This hope was much augmented when Philip the Third King of Spain was friends with Charles Emanuel Duke of Savoy and laid down those Arms and dismissed those men wherewith he threatened that Duke so to oppose the French in the Dukedom of Millain which Duke Emanuel having at the same time made great preparation of Arms and holding strict Intelligence with King Henry made it be doubted that he intended to trouble Italy and to assault the State of Millain had he not been interrupted by the death of Henry the Fourth of France just when he was ready for so great an Enterprise And the less it was expected that King Philip should let slip the occasion of resenting himself when the Duke was bereft of his assistance from France by the death of King Henry the more was his goodness praised and his mildness pleasing for not minding what might peradventure have happened if affairs had succeeded otherwise he had more respect to the good of Christendom to the peace of Italy and to his Alliance with the Duke then to the desire of revenge a great incitement to all men but more to powerful Princes when they think themselves injured not only by their inferiours but by their equals The Kings rage was much mitigated towards the Duke by the great desire which the Princes of Italy seemed to have thereof by the intercession of Pope Paul the Fift and by the efficacious intreaties made with much affection by Philebert the Dukes second Son to the King his Uncle who was sent by his Father into Spain to give satisfaction on his behalf but the Authority and favour of Mary Queen of France was of no less help herein who by the death of her Husband having the Government of her young Son the King and being Regent of the Kingdom did very seasonobly interpose her self in this Reconciliation Foâ—… though the Intelligence held with the Duke and the great preparations of that Kingdom had caused great Commotions and diffidence in the Court of Spain yet it not being manifest against whom the Arms and ends of that King were intended it so fell out That his magnanimous thoughts ceasing by his death as also the doubts and suspicions conceived in Spain by reason of those great preparations the same Peace and good correspondency continued between Spain and France which though if the King had lived was very likely to have been disturbed was never demonstratively broken And it making for the Queen to keep peace with Spain so to shun the troubles and contestations which her Authority and the guidance of her Son King Lewis his affairs a Minor of ten years old might probably meet with amidst Arms and Commotions in France which was yet full of many humours and Fractions and of so many Religions and wherein the wounds and scars of the late civil Wars were not yet well healed she wisely chose rather to be aiding to the Duke by Negotiation then by Forces which she must have sent into Piedmont The necessity of her backing the Dukes cause being made to appear in Spain by reason and the readiness of her Self and Kingdom also by some preparations upon the Confines of Italy the King pardoning so great offences at the mediation of such Intercessors partly admitting of the Dukes justification with such dissimulation as is sometimes used by Princes he gave order for the disbanding of his Army in the State of Millain which was designed to have assaulted Piedmont Affairs being thus composed and Peace being proclaimed to the satisfaction of all men the publick Affairs of Italy were in so good a posture and so consolidated in a continual quiet as there was no signe seen of any the least appearing storm which could any ways shake the solid Basis of her peaceful condition or the tranquillity of her former quiet For the French who were the only and without all question the most powerful means to cause Novelty and Commotions in Italy being detained by their Kings minority and busied in the necessary care of the preservation of the Domestical affairs of the Kingdom were unable to imploy themselves for the space of many years in foreign affairs Whence it was to be believed that they would not unprovoked disturb that peace which had been with some Anxiety indeavoured by themselves and for their own interests And the Spaniards who being Masters of the Islands of Sicily and Sardigna of the Kingdom of Naples and State of Millain did rule over the greatest and best part of Italy though as being Superior to the other Potentates they might easily cause and continue Commotions in her yet being naturally apt to preserve peace and having by the experience of many years known how happy it was for them to keep the chief place of Authority in Italy by means of their so ample Dominions peacefully and quietly it was no question but that they would be solicitous in preserving her quiet for the future as they had profest themselves to be in the former and present Occurrences The Dutch and Switzers adhered unto the Authority of Spain the latter by reason of the streight League with the State of Millain whereby they reaped much advantage both to the private and to the publick And the former in respect of the Kings of Spain who were the chief of the House of Austria so powerful in Germany by reason of the many Adherences and great States which she hath there and of the Imperial Crown which hath continued in her by so many successions by which means those Kings did not only preserve Italy unprejudiced by the Forces of those two fierce Nations so formidable by reason of their vicinity and power but did the better secure the Majesty of their own Empire and the large Precinct of their Dominions and do also keep the Kingdoms of Spain in more security which are at the present richer then any other Kingdom through the immense Treasure which are abundantly subminstred to them by the unexhausted Mines of the Indies and new World by a Fleet of seventy Gallies distributed in the Havens of Spain Genoa Naples and Sicily The other Princes of Italy divided into unequal Seigniories did therefore reverence and yield observancy to so great and so well grounded a power the lesser whereof did for sundry respects absolutely adhere thereunto and injoy'd quiet under the protection thereof and the greater placing the ground-work of Principality upon Peace minded more the preservation of their Dominions by counsel then inlarging their Confines by Arms and all of them though they saw so great a forreign Empire radicated in the bowels of Italy yet not having for many years been thereby molested and therefore accustomed to injoy their own Territories a long time in a happy and secure Peace they were better contented to bear with the condition of the present Times though upon some disadvantage then out of a desire of absolute liberty to irritate those Forces against them whereunto they were not of themselves equal Nay
his Fathers infinite wisdom neither by reason of his years not exceeding the age of twenty three nor of his experience Therefore the condition of times being changed together with the Prince great men grew to be of more Authority with the King in the Administration of State Affairs which was more largely and more indifferently shared out unto them by him then by Philip the second Amongst these Don Francisco Scandoval and Roxas Duke of Lerma were highest in favour with the King upon whose liking all important Resolutions as also the distribution of Offices the Government of Provinces and the Crown Revenues did depend râ—…ther as upon a Moderator then Court-Minister The eyes of all men weâ—…e therefore with much applause fixt upon him as upon the chief manager of so great a Monarchy Who being of a good and pleasing disposition and for his understanding sufficiently capable of so great Imployment sate long at the Helm of Government in so great an Empire not only with Loyalty to the King but with general satisfaction It is true that being grown very jealous of his own Grandezza he diligently studied the preservation thereof which finding that he might the more easily do in times of peace he hated all novelty and neglected no means whereby the Affairs of the Crown might be quietly proceeded in both at home and abroad Nor was it hard for him to do it the publick interests of the Kingdom concurring thereunto in many respects as also the peoples desire and the minds of the great ones who being rich and happy loved rather to injoy the publick and their private fortune in peace and quietness then to increase it by uncertain and dangerous war But the Affairs of Italy and particularly those of Lombardy did depend almost absolutely upon the Authority and Arbitrement of Don Pierd d' Azevedo Henriques Count of Fuentes a man of high imployment and great worth who being sent by the new King to be Governour of Millain governed that State long with extraordinary Authority And being good both at peace and war and generally held to be of a military spirit seeming more inclined to Arms then quiet he without altering the publick peace held up the Kings Affairs at so high a pitch and brought them unto such reputation in Italy as they were never formerly done by any Governour The government of Affairs being in this posture the Duke though the new King forgetting former distastes had made one of his Sons Grand Prior of Castilâ—… and another Son of his the like of Cratâ—… the latter worth 30000 Duckats a year the other of 100000 Duckats did continually aspire out of his accustomed pretences and desires to the augmentation of his Fortune which was impossible to be afforded him either without lessening the Kings Revenue or without disturbance to the publick peace to which the Government of the Crown was then so much inclined And therefore whilst beyond all expectation he found all access to further greatness blockt up under the new King he had some colourable pretence to vent his anger which by reason of the King his Father in law's Majesty he had kept long concealed for not being of like employment and Authority in the Resolutions oâ—… that Court as he had been formerly he began to complain thereof with less respect thinking that it proceeded rather from the State-Ministers being ill-minded towards him then from the King himself Hereunto was added that it being necessary to make the Duke of Lerma chief in Court as the Arbritrator of the Kings Resolutions and in Italy Fuentes Governour of Millain for the relation and executing of things resolved upon and not finding himself satisfied with their proceedings or pleased in his ends which did totally differ from their ends and intentions and finding sometimes at least seeming to find a certain ambition in them and in other Court-Ministers which doth usually accompany eminent power and the Princes immoderate favour whereby he thought they meant to keep him under he could by no means bear with it He openly exclaimed against them as if making use of the Kings name and Authority for the establishment of their own greatness they would arrogate unto themselves the more Authority over him who was a free Prince and Cousin to the King Hereupon anger and ranckor broke forth between the Duke and the Kings Ministers of State especially between him and Scandoval and Fuentes so as tokens of ardent indignation appearing in the Duke and the like in them for the practises he had held with Henry to the prejudice of that Court and of the universal peace they at last seemed as if they were not able to pay the Pensions which appertained to him as if the exasperating him were the only cure for that wound for which gentler applications would be too disproportionate Their hatred grew the greater when the Duke demanding his Pensions of his Father in law and after his death of his Cousin he resolved to send his eldest Son Prince Philip Emanuel with two other Sons of his into Spain that they might be brought up in the Kings Court upon whom the King not having as yet any Sons the succeâ—…on of so many Kingdoms might probably fall The Duke being come with this intent to the Sea side and having agreed upon the time of their Imbarking and upon other things concerning theiâ—… Voyage in Oneglia with Prince Doria the Kings Lord Admiral wherein they were to be conducted by Don Carlo Doria Duke of Tursi and Son to the Admiral it so fell out as Don Carlo deâ—…arting unexpectedly from Villa Franca whether he was come with the Kings Gallies to Imbark those Princes he left both their Father and them much astonished at his unexpected departure wherefore the Duke credibly believing that a resolution of such importance proceeded not from Don Carlo but rather from the Court Ministeâ—…s of State and particularly from the Duke of Lerma who for his own interest would be loth to see the Kings Nephews so near their Uncle he therefore and for that the King did not appear afterwards to resent it thought himself therein very much injured and yet being resolved that his Children should pursue their intended journey he sent them to the Court where they were graciously received by their Uncle and were by his command treated with all the demonstrations of Honour and with the Title of Infants of Spain a name which is given to the younger Children of that King But on the other side the States-men and great ones of the Kingdom fearing that it might much prejudice their own greatness and their Administration of publick aâ—…fairs that Authority should be added to those that were so nearly allied to the King they did not only keep them at distance from the publick Negotiations of the Kingdom but from any privacy with the King and not being able to suffer their so much preeminency they seldom visited them or discoursed with them rendring the Grandezza of their condition almost
And at the same time keeping on the Treaty of the new League and his Sons Marriage in Paris he hoped that each of these Crowns would grow to such jealousie by reason of this double Negotiation as that the one not to lose him and the other to gain him they might both of them vie who should give fairer conditions for this Marriage when it should be hotly negotiated at the same time in both these Courts Chusing theâ—…efore for Agents in these his so great designs Count Verrua a Counsellor who was in great favour with him and Monsieur Iacob he sent them both at the same time the former into Spain the latter into France where both of them negotiated their Commissions The Duke of Lerma greedily imbracing this occasion in the Court of Spain that by assisting to make this Maâ—…ch he might aggrandize his own Family so the Treaty of Marriage between Prince Victorio and the Kings Daughter seemed to proceed on fairly For though the King would not Treat of his eldest Daughter whom he had destined to a much greater Marriage yet not being averse to part with his youngest Daughter this Match though not totally agâ—…eed upon yet was it likely to be speedily concluded And Don Phileberto the Dukes second Son was destined to be made Admiral at Sea and the Dukes third Son the Cardinal was to be furnished with the châ—…ef Church-livings which should be vacant in that Kingdom to a large proportion In pursuit of which Negotiation there were two Gallies already provided by the Duke in Italy to bring the Prince Victorio into Spain together with two of his Sisters that they might be brought up there with the Queen yet many were not fully of an opinion that this would really succeed As if the Duke had juggled in this Marriage with Spain or that he had done it out of cunning to accelerate the Negotiations in France which were carried on with hopes of prosperous success by Iacob For the King having drawn England and the States of Holland into the new League and giving out that he would â—…ut the Princes of Brandenburge and Newburg into full possession of the Dukedoms pretended unto by them had already prepared a powerful Army with which and with the Forces of the Colleagues it was thought that he really intended war against Flanders and those parts of the Low-Countries which were under the King of Spain And at the same time he put a Fleet in order at Marselles with intention to assault Genoa and Millain and offered the Duke of Savoy an Army of 20000 Foot and 3000 Horse to be paid by him the King to the end that the Duke might enter into the 〈◊〉 of Millain with 12000 Foot and 2000 Horse of his own which State he propounded to the Duke of Savoy as a surplus of Portion in respect of the future Marriage These practises were they either true or but reported did no good to the Treaties of Spain which seemed to be as good as already concluded for the King of Spain growing incens'd thereat did not incline any more to the Marriage of his Daughter and the Duke of Lerma who had cordially listened to Verrua's proposals finding that he was not well looked upon by the Court where the practises held between him and Verrua were known to shew himself averse to the Dukes interests and intelligence who was grown odious to the Court for the same respects did all he could to clear himself thereof And the whole Court out of the same reasons being at the same time scandalized with the Duke of Savoy he thinking that he could promise himself no good from that Crown and despairing to make any progress in that Court quite foregoing any thought of further pursuing his Affairs there and betaking himself to the Kingdom of France he indeavoured to joyn in League and to make Alliance with that King Hence it was that we may return to where we gave over that the Duke of Savoy to the end that he might have greater adherences in Italy as also that he might interest other Princes in his ends and designs married forthwith two of his Daughters wherein King Henry had a hand the eldest to Don Francisco then Prince of Mantua and the other to Alphonso Prince of Modena which was not done without much jealousie that the Dukes their Fathers did privately partake in the same ends and designs And at this very time another Marriage coming strangely to light which was very privately treated of in Rome for the Prince of 〈◊〉 the Popes Nephew with a natural Daughter of King Henry it made people very jealous of the Popes Intention This suspicion reached also to many of the Lords of Rome which by many Aâ—…guments drawn from their indeavours and inclinations seemed to follow King Henries party King Henry was then in greater Fortune Authority and Grandezza then peradventure any of the preceding Kings of France had for a long time been he was admired by all Christendom wherefore part of Italy being full of expectation other part full of fear of these so great preparations Italy was partly inclined unto and did tremble at the name and reputation of the French Forces But to the end that the Differences touching Montferrat might not disturb so great hopes as were promised by this Conjunction the Duke of Savoy thought it not good to look too narrowly into them then though they fell into consideration in the conclusion of the Marriage with the Prince of Mantua and therefore he thought it bettâ—… to hasten the conclusion of that Marriage leaving those differences undecided On the contrary the King of Spain finding whether the confederacy or Affinity of the Italian Princes did at that time tend and indeavouring to disturb it I â—…oured though in vain that the same Marriages might be crost but King Henries so unexpected death having either dissipated the ends or allayed the jealousies of that so great Unon and the Duke being afterwards pacified and joined with the King of Spain and the Kingdom of France foregoing the Match with the Duke as having after the Kings death entertained new Negotiations of a double Marriage with Spain whereby Lewis the new King of France was to marry the King of Spains eldest Daughter and King Lewis his Sister she who in her Fathers time was intended for Prince Victorio was also to marry the Prince of Spain to the conclusion of which Marriages there was no leâ—…t at that time but the tender years of those that were to be married Therefore the King and Court of Spain confiding much more in this new Conjunction then they had formerly distrusted the Union of the Italian Princes and their Intelligence with the French did at the same time indeavour that the Marriage might be concluded between the Cardinal and the Dowager Dutchess a thing which made very much for the preservation of peace in Italy and for the new Union which was agreed on with the King of France On the contrary
Princes absence is sworn Governess and Regent being compel'd by the King of France she renews League with him The Governour of Millain goes to before Vercelli and after a long Siege takes it upon Articles The Princes of Savoy assisted by the Spaniards and Piedmontese take many Towns and make much progress they go to before Turin and having tarried before it some days retire without doing any thing falling as before to over-run Piedmont they are received every where till Forces being sent to the Dutchess from France under the Duke of Longueville she recovers Chiavasco and other Towns which the Princes had taken The Prince Cardinal fearing Corneo goes to defend it and Prince Thomaso going once more with the Spanish Forces to before Turin surpriseth the Town and the Governour of Millain coming in unto him with all their Forces attempt the taking of the Citadel whither the Dutchess was retired The Siege is suspended by a Truce which being ended the French under the new General Count Hartcourt take Cheri but being presently besieged by the Governour of Millain they are forced through Famine to quit it and retreat in the face of the enemy to Carmagnuola 628 BOOK XVII You shall read in this Book the Treaties of Agreement between the Dowager and the Princes and the interests between the Princes and the Governour of Millain how the Governour goes with a powerful Army to Cassalle how it is relieved by Harcourt how he fought the Governour before he could bring in the succour and had the better of the Fight and did not only relieve but perfectly free the place Harcourt being victorious goes presently to Turin he takes the Capuchins Bridge over the Poe fortifies himself there and afterwards begirts the City with a vast Line and endeavours to get it by Famine Prince Thomaso being in it but ere long he seeth the Governour upon the Hills with a powerful Army coming to relieve the besieged Prince the Governour finding it impossible to bring the succour by that way strives to get a pass over the River towards Montcalleri and having gotten it he passeth over the Poe where quitting the Hills he takes up new quarters and thinking to make the French abandon the enterprize by Famine he possesseth himself of the Avenues by which Victuals were brought to the Camp so as they would have been quickly made to remove had not the Prince Thomaso who was impatient of delay made the Governour to fall upon the Enemies Trenches and to relieve him so which falling out unfortunately and the Governour not thinking himself any longer safe in his quarters beyond the Poe returns to his quarters upon the Hills where he tarried assisting the besieged in what he was able till the City was surrendred which hapned two moneths and eleven dayes after the unfortunate assault given to the French Trenches that the besieged City might be relieved Prince Thomaso comes out of Turin and retreats to Inurea where he is desired by Monsigniore Mazzarini who was come Embassadour from the King of France into Piedmont a little before Turin was surrendred to joyn with the French but Count Siruela coming to him from the Governour of Millain he makes new capitulations with him to joyn with the Crown of Spain and the Count Della Rivera being sent by the same Governour to the same purpose to the Prince Cardinal the Embassadour Mazzarini having notice thereof forceth Prince Thomaso to joyn with the French upon conditions one of which was that the Prince should go to Paris within one moneths space which condition was not observed for the Prince instead of going to France passeth secretly to Nice where he and his brother re-conform their union to the Crown of Spain to Rivera the Embassadour Mazzarini who went to Nice to confirm the one Prince and to draw the other over to the French party laboured the contrary very much at the same time the Governour of Millain is sent for into Spain and is succeeded in that Government by Count Siruela the French go to Montcalvo take the Town at their first arrival and afterwards the Castle which yields without expecting succour 686. BOOK XVIII The Crown of France and French Commanders being but badly satisfied with Prince Thomaso for his non-observance of the Capitulation made by him go to drive him out of Inurea which being better defended then assaulted holds out till the Governour sends succour who going afterwards to before Chiavasso Forces the French almost to quit the Enterprise that they may relieve Chiavasso and Don Vincenzo Gonzaga coming to the French quarters before Inurea forceth them to their much prejudice to give over the Enterprise wholly and the Prince enters joyfully into the City The Dowagers Generals recover Ceva Mondovi and the Castle of Carru and then joyning with the French go to before Cuneo and take it The Spaniards take Montcalvo The Prince of Monaco drives out the Spanish Garrison and introduceth the French to the great prejudice of the Spanish Affairs the misfortunes whereof are by a short digression related Cardinal Richlieu dies The Conde Duca falls from all Authority and Greatness in the Court of Spain The differences between the Dowager and the Princes are at last composed The Princes forsake the Spanish party and adhere unto the French Prince Thomaso joyning with the French after some small actions done to the prejudice of Spain goes with the Duke of Longueville with a strong Army to before Tortona which after a long time is taken but some months after is re-taken with much ado by the Spaniards in which interim Prince Thomaso recovers Asti and all the Towns that were held by the Spaniards in Piedmont except Vercelli 744 THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY BOOK I. The Contents FRancis Duke of Mantua and Montferrate being dead Charles Emanuel Duke of Savoy pretends the return of his Daughter Margaret Wife to the late Francis into Piedmont together with Mary her only Daughter Cardinal Ferdinando Brother and Successor to Francis retards his Sister in Law 's return and keeps his Niece in Mantua Hereupon differences arise between the two Dukes wherefore the Duke of Savoy renewing his ancient claim to Montferrat which was pretended to by his Predecessors assaults that State at unawares possesseth himself of the Cities of Alba and Trino indeavours the like of Moncalvo but not being able to get the Fort levies people to take it The Condition of Italy is also given in the Prooemium then by way of digression the Duke of Savoys pretences to Montferrate is discoursed upon and many other Interests and Accidents which occurred between the said Duke and the Court of Spain at several Times and upon divers Occasions ITALY hoped long to continue that Peace which She had already injoyed for so many years when by the unexpected death of Henry the Fourth King of France she was freed of the great suspition of War which she had cause to apprehend by reason of the great preparations of that Kingdom
Machinations whereby the world was to be turned up-side down and the Catholick Religon to be disturb'd the Spaniards though this Union might seem to be true by many successes which insued not having any certain proof which might clear these jealousies thought it a â—…afer way to work upon the new Pope by dissimulation then to alienate him further from them by complaints and vain resentments that which did most trouble the Pope was how to establish the Dukedom of Urbine in the Apostolick See which was as it were devolved thereunto by the sudden death of the Prince only Son to the old Duke who a little before the Popes Election was found dead in his Bed having been very well the night before when he went into it for he having no oâ—…er issue but a very young Daughter and the Duke being so very old as he was not likely to live long much lesse to have any more Children that Dukedom when he should be dead was to fall to the Apostolick See whereof it was an antient Fee 〈◊〉 and as this so great addition of State to the Church was odious to the confining Princes the Venetians and the great Duke so neither did the Spaniards approve of it wherefore they began to talk how they might continue that young infant in the Principality whereof by the â—…enure of investing she was absolutely uncapable by marrying her to a confiding Prince and so with satisfaction to all keep that State from being united to the Church the manifest claim of the Church did oppose these designs against which nothing could be attempted without open violence and without troubling the whole World Neither did the Pâ—…ety and Religion of the old Duke permit that to the prejudice of his soul and conscience he should leave his people whom he loved very well involved after his life in fore wars the difficulty of managing the business was likewise a rub and the great contestation which would be found in effecting it there not being any Prince to be found for this Marriage with whom the other Princes would be content so great an addition to the great Duke of Tuscany Cosin german to the Infants Mother who was Daughter to Cosmo the Second Father to Ferdinando the Second now great Duke of Tuscony on whom mens eyes were more fixed for this business then on any other was equally suspicious to the Spaniards and Venetians and to the other Princes of Italy It made more for the interest of them all to leave it in the Church the common Mother and Commonwealth the Empire whereof is more moderate by reason of the Sacerdotal profession of the often change of Popes and necessary vicissitude of Prelates which govern her and wherein all Princes had more reason to confide as being more interessed therein whereas on the contrary by joyning that State to Tuscany too great and powerful a Pincipality would be constituted in the very heart of Italy which extending from the one Sea to the other and dividing whole Italy it would have born too great a sway in all general affairs and dividing wholly the Kingdom of Naples from the State of Millain it might have been too prejudicial to the interests of the Crown of Spain in those troublesome times which afterwards hapned To this moreover was added the tender years of the great Duke who was under the Government of his Mother and Grand-mother that Archduchess of Austria Sister to the present Emperour and Daughter to the laâ—…e Duke of Lorrein and therefore little able to enter upon new undertakings so much controverted and of so high importance to fix their thoughts upon any of the Popes Nephews as was then spoken of would have been indeed more acceptable to all for it would have hindered the connexion of States a thing so prejudicial to that equality by which Italy is at the present maintained nor would the Spanâ—…ards have been against it to shun so great an addition to the greatness of the Church and to win the Popes favour but to boot that the Pope himself was not for it it was a scandalous example and subject to be revoked by the insuing Popes by the precise orders and institutions of the Church confirm'd by the reiterated Oaths of the Cardinals and Popes by which the new Feofments of States which are devolved to the Apostolick See are forbidden and the Infants age did most of all oppose it who was incapable of contracting Marriage so as by reason of the continual variation of worldly affairs no certain resolution could be taken in a business of such importance whereby all Princes might be satisfied and yet the Spanish Agents did abbet these endeavours but of all othâ—…rs Don Antonio di Tolledo Duke of Alva and Viceroy of Naples who was allied to the great Duke was most zealous in the business for the great Duke and the old Duke of Urbine being aware that Monsieur Santorio made by the new Pope Bishop of Urbine and who was speedily sent to his Episcopal residence began to be busie and to interpose his Authority in some Affairs which appertain'd more to the State then to his Episcopal care was not only much displeased with Santorio but interpreting it as if the Pope anticipating the time of the lapse had sent him as a Superintendent over the Affairs of the State thought himself much injured wherefore being angred he sent the Child to the Court of Florence and re-inforced Tossone and the other principal places with Garrisons and seemed desirous to Marry his Grand-child to the great Duke The Pope was certainly much troubled at these passages being wholly bent to reunite this State to the Apostolick See insomuch as waxing jealous he sent many men to the Confines of Tuscany and Urbine but they produced contrary effects to what the Spaniards pretended for they did the more unite the Pope to the King of France who having no Territories in Italy would always be a great friend to the Churches pretences and greatness which increasing without any prejudice to his Crown was prejudicial to the Grandezza of Spain which was envied by France and therefore the Pope that he might the better fortifie himself against the Spanish Machinations and that he might be reveng'd of them who endeavoured to anger him he shewed himself very resolute in the affairs of the Valtoline that when he had rid his hands thereof he might with more diligence attend the affairs of Urbine and because the Spaniards when they deposited the Forts of the Valtoline obliged themselves to the end that the Church might be put to no prejudice nor expence to pay such stipends as should be necessary for the Souldiers that they might defend them and the Spanish Agents having failed in their payments the Pope who was in teh mean while to take order for pay said with much freâ—…dom that he would not forgo what was his own for what according to the Grammarians was Appellative nor would he squander away the moneys of the Apostolick
business might be put over to the Law and given out writings and published the opinions of Civilians in Print whereby he strove to prove there was no reason why he should be forced to forgo his Dominions without the cause given why and afterward having complained very much why the like commands had not been sent to the Duke of Savoy and to the Governour of Millain who had actually and by violence possess'd themselves of part of his Dominions and still proceeded to possess themselves of the rest they came to the third Summons wherein Cesar declared that if Nevers would put what he possess'd into his hands the Duke of Savoy and the Governour of Millain should do the like with what they had taken of his Nevers seemed to accept of this offer and to this purpose he sent his Son the Duke of Retell to Cesars Court that he might expedite the dispatch of the business by favour of the Empress who was Sister to the three last Dukes of Mantua and did wish well to Nevers his cause to whom she was neerly allied in blood but being come thither he found that Cesar perceiving that neither the Duke nor Spaniards would be brought to make any restitution and it was hard for him to compel them to it had mitigated the Edict and accommodating himself to the times had made a new Proposal by which the Duke of Savoy and the Spaniards were permitted in Cesars name to keep what they had taken and the Duke of Nevers was to possess the City and entire Dukedom of Mantua so as the Dutch who were to be sent by the Emperour into Italy might have the City Castle and Citadel of Casalle assigned over unto them till cause to the contrary was known Retell not being able to get better conditions and not being received nor acknowledged by the Emperour as Prince of Mantua by reason of the Spaniards earnest desire to the contrary lest by such a Declaration his pretentions might not seem to be tacitely granted and the Kings cause in Montferrat might in the eyes of the world seem to be damnified he departed but ill satisfied from that Court and the new Proposals were not accepted of by his Father whose fear of the Emperours Edicts were lessened by the weakness of the Spanish Army and the King of France his prosperous proceedings made him believe more in the favour and forces of that Kingdom then in the Imperial Dâ—…crees or Decisions In these Negotiations and Transactions the year 1628 ended and the King of France having at last compass'd his ends upon Rochel whereinto he entred victorious and triumphing on All Saints day he prepared to pass over the Mountains with gallant Forces to assist the Duke of Nevers for the Hugonots of France having received a great blow by the loss of Rochel and the Affairs of France being almost perfectly setled nothing was heard of in that Kingdom but preparations for Italy which being divided into two Armies the one was to pass through Dolpheny and Syonois to the relief of Montferrat and the King prepared to pass over the Mountains personally therein and the other was to advance by the County of Nizza and by the River of Genoa towards Casalle the Spaniards nor the Duke of Savoy could not believe so strange a resolution they thought it was impossible that the King having his Kingdom yet full of troubles and exhausted of moneys his Army being weary and wasted before Rochel could pass over the Alps in the midst of Winter with great forces and carry over Victuals Artillery and other necessaries for so great an action the Alps being yet loaded with Snow Especially when he should know that he would be opposed by the Duke of Savoy who being joyn'd in Forces and Intelligence with the Spaniards was to resist him strongly at the Passes which he kept well garrison'd and munited hoping therefore that the fame of these great preparations would prove but talk they continued the Siege the scarcity of Victuals increased this their confidence which scarcity being so great an impediment to their Forces who were masters and peaceful possessors of the State of Millain and of Piedmont it would assuredly prove a much greater hindrance to the French if they should come into Italy and have occasion to keep there for a great conduct of Victuals being requisite to feed so great an Army it would be impossible for the French to compass it and consequently the greater their numbers were which should pass the Alps the easilier and the sooner they would be overcome meerly by Famine they therefore thought that this sole consideration should not only retarde but retain the fury of the French Forces at least for this year and that in the mean while the enterprise of Cassalle undisturb'd by any Forreign assistance would be happily effected The Court of Spain confiding in these difficulties did not only not make any necessary preparations for defence but forbore to send the Duke the succours which they had promised for the maintaining of Piedmont and to oppose the French Forces they forbare also to endeavour diversion by the Pirenean Mountains and by Burgony and by secretly fomenting the Rebels in France so to keep that King in work and busied with his home affairs and consequently from medling with those of Forreigners the pretermission of which provisions did not only facilitate the resolution taken by the French but did incite them to it For the King being firm to his resolution valued not any of the difficulties or contrary considerations being confident to overcome them and to make his way by the Sword The fame of the mighty preparations of this Kingdom increasing greater then those of any of the preceding Kings the Spaniards and the Duke began at last to fear not only the success but whatsoever might be the result of so great and so neer an Army The Duke and Governour were likewise much troubled for not having for a long time heard from the Court of Spain for the Spaniards being jealous of France through which the expresses used to pass and the Sea not being open in Winter people could not without much difficulty pass from Spain into Italy and such had the ill fortune been as three several Posts that had been sent from Spain being driven by violent winds upon the Coast of Provence were detain'd and had their Letters intercepted so as the deliberations of Italy depending much upon the results of that Court the Duke and Governour knew not in such a perplexity of business what to do nor was it only the scarcity of moneys and want of advertisment which kept them from making any provision but neither had they time to make new Levies of men for the necessary defence of the State of Millain and for the Provisions for the Army before Cassalle and for the Forces which were towards the Cremonese and which were already much diminished it was therefore thought the best expedient to beat up Drums in the State of
had encreased his â—…roops with the men that were sent into Flanders and that joyning with Archduke Leopold he threatned innovation against the Grisons and that in the mean while Merodes and his Lievtenant did by several ways molest those people and pick new occasions to break the peace that the Duke of Feria being desired by the Nuntio Panciruolo and press'd thereunto by the Fâ—…ench to cashier those men so to remove all occasions of new jealousies he openly denâ—…ed to do it and this for nothing else but for that as he saâ—…d the new Duke of Mantua had put new Garrisons of French Souldiers into Casalle contrary to Covenants and for that the Grisons contrary to the Articles of Ratisbone had fortified the passes of Stainc and of other places and that therefore it was necessary to provide against these inconveniences by way of anticipation lest other more great might follow thereupon that the Spaniards who were now more powerful in the Emperours Court then the Dutch themselves had labour'd very much even since the Treaty of peace that the Emperour would deliver the City of Mantua into their hands and that not being able to obtain it they had treated with the Imperial Officers who had the Government of that City to deliver it up unto them and that they had proceeded so far therein as they failed but a liâ—…tle of having it done had they not been hindred by such Officers as were faithful to the Emperour and who would not consent to so great a piece of treachery he also said that the Emperour bare no good will to the new Duke nor was pleased with the peace that he himself made for that the next day after the investment was granted he by a secret Article procured by the Spanish Agents had declared the investment should be null and of no effect if at any time the Articles of Ratisbone should not be observed and as if this were directly contrary to the same Articles wherein he in express words covenanted that the investment should be granted in the same manner as it had been formerly granted to the former Dukes the King alledged that that Declaration was procured only to serve for a pretence that the Spaniards might once more assault that Duke and bereave him of his Dukedom upon any slight occasion since they and the Emperour who were parties in this business were made judges of the breach thereof and accusers of those that should break it he further argued that the Spaniards fomented the civil dissentions of his Royal Court and were of intelligence with his Brother and Mother who were at this time fled from the Court of France and were gone into Flanders to the end that he and his Kingdom being troubled with intestine dissentions might not apply themselves to the Affairs of Italy and so they might assault the Duke the third time with greater Forces nor herewithall contented that they endeavoured to draw the Duke of Savoy to joyn with them in their Plots contrived against the quiet of his Kingdom as was discovered by Letters of the Spanish Embassadours Resident with the Duke of Savoy which were intercepted and as might be better comprehended by the Abbot Scaglia's going into England which Abbot being Embassadour from the Duke of Savoy in Madrid at the same time when the Towns of Savoy and Piedmont were restored was sent at the King of Spains charges into England to treat of new Leagues against France he further urged the Cardinal of Savoy his going into Flanders at the same time that the Queen-mother was to be there and the imprisonment of the Baron S. Romano who after having treated in Millain with Feria and afterwards with the Spanish Embassadour in Turin was gone into Languedock with the Dukes Pass-port and with Order to raise men for the Kings Brother moreover Orders given for the going of 500 Spaniards and 2000 Italians at the same time to Barcelona to put those designs in execution which might by all men be imagined Monsieur di Servien who was the Kings Embassadour in Turin havâ—…ng delivered the Duke a long Discourse in writing upon these and other lighter complaints he at last required an answer from him to these the Kings demands within three days to the end that the King might know how to dispose of his Forces that were yet in the Provinces which confine upon Italy putting him also in mind that he the Duke having gotten so great a part of Montferrat by the Kings means and being consequently the only man that had got advantage by the late war he was bound both for convenience and gratitude to do some thing for the safety of the Affairs of Italy and for the satisfaction and reputation of the Kings Forces The Duke immediately acquainted the Governour of Millain with the Kings demands and with the threats which might apparently be seen in case he should deny them adding that he the Duke not having wherewith to resist must be forc'd to chuse the lesser evil and to comply with the Kings will unless he were furnish'd with 10000 effectual Foot and 1000 Horse for the defence of Savoy and with 6000 Foot and 1000 Horse for the defence of Piedmont and if they were paid what was their due he should submit to the Kings will The Governour not being able to furnish him with so many men at the preseâ—…t offer'd to send him as many as he was able now and that he might be suâ—…e that for the future he would procure him what assistance he could for the preservation of his Dominions The Duke not content with these uncertain generalities agreed with the French Embassadour to assign over Pinarollo and Perâ—…sa and San ' Brigata to those very Swissers to whom Susa was assigned the year before upon Oath that they should hold them for the King for six moneths space and that time being ended that they should re-assign them over again to him the Duke unless by his own consent the time of assignment to the King should be prorogued that the King might put a Governour into them who should take the same Oath The Duke obliged himself also and promised not to co-operate with them who should go about to trouble the peace of France during the Kings Mothers and his Brothers absence and to give free passage for the French to enter Italy if they should be brought thither by any novelty against the Duke of Mantua There was not any one who did not resent this so sudden and unexpected demand and who did not wonder and were not amazed at the Dukes so ready yielding thereunto so as none were so void of reason as not to think that it was agreed upon long before between him and the King especially by the many accidents and circumstances which went to the approving thereof The Cardinal of Savoy went to Paris a little before the French restored the Towns of Piedmont and Prince Thomasâ—… with his Wife and Children on whom the Duke having no Children
French Garrison in thither and had done it had not Marquess Villa who was not perfectly recovered of his sickness been aware thereof and brought many of the Dukes Militia into the Town by which he seasonably prevented the Marshals designs This Dukes death was the occasion of great wars to Piedmont which we will leave to speak of till the next Book for we must now give over the affairs of Lombardy in the condition we have spoken of and looking a little backwards re-assume the proceedings at Sea which not to interrupt the Land affairs are of purpose treated of here About the time that the things which have been spoken of hapned on Land the Fleet at Sea which having put twice forth from the Haven at Naples could never light upon Provence fell at last upon the two Islands of St. Honorato anciently called Lerino and St. Margherita the latter being divided from the former by a narrow channel small Islands and almost uninhabited Count Monterei was the occasioner of this enterprise who having laboured the sending out of this Fleet twice and spent vast sums of money therein was loth that this enterprise which he esteemed as his own and from whence he hoped to reap great things should vanish away in smoak and seeing that the defence which was prepared in Provence and the lessening of the Fleet which was shatter'd by tempest made the enterprise unpossible to be effected as it was first designed he turned his force upon these two Islands The Marquess of Ferrendina did also co-operate herein who appearing in the Seas of Genoa with a Squadron of Spanish Gallies whereof he was Captain being well furnish'd with Souldiers he found the Marquess of San ' Croce with the Neapolitan Fleet in the Haven at Vai who had but few men aboard he having sent them as you have heard to before Valenza Ferrendina incited San ' Croce to joyn with him in taking of these Islands which when they should have taken they thought they might at least be able to hinder those of Provence from Trafficking by Sea and be ready for some greater enterprise as occasion should be offer'd About the midst of September San ' Croce Ferrandina and Don Carlo Doria Duke of Tursis went with 22 Gallies 5 Ships and some Shallops towards those Islands whither when they were come they landed their men the same day in the Island San ' Margherita as being the greatest and neerest the Continent and therefore apter to be relieved they without any withstanding became masters of it taking a small Fort which was all they found in it wherein were 50 Souldiers in Garrison who after having made some shot surrendred the Fort they went afterwards with their Gallies to batter a certain Tower called le Crocette which was newly built upon a point of the Continent so neer the Island as they plaid upon them with their Artillery from the shore over against them whereof they thought they might easily make themselves masters but the Tower resisting and many men coming to defend it they gave it over they then went to the Island St. Honorato where though they met with more resistance because there was there a greater Garrison and better Fortifications yet it was surrendred though it held out somewhat longer then St. Margherita there marched out of both these Islands about 400 Foot and the Viceroy of Naples receiving advertisement of all that was done abundance of victuals Munition Arms and Artillery and all things necessary to munite them and maintain them were sent from that Kingdom there was great fame at this time of Maritime preparations made by the King of France both in the Seas of Britanny and Provence to furnish out a powerful Fleet and to keep it in the Mediteranean not only to secure Provence from the Spanish Fleet but to resent himself upon the Kingdom of Naples for his offences intended against Provence it was therefore given out that the King of France holding intelligence with many Lords and others of that Kingdom who were held to be dis-satisfied with the Spanish Empire would send that Fleet to prejudice that Kingdom which when the Vice-roy Monterei heard it made him not only provide for offending Provence and for securing the State of Millain but for defending that Kingdome in case effects should be answerable to what was said No appearance was ever found of the intelligence or dissatisfaction which was spoken of though strict inquiry was made thereinto and yet without omitting to provide for the war of Lombardy which the Viceroy minded as much as that of Naples he made all places where the Fleet could Land be munited with strong Garrisons he gave order for levying a Dutch Brigade he armed at least 40 men of war he re-inforced the Gallies made great provision of Arms Ammunition and Artillery he made many Brigades be raised throughout the Kingdom he gave order that the Mediterranean Militia should be in readiness to come if occasion should serve to the sea side he chose 15000 of the best experienced Neapolitans to defend the Walls and he did apply himself with such diligence and indefatigableness to have a care of all places as he might be truly said to be the soul which did at that time maintain and inanimate the vast body of the Spanish Monarchy which was assaulted on so many sides all these provisions were so ascertained and so fitted as the French Fleet which was numerous for Vessels and Souldiers hearing thereof forbare not only assaulting but approaching the Coasts of that Kingdom and keeping long in the Ligustick Sea did not any thing worth so great a preparation nor could it ever hinder the passage and landing of Souldiers which were sent from Spain and from Naples to the State of Millain for the requisite re-inforcement of the Army in Lombardy for at the same time that the French Fleet lay in the Ligustick Sea the Spanish Gallies came to shore at Finale whilst they looked on and landed as many men as they pleased without any hindrance The French Fleet consisted of 60 ships which were come from Britanny into the Mediterranean commanded by Henry of Lorreyne Count Harcourt and by Monsieur De Sordi Arch-bishop of Burdeaux to which were added 13 Gallies of Provence amongst which was the great Galleoun Guise commanded by Count Poncurletto all very well rigg'd and provided of Artillery and all other Navall necessaries they sailed all of them by the Islands which were taken by the Spaniards but a little before not making any one shot at them though they were provoked by many made from those Islands and tarrying a while at Villa Franca they appeared in the Ligustick Sea about the end of September 1636. The Spaniards Forces at Sea were far inferiour to this Fleet wherefore it became the Spanish Gallies to give way to the French Fleet and to keep out of the reach of Cannon wherein the French exceeded them And yet the Duke of Ferrendina who was in the Seas of
of the enterprize gave over mining which they saw did but little good fell to their batteries again more out of rage then out of any good they expected thereby but it so hapned that as they had got but little good by all their attempts which they had hitherto advisedly made so by this from which they expected little or no advantage the whose victor was occasioned for they made one shot against the Keep of the Castle which beat down part of it and the ruines thereof fell upon the remainder of the victuals contrary to all expectation so as the Defendants having lost all their victuals nothing but surrender was to be thought upon thus forced by necessity they parlyed which ended in a surrender upon honorable conditions having leave to carry away five piece of Cannon a thing not heard of upon the yielding up of places furnish'd with greater store of Artillery and it was also expresly covenanted that they might have five days allowed them to expect if any relief or succour should be sent them which time being expired and no relief appearing they march'd out in number above 1000 Souldiers with Arms Baggage Colours Flying Match lighted and with their five piece of Cannon which served to trumpet forth their valour and they were attended to the Confines of Allessandria being very well received in all places and much praised for the resolution they had shewed during the whole Siege Galleotti in reward of the great valiour he had shewed in defending the Castle was made Camp-Master which honour he did not long enjoy for he was unfortunately slain not long after with a Musket shot the Spanish Garrison marching out the French entred on the 26 of November which was the day of surrender who found the walls so torn and rent by the Mines and batteries as not being easily able to mend them they made what shift they could to defend them with fagots rafters and other things the Conquering Army retreated to the neighbouring Towns where having tarried some days they at great rates got all the victuals they could from the neighboring parts wherewith they furnish'd the Castle and departed to Piedmont but were much wasted and consumed and as they marched through Monferrat they were yet more lessened by the great store of rain that fell and by other sufferings a good part of the Horse being gone to the Confines of Montferrat were strucken with a pannick fear at the meet same that the Governour of Millain was with an Army upon their backs So as running directly away they light upon a path that led to the Orba a little rivulet which being swoln by the fall of waters ran very swiftly those who came first to the water side not being able to go back so fast were they followed by those that came after were forced into the water where entangled amongst themselves both the first and the last were miserably drown'd the foot fared no better for being dispers'd some here some there they were pilladg'd and slain the few that got to Piedmont were quartered in several quarters and rallied so as were it not for the getting of a deserted City and a Castle which was half beaten down the business prov'd prejudicial to both sides and reciprocally ruinous But it is true that the taking of this City and the recovery thereof by the Spaniards was the occasion of the Piedmonteses recovery of many places which the Spaniards had taken in the former Wars which was no little advantage to the French and Piedmonteses for otherwise it would have been more troublesom and chargeable for them to have done it The Governour of Millain though he had done all that was possible for the preservation of the Castle that was lost so as the loss the eof could not be ascribed to any default of his yet being very much troubled that it should fall out in the time of his Government and that that had befaln him which had not hapned to any of his Predecessors since the State of Millain was joyn'd to the Spanish Empire he was grievously vext and being desirous to repair so great a loss he minded nothing but how to recover it he therefore thought every hour a year till the Winter were over that he might wipe away that stain which he thought lay upon him for that loss which he the rather hoped to do by the death which befel in France to the Cardinal Richlieu whose Authority and Counsel as they had kept the Enemies of France in terror whilst he lived so they ceasing with his death every one thought that so excellent an Architect failing to the good Government and prosperous conduct of the Affairs of that Kingdom they would decline apace from that height to which they were brought whilst he lived He died about the end of November in the year 42 of a natural death after a long and noisome or troublesome disease he was very stiff for the advancement of the Regal Sovereignty as also of his own Authority and this to that degree that so he might arrive at any thing which might advance either the one or the other he did not abhor doing any thing though it were not clad with honesty nor justice so as he knew better then any other how to make use of that saying of Iulius Caesar That if reason were to be violated it were to be violated for reason of State and therefore he was termed by some the new Tiberius of our times he rose to such authority in the Court and had so great a power over the Kings genius as he was to have many encounters and to shock not only with the Princes and Grandees of the Kingdom and with the Queen Mother but with the Kings only Brother who was then Heir to the Kingdom insomuch as the Queen Mother not able to tolerate such preeminence and authority which did even out-do hers went out of the Kingdom and would never return unless the King would remove the Cardinal which the King not doing she lived an exile from France many years and died in Cullen a little before the Cardinal whither having run through many Countries she at last retired her self and the Brother having gone several times out of France for the same Reasons and severall times return'd not able to bear with so great a predominancy in the Cardinal conspired often against him and how much the Princes and Grandees of the Kingdom were distasted with this transcendent authority was shewn by frequent Conspiracies against it and against the Government of the Kingdom not without danger sometimes to the Kings person The people also and the Provinces of the Kingdom not able to bear with the many grievances which were laid upon them for maintaining the immoderate expences of War abroad did often rebel but all these Conspiracies and Seditions did rather encrease and confirm his greatness then any ways lessen it and the King himself was not able longer to endure it because all the Lords and Officeâ—…s
of the Kingdom as well Gown-men as those of the Sword either dazled with the Cardinals so great splendor or attracted by hopes of favour or drawn by fear of hatred and revenge which they saw they could not shun followed the Cardinal and did as it were worship him it was thought that the last Conspiracy of the Grand Escuyer de France was not plotted without the Kings tacite consent as being desirous to be rid of that over-shadower of his Regal Majesty and though the vanity of this opinion may be convinced by how easily the King might have supprest him if he had listed and by that the Conspirators held intelligence with the Crown of Spain had been promised assistance from thence yet it is very certain that the King being weary of such a Minister of State would have been well enough contented to have had his wings clipt had not the managing of the great affairs which past at the present through his hands made his service too necessary to his Majesty at this time howsoever it was the Cardinal died if not in the greatest voluntary and free favour of the King which he had so abundantly enjoyed before yet in his forced and necessary favour which did the more authorize it Forreign Princes also who were Friends and Confederates with the Crown had no less reason to complain of his rigorous actions then the French he having made them prove the acrimony of his genius which was inclined by all means to his Kings advancement and greatness as if not fully may in some sort be comprehended by the context of this History and yet all things succeeded so prosperously both within and without the Kingdom as that though he entred into the conduct of publick affairs when they were sufficiently full of trouble variety of Religions Factions and Contumacies as well of the Princes as People and consequently in a tottering and dangerous condition he restored the Catholick Religion fully and supprest Heresies and restored the Kingdom to perfect peace won credit to Military Discipline and re-ordered the publick Government excellently well in order he kept all Enemies not only out of the Kingdom but assaulted them vigorously at their own homes he did not only secure the Confines of the Kingdom but did much dilate them by the acquisition of considerable Provinces and finally he rendred the name of France glorious and remarkable above all other Nations he died full of glory and worthy to be honour'd for his singular service done unto the Crown with the glorious Title of Pater Principis Patriae Many attributed the felicity of so many actions to his extraordinary good fortune but because her wonted inconstancy repugns such continual good success we must needs confess that Cardinal Richlieu's actions were not carried on by the will of Fortune but govern'd by a more then humane wisdom The King not without reason bewail'd the death of this great Minister of State for he said well who said that the bounds of the Forces of the Kingdom consisted in the Authority of his every where credited and feared Counsels and doubtlesly the effects of so great a loss would soon have been felt had not the same Cardinals providence whilst he was yet alive repaired so imminent a danger by leaving a new successor to that Government which was like to be vacant after his death which was Iulius Mazzarini whom we have often mentioned who being at the Kings intercession created Cardinal not long before and brought by the said Richlieu whilst he was yet alive into the Government of the most important business of the Kingdom which shewed that he knew him to be the ablest man and most capable of all others to enter upon the conduct of Publick Government and therefore preferring the publick good before his private conveniences and before the interests of those that were neerest to him in blood and alliance he propounded him to the King for his successor though he were a Forreigner and an Italian by birth who after Richlieu's death having by the Kings good will taken the Reins of Publick Government into his hands with fortunate presage and more fortunate success gave proof that the Kingdom wanted not Government neither at home nor abroad nor found it any change of Governour so uniform do the Affairs of the Kingdom run now as they did before as shall be said in its proper place and if it may be lawful to say so not onely equally well but advantagiously better Two moneths after Cardinal Richleiu's death the Conde Duca fell from his grace of being Favorite in the Court of Spain wherein he had continued for the space of 22 years in absolute authority but with universal hatred which hatred added to the great misfortunes with befel that crown under his conduct was the occasion of his fall for the King moved by the exclamations of so many people who were discontented with the Government of this Favorite and with the blame laid upon his publick and private comportments from whence they professed all their disorders and misfortunes had proceeded resolved at last to remove him and taking from him the management of publick and private Affairs confined him to Locches not far from Madrid but not long after he was confined to Thoro a City in old Castile where after some years he died Truly it cannot be denied but that this Gentleman was very zealous of his Kings greatness and was extraordinarily accurate in ordering publick affairs wherein foregoing all Sports and Pastimes he was very assiduously diligent and careful Moreover he was not to be bribed nothing in him was vendible he seemed wholly intent upon the Kings grandezza and upon the good Government of publick Affairs but these excellent gifts were I will not say corrupted with as many vices but distemper'd by the excess of the same vertues for he taking the advancement of the Kings and the Crowns Prerogative to be the most refined Maxime and the end of all good and perfect Government seemed so intent thereupon as not at all minding the peoples satisfaction or interest he cared for nothing else not knowing that the peoples satisfaction is the true basis and surest foundaâ—…ion of Principality and that no Empire that is violent is long lived so as this which he thought to be the true and perfect Rule of Government did degenerate into manifest Tyranny Hence proceeded his immense desire of extinguishing the Liberty and Franchise which the Spaniards call Fueros by which the Kingdoms and Provinces of Spain under pretence of liberty and exemption have always been willingly obedient to the Crown of Castile whereof they do boast much and have been always careful exactors but this State-minister not caring to distaste them in this which was the foundation of their ready and willing obedience as Vassals to his Majesty endeavour'd to annul those their Customs or Fueros and to reduce the people of Spain into the form of meer Provincials absolutely as subjected to the Crown
not without manifest repugnancy allow of that retention in another which he did allow unto himself But because the Duke alledged that that Marquesite appertained to him of antient right the King thought that he had sufficiently provided both for the publick quiet and for his Son in law's Indempnity by obtaining as he did that the Dukes pretentions should by the Articles of Peace be referred to Clement the Eighth who was then Pope which Reference when it should be 〈◊〉 the universal Peace was aftewards to be agreed upon between the King of France and him and the Duke But the Pope deferring or not resolving to decide these differences the Duke resolved to go to Paris hoping by his presence and by his doing Homage to make that King favourably to relinquish unto him the controverted Marquesite The King of Spain and the whole Spanish Court were much troubled at this Resolution fearing lest the Duke being ill satisfied with their proceedings should close with the King of France to their prejudice But their suspicions were vain as vain were his hopes for a setled resolution of re-having whatsoever was taken from the Crown in the late troubles prevailing in the King of France over all other considerations he was not to be moved by any indeavours or artificial offers but did absolutely demand the Marquesite or some Territories equivalent thereunto And he was so stedfast in this Resolution as being tempted by the Duke to assault the State of Millain and from thence to proceed to the getting of the Imperial Crown the Duke offering him to assist him in any of these or in any other Enterprise and to confederate with him so as he might enjoy the Marquesite The King did constantly refuse to do it so as the Duke not being able to obtain any better Conditions was forced to yield the Marquesite unto him within a certain limited time without any prejudice notwithstanding to his right which was again referred unto the Pope or else all that part of Savoy which lies between the Rosne and the Lioness called the Country of Bresse Thus the Duke returned to Piedmont not well pleased with the King and not observing what was agreed upon the King took Savoy immediately from him threatening to descend armed into Piedmont And though notice was come to the Court of Spain of the Dukes indeavours with the King of France in prejudice to the Crown of Spain and to the publick quiet yet other respects prevailing upon this occasion over his anger conceived against the Duke the King caused a powerful Army to be prepared in Millain for the defence of Piedmont and to oppose King Henry if as it was feared falling into Italy he should turn his forces upon other Enterprises But this Commotion was once again quieted for the Pope interposing himself the Duke chose rather actually to surrender up Bresse unto the King then the Marquesite of Saluzzo reserving notwithstanding in favour to the King of Spain passage through that Country that his men might go from Italy into Flanders for the defence of those Provinces which did so much import the Crown of Spain Yet subject of diâ—…content arose out of this Agreement for the Duke thinking that he had not a little advantaged the condition of the Crown of Spain in having totally excluded the French out of Italy by the so gâ—…eat lessening his former Territories thought he deserved a very good â—…ecompence On the contrary the Spaniaâ—…ds though they had perswaded the Duke to that Agreement yet they thinking that he had got more advantage 〈◊〉 having excluded the French out of the bowels of his State proâ—…essed that the Restitution of Saluzzo would have been less prejudicial to them the smallness whereof would have been but of little avail to the French affairs in Italy though it had been possest by them whereas by the Concession of Bresse they were totally deprived of the passage reserved to the evident prejudice of the affairs of Flanders since the Duke having received no caution from the King in that behalâ—… but his bare promise it was absolutely in the French mens pleasure whether they would obseâ—…ve it or no and yet the Duke thinking that the advantage was not sufficiently acknowledged held himself to be much injured that the King instead of the Grandezza and the bettering of his estate which he had hoped for by his alliance contracted with him and by his continual adherence to that Crown should suffer him to be deprived of so noble a part of his Paterâ—…al 〈◊〉 without any recompence This his pretention was maâ—…e tâ—…e grâ—…ater by the same Kings giving of Burgundy and the Low-Countries in Portion with Isabella Clara Eugenia his eldest Daughter married at this time to Albertus Arch-Duke of Austria for though the Duke 〈◊〉 from the Crown of Spain in Portion with his Wiâ—…e in Pensions assigned over afterwards to his Children and in other Donatives little less then 200000 Duckats of yearly Rent yet holding the disproportion to be too great which was made between his Wiâ—…e and he Sister he thought there ought some amends to be made him at least by the reason of that equal hand which the Father ought to bear to his Daughters Failing whereof he was much troubled and could the lâ—…ss bear with his aforesaid Loss The King his Father in law died a little before his journey into France and a little before Katherine Wife to the Duke and Daughter to the King So as by the death of the one the knot was slackened which fastened him to the Kingdoms of Spain so the Court of Spain and the Government thereof being much aâ—…ered after the other was deceased those evil seeds began to get root which not long after produced fruits of often distastes which exasperated the minds of both parties and did at last totally allienate the Dukes devotion from the Court of Spain For Philip the second as wise a King as Spain ever had relying upon himself in the Government of so many Kingdoms satisfied the Grandees of the Court with honourable usage not making use of them in publick Affairs except of some â—…ew in whom he found the capacity of understanding annex'd to their greatness of birth for other things he chose men more excellent for worth then eminent for title or dignity assisting in the publick Government with incredible diligence and sustaining the weight of so great an Empire himself which past humane judgment for in him alone did Majesty and regal Authority shine forth His Commands and Resolves were punctuâ—…lly observed by the Natives and greatly reverencâ—…d by Foâ—…reigners being by them acknowledged to proceed from the award and absolute will of so wise and so great a King Hence it was that the Duke himself not being able to avoid them was inforced patiently to give way thereunto though they were oft-times not answerable to his ends His Son King Philip the third succeeded him a good and pious Prince but one who could not intirely inherit
Turin to Mantua and Princess Isabella her self from Modena who joyning in their fervent intreaties with the Dowager Dutchess they indeavoured to make Duke Ferdinando grant her request The young Prince could not gain say such Intercessors though he had formerly refused many other indeavours to the same purpose Being therefore overcome by the intreatâ—…es of these Princes or wrought upon by the tears and affectionate speeches of the Mother he condescended to a request of so great Importance but upon condition that the Duke of Modena should return back his Niece whensoever he or the Emperour should desire and that in case her Mother should return to Turin the Match unconcluded the Dukes of Savoy and of Modena should be obliged to send her back to Mantua This Agreement being yielded unto upon Prince Victorio's Paroll if it were not the chief cause and original of the troubles which did afterwards insue was a great occasion of their commencement but the Duke of Modena foreseeing how much trouble and difficulty he might incur if he should meddle in this affair and how hard it would be for him to keep the condition stipulated without offending some of the parties and perchance also the Emperour or the King if they should demand the young Lady and being unwilling to enter into Oaths or Cautions required of him by the Duke of Mantua absolutely refused to receâ—…ve her Wherefore the Dowager Dutchess and the young Prince failing in this their hope returned to Piedmont without the young Lady When they were come to Millain the Governour desiring their satisfaction did of himself mediate with the Duke of Mantua that the Niece might be left with him upon the same conditions which not being granted him he desired that the Duke of Modena would oblige himself to stand to covenanted Conditions which having at last but not without the Duke of Savoys urgent pressing obtained Don Diego di Leva was suddenly dispatch'd away from Millain to Mantua to see the first Agreement executed but the Duke of Mantua's mind was for many respects already altered for no small commotion was raised in his Court nor were there small complaints made of him for this his so easie consenting to trust his Niece with others and the great desire the Governour had to have her by any whatsoever means out of his hands made him look more narrowly into the importancy of the business It was also said by many That when she should be come to Millain many would swear Loyalty to her Hereunto was added Cesar's command touching the retention of his Niece which peradventure he had forgot when he promised to part with her And that which bore most weight with it was He thought himself free from his promise which being made when the Duke of Modena tied himself to Conditions in the disposing of her the Duke having already dissented all Obligations seemed to be dissolved which without a new Agreement could not be in their full former vigor by the sole consent of the said Modena Being therefore become more wary out of the aforesaid respects he would not agâ—…in commit the same fault whereof he thought he was as happily acquitted as he easily had at first run into by his good nature and as he himself said afterwards through an excess of love wherefore the Bishop of Diocesarea who was in his Court being sent to Millain the Duke was not so strict in satisfying those Princes and the Governour as that the Bishop who was a great Confident of the Dutchess should appease her anger for this his new denial by keeping the Treaty of Marriage on foot But the Reasons alledged by the Bishop were not admitted of by the Prince for pretending that whensoever the Duke of Modena had accepted of the demanded Conditions the Promise should without all question have been observed to them he complained freely thereof in a Letter sent back by the same Bishop and going with his Sister from Millain he went to Vercelly where they were much expected by the Duke their Father The Duke of Savoy thought himself much injured that his Daughter contrary to his will had been so long detained that his Niece was denied him wherein he said the word pass'd to his Son was broken and hereupon he took occasion under pretence of just resentment to assault and make himself Master of Montferrat Whil'st the Duke of Savoy was wholly intent upon this the Bishop returned with Authority from Duke Ferdinando to conclude the Marriage whereof the Governour had the first time given him no small hopes and with Commission also to satisfie Prince Victorio by word of mouth touching the complaints contained in his Letter Wherefore being sent by the Governour to Vercellâ—… the Duke of Savoy who would not listen to the two things concerning which the Bishop was sent began to press his pretentions to Montferrat hard upon him and the assignation of his Grandchild touching which he had no Commission to say any thing There were at this time in Piedmont between three and four thousand Souldiers listed part of those that were raised at the time of King Henries death and were not disbanded though the King was pacified with the Duke and though they had been often demanded by the Queen of France to free those of Genoa from the apprehensions they had of them or to secure the peace of the Kingdom from the scandals that might thereby arise Yet the Duke appearing willing to dismiss them feigning sometimes to do so by sending some of their Companies out of his State he concealed the rest as much as he might distributing them into several parts of Piedmont At last when the Duke his Son in law was dead he had fill'd up their numbers professing openly that he would make use of them against those of Beâ—…ne in recovery of some Castles which they had taken from his Ancestors but his Son in law being dead and growing warm in his indeâ—…vours for his Grand-child and in his pretentions he intended to make use of them in the enterprize of Montferrat Montferrat being divided into two several bodies may for the clearer understanding thereof be distinguished into two parts the upper on this side Tanaro and the lower on the other side of Tanaro The latter which lies more Southwardly is between the River of Savona and the Territories of Asti and Alessandria there is in it two Cities Acqâ—… and Alba and two Forts San Damiano and Ponsone But the upper part of Montferrat which is much greater then the lower begâ—…ns just where the River Sesia falls into the Poe and extending it self towards the Alpes between the Territories of Vercelli and Asti doth inteâ—… it self or rather loseth it self in Piedmont and coming within six miles oâ—… Turin draws nearer the foot of the Alpes the Pâ—…eâ—…uns â—…uns along the length of this part there are no strong Holds in it but Cassalle the Metropolis and Frontier of the whole State towards Millain and Trino which confines upon Vercelli Montcalvo and
age then for wisdom and for his long experience in places of Magistracy and Embassies happily discharged by him stood up and spoke thus I have always been of opinion most worthy Senators That he who will advise wisely of weighty Affairs ought not so much to consider the quality or state of present things as to consider intentively and diligently to examine things that are passed Therefore if we will conder Italies condition in former times I mean when the Spaniards did not domineer here and shall compare them without passion or envy with the present times I believe that all men will join in opinion with me that certainly the present times are to be prefer'd before the former We have seen not to speak of more remote times we have seen I say or may conceive by History in what condition Italy was when the French or Kings of Aragon were Lords of Naples when the State of Millain was subject either to the Visconti Sforzeschi or to the French To what bitter wars was Italy subject and more particularly our Common-wealth The Aragonnâ—… had no sooner made themselves masters of the Kingdom of Naples and so became Italian Princes but they began sometimes to trouble Tuscany la Marca sometimes and sometimes the Churches Territories and the Genâ—…esses and turning all things topsy turvy they forbear not through ambition to extend their Empire beyond the Confines of that Kingdom The Visconti of Millain did yet worse and the Sforza's succeeding the Visconti as well in the State as in the lust of Government kept themselves not within the Confines of Millain and Genua And so troublesome was Lodovico Sforza to our fore-Fathers as being forced to join in League with Lewis the Twelfth King of France they resolved to drive him out of his Dukedom to the end that Italy being freed of that fire-brand they might afterwards so quiet the Nation and by that means secure it from the Kings of Naples as they might no longer fear their own safety and that the King of France being brought by their forces into Italy and made master of Millain might be the chief Protector of their State What the success of those hopes did afterwards prove I think is sufficiently known to all men and how the King of France rewarded that good turn with bitter wars cruel calamities and persecutions For if ever our Common-wealth was near being utterly exterminated after the war of Chioggia it was then when that King to recover Cremona and Gieradada which by Articles of agreement did belong to us did incite the Armes of Christian Princes against us and making him their head against our Progenitors in that great league of Cambraye stuck not to assault them with all his Forces and had been the chiefest cause of our ruine if such a tempest had not been stoutly withstood and prudently repaired by our fore-fathers Not long after neither we nor the other Potentates of Italy being able to indure forreign Dominion in Italy we joyntly indeavoured to repossess the Sforza's in the State of Millain which our fore-fathers did though not without Wars and infinite troubles for they did not think that either the peace or liberty of Italy could be secure as long as the Spaniards being masters of the Kingdom of Naples as they then were should likewise succeed in the State of Millain as the Sforza's being afterwards extinct it was necessary they should do This is the condition of the affairs of Italy which I term past Let us now come to her present condition and comparing it with the past let us Judge which of the two conditions be to be chosen whether that when the Visconti the Sforza's and the French who counterpoised the King of Aragon in the Kingdom of Naples or this wherein the Spaniards being masters of both these Stâ—…tes are with the moderation of Empire a counterpoise unto themselves I verily believe there is none that will prefer those times before these neither in respect of the peace and happiness which we and the other Princes of Italy enjoy nor of the security and quiet wherein we at the present do possess our States By means whereof if Italy do not begin to recover the Empire of the world yet doth she flourish in all those Arts and riches which can result from a continued secure peace Let us now give for granted that the Spaniards are naturally ambitious coveting what belongs to others let us alledge Monaco Finale and four other poor Villages by the masters whereof they were for the most part brought in put what esteem you please upon the Citations of Fuentes and of the disturbances occasioned by four Pyrats which molest our Gulf and let us compare these or other more trivial businesses and this desire which the Spaniards seem to have of Government to the like as well of Native Princes as Forreigners who have born sway in Italy Let us oppose the Actions of those to the remonstrances of these the Citations of these to the wars made by those with Italian Princes and with our Common-wealth and certainly he must be very stupid who will not wonder at the comparison But unless I be deceived I see no probable ground nor any conclusive reason of this their so immense ambition and covetousness of dispossessing other men when I consider the conveniencies of great Acquisitions which their Kings have forborn to make and how civil and liberal they have been to the Princes of Italy this may be witnessed by the States of Florence and of Sienna won by their Arms and yielded to the Medici by Corcica taken from the French and restored to the Common-wealth of Genua by the free gift of the County of Asti to the Duke of Savoy and by the recovery of almost all Piedmont to the same Duke by the restitution of Modena to the Estensi and of Piacenza to the Farnesi by the free foregoing of the State of Millain to Francisco Sforza by the adjudging of Montferrat to the Gonzagi almost 100 years after the Paleologi were extinct and now freed from the hands of the Duke of Savoy and so faithfully restored to the Duke of Mantua If we be not satisfied with these cleâ—…r and evident Examples I cannot see what mis-guiding error it is which doth incumber us and makes us argue them to be so covetous of thirsting after what belongs to others I forbear mentioning that all our Princes have for so many years been undisturbed by this their so great power nay how upon all occasions they have been succoured by them and we if truth may prevail and if the remembrance of benefits received make not the Benefactor odious as we have no just occasion to complain of their nighbourhood so may we not justly forget the benefits received from the Crown both when Ferdinando the Catholick sent Consalvâ—… the great to assist us when assaulted by the Turks and when Philip the second concur'd in the sacred League chiefly in our defence against the Ottoman Empire
to be totally abandoned by the Commonwealth And there wanted not those who argued by the success that they did not only foment the Duke by private advice and promises but assisted him underhand with supplies The Duke obtained not a much differing resolution from the Court of France where he expected better things from the neighbouring dangers from the vivacity of that Nation and from the Kings minority for the Queen being assured by the King of Spain that he would forbear all hostility in Italy whensoever the Duke would consent to what was demanded she was therewith satisfied and endeavour'd to make the Duke yield to the Kings pleasure in regard of the interest of her Nephew the Duke of Mantua in whose behalf this new War was begun Not listening therefore to any of the Dukes desires or complaints she under severe penalties prohibited all her Subjects to take pay of him and yet she also for the honour of her Kingdom and to give satisfaction to the Princes and Chief Lords of her Count sen Charles a' Anghienes Marquess of Rambolliette to Piedmont Embassadour to exhort the Duke to peace with express commission that if he should forbear to lay down Armes fearing that he might be oppressed afterwards by the Spanish Forces he should give him all such assurances as he himself could desire and offer him the protection of that Crown and the Forces of the whole Kingdom Such was the publick resolution of that Court which was then governed by the Queen who was much inclined to preserve friendship with the Crown of Spain for the Interest of her own authority and greatness and for the quiet and safety also of her Sons affairs which would be less subject to troubles and perturbation by keeping peace and good correspondency with his neighbours That Court continued in the same mind for some years though the King being come to the age of 14 and according to the orders of the Kingdom out of gardianship took upon him the administration of affairs and consequently the Queens regency ceased For depending wholly upon his Mothers authority and advice the change of Government was for a while insensible the name of Governour being only altered The new Kings first action was to ratifie the Marriages contracted with Spain and seeming to be desirous to keep fair correspondency therewith the Duke of Savoy had small hopes of and good from France And though he seemed abandoned of all help from thence the Marshall de Dignieres Governour of Dolphenye sent good store of men continually unto him underhand it not being known whether the Queen did wink thereat or no who hearing that many did murmure that the Duke in so urgent a necessity and danger should be abandoned to the great diminution of the Kings authority and of the Kingdoms interest did underhand give way that the Kings resolution should be countervened And therefore besides those that were sent by de Dignieres many others falling down from the Alps a good number of that Nation were in a short time found to be in Piedmont By which the Duke being comforted aâ—… also by the promises of other Princes and being incouraged by the good beginning of the War as it is usually seen that enterprizes which at first appear fearful grow by degrees less dreadful he began to confide more in himself and looking for greater successes he was content to be intreated to do that which he bad much reason to desire So as the words nor perswasions of the French Embassadour prevailed but a little with him nor yet those of Monsieur Giulio Savelli who was likewise sent extraordinary Embassadour upon the same occasion to Piedmont by the Pope For the Duke persisting in not composing the affairs of Mantua without having some part of Montferrat given him and denying to lay down arms unless the Governour should do so likewise he refused also to refer the differences to be decided by the Emperour being jealous of him but he consented to refer it to the King of France and to the King of England to which he knew neither the King of Spain nor Duke of Mantua would agree It seemed therefore very hard to reconcile them and the less for that the Duke of Savoy growing bold by the Spanish Armies going out of Piedmont and by their lasie entertaining themselves about the building of the new Fort not caring much to pursue the War he thought he was the more secured from any new assaults Wherefore sending daily Troops of horse out of Vercelles which foording over the very River of the Sesia in sight of the enemies Army which the Governour in the Dukes absence durst not pass thorow with a numerous and gallant Army they dared to insult over the Souldiers which were busied about the Fort without either fear or respect though but by a snatch and away And the Governour being wholly intent about building the Fort did not only not care to suppress their insolence but would not follow the advice of many of the Commanders who thinking it bootless and dishonourable to busie the whole Army about building a Fort which stood in the Kings own ground advised to send part thereof in the interim to prejudice Piedmont where the Duke being imploy'd about the guarding and defending of Vercelles it was probable they might make some good progress But the Dukes affairs which seemed to be secure from any hostile act or at least were not troubled with any ran unexpectedly great hazard at home For the French and Swissers which were under the Dukes pay mutinying upon a small occasion put the City of Vercelles in defence whereof they were then imployed in great danger and confusion nor was the danger of a greater sedition small nor the Dukes labour less in appeasing it but being at last quieted the French as who were suspected of novelty and alteration were distributed into several quarters about the City The Dukes resistance being this mean while known in Spain and what had hapned in Italy contrary to that Courts expectation the King and Council were not a little incensed they thought the Kings honour and authority to be highly offended therefore minding resentment more then the appeasing of rumours they thought it necessary to alter their first orders and to take a more severe course in making the Duke acknowledge the Kings Grandezza which by his entring into the State of Millain in hostile manner he seemed to value but a little They therefore commanded the Governour and their other Officers in Italy that they should proceed no longer against the Duke with such respect as formerly but with all bitterness and severity To which end they gave out orders and made extraordinary provisions The Embassador Vives was returned from the Camp to Genoa who having sent some scouts to Nizza di Provensa and to Villa Franca brought back word that the Castle of Nice though otherwise very strong had only a Garrison of 150 Souldiers in it and but little Ammunition That the City
good correspondency Marquess Ambrosio Spinola and his Brother Frederick both of them being young men and very rich emulating as well the glory and splendour as the virtue and worth of the Dorii and not knowing any more Illustrious Theatre then the Wars made by the Kings of Spain in the Low-Countries against the Hollanders and the United Provinces for the maintaining of Religion and Regal Authority they both of them offer'd to enter upon that warfare upon their own expence the youngest to serve with a certain number of Gallies in the Flemish Ocean and the eldest in Land-service with a great number of men But Frederick being slain in a Naval Battle almost in the beginning of the War could not arrive at that height of Glory which the Marquess his Brother did in a few years who being a great Commander of Armies almost before he was a Souldier and far out-doing the expectation of men most exercised in Military Affairs became in a short time the best Commander of this present age and having the superintendency and absolute management of those Wars given him by the King of Spain he did not only stop but suppress the Fortune of the Enemy which like an impetuous Torrent was like to drown the Kings Authority and the Catholick Religion in those parts Moreover he carried the Spanish Forces into Germany where he did singular good service took many entire Provinces and was as hath been elsewhere saâ—…d a great help to the affairs of Religion and of the then tottering Empire His counsel in civil matters was answerable to his Military Valour for which being admired and reverenced by all Europe he bare also a great sway in the important resolutions of the Court of Spain Thus the Fleets at Sea Armies at Land the most considerable Employments of that Crown having for the most part past through the hands of the Genoeses for almost a whole Age and these drawing over other of their Fellow-Subjects to the Kings service and using them in many useful and honourable Employments appertaining to their Governments it necessarily followed that so much confidence being put by the King in the chiefest Subjects of the Commonwealth and such Honours and Employments conferr'd upon others united the whole Commonwealth of Genoa for ever firm to that Crown Moreover the Squadron of the Kings Gallies which was kept in Genoa were generally commanded by Genoese Captains and served with Officers and Mariners of the same Nation who did not only maintain their houses and families by the Kings pay and by the great emoluments which they got by navigation but did augment their own fortunes This Squadron of Galleys were therefore a great good to the King and to the Commonwealth to the King for that to boot with the conveniency of that Haven which was so fitting for the King of Spain and for his Dominions in Italy it encreased the number of his adherents in Genoa for the Common-wealth for besides the entertaining and employment of so many of her Captains and Citizens and to boot with the advantage of Traffique and Treasure it was of great use to train up her people in maritime skill which Art could not well have been preserved amongst them but upon this occasion and those Galleys being commanded and managed by the Genoeses the Common-wealth had conveniency to make use of them as if they had been her own upon any occasion of her own safety and defence without any the least jealousie for these being added to her own made up almost a compleat Fleet able to oppose the assaults of any enemy but chiefly for that this being one of the best Squadrons of Gallies the Crown of Spain had and being in the power of the Genoeses it must needs be a good pledg of the Kings good will to the Common-wealth The Commeâ—…ce also which the Genoese Mariners have usually in the Kingdoms of Spain Naples Sicily and Sardinia and the Traffique which is very great in the State of Millian and in Flanders doth imploy great part of the meaner sort of the City and State of Genoa who by natural inclination and by reason of the barrenness of their Country are given to Negotiation both by Land and Sea so as there are but very few who for their own peculiar concernments are not very desirous of the prosperity of that Crown But the Contracts or Covenants of the richest and ablest Gentlemen of the Commonwealth doth interest the Genoese Nation with the Crown of Spain the most famous and important contract and of greater concernment for the affairs of Crown then any other which we reade of or have heard The King to keep and maintain his Armies in Flanders Germany and Italy and for maintenance of his Fleet in the Ocean and in the Mediterranean is forced to make many expeditions and send provisions sometimes to one part sometimes to another the Kings Exchequer had not alwaies ready money or in case it had moneys could not with safety and speed be conveyed into those parts where they were to be serviceable but they must either be intercepted by the Enemy or sunk at Sea or come too late to where they were destined which would cause the ruine of the Kings Enterprises and Armies The Genoese Merchants by the great affluence of their riches credit and corespondency which they held in all parts of Europe did abundantly and beforehand supply what was necessary so as in humane bodies the soul and natural heat send forth and supply all the members with necessary nourishment just so in the immense body of so great a Monarchy the Pen of the Genoese as the soul and vital spirit of the King of Spain's Treasure serves the King to convey ready moneys happily safely and speedily whithersoever it is needfull with reciprocal profit and conveniency for the King by making his provisions in good time and speedily secures his Enterprizes wins honour to his Arms by victory and defends his Dominions and the Genoeses get vast gain by the employment of their moneys whereby their private fortunes do exceed that of all other Nations for which advance of moneys they are paid by the King in annual Revenues out of the States and Kingdoms belonging to the Crown as well in Spain as in Italy therefore as this contract is necessary for the main affairs of that King it obligeâ—… him to have a care of the Commonwealth for without the preservation thereof the contract is impossible to be made good and so great a stock of moneys of the Genoeses being imploied in the Kingdoms belonging to that Crown serves the King as a pledge of their good will These are the Ties these are the Bonds of Friendship and conjunction between the Crown of Spain and Commonwealth of Genoa which being confirm'd by process of time and by so many trials grow daily stronger not only for the interests which multiply continually but for the trust and confidence which doth also multiply by the course of years the Kings of
ballance on one side and by standing Neuter she should keep them both her friends so as by his Pontifical Authority and by the credit he should get by his neutrality he should be the better able to compose businesses Being therefore desirous to proceed maturely in so weighty a business he resolved first to use peaceful endeavours with the King and to procure the restoring of the Valtoline by civil means and by Negotiation but so much circumspection in such urgency of affairs was interpreted a luke-warmness and coolness of Counsel especially by such who are better plâ—…ased with actions of resentment then with such as are considerate and duly weighed and much more by such who might reap advantage by the Popes resentment and therefore the Popes circumspection made all men wonder and afforded variety of discourse and interpretation no less then did the fervency of the French and their double-dealing upon the present occasions On the one side none could conceive so little respect from the French to be used towards the Apostolick See that so little account should be had of the reciprocal conventions touching the depositure and of the Promises and Declarations made by them but a little before in the face of the whole World of not innovating any thing concerning the Valtoline on the other side it past not without admiration that the Pope not making any the least account of so many Counsels and so many Protestations and offers made by the Spaniards accompanied by the evidence of such preparations made by the French and by the Venetians would first wait for the blow before he would hold up his hand to fence it and that he did so sleightly resent it when the blow was given and none being able to believe that he was really deceived it was therefore argued that he suffered himself to be deceived by secret intelligence and as suspicion when it is once entertain'd draws unto it all the actions of those who are already become suspected so the Pope who from the beginning of his being Pope was held to be sufficiently inclined to the French it was thought that partly to please that King in that wherein he was so much press'd in point of honour partly not to incense the King of Spain by the express delivery up of the Forts after his Declaration made in points appertaining to Religion that he saw this practise which did indeed give some colour to this commotion and did oblige the Pope to provide for it and perhaps also as some men thought because he was not of opinion that the depositure of the Valtoline did suit with the interest of the Apostolick See even when he was Cardinal and much less now when if the two Kings should fail the Souldiers which were in the Valtoline the Pope must supply their defaults with the Churches moneys that therefore he chose the middle way and did permit the French to make themselves masters thereof by force to the end that afterwards he might dispose thereof with advantage and reputation to that Crown and so with greater safety and satisfaction to the common affairs and that therefore thinking this the best course he could take for the safety of Italy over which he was very vigilant and to suppress the unextinguishable fire of war which did hang upon the Gates thereof he chose as the lâ—…sser evil to consent to the wills of the French of the Venetians and to the common sence of the Italian Princes some setting aside such nice Considerations said more freely that the Pope was no lâ—…ss troubled then the Venetians that the Spaniards under pretence of Religion should get footing in the Valtoline thereby to trample upon the Liberty of Italy and reduce the Apostolick See and so many Princes iâ—…to slavery and that therefore abhorring their intentions they were vex'd at nothing more then to see themselves undone by such ambitious ends so as not accepting the Spanish succours he gave secret orders to Bagni that he should suffer himself to be overcome by the French many also discoursing yet more freely of the Popes mind said that the Pope not being content with excluding the Spaniards from the Valtoline to have thereby deluded their ends and secured the Common Liberty did nourish yet greater designs in his bosom and aspired to curb their immense power and ambition so to reduce the affairs of Italy to within such a compass as the Princes thereof being gotten free from the Spanish tutelage might govern themselves as they listed and dispose of themselves and of their own business without such respects to that Crown and that therefore joyning with the French the Venetians and Duke of Savoy he did go along with them in the same common ends which was to pull down the Spanish greatness This opinion was much strengthned by the great conformity of genius between him and Cardinal Magallotti Brother to his Brothers Wife who in his first conferring of promotions was by him made Cardinal whose Counsel he did so highly esteem and so much confide in as he was wont to say that if there were another World it might be govern'd by his opinion and though the Pope himself was of solid Counsel and very capable of Publick Government and that he needed not to be advised by any one and that his favours confer'd upon Magallotti and his having imploi'd him much in publick Affairs might be attributed to his alliance to his ancient Friendship and to the desire which is usual in Princes to exalt their Favorites yet the most difficult affairs of the Papacy passing thorow Magallotti's hands and all men esteeming him to be high in the Popes favour it was necessarily thought that he had a great stroke in all publick resolutions and therefore Magallotti being rather of a brisk and stirring spirit then given to mildness and moderation and much more inclined to the French then to the Spaniards made men think that the Popes deliberations passing thorow Magallotti's Forge did partake more of that temper then of neutâ—…ality which he did so publickly profess whilst in these ruptures having taken into consideration how much the affairs of Religion would be endangered and how much he ought therefore to have opposed himself even in Arms against whosoever should bring wac into Italy he was wont to say that of a Judge he would not make himself a party that he would not break with either of the Crowns that he would not exasperate the King of France nor provoke him to any strange resolution by which that Kingdom might separate it self from the Church whereof there being some speech at that time in France whereat the Pope was much troubled would sometimes say that he would not imitate another Florentine Pope who by not knowing how to carry himself dexterously in point of neutrality had given occasion to the disunion of Englaud These were the opinions these the discourses which were commonly had in Italy and even in the Court of Rome which being somewhat controverted
time that the Galleoons and other Ships use to come thither which is just about the beginning of September to the end that guarded by those Galleoons and other Ships they may pursue their Voyage with more safety and less danger of Pyrates to boot with these other Ships of the neighbouring Kingdoms use to come thither at the same time so as the whole Flotta as they call it amounts to between 60 and 70 Vessels when they part from Havanna they must by the Streight of Beama a very dangerous Streight between the Island Beama and Florida fall into the open and immense Ocean whither when they are come they give fire to all their Artillery in sign of joy for that they have escaped so dangerous a passage and calling a Councel they open a Packet which is brought from Spain wherein there are Orders and Instructions from the King how they are to steer their Course in their return and in what height they are to keep from Climate to Climate to the end that their Enemies may not know what Course they steer who oft times lie in wait to surprize them these Ships which are called la Flotta d' America come usually into Spain in November and entring the Gulf of Cales goe to Sivil by the great River of Guadalquivir where the Merchandize and Treasure are brought to the Kings Officers and are by them delivered out according to their several proportions They bring with them commonly to the value of eleven Millions of Gold whereof two Millions consist in Merchandize the rest in Gold and Silver the fourth part whereof is calculated to belong unto the King the rest to particular Merchants the Merchandizes are Cuchunel Indico Campeggio or Campeche a medecinable wood Tebacco and beasts hides tan'd to make shooe-soles withall which they call Covie of the Ships when they go from Spain those which go first away with the Galleoons carry Silks and Woollen-cloath Cloath of Gold and other things of value the rest which are intended for Terra Firma carry great quantities of Linnen Wine Oyl and Olives in which things those Countries which stand in need thereof do abound for the King to keep those Provinces united and dependant upon his Kingdoms of Spain requires upon rigorous and severe penalties that two things be by them observed the one that neither Vines nor Olives be planted in America though that soil be very capable thereof the other that the Exchequer-rents and Kings Revenues of those Previnces may not upon any terms be sold to private men and hence it is that those Inhabitants being in a possibility of being besieged by Spain forasmuch as belongs to Wine and Oyle they are necessitated to keep Commerce with Europe and to tolerate the Sovereignty of a far distant King to the end that they may be provided thereof and not having elsewhere where to imploy their Riches they must send them into Spain to purchase annual revenues out of the forfeitures of those Kingdoms which by a Spanish word drawn from the Latine they call juri whence it is that almost all the ready moneys of America being transported into Spain raises the rates of the juri and occasions plenty of ready money and which is of greater importance the same juri serves the King as a pledge and surety of their fidelity and vassallage so as they can the lesse easily Rebell Nor were the Portuguese less fortunate in their Maritime Enterprises who some years before Colomba's Navigation undertook by Maritime Art and Study Navigations no less uncertain dangerous unusual and in mans opinion not to be achieved for the ancient Mathematicians and Cosmographers holding that the torried Zone was uninhabitable thought that that part of Africa which being wash'd by the Western Sea extends it self from the Streights of Gibraltar towards the South did enter into that Zone and that therefore it was in vain to sail any further that way or to coast along there without evident danger of their healths who should come to the Precincts of the Zone so as it was impossible to penetrate by Navigation from the Occidental African Ocean into the Oriental which washeth Asia and India but the Portugueses endeavouring to advance further did first discover the great Promontory of Capo Verde and the adjoyning Islands which the ancients called Hesperides and then advancing much further when they had past the Equinoctial line they arrived at the Kingdoms of Congo and Angola then passing the Tropick of Capricorn they at last compassed the enterprise which was before held so desperate and discovered the furthermost Promontory of Africa which they called Capo di buona Speranza or the Cape of good Hope and sailing from thence through the open Ocean towards the East they coasted so far along Africa which turned about thitherwards as discovering the mouths of the Arabian and Peâ—…sian Gulfs they came at last to that of the great Indo where laying the foundations of so great an Empire upon friendship made with some of those Barbarian Kings by the sole Trafick of Spices and other Levant Merchandiz they began to interpose themselves in the Wars which they made one against another adhering to some with their Arms suppressing some others insomuch as having gotten some Towns partly by agreement partly by force and fortifying themselves very well therein they laid some better ground-works of Empire in the midst of that Nation which from nothing or from very little increased so fast as exceeds all their Neighbours if not in greatness and union of State at least in Worth Maritime Forces and Civil Policy which by peradventure an unheard of example proceeding from so far distant parts curbs almost all the Kings and Potentates of those Regions for being either Tributaries adherents or Vassals of the Portuguese Empire they either by force or by private interest are become dependants upon the King of Portugal nor have they kept their Navigations and Acquisitions only within the Confines of India but as if one afforded materials for an other they still advanced till having gotten to the head of India which they call Comorino and hath on its Front the ancient Taprobana they entred into the Gulf of Bengala and from thence into the Molucca Islands the fertile Mother of Spices and to the great Kingdoms of China and Iapan and so bold and fortunate have they been as overcoming the Seas and finding them navigable they have gone about the whole World and joyning the East unto the West they have rendred the opinions of the Ancients fabulous and foolish who denied that the World was round the possibility of the Antipodes the peopling of the Zone and the conjunction of the Seas The Kings of Portugal govern'd this Empire and now the Kings of Castile in succession to those of Portugal by a Viceroy to whom retaining unto themselves all that is on this side of Capo dibuona Sper anza they give all Supream Arbitrement and disposal of all that belongs to them from the said Cape
vain as did likewise the Embassie sent into Spain private Negotiations of peace began at this time to be had between the two Crowns which were happily concluded and with incredible speed The King of France moved the reunto either by the unfortunate success of the League or by the troubles of his own Kingdom or were it that he saw that he must be forc'd to make a new war in Italy touching the Valtoline and other concernments with the Pope who was irritated and incens'd and joyned with the Spanish Forces and considering how costly and how little advantagious the Confederates Counsels proved conceived it better to secure his own affairs then to busie himself in those of other mens laying therefore aside all the ends and interests of the Confederates he thought it best to close upon any terms with the King of Spain and the Court of Spain hearing no more welcome musick then the sound of peace in Italy willingly listned to the endeavours that way tending the conclusion whereof with the same easiness and good inclination of all parties was appointed to be made on the sixth of March the year 1626. in Monsone a Town in the Kingdom of Aragon where the King was gone to keep the Courts of that Kingdom so as the Popes men who were come into the State of Millain at the same time almost that the unexpected news of peace came thither served only to receive peaceful possession of the Forts which in conformity to the Articles of peace were delivered up unto them in the name of the Apostolick See the chief Articles whereof were That the Roman Catholick Religion should be preserved in the Valtoline and in the Counties of Bormio and Chiavenna That things should be reduced to the same condition as they were in the year 1617. That notwithstanding the people might chuse their Magistrates and Governours by whom they were to be ruled without any dependency upon the Grisons That the confirmation of those that were to be elected should belong unto the Grisons who if they were not confirmed within eight days they might administer Iustice and exercise their Office and Iurisdiction That if the Grisons should fail twice in this confirmation they should be understood to have for ever forfeited this their power of confirmation That the Valtolinians and their companions should pay unto the Grisons in recompence for the jurisdiction which was confer'd upon them a certain annual sum of money to be agreed upon between themselves wherein if they should not agree it should be decided by the two Kings That the Grisons should approve of these Articles and should swear to observe them That such Forts as were held by either of the two Kings in those parts should be put into the Popes possession who upon restoring the Artillery and Ammunition which should be therein at the time of depositure should immediately demolish them but that the demolishing should not be delay'd for fault of consignation since the King had past his word they should be consigned That in case the Pope should defer the demolishing the two Kings should joyntly intreat it at his hands so as they might be effectually demolished That the Grisons should not enter armed into the Valtoline nor the Spanish Agents keep any more armed men then usual in the Confines of the State of Millain as touching the differences between the Commonwealth and the Duke of Savoy That their two Majesties and either of them should procure a Truce with their Colleague for four moneths and should chuse two Arbitrators who should end the differences within the said prefixt time in case the differences should not be terminated within four moneths their two Majesties should undertake to determine them and cause each of their Colleagues to observe them That their two Majesties should joyntly end any differences which should arise between the Grisons and Valtolinians and should not permit them to take up Arms one against another That if any differences should happen in Italy between the Friends of either Crown their Majesties should not adhere with arms unto their Colleague till such time as one of the Kings had treated in the other Kings Court and procured an amicable agreement This was the substance of the chief Capitulations of Peace at Monsone then which more honorable or more advantagious could not be expected nor hoped for for the Crown of Spain since the King got in this business of the Valtoline all that he therein pretended to as well in the Catholick Religion which was there very well setled and secured as in respect of the state and liberty of those people who were thereby also freed from the yoke and slavery of the Grisons for though it was agreed that the condition of affairs should be reduced to the state they were in the year 1617 in which the Rebellion not being yet begun the Valtolinians were under the Grisons obedience yet was it more in shew then substance for the election of Magistrates the necessary confirmation of them the free and independant exercise of their jurisdiction were such exceptions to the condition of the year 1617 as they did almost totally alter it and the Valtolinians having shaken off their ancient yoke which made not only for the benefit and freedome of the King of Spaine for the neighbourhood of Fort Fuentes and for the necessity of Commerce which those people stand in with the State it self they were constrain'd to keep united to the Crown of Spain and to depend upon the Governour of Millains authority so as the passage thorow that Country which was the most important point was kept shut up and open at the free will and pleasure of the King of Spain and his Agents for the Crown of Spain having concluded peace upon so advantagious terms after having so fortunately defended Spain against the English Fleet after the safe arrival of the Plate Fleet after the recovery of Brasile after the defence and preservation of Genoa did gloriously triumph over the League and over so many Forces and Plots contrived by her Rivals and Enemies to suppress the Grandezza of her King and truly we have not these many years read or heard of any peace made with such advantage and honour to that Crown especially in a time when by the same which was given out of so great preparations for war made by the Consederates she was thought to be furthest off it and that she was likely to enter into longer and more dangerous wars then the former but the confusion and astonishment of the Confederates was as great as was the glory and satisfaction which the Spaniards received by this peace for finding themselves abandoned by the King of France when they least expected it and that by the dissolution of the League their ends and interest thereby pretended unto were lost they fumed and complained of the King of France not so much for that he had made that peace without their knowledge as for the prejudice of the common
examples did the Prince Cardinal goe about to justifie his and his Brothers cause and both of them thinking that they might ground their pretentions best in the Court of Spain they laboured there and with the Spanish Agents in Italy to get their cause to be embraced by them and powerfully assisted by their Forces wishing them also to consider how much danger would redound not only to their Kings Reputation but to his Affairs and Dominions that the supream arbitrement of Piedmont should depend upon the pleasure of the King of France by his Sisters means which King making himself master afterwards of the chief Towns confining upon the State of Millain the Crown of Spain might get a new and a powerful neighbour that it became not his Majesty to suffer that he and his Brother should be so persecuted for the name sake only of having adhered to him then he strove to perswade theâ—… that the business would be easie by reason of the peoples inclination who desired beyond comparison rather to be govern'd by their natural Princes then by a forreign Lady who was suspected by reason of her greatly enforced and necessary dependancy upon the King her Brother upon whom being of necessity to relie a blind man might easily see the ruine of the house of Savoy and the danger of having the people recommended to their protection subjected to a forreign yoke and that therefore it was most certain that when the people of Piedmont should see their Princes accompanied by any considerable strength they would unanimously abandon the Dowager and adhere to them but these reasons could not prevail with other Princes who were concern'd at a further distance with the concernments of Piedmont and much less with the Spanish Court and Agents whom it concerned more neerly were it either that they were weary of seeing the war renewed in Lombardy or that fearing according to the ancient Spanish maximes that to wrastle in Piedmont would undoubtedly draw on war from France in the State of Millain they desired rather to enjoy the present advantage then hastily to provoke trouble they therefore held it better not to disquiet the present peace though it were doubtful then to enter into new wars which might be long and costly and of uncertain event thus thinking it suited better with the common interest not to innovate then to maintain the Princes presentions by Forces they proceeded cooly and reservedly with them and seemed more inclined to disswade them from pursuing so dangerous a business then to adhere unto them therein whereby to make the Dowager jealous they found yet the Princes of Italy lesser inclined to them who being desired by the Cardinal that together with their so just cause they would embrace the common concernment of Italy which did so much depend upon the good or bad success of Piedmont none of them would so much as appear to favour their pretences The Dowagers affairs seemed therefore to proceed successfully on this side if fortune had not pleased to put a spoke into her wheel here the Dowager could â—…ave desired no greater safety to her self nor to her Sons Principality and the Princes though exiled might have shared in the happiness as was thought by those who saw best into business but the heavens had destined it otherwise for the King of France who was more obliged then the Mother her self by reason of the protection he profess'd to take of the young Duke to preserve the peace of Piedmont which was so necessary for the present affairs of his Sister and Nephew became the chief instrument of disturbing it to the great admiration of all those who considering the inconstancy and vieiffitude of humane affairs wonder'd that the Spaniards who had great reason to oppose the Dowager should willingly offer her peace and that the King of France should purposely disturb it This King was with miraculous fortune and valour got rid of the wars and troubles whereinto the Austrian Forces had brought his Kingdom as hath been said before wherefore he prepared to revenge himself by falling upon the Emperour and King of Spains Territories with as much fervour as they had done upon his to this end he had disburst moneys to the Hollanders and to Duke Weymer to the end that these passing back over the Rhein might enter Germany with the men which he had furnish'd them withall and re-enforcing the Swedish weakned party might renew war with the Emperour and these having at last recovered Schincks Sconce and making ready a powerful Army which they joyned with another Army that he had raised in his Kingdom and entring Flanders might assault those Provinces which were under the King of Spain and embroil them as formerly they had done but the Swedes and Hollanders covenanted with the King that he should assault the State of Millain with a powerful Army at the same time that they should fall upon Germany and Flanders to the end that the Austrian power being assaulted on several parts might be the more easily subdued and that the King of Spain being molested in Italy might not assist the Austrians in those parts he therefore substituted the Cardinal of la Vallette in lieu of deceased Cricky in the command of his Forces in Piedmont and assigned him men and moneys wherewith to renew the war in the State of Millain which could not be done without the consent of the Dowager of Savoy the French Armies being to pass through her State before they could enter the State of Millain she was therefore desired by the King not only to renew the League which was made with her husband and which was then expiring but that she would joyn her Forces in Piedmont with his and resolve to make war upon the State of Millain The Dowager being no less affrighted then surprized with this demand by which all her designs were overthrown said and did all she could to evade it First she represented unto his Majesty how much better peace would be for her and her Son in those his tender years then war how much the present times did differ from those when her Husband lived wherefore she was to govern her self by other Counsels that for the present the safety of her Sons States consisted chiefly in peace and the ruine thereof in war she therefore desired him not to put her upon so dangerous a point that it better became the protection which â—…s Majesty profess'd to preserve peace in Piedmont and to keep 〈◊〉 â—…om the revolutions and combustions of war then to put it to the hazard of dangerous events by fomenting war made by his Majesty elsewhere that the intreaties of his Widow Sister and the innocence of his little Nephew ought to prevail more with his Majesty then the fierce cruelty of the Swedes and Hollanders or the ambitious and unquiet advice of his Counsellors who pretend to vent their rage against the house of Austrâ—…a at the cost of Piedmont that his Majesty ought not to subscribe to
not therewithal contented as not being willing by any means in a business of so great concernment and importance to depend upon anothers will subject to so many casualties and accidents of Variation which might peradventure happen And because the business of the Palatinate grew more difficult the King of Spain keeping himself within the bounds of not promising any effectualy estitution which the Prince of Wales desired and pretended that it was promised affirming that he would use his Authority and best indeavours with the Emperour to whom he said the inteâ—…est of concession did chiefly belong and upon whom the disposal of that State did absolutely depend men began therefore daily to suspect more and more that the Court of Spain having been from the beginning intentionally and inwardly against the Match they had only cunningly held on the Treaty partly out of their own ambition and Grandezza partly for the Honour of the Prince whom they seemed to esteem very highly but chiefly that they might gain time and advance the mean while in the business of the Valtoline Which the Prince percerving he parted from that Court after he had been six Moneths there without having made any conclusion and imbarking in a Fleet which was come from England to re-conduct him he returned to his own Kingdom carrying with him implacable hatred grievous complaints revenge and enmity instead of friendship and a Wife Here I the Translator of this Book must crave leave both of my Author and Reader which if it may not be granted me I will presume to take to insert a passage which then happened and does relate to this Story it being a full and perfect Vindication of a scandalous imputation laid by some black back-biting Dogs nay foul-mouth'd Curs upon this then glorious Prince my since blessed King and now and for ever that undoubtedly happy Saint in Heaven King Charles late Monarch of Great Britain and Ireland they being defirous to make the world believe by their scurrilous speeches and writings that this pious conscientious and religious King was a Papist in his heart and intended to introduce Popery into this Land And truly since it falls out so pat and so aptly here I cannot forbear doing it though I know it be unusual and contrary to custome for Translators to adde any thing of their own and this it was I Who had the honour to be bred up with this hopeful Prince and who account it my greatest happiness to have known him and to have been known by him when he was King having heard a street Report that this Infanta his then Mistress and since Wife to the King of Hungary was turned Lutheran according to the gratious freedom his Majesty was always used to afford me I told him of it one day when he was at Dinner upon the hearing whereof His ever blessed Majesty was pleased to say Harry if this be true I am confident I know who turn'd her which I desiring to know who it might be His Majesty answered Padre Rohose This Padre Rohose said His Majesty when I came to Spain was Confessor to the Infanta and in the absence of the Kings Confessor was also Confessor to the King He was one said His blessed Majesty who gave very diligent attendance upon me when I came first to Spain and for two or three Moneths space never failed to wait upon me when I was at Dinner insomuch as some acquaintance being grown between us he one day moved me that a Disputation might be had in publick between my Chaplains and some of the King of Spains Priests in point of Religion affirming that he knew it would be very pleasing to the Infanta I answered no saying I came not hither to turn nor to be turned in my Religion by any publick Argumentations nor have I any such Commission from the King my Father but rather a Command to the contrary but if you Padre Rohose have any thing to object against the Religion which I profess I will give you the hearing in private Padre Rohose being glad that he had got thus much began to object somewhat against the Religion profess'd in my Fathers Dominions at the beginning whereof said the Prince laying his hand upon the others Arm No Padre Rohose this is not the way this is to Dispute de non concessis But let me give you an account of my Faith and of the Tenents of my Religion first and then if you have any thing to object speak your mind freely Padre Rohose being herewith content as surely he had good reason the Prince began and made him a full and true relation of the Tenents of his Religion which when he had done Rohose replyed Sir do you believe all this Yes said the Prince And will your Highness give me leave said Padre Rohose to affirm this to others from your mouth Yes said the Prince do it boldly for this is the Religion I was born in and bred up in the Religion which is profess'd in my Fathers three Kingdoms and wherein by the Grace of God I am resolved to live and dye Why then said Padre Rohose for ought I know Sir you may be saved as well as I. My blessed King having told me this I asked His Majesty whether Rohose did not object any thing against what His Majesty had said Not at the present replied His Majesty but some few days after he took me aside and began to alledge some trivial things against what he had heard me say to which said the King I gave him such an Answer as I heard no further news of Padre Rohose for a good while whereat marvelling not a little I wonder said the Prince one day in publick why Padre Rohose hath not visited me of late What is become of him To which he was answered by a whisper in the ear That the Priest Rohose was forbidden coming any more to the Prince his Court left instead of his converting the Prince the Prince should convert him I could not omit mentioning this remarkable Passage here since as I said before I had so pat an occasion to do it and since it was to my self that His blessed Majesty was pleased to make this Relation upon the aforesaid occasion And upon the Faith of a Christian and Word of a Gentleman this is the full sence and as near as I can remember the very words His ever blessed Majesty was pleased to do me the honour as to tell me which though they wrought nothing upon me more then what I did formerly know and did confidently believe if they be not able to stop the mouths of those slanderous companions and make them bite out those Tongues wherewith they have indeavoured to throw dirt upon the Memory of His Sacred Majesty yet at least his constant perseverance in the profession and witnessing his Faith at his unpresidented death me thinks should make them do it And now to pursue my Authour again These practises made the French grow cooler as I have
said in the affairs touching the Valtoline for doubting lest by this Marriage a streight League might be concluded between the Crowns of Spain and England the Kingdom of France being placed between them grew apprehensive of it And the intestine wars continuing in France against the Hereticks who were much favoured by the King and Kingdom of England it behoved the Fench to be very circumspect in falling foul with the Crown of Spain when it should be so closely annex'd to the English as it was likely to be by that Marriage But new accidents did this mean while happen which did much better the French affairs The Pope who was grown very inward with the Spaniards died about the end of Iune in the year 1623. who was succeeded by Maffeo Cardinal Barbarino a Florentine by Nation who caused himself to be called Urbane â—…one of a most pleasing wit as well for his great Erudition in the more weighty Sciences as in humane Learning He was also well vers'd in the affairs of the world and in State affairs for having been accustomed to the most important imployments of the Court of Rome he had also been Nuntio both ordinary and extraordinary with the King of Francâ—… and whilst he was in that imployment was made Cardinal by Pope Paul the fifth wherefore he was thought to be inclined to the French and that he could not wish well to Spain and yet he did so win upon the Spanish Faction by his wisdom dexterity wit and canâ—…id comâ—…oitment as the Votes of the Spanish Cardinals and particularly Borgia's Vote who was the head of them weat to the making him Pope He was created according to the new form prescribed by his Predecessors who to the end that the Cardinals might give their Votes with the more freedom did by a particular Bull ordain so secret a way for the giving of Suffrages as it could not be discovered by any which form though as new and not formerly used it kept the Conclave a little longer yet it being then the Dog-days and the Cardinals being much incommodated by their being kept so close many of them fell sick and some died wherefore forced by fear and danger they joined in the election of Pope Urbane who was indowed with all those parts and ornaments required in a great Prince and in a powerful Pope Having taken the Popedom upon him great signes of constant resolution appeared in him of a good affection to Christendome and that he was not apt to siding For to the great neutrality which he seemed to profess in publick affairs and in such as appertained to the Papal dignity he added great severity in his private affairs by refusing great offers which were immediately made him by the French Agents for the aggrandizing of his House but on the other side being very gratious to the Cardinals of Savoy and to the French and Venetian Cardinals with whom he held close consultations he caused much distrust in the Spanish Cardinals and Agents who therefore quickly shewed little satisfaction in his choice and were displeased with themselves for the favour they had done him And truly the success of affairs under his Popedom shew'd they did not much erre in their judgment nor in the diffidence which they conceived of him for Pope Urbane whether moved thereunto by his own Genius and inclination to the French or out of a desire to restore the Pontifical dignity to its former vigour and render it less exposed to the dependancy of anothers will or that he nourished more generous and more exalted thoughts of the Liberty of Italy he soon discovered himself no great favourer of the Spaniards and very much a friend to those who being desirous of the like liberty of Italy strove to oppose the Spanish greatness This jealousie was augmented by the knowledge of an important accident which happned in Avignon in the Moneth of October this very year The Kings of France England and Denmark the Venetians Duke of Savoy and Hollanders many of the German Princes and as some will have it Bethlem Gaber the Transilvanian Prince sent their Embassadours very secretly to that City where coming unknown and in the habit of Merchants they made a League between them against the Emperour and the King of Spain for the liberty of Italy for the restitution of the Valtoline and of the Palatinate The principal Articles whereof were That the Hollanders to boot with the war which they made in their own Country against the Spaniards should send Fleets into America and possess themselves of Brazil That the King of England should assist the Hollanaers with a certain number of men in their Domestick wars and should send a powerful Fleet to Spain to assault those Rivers and to intercept the Navy which useth to come thither from America That the King of Denmark together with the Protestant Princes of Germany should raise a powerful Army and wage war with the Emperour in Flanders for the Restitution of the Palatinate And that Bethlem Gaber should molest the Emperours Dominions towards Hungary to the end that being assaulted on two sides he might be the less able to make resistance That the King of France should hinder the commercâ—… between Spain and Italy with a powerful Fleet to be kept at Marselles and should pass into Piedmout with an Army of 25000 Foot and 4000 Horse and that joining with the Duke of Savoy who was to raise another Army of 12000 Foot and 2000 Horse he should assault the State of Millain for the maintaining of which Army the Venetians should disburse 100000 Duckats a Moneth to the Duke of Savoy And that at the same time the King of France should fall into the Valtoline with another Army out of the Grisons Country and when he should have possess'd himself of it he should fall down from thence into the State of Millain and joining with the Venetians who for those enterprises were to join a certain number of men to the French Army he should assault the same State of Millain with the Common forces and that they should assault the affairs of the Kingdom of Naples with a Fleet of Ships towards the Adriatick Sea This League being made two months after the Pope Election in a City belonging to the Church made the Spaniards suspect that it never would have been appointed without tacite intelligence held between the Pope and the French who were thought the authors of it because besides the restitution of the Valtoline and the Palatinate the restoring of the Apostolick See to all that did anciently belong unto her was agreed upon wherein it seemed the Kingdom of Naples might be understood and place was also left in the same League for the Pope and great Duke of Tuscany who was also promised to have all the Havens of Tuscany restored unto him but the French openly denying any such Conspiracy and no wise man being to believe that a Pope hardly waâ—…m in his Chair should enter into so weighty