So Walestein as well to acquit himselfe of the favour received as likewise that his intention was not to stirre out of Germany that he might not grow lesse in authorities and for the feare hee had leâ—t his Corrivalls might in his absence plot somewhat to his prejudice procured that imployment for the said Colalto to which the Emperour easily condiscended not so much out of the affection which hee bore to Walestein and Colalto as to satisfie the Spaniards who liked better of Colalto as one lesse haughty and who depended more upon them and set themselves close to this Warre for that the liberty of Italy consisting in the Counterpoising of the Forces of France alwayes desiring to assist that side where they would get footing if they should have wonne Casall a place of Retreat for the French Forces and a Fortresse able to keep the State of Millan in continuall Motion and the Common-wealth of Venice being weakned by the losse of Mantua which Common-wealth of Venice as Arbitrator of all actions in Italy by piously backing Justice is alwayes a helpe to the weakest and doth in part keep the Subjects of Italy alive they did not onely hope to secure the Millanneses but thereby to open the way for their Conquering the remainder of that Kingdome a Designe of all others alwaies most studied of the Spaniards He moreover knew that those of the Nation were ill-apaid that imployments should be conferred upon Strangers that the Haunce Towns Princes of the Empire little affected with the Austrian Government were jealous of the greatnes of the House of Austria and did mainly endeavour the weakning of it which hee observed might easily be effected for that the Emperour in likelihood would be contented to give way to the disbanding of the supernumerarie Forces or else to the sending of them out of the Empire upon some other employment thereby to make Electors at the Election of the King of the Romans willingly adhere to favour the King of Hungary and not more to exasperate those Princes Hee was likewise certifi'd that such Princes of Italy as the Emperour might hope for helpe from against the Protestants were not well contented to see the Imperiall power screwed up so high and were much troubled at the comming of the Army to Reine in Lombardy He hoped well in assistance and diversions from France which by the victories of Lewis the Thirteenth was brought into a peacefull and triumphant condition He hoped likewise for helpe from the King of England who was not well satisfied with the Austrian party for their usurping of the states of the Count Palatins his Nephewes He was no lesse confident of Holland a growing Common-wealth enricht by many Forces both by Sea and Land Hee then saw the occasion was fitting which he knew was not to be neglected but that he was to reassume that Warre which being with little successe begun by others had no other hopes but from his try'd valour To the effecting of these Designes of the yeare 1629. Many Commanders were well received in Swethland who had been returned from the Caesarian Army and from that Army which was sent to assist the King of Polonia under the Conduct of Harnem which was given out to be done by the good will of Walestein who intirely hating every one that did but speak of Reformation desired such Innovations as might make the Emperor know how ill he was advised in lissening to those who by a peacefull way did cunningly lead him to a more dangerous Warre Having received good Intelligence by these and giving them speedy Commissions to raise Forces and on the other side having gathered together the remainder of the Army which was brought back from the Warres of Livonia and having taking such order as was requisite for the Souldiers pay in Gothland Finland and Smoland hee in a few Moneths space found himselfe ready to bee served and obeyed by a strength of old Souldiers to the number of above twelve Thousand Foot and Horse And now hee thought himselfe to bee in a good posture to have ground enough to raise his plotted Designes upon and to hoise Saile for Pomerania Pomerania extends it selfe along the Shore of the Baltique Sea it is bounded on the East by Poland and on the West by the Dukedome of Mechelberg inlarged afterwards by fruitfull Territories even to the Confines of the Marquisate of Brandemburg She receives into her selfe the Noble Oder one of the famous Rivers of Germany which falling from the utmost parts of Moravia upon the Confines of Silicia runnes into the Lake called Grosse Haffe The King having to this purpose called all his Captaines and Officers together and the greatest part of the chiefe of his Kingdomes out of the which the King by a Fundamentall Law cannot upon what pretence soever goe without the consent of all the Orders at Sâ—ocholme the City of his Residence placed right over against Pomerania looking on the South side upon the Sea by two great Armes whereof it is girt about would in publike make knowne what his Designes were Thus being all in the great Hall of his Court hee demonstrated unto them with valid reasons the necessity of this Warre as well for the preservation of his owne Kingdome in quiet as for the maintenance of their Faith and in a very feeling manner enlarged himselfe to this effect That the Empire was now growne to that height as that the thirsty ambition of the greatest therein exceeding their owne limits would spread their Resolutions even over his State since it was evidently seen how he was injur'd by the Imperialists who never having had any thing to doe with the Baltick Sea had now declared Walestein to be Admirall thereof an Usurpation not to be endured by a couragious King that the Princely name of Swethland had in their Imperiall Diets beene villified with scurrilous Writings and Hostill Edicts that he suffered in his Honour by the Austrian Ministers of State that his vast mind cryed for revenge that the occasion of enlarging and securing their Dominions ought not to be let slip by Princes who had their wits about them that Honour Religion and Greatnesse were the things now in question that his Forces did not now differ from them of former times so much dreaded which had brought under the fairest Nation of Europe that the World would say the same of times past that the like Fortune as Alexander Caesar and Achilles had would not be wanting to one of as undaunted a Courage that it did not misbecome a King to quit his owne Countrey whose minde being bent upon Glory Greatnesse and his Subjects Happinesse should not bee imbased by the leasure of Courts that to spend his Talent in the Luxuries and Pleasures of Peace did not become a Prince who had been brought up in Martiall Exercises and lastly hee with a loud voyce said that he would either Sacrifice himselfe to the Negligence of his Fortune or else returne unto his Kingdome
suggestions of the Spanish Ministers of State to keepe quiet within his owne dominions and peacefully to injoy that which hee could not so easily preserve in warre These reasons though very strong and such as the Duke had hee been wise should have followed were neither embraced nor rejected but the greater part of his Councell who were wisely by the Spaniards kept partiall on their side either by pensions hopes or promises thinking it not fit to forgo the friendship and protection of the Austrian party for any pretence or threats of the King of France grounding their hopes upon the event of the secret practice held by the Spaniard by the Duke of Orleans and other Princes of France which was to raise new troubles in France whereby they might inlarge their owne limits said Peace was alwayes good where Warre was harmfull as it was likewise alwayes prejudiciall when by the idlenesse thereof ruine was well-nigh caused that wise men ought to observe the meanes how to secure their dominions which was not to be done by suffering their neighbours to increase in power that Princes were alwayes in suspition either to be treated as vassalls or to lose their estate when they suffered themselves to be brought into the bosome of one greater then themselves That France was no more powerfull then it was daily indeavouring to increase its power that the memory of their pretensions upon Lorayne a faire Jewell for the Crowne was of great efficacy that fit occasions to weaken such Forces as we stand in feare of ought not to be let slip when the permitting of them may cause jealousie that it was better to hazard ones selfe in warre then to be sure to lose all in peace that inferiour Princes thought it a great advantage to have a sanctuary whereunto to fly when they are injured by their superiours that nothing could preserve Lorayne from the ambition of the French but protection from Spaine that it might be said to be lost between the Swedish and the French Forces that reason of State would have Alsatia preserved Burgundie kept flourishing Flanders strengthened and France troubled that the King wanting issue was lesse observed by his subjects that such successours as were most adhered unto by the unstable and wavering multitude had reason to hope well that therefore Orleans ought to be fomented and that it was safer to follow the Austrian party then by fearing the French Forces to grant them that which would be more profitable to deny them Although these reasons prevailed much with the Duke who was sufficiently thereunto inclined and did lively worke upon the affection which he bore the Imperiallists occasioned by the good entertainment he had received from them whilest he was a Voluntier in their Armies against the Count Palatine during the life of his Unckle Duke Anthony yet for that the fiercest spirits are sometimes kept under by the scourge or rod of the more powerfull fearing the inundation of the French upon his State who were already in readinesse and had a good will thereunto he by the advise of his Councell resolved upon a peece of cunning which was to satisfie the King with complements and faire words and with all outward appearance which might make him forbeare his threats and to conceale the ill will he bare him to a fitter occasion And for that the French a Nation of all others of a more nimble spirit boldnesse of minde and unquiet disposition are hardly pleased or contented with the idlenesse of peace but still desiring novelty is oft times prodigall of its wisedome and runs without foundation to graspe at shadowes which to their passion seeme bodies those that had seduced the Queene Mother to absent her selfe from the Court and to put her selfe into the hands of the Spaniard being still distasted with the present condition of affaires and thinking they should be more esteemed of when they were forth of the Kingdome then when in it having likewise wrought upon the Duke of Orleans the Kings only brother to incense him against the Cardinall Richelieu an officer of State to whom the whole government of the Kingdome being committed did faithfully governe it and with so much advantage as France had never before knowne upon pretence that the authority wherewith this man was intrusted belonged better to a Brother then any other subject feeding him with vast hopes kept him still in Lorayne The Spaniards by whose knowledge all this businesse was set on worke considered how much the troubles of France would make for their greatnesse and the profit they might receive by the Civill discords of that Kingdome whose union was their jealousie and was only able to counter-ballance their desired ends and this so much the rather for that by reason of the French Forces falling downe upon the Frontiers of Germany they rationally enough suspected they might have called the Swedes into those parts to frighten the Roman Catholiques and consequently invite them to flye for protection to them whereby fencing themselves from being injured by the Protestants and without unsheathing their sword yea under a religious pretence this was a fitting meanes to possesse themselves of many Forts of great importance But it being foreseene by the wisedome of the Austrian Councell that this was the Center wherein the lines of many circumstances of reflection was to fall for that the getting of the French are such as are much facillitated by the peoples necessity who had no other meanes Spaine being growne too weake to defend themselves against the warre but by their protection and that as this would be a considerable addition to the greatnesse of France so would it be no small trouble to the Austrian power since it was not in good policy of State to be permitted Hence it is that many thinke they upheld the fearefull with hopes fomented the male-contents with Counsell and endeavoured to stirre such as were constant by feigned appearances so as these practises passing from one to another already infected with treachery as the Duke of Momerancy Dukes of Rohan and Delbeaf the Bishops of Vsiers Nismes and Besiers and many other principall subjects the businesse seemed already to have had a good beginning But on the one side they found the Swedes proceedings to be such as neither the German Forces nor yet the Forces of Flanders which were much weakened seemed to be any wayes able openly to second the commotions in France and that the straights whereinto they were by the Swedes reduced did not well comport with the irritating of France and thereby drawing upon them a dangerous warre and on the other side they considered that to passe by such an occasion as this whereby to moderate the greatnesse of France was to lose that wisedome which as the Pilot of the Spanish Counsels brought their resolutions oftentimes to a happy shore since wise Polititians ought never to abandon those undertakings out of feare which may suffocate feare nor embase themselves in those difficulties which
appearance all things were fairely carryed on 〈◊〉 the English no lesse mindfull of the Spanish actions who under the colour of good neighbour-hood had formerly indeavoured by an Armado at Sea to land their men in that Kingdome and under pretence of comforting the oppressed Romanists to conquer it did very well know that the French could not be held under without promoting the Spaniards whom for many respects they ought more to dread then the Brench and in particular because the English greatnesse consisting at Sea which they must passe over who will set footing in that Kingdome they had more reason to feare the Spaniards that were as well potent by Sea as Land then the French farre inferriour to them in shipping and strength at Sea And for that the King of England was first to have satisfaction given him in his pretences of having the Palatinate restored to his Nephewes which was a businesse the Austrians desired not to heare of their thoughts proved imperfect especially since the Palatinate was conferr'd upon the Duke Bavaria and likewise the Electorall Cap so as it seemed not faire to bereave him of the title of Elector though the Palatinate should be taken from him and as good an estate given him Divers Propositions were therefore propounded hereupon by the wariest Court-Counsellours Some were of opinion That England was by all meanes possible to be satisfied not onely so to winne the love and affection of the King thereof but to interest him in a League which might moderate the excessive power of France already growne to too great an height and to take from the Protestants their pretence of taking up Armes against the Emperour by restoring the Palatinate and Electoricall Dignitie the which was knowne to many to be of great importance since that it little concerned the Emperour and his affaires whether that state were in the hands of the Duke of Bavaria or in the Prince Palatines and yet the not restoring thereof was of great concernment That by reason of this the Austrians became hatefull to the Protestant Princes and 't was a prevalent cause of raysing Warre which being fomented by France and England did much endammage the Empire as experience had already shewen for the expences the Austrians had beene at in the late Warres did twentie times exceed the full value of the Palatinate that notwithstanding not to quit good correspondency with Bavaria nor breake faith with him who was alwayes ready to disburse his owne monyes and indanger his state for Caesars service the Palatinate might be changed for the upper Austria as it had beene formerly done And that the title of Elector might rest in the Duke of Bavaria during his life and afterwards returne to the Palatine for that though they should not intend to doe so they should by this promise winne time to put the affaires of the Empire in order and get to be in a condition of altering their word at their pleasure Others thought it good to feed England with good words but that their actions should onely aime at their owne interests for though the Palatinate should be restored the English would not notwithstanding declare themselves Enemies to France for since it made for the interest of their Kingdome that both these Crownes should be weakened by the Warre they would endeavour to keepe the ballance equally poised betweene them that so by their ruines they might the more secure the peace and accommodation of their owne quiet Kingdome And as for the distaste they might receive by the not restitution of the Palatinate they should not any wayes apprehend that for the English would never joyne with the French to oppresse the Spaniards lest thereby they should augment their already excessive Forces which necessarily they ought to be jealous of but they would rather foment that partie whose declination might make the other more dreadfull Others affirmed It were more convenient to give in Lieu of the Palatinate some Lands in Swabendland and in Wirtenberg to the Duke of Bavaria and that the title of Elector should remaine to him during his life In fine the most voyces were for the restitution of the Palatinate but the putting of it in execution was much hindred through the feare the Imperialists had of distasting the Duke of Bavaria whose assistance was now more necessary for them then formerly And thus was this so weightie resolution retarded and inveloped with other considerations when Maximilian wisely fore-seeing that the Austrian Ministers of State might resolve upon somewhat which might give satisfaction to England and finding there was no better way to crosse it then by obliging the Emperour to have a greater care to the interest of his owne house he bethought himself of marrying the Emperours Daughter as well to winne more upon Caesars good will by this new alliance as to oblige his Imperiall Majestie rather to favour his grand-children then strangers This marriage was therefore managed with reciprocall desire the Duke desired it the more to oblige the Emperour and King of Hungary to continue friendship with him as likewise that he might have issue to succeed him in his Dominions which as yet he had not Caesar listened willingly thereunto as well to shew his affection to Bavaria as likewise to make him by this tye more firme to what concerned Caesar and to keepe him from being wrought upon by the perswasions and promises of France as it was said was mainely indeavoured by vast hopes whereby to withdraw him from his siding with the Emperour and certainly if the Duke should as things then stood have given eare thereunto such a resolution might have tended much to the prejudice of Caesar. The businesse was therefore wholly concluded though some good wits murmured thereat pretending to fore-see that such fruits might proceed from this marriage as might prove bitter to the Emperours house Whilest France and Germany were thus busied each of them making what preparations they could for the present affaires a Hollander named Entholts who being banished his Countrey lived amongst the Spaniards in Flanders and who was very ill satisfied with the states of Holland because they had beheaded his Father for having as it was layd to his charge conspired with other two of his companions to deliver up the Fort of Tiell seated upon the Wall betweene Bonniell and Niminghen unto the Spaniards whilest he lived in a Countrey that profest Neutralitie this Entholts holding intelligence with some kindred and friends of his who often used to advertise him how affaires went in those Provinces thought how he might effect somewhat which might correspond with his desires as it is usuall with men whose passion exciteth them to revenge And being advertised that the Fort of Skinck a very strong place situated upon the poynt of the Island made by the Rhyn which dividing it selfe here into two parts that on the left hand takes the name of the Wall the other on the right hand continuing the name of the Rhyn till it
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
speedy succour which though it were indeavoured by the Spaniards and by Piccolomini who as it hath been said was to that purpose come into the Low-Countries could not be effected after they had stoutly repulsed the French Voluntiers who had assaulted them divers times in divers places and after having withstood 6000 Cannon shot at last a Mine made by the French blowing up part of their Wals they not being able longer to resist shewed signes of parle and Articles being agreed upon they marched forth on the 26th of Iuly with Colours flying Drums beating Bag and Baggage the most honourable conditions that the conquered can receive from the Conquerour The way being by this meanes opened to the French to enter further into Flanders they went with their Horse before Mons betweene Cambray and Brussels and sackt Saint Ghisleim Bavay and other neighbouring places to the great terrour of those people who seeing the Spaniards were not able to succour Landresi feared the like might succeed to the other Townes but the French finding afterwards how little good they were like to get if they should indeavour the taking of Mons they thought the recovery of La Chappelle and Castellet would make more for their purpose they therefore removed from their quarters they had taken up and resolved to besiege those two Forts And the Duke of Candal comming with some Troopes of men before Bewmons easily took it The Marquis Leganes perceiving hee could doe but little good against Asti to the succour whereof Marquis Villa and the French were come gave over that designe Hee left notwithstanding a good Garrison in Niece and Agliano with sufficient provisions for their defence for the Spaniards thought them places of much importance upon these present occurrencies as a bridle to with-hold the French from making any further progresse on that part and apt to keep the neighbouring Townes in continuall motion and passing backe on this side Tanaro and then on this side Poe also to Valenza he came upon the Territories of Vercelles The Spaniards aime was upon Brem a place of great advantage to the French for as by the getting of it they should keep the Townes of the Territories of Pavia and Novara in continuall suspition so if they should not get it the Spaniards could not possibly proceed to the enterprise of Cassall Hereupon then they bent their thoughts especially Leganes being advertised that though Mongaiard who was the Governour thereof made them believe at Court that he had 3000 Foot and received pay from the King for so many yet he had not in all 1700 men and those in ill equipage For Mongaiard and the other Captaines who came not into Piemont for change of aire but to change their fortunes being more inclined to inrich themselves by dead pay then to win their wealth from those of Milan by the sword honourably â—ad their mindes onely bent upon their purses that they might afterwards returne into France and peacefully injoy what they had got Neither knew the King hereof for every one minding his owne particular interest no one would ruine himselfe by peaching his fellow-Officer The Spaniards therfore thinking this a good occasion to perfect that enterprise they brought the greatest part of their Army upon the Territories of Vercelles taking Carasona a Town neer Sofia between Vercelles and Brem they haulted there and fortified themselves thinking this a very fitting place to bring them either to the taking of Vercelles or Brem The Neapolitan Horse over-ranne and sacked many Townes thereabouts not omitting such diligence as is knowne by wise Commanders to be requisite in the mannaging of Warre But Marshall Crequi blushing to see his honour so much decline which he in so many occurrences had wonne by his Sword fearing that if the Spaniards should take a place of that importance he looking on to boot with the losse it would much lessen his renowne he assembled his Army which was disperst in their severall quarters and went to Pontestura betweene Cassall and Trino and throwing a Bridge over the Poe he past his Army over on this side though much too weak to buckle with the Spaniard who was provided of all things necessary and whose Army was composed of good Souldiers and made it appeare the French faile not in their courage though upon disadvantagious tearmes He with his Horse pursued the Spaniards who under the command of Don Martin of Aragon were gone to plunder the Towns in the Territories of Vercelles and having layd an anbush whilest the Neapolitans were returning to their quarters with great heards of Cattell he unexpectedly set upon them and after a bloody skirmish wherein though the Italians behaved themselves with courage and constancy they were notwithstanding at the last put to the worst Boccapianola a Neapolitan and Field-Master was there slaine as also Don Iohn di Lelmo Captaine of the Horse Captaine Spadino was taken prisoner and about some 60 Souldiers of which some were of good esteeme for Commanders usually imploy their best Souldiers in businesses of greatest danger On the other side the Duke of Savoy who upon newes of the Spaniards approach fearing Vercelles was come in person thither understanding that the Princes of Este were retired with their men to Leganes commanded Count Verva to go with 4000 Souldiers into the Langhe where he sack't many Townes past over the Poe fired Pieve del Cairo and indeavoured though in vaine to take the Castle of Arazzo for it being well defended by the Spaniards and Don Martin of Aragon comming speedily into the succour of it the Savoyards rose from before it having lost about one hundred of their men During this revolution of affaires the presént condition of the Crowne of Spaine was justly weighed by the piercing wits thereof and the powerfull Forces of France was to their great griefe examined which being wholly united did much annoy the Austrians and by evident example did deceive those who fed themselves with hopes of kindling civill dissention in that Kingdome and did chiefly apply their wits thereunto For the Kings reconciliation to his Brother the Duke of Orelans from whom the Spaniards had received so many assurances made them know they were to ground but little beliefe upon the faith of that Nation which being rivall to theirs would upon occasion make it appeare That though it were treacherous to its King it would be much more false to the Spaniards and that those means were now become desperat by which in former times when the King was under age the Princes of the Kingdome tooke the boldnesse to prescribe Lawes to the unlimited Regall power and that the Cardinall Richelieu a faithfull servant of that Crowne and one of an exquisitely refined judgement knew how to countermine the Spanish Plots They therefore resolved to follow the example of Scipio Affricanus by bringing the Warre into France whilst France made War out of France To this purpose they began to provide for all things necessary to set
suspicion so as the Imperiallists and Saxons being come to the defence of their owne Frontiers the other Swedish Commanders might the more easily proceed on in Slesia and else where And because Brandeis stood a litlle higher neere the Elbe also it being a place whereby Prague might the easilyer be assayled and entrance be made into the center of the Kingdome the importancy of which place being known Offchercheim was gon thither with a good body of men who was now become one of the Duke of Saxons chiefe Commanders having left the Sweedes Bannier desirous to make himselfe Master of this place also went from Melnick with 7000. Souldiers on the side of Elbe towards Prague and sent Plato with 5000. more on the other side the River with directions that at the same time when Bannier should set upon Brandeis he should on the other side invest the Trenches made by the enemy on the other side the Bridge and which were kept by Colonell Salasar a Spaniard upon advertisment hereof Offchercheim no wayes abasht but as he was suddaine in his actions readily issuing out of the Town came to encounter with the Sweedes hoping to fight and if he should finde them too hard for him to shelter his foote by his horse and so bring them safe underneath the Walles which he intended to defend but some squadrons of Swedish horse issuing out from the rest of the body and a skirmish being began rather to discover the scituation number and position of the Imperiallists then for any thing else and this skirmish growing hotter by the comming in of another company at last Bannier gave on himselfe in the head of 2000. horse resolving to charge through the Enemies troopes whereupon Offchercheim commanded a retreate to be sounded which was done in such confusion as passing from a trot to a Gallop and from a gallop to a down right running away till they came to Brandeis they left their foote to be trampled upon by the Swedish horse Offchercheim indeavoured to remedy this accident but t' was now no more time to doe so for t is very hard to stop the Cariere of feare therefore to save himselfe he swam over the River Elbe but fared not the better for it for having escaped the Sweedes on this side he fell into the hands of the other Sweedes who were on the other side the River to set upon the bridg and was by them ta'ne prisoner as was likewise the Marquis Sforza Palavesnie five foote Captaines and other officers so as together with the battle the Towne was lost eight Standards and 3000. Souldiers great was the confusion and astonishment which was seen every where by reason of these the Sweedes prosperous proceedings the whole Imperiall Army was likely to be lost had not Count Slich and Gallasse by their wisedome prevented it for their army being much discontented for want of pay and taking now the greater liberty by reason of the Sweedes approach it grew so to mutiny as the souldiers were ready to throw away their Armes and to turne over to the Enemie but Slich and Gallasse finding credit for monyes wherewithall to give them two payes they thereby prevented the mischiefe which was likely to ensue and which would have redounded greatly to the prejudice of the whole affaires of the Empire Bannier knowing the Imperiallists constancy and imagining he should doe no good by going further into Bohemia as wel for wanting of victuals as for the numerous forces of the Caesarians who were much incouraged by Azfelts coming into Egra with 6000. souldiers haulted at Brandeis and began to fortifie there thinking so to amuse the Austrians on this side as that Stallans who was with some Sweedish regiments towards Landsperg might this mean while effect some-what as also Colonel Orans who being entered Slecia with 2000 horse 4000. foote did much molest that Province wherein though the Imperialists that guarded it were strong in minde and will yet were they weake in numbers and not well beloved by the inhabitants the greater part whereof were Protestants there passed therefore frequent and hot skirmishes between the Sweedes and Caesarians neere Prague and Brandeis for the horse of both sides going forth for forradge met divers times together and fought The seige of Trino being made more easie for the Spaniards by the taking of Moncalvo for this place being in the midst between Verna Vercelles and Pontestura it was hard for the French to releive it unlesse they should first master some of these other places and Leganes considering that this place was very proper to streighten Cassalle yet the more and being at this instant informed by the Sergeant Major of Trino who was fled from thence and come to serve Prince Thomas how that there was but a small quantity of victualls in the Towne and fewe souldiers for the French fearing to loose Cassall had removed much of their provision and many of their Guarrison thither being by this newes much more confirmed in his opinion he left Don Ferrante de Monte about Lantia to the end that he with the Dutch horse might guard the passes of Doira nor suffer any thing to be brought in thither and he himselfe tooke up his quarterâ— round about Trino upon the hearing hereof the Marquis Villa who was ordered to releive Santia which being on all sides invironed by the Spaniards was reduced to some scarcity of victuals made suddainly thetherward with a 1000. horse and as many Musquetiers taken up behind the horse men intending to effect his desire and having conveyed some foote without any withstanding into Lantia he indeavoured to put 700. foote and two companyes of horse into Trino But Don Ferrante finding his drift laid an Ambush for him and crost his designe For Villa being aware of the Spaniards vigilancy he forbare coming on and returned towards his former quarters at which the others grounding good hopes they forthwith made works dug Trenches raised 18. Cannon of Battery and began to play fiercely upon those Fortifications Count Montecelli a Subject of Piemont and Colonell Merolles a French-man who commanded within the Fort though they had not much above 1000. Foote too small a number to defend a place of so great circuite no wayes frightned at the Spaniards threats as in particular Montecelli was not at Prince Thomas his protestations who sent him word that in case he would not surrender the Fort his head should pay for it as guilty of High Treason to which he replyed that it would be treason in him to surrender up a Fort of the Duke of Savoyes into any other hands then such as should be by the Duke appointed they made a gallant Sally and put many Spaniards to the sword But being afterwards drawne neere unto on all sides and it behoving them to employ their men in the defence of their walls and not in Sallies wherein the most couragious are alwayes lost a great prejudice to a strong hold which hath but a weake
loaded with Glory and Triumphes having made himselfe knowne to be a King worthy of so valiant a People Then making a little pause and finding the affection of all the standers by by the cheerefulnesse of their Aspect for as if they had been immoveable they could not sufficiently shew their approbabation of what he had so well said hee invited them to follow him promising that he would not onely be their Lord and King but their Brother and Companion Dismissing the Councell he employed the ensuing days in hastening the provisions of Victualls Munition and Artillerie till such time as answer being returned from my Lords the States of Holland by whose Intelligence all these Machinations were made and encouraged every day more by that Common-wealth which of all other Principalities as well in respect of the Interest of State as also of Religion was desirous of this noveltie and invited thereunto and heartned therein by Letters from France and England having recommended the leavying of eight thousand other Souldiers to Auxilius Oxasterne Lord Chancellour of that Kingdome and taken order for all things that concerned the good government of the Kingdome which in his absence he left under the protection of the Queen his Wife with the unspeakable applause of all the Nobility and People who in great numbers floct to bid him farewell He imbarqued himselfe and all his Army on the thirteenth of June 1630. in 70 Men of Warre and 200 lesser Barques and directing his course Southward he sailed toward Rugen with intention to surprize it Rugen is an Island in the Baltique Sea bounding upon Pomerania from which it is divided by a Gulfe some few miles broad and is seated just over against Stralshond a Haunce Towne situated upon the Sea side which hath in it a good and much frequented Haven and is environed with strong Rampards and Bulwarks with the chief Magistrates whereof though surrounded with Austrians the King held good Intelligence He sayled from the said thirteenth of June till the foure and twentieth of the same and being happily come to Stralshond hee and his Army came to shore at Rugen they set upon the Imperialists who were placed there in certaine little Forts rather for Guard then for Defence they soon made themselves Masters of it sacking it and plundring it which much pleased the Souldiers as if this so happy a beginning did presage their greater Conquests The King leaving 500 Foot in this Island and two men of War for the safeguard of the Passage and having made it a Store house for his owne Militarie Provisions he took Ship againe on St. Peters day the 29. of the same Moneth and with a good Winde came to Vsedon an Island dis-joyned from the firme Land of Pomerania by two Armes of a Lake or Moorish ground called Frish Haffe into which the Odor bisburthens it selfe where there not being Foot able to withstand the on-set of a strong and fresh Enemy the Imperialists who were there in Garrison resolved to abandon it that they might not come to triall with the Swedish Forces leaving onely two hundred Foot for the defence of certaine Sconces They got to Wolghast a City not contemptible for its situation and fortifications standing upon that Arme of the Channell which divides the said City or Island on the West side from Pomerania called the River Pene by the making good whereof it had been no hard matter to have driven away the Swedes from Vsedon and the adjacent Sconces weakly situated and not well fortified But the King let slip no time wherein the Roman Catholiques found themselves much straightned and by consequence their Forces were weak and their Counsells confused their hope of succour uncertaine and the effects of so suddaine an Incursion full of fears and frights For at this very time at the Diet which was held at Ratisbone for the affaires of the Empire instead of providing for this new Warre with the King of Swethland whom they esteemed a petty Prince the aime of all the Electors tended onely to the disarming of the Emperour and the putting the hatefull and insufferable Walestein out of his charge which they did effect For about this very time the Emperour was unadvisedly perswaded to write to Walestein that having considered that the Generall was in the power of the Souldier and that he himself was in the power of the Generall his pleasure was that he should 〈◊〉 himselfe into his owne Countrey Walesteine being thus dismiss'd readyly laid aside his staffe of Command and writ back a respectfull Letter to the Emperour wherein hee told him that his Imperiall Majestie was not in the power of his Generall but in the hands of his treacherous Ministers of State and so foretelling all the ruine just as it fell out he betook himselfe to a private life in Bohemia The King being minded to make himselfe Master of some Fort which might serve for a Retreat for his Army in case of need before Resolutions and Counsells should bee taken for the defence of their Provinces by fresh Forces having advanced some of his Forces towards Vsedon he without any manner of contestation took almost all the Townes thereof which were plundered by the souldiers and the people that were therein were without respect put to the sword The King at the beginning used much severity to his Enemies for that well knowing of what force punishment is with those that are unable to defend themselves it was not to bee doubted but that the souldiers despairing of all hope of succour and affrighted by their owne danger would lay aside all stubbornnesse which flattered by good usage doth oft-times grow the greater Leaving a thousand Foot there for a Guard and for the recruiting of some weakned places he forth-with re-imbarqued and came into the River of Pand where unshipping his Armie he instantly sate downe before the Walls of Wolghast against the which he planted foure Batteries hee invested it on three sides by speedy Approaches and caus'd so much feare in the Defendants as forsaking the City at the first on-set which being full of Protestants made the Imperialists jealous of the defence thereof and retiring themselves into the Castle wherein for six dayes they resisted the Swedes Assaults at last despairing of succour they yeelded upon Condition of comming forth with their Armes and Baggadge these souldiers were so well pleased with the Kings dealing with them who used much Clemency towards them that as benefits where unexpected are most welcome they thought they got more by losing then they did by overcomming and therefore resolved rather to try the acts of Clemency then blowes of Adversity many of them invited by the Kings new fortune forsook the Imperiall Banners and listed themselves under the Swedish The taking of Wolghast did so dishearten the Austrians that overcome more by their owne beliefe then the Enemies Armes and wanting the necessaries of Warre they were in great confusion so as the King in six dayes more without