would not suffer them to be let in so as he seeing he had â—ailed of his aime went together with some other Souldiers out of the Gates under pretence to know who they were and being once out returned no more but joyned himselfe with the Swedes and went with them to Gustavus Hornâ—s Campe where he was honourably received and because Princes receive much advantage by the comming over of such Commanders who have served the Enemy since thereby they are informed of
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
French Ministers of State as the Captaine was inforced to reprehend him and to wish him to be more advised in his speeches The Duke was hush and not able to say a word went to Nancy where new Guards being put into the Castle and all the Avenues being well lookt unto though the French would not owne this as restraint the desires concerning his Wife and Le Motta were againe renewed the which the Duke still denying the French were much perplext what to doe and the Duke fell upon a thousand severall imaginations when newes came from all parts that the King being highly offended with him for his aforesaid actions was resolved to have him forth-comming since his words and actions did not correspond The Duke fearing to incurre further displeasure knowing he could not by any other Treatie withdraw himselfe from the imminent danger which hung over him resolved to save himselfe and his Duchesse and losing his State to enjoy at least that libertie which he held deerer then Kingdomes He therefore acquainted Monsieur Pollion an ancient servant of his and one in whom he much confided with this his intention and discoursing how they might make an escape they at last agreed that the said Pollion under pretence of Hunting should send some Horses Hounds and Hunts-men towards those parts which lead into Burgundy and that these being left in severall places upon the way should wait for their comming but all the difficulty lay in their getting out of the Castle in the which to boot with the other Guards at the Gates a hundred Harguebuziers waited in the outward roomes and lodgings and especially every night and morning the Serjeant Major of the City under pretence of visiting their Highnesses came to see whether they were there or no so as their getting thence would prove a hard matter They therefore did herein imploy their wits and at last they light upon a secret paire of staires which opening from the Duchesses lodging landed upon the ground and from thence the way lay through a little gate into the old City by which they thought to escape but there was at the foot of this stair-case a house wherein some of the French Guard lay and the little gate being chained up with great Irons chaines provided of purpose by the French and no passage being to be had without the breaking thereof Monsieur D'Pollion advised hereupon with a very skilfull Smith with whom he prevailed so farre as to make him desirous his Master might escape So as the appoyntment being made betweene them and the Duke calling for Monsieur D'Morisse a Servant of his in whom he much trusted and to whom he imparted the businesse they consulted together how they might effect their desires They agreed that the Smith being let into the Chamber apparrelled like a Gentleman should breake open the Gate before the time of going to bed that the Duchesse should depart in a Pages habit and that the Duke comming downe the said staires by night should get to Monsieur Pollions house where course should be taken for their getting out of Towne On the last of March the Smith came into the Chamber and hid himselfe underneath the Dukes bed the Serjeant Major had according to his custome given good night unto their Highnesses when Monsieur De Pollion having a Page before him with a Torch lighted in his hand entred the Castle and came into the Duchesses Chamber who was laid in her bed and streightway putting on the Pages apparrell tooke the same Torch in her hand and went before Monsieur Pollion out of the Castle the Guards suspecting nothing the Duke after midnight descended the staires with his shooes off and without any trouble past through the Guards chamber and got also out of the Castle for the Souldiers who suspected nothing were all asleep and when he was come to Monsieur Pollion's house that they might with more safety get out of the City hee and the Duchesse cloathed themselves like two Gardiners who are wont to carry dung out of the City to such Gardens as lye about Nancy and having so besmeared their faces as that they rather looked like Colliers then Princes the next morning at the opening of the Gates with each of them a basket of dung upon their Shoulders they passed freely out of the City Monsieur Pollion who under pretence of hunting as hath been said was to go out got into his Coach with six Horses soone after the Duke and Duches were gone and without giving any the least suspition went out of the City for the Guards having lookt into his Coach suffered him to passe as they had used to doe The Duke and Duchesse this meane while in their counterfeit apparrell walked apace and were got a good way off the City but were so weary by reason of their burthens and their walking on foot which they were not accustomed to doe as that the afflicted Duchesse was ready to fall upon the ground and the Duke stood weeping to see the poore Lady brought to such a condition when the Coach comming up to them they began to take comfort threw away their baskets and got readily into the Coach and made what hast they could to the place appointed where their horses staid for them where immediately getting upon fresh horses they arrived happily in the French Contée and came to Bisanzon where they rested themselves in Monsieur Morisse his house after their wearysome journy The next morning the Serjeant Major came according to his custome to give their Highnesse a good morrow when the doore-keeper stept unto him and desired him to forbeare a little for that his Highnesse was not well the other was content but returned againe some two houres after the doore-keeper would not yet open the doore unto him excusing himselfe that he had received such command from the Duke his Master the Serjeant-Major threatened then to beate open the doore to whom the other answered he had no reason to doe so and said it was a shame that a poore Prince should not be suffered to sleep as long as he would and did thus a while entertain him but not knowing that they were gone out of their beds contrary to their customes at other times hee resolved to knocke at the doore and hearing no answer made he forced it open and being entred into the chamber seeing no body there and finding the staire door broken open he found what the matter was and much incensed sent many Horsemen abroad in pursute of them who rid many Leagues to little purpose These Princes having staid some dayes at Bisanzon where they refresht themselves after their sufferings and laying aside their gardiners weeds they went from thence and tooke their way towards Savoy where by order from that Duke they were feasted presented and entertained like Princes though the Embassadour of France as it was reported desired they might be there detained From thence they went to Milan where they were civilly and honourably
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
withstood and gallantly repulsed and the businesse grew now to be so hot as that many hard incounters were made and many fierce skirmishes but because the Swedes could not Charge so well by reason of the disadvantage of their situation and not being able to get into their Trenches the Imperialists growing more and more upon them they were inforced to indeavour a retreat but being ingaged a little too forward though Horne had here shewed all the worth of wit and industry that ever was shewen by the undaunted discretion of any ancient experienced Commander the successe was not good Horne made all his Horse advance against the Caesarians and gallantly Charged them that he might have time whilst these were at handy blows with the enemy to draw off his Cannon which was too far advanced and likewise to recover his Foot about a little Towne called Neresham which lies in the vallie between the Hill where the action was and the above named Arensperg and which extends it selfe to a little River hee likewise hoped that his Van-guard should take their station together with the Cannon on the other side the said Towne so as the Reare-ward which was pursued by the Austrians might retreat under the safe-guard of the Artillery and being thus gotten into a place of advantage his Troopes might face about and joyntly with Duke Waymer make head against the Caesarians till the Ringrave who was not farre off might bring opportune succour But the Battaglions of the left Wing tired and worne out with the labour of eight houres continued fight and being charged by reserves and other fresh Troopes of the Caesarians turned their backs and running hastily to save themselves under the shelter of Hornes Vanguard they broke the files thereof and totally discomposed it At the sight hereof Horne and Cratz came in and facing their Regiments ceased not to exhort them to turne head but it was in vaine and impossible to bring them againe into order and the feare of death being more prevalent then the comfort of life deafened and blinded through confusion they ranne with loose reines some here some there as fast as their Horses could carry them Whereupon Horne provoked by honour and by the words which Offcherchen had let fall resolved not to live to be the spectator of so great a misfortune but it not standing with Gods good will that he should then perish he was taken prisoner as was likewise Cratz who being wounded by a Musquet-shot could not escape falling into the Enemies hands This battell lasted from the break of day on the 7th of September till two in the afternoone in the which the Swedes left dead upon the field about 6000 Souldiers the greatest part whereof were Foot lost all their Cannon and Baggage and that which most imported they likewise lost the reputation of their Armes and fortune which favouring all their actions till this instant had made their fame terrible to all Europe and brought them to be so conceited of as that it was thought by the wisest nothing but discords and emulation betweene themselves could have rendred them conquerable Almost all the Horse retreated with Waymer into the Dukedome of Wirtenberg and from thence to Franckfort and some Foot companies retyred to Vlm with Offcherchen who was also wounded This battell was given by the Swedes too unadvisedly and out of too much courage for not being above 20000 fighting men they had the boldnesse to provoke an Army composed of three Armies wherein were above 40000 Souldiers and in place of such advantage as did move laughter in the Romanists many whereof thought that they did it out of dispaire or for want of wit in the Swedish Commanders The Kings Majestie and the Illustrious Infanta wonne immortall glory in this battell Princes who to the wonder of all men were alwayes amidst the Musquet-shot voyd of feare nor would they be withdrawne from thence for any Counsell could be given them but replyed that such Princes as are afear'd ought to keepe themselves in their Royall Pallaces not come into any Army The greatest actions in this battell were performed by the Spaniards and Italians in so much as the Swedes themselves were astonished to see it who set upon their quarters thinking to affright them as being but new Souldiers and yet they found by all they did they had no paragons the Spaniards notwithstanding of all others fought most miraculously with their foot fixt gave testimony of their Valour and Fidelitie in so much as the Dutch-men may confesse it was by their meanes that they received any comfort for doubtlesse without their inforcements and undauntednesse together with this battell they would have lost all meanes of ever gathering head againe Of their Commanders the Marquis of Liganes was by the Swedes themselves accounted worthy of all glory and to be esteemed a gallant Commander yet are not the rest to be forgotten for every one to whose share it fell to fight discharged his dutie as became him Of the Swedes Horne and Cratz were immortallized not so much for the valour shewed by their Swords as for the solid wisedome of their counsells wherein if they had beene followed by the rest they would not doubtlessely have split upon this Rock yet did Waymer Vistum and the rest behave themselves valiantly but the advantage of the ground and the imparitie of Forces tooke off the edge of their fiercenesse Horne being brought prisoner into the Spanish Tents the King and Infanta were desirous to see that man whose valour had made his fame immortall and therefore he was brought to their Lodgings where as he would have prostrated himselfe before his Majestie and the Infanta they like worthy Princes and indued with extraordinary goodnesse raysed him up and receiving him in a curteous and friendly manner told him they were much satisfied in having so worthy and so valiant a prisoner to which Horne replyed and I am proud to be in the hands of so great Princes He was from thence sent backe into the quarters where he was visited by all the Commanders of the Army and the King gave order that he should be treated with all respect and civilitie such as is usually given to men of merit by great and magnanimous Princes Whilst the Austrians were busie in bringing their ends about in Germany and Italy the French were not idle for the great Cardinall Richelieu wisely fore-seeing where the blow prepared by the Spanish braine was to fall used his best industry not to suffer his King to stand a fruitlesse spectator in this controversie and therefore the taking of Bitsch and La Motta was the more plyed both which were surrendred the one through the weaknesse of its Garrison the other by the death of the Governour who as he was comming into the Town from forth a halfe Moone that was without the gates was slaine by a Musquet-shot upon the Draw-bridge The Castle of Vildesteime in the Voghese Mountaine upon the confines of
daring to quit his quarters for feare his souldiers should mutiny for want of money Bannier had oportunity to assault Volghast and to take it which hee luckily did He afterwards with his horse which were led on by Tortenson advanced too neer the Imperiallists quarters with whō he had divers skirmishes for it behoved Gallasse much against his will to retreat as far as Volbery towards Elbis for he fore-saw hee was likely to reap but little good by that War since the Sweedes were recruited in all parts the Imperiallists every where lesned To boot with these defaults which hindred him from proceeding on accordingly as he had hoped he was much grieved for the death of Lelio Pompey an Italian Gentleman of Verona by birth who had by many Princes been very wel esteemed of as wel in peace as war The Sweeds being the more encouraged by this retreat of Gallasse came before Dimmin of which after many Cannon-shot and three fierce assaults they made themselves Masters Wherefore Bannier marched cheerfully on toward Landsperg by the winning whereof the way was opened into Saxony and the Country of Magdeburg whether the Sweed did desire to come to take revenge for the injuries they had received from that Elector Whilest nothing but War was heard of on all sides in Montferrat each party being prepared as well for defence as offence the French expecting supplyes from France and the Spanyards the like from Naples Spaine and Germany Francisco Giacintho the young Duke of Savoy seised on by a violent Feaver dyed on the third of October whose death as it bore along with it weighty consequences so were not the effects which were thereby fore-told by our curious newes-mongers late in their arrivall for there being none left of the Issue of Victorio Amedio save one Infant Prince named Charles Emanuel but five years olde of a weake constitution of body and who was at this time sick of the small poxe a disease which raigned much that yeare 't was easily fore-seene that if he should saile great troubles would arise concerning the succession for the government falling upon the Prince Cardinall and hee having of late declared himselfe to adhere to the Spanish faction it would ensue that upon this occasion the French would never tollerate a Prince in this State which should be independant upon them so as keeping the Townes in their own possession and not suffering the lawfull Prince to be introduced it would fall out that the Subjects being well affectionate to their naturall Princes and incensed by the Spaniards against the French the War must needs grow greater which would produce bloody events The Spaniards therefore who as hath beene already said hath formerly laid great foundations upon the comming of the Prince Cardinall and Prince Thomas knowing this to be a fitting occasion sent presently for the Cardinal from Rome for that being by meanes of their Forces brought into Piemont he might the better be prepared to take possession of his right in case his other Nephew should dye The Spaniards invited him hereunto out of greater hopes for that they knew the Inhabitants of Piemont were not very well satisfied with the French after the taking of Vercelles because in steed of defending them and helping them to recover what they had lost they seemed rather desirous to possess themselves of all the rest that belonged to the Duke of Savoy pretending not to confide in the people and to have some caution of their good in their hands The Spaniards who were stil carefull to maintain their Crown in its greatness for they knew what advantage did accrew unto them by the dependency of Forreign Princes and endeavouring all means whereby they might reap any good after their accustomed fashion of civility endeavoured to correspond in gratitude to the satisfaction they had received from Francis Duke of Modena a wise Prince and very affectionat to the Crown of Spain whose good correspondency his Highness out of reason of State thought requisite for besides the great advantage which those of Modena gat by their commerce with the State of Milan it may be added that confining upon the Pope between whom and the Dukes of Modena there was never any great inwardness since the loss of Ferrara To boot then with what was already done for the Emperour had already invested him in Corraggio a Town in the heart of the Country of Modena by al other friendly demonstrations made him know what valuation his most Catholike Majesty put upon him He was under various pretences invited to the Court of Spaine and more particularly for that the Queen being great with child was ready to lye downe the King the more to win his friend-ship would have him to be God-father to his childe yet this was but a pretence to hide the true occasion which was not so easily seene by all men for the emulation being very great betwen the Spanyard and the French they could not disgest that demonstration of obsequiousness of the Duke of Parma to the King of France whilst he went to visite him at Paris without the like comming of another Italian Prince to Madrid that it might be known that if Parma did depend upon France others did side with Spaine The Duke of Modena therefore being a sprightly Prince and well inclined to make this voyage that he might see new Countreys and receive honours and profitable terms for his State which he could not chuse but do from so great a King went to the Court of Spain where he was received with greater magnificency then ever was any Prince of Italy Those who see far into State-affaires affirmed that this the Spaniards civility proceeded from the need they had both of his person and state and therefore they said they had brought him into Spain with an intention of giving him the chief command of his Majesties Forces against the French in those kingdomes the which they did not onely to obleige that Prince unto their pay but that they might have out of his Countrey which was very populous as many souldiers as they could to make use of them in their owne kingdomes It was also reported that the Spanish Ministers of State thought to make a change with this Duke and to give him the Kingdome of Sardinia for his Dukedome of Modena which would have been a very good change for the Spaniard for augmenting the State of Millan by the addition of that of Modena becomming on this side also the Popes neighbours they would have heightned their authority in the Court of Rome and the Duke of Parma bound up between the Country of Cremona and Modena would have beene inforced to depend upon Spaine and by how much the Spanyards power encreased in Italy so much did the power of the Italian Princes lessen and Sardinia being but a barren Island in a clymat almost unknown to the Italians the Spaniards would have lost but little by loosing it But the Duke being wise and no