speedy succour which though it were indeavoured by the Spaniards and by Piccolomini who as it hath been said was to that purpose come into the Low-Countries could not be effected after they had stoutly repulsed the French Voluntiers who had assaulted them divers times in divers places and after having withstood 6000 Cannon shot at last a Mine made by the French blowing up part of their Wals they not being able longer to resist shewed signes of parle and Articles being agreed upon they marched forth on the 26th of Iuly with Colours flying Drums beating Bag and Baggage the most honourable conditions that the conquered can receive from the Conquerour The way being by this meanes opened to the French to enter further into Flanders they went with their Horse before Mons betweene Cambray and Brussels and sackt Saint Ghisleim Bavay and other neighbouring places to the great terrour of those people who seeing the Spaniards were not able to succour Landresi feared the like might succeed to the other Townes but the French finding afterwards how little good they were like to get if they should indeavour the taking of Mons they thought the recovery of La Chappelle and Castellet would make more for their purpose they therefore removed from their quarters they had taken up and resolved to besiege those two Forts And the Duke of Candal comming with some Troopes of men before Bewmons easily took it The Marquis Leganes perceiving hee could doe but little good against Asti to the succour whereof Marquis Villa and the French were come gave over that designe Hee left notwithstanding a good Garrison in Niece and Agliano with sufficient provisions for their defence for the Spaniards thought them places of much importance upon these present occurrencies as a bridle to with-hold the French from making any further progresse on that part and apt to keep the neighbouring Townes in continuall motion and passing backe on this side Tanaro and then on this side Poe also to Valenza he came upon the Territories of Vercelles The Spaniards aime was upon Brem a place of great advantage to the French for as by the getting of it they should keep the Townes of the Territories of Pavia and Novara in continuall suspition so if they should not get it the Spaniards could not possibly proceed to the enterprise of Cassall Hereupon then they bent their thoughts especially Leganes being advertised that though Mongaiard who was the Governour thereof made them believe at Court that he had 3000 Foot and received pay from the King for so many yet he had not in all 1700 men and those in ill equipage For Mongaiard and the other Captaines who came not into Piemont for change of aire but to change their fortunes being more inclined to inrich themselves by dead pay then to win their wealth from those of Milan by the sword honourably â—ad their mindes onely bent upon their purses that they might afterwards returne into France and peacefully injoy what they had got Neither knew the King hereof for every one minding his owne particular interest no one would ruine himselfe by peaching his fellow-Officer The Spaniards therfore thinking this a good occasion to perfect that enterprise they brought the greatest part of their Army upon the Territories of Vercelles taking Carasona a Town neer Sofia between Vercelles and Brem they haulted there and fortified themselves thinking this a very fitting place to bring them either to the taking of Vercelles or Brem The Neapolitan Horse over-ranne and sacked many Townes thereabouts not omitting such diligence as is knowne by wise Commanders to be requisite in the mannaging of Warre But Marshall Crequi blushing to see his honour so much decline which he in so many occurrences had wonne by his Sword fearing that if the Spaniards should take a place of that importance he looking on to boot with the losse it would much lessen his renowne he assembled his Army which was disperst in their severall quarters and went to Pontestura betweene Cassall and Trino and throwing a Bridge over the Poe he past his Army over on this side though much too weak to buckle with the Spaniard who was provided of all things necessary and whose Army was composed of good Souldiers and made it appeare the French faile not in their courage though upon disadvantagious tearmes He with his Horse pursued the Spaniards who under the command of Don Martin of Aragon were gone to plunder the Towns in the Territories of Vercelles and having layd an anbush whilest the Neapolitans were returning to their quarters with great heards of Cattell he unexpectedly set upon them and after a bloody skirmish wherein though the Italians behaved themselves with courage and constancy they were notwithstanding at the last put to the worst Boccapianola a Neapolitan and Field-Master was there slaine as also Don Iohn di Lelmo Captaine of the Horse Captaine Spadino was taken prisoner and about some 60 Souldiers of which some were of good esteeme for Commanders usually imploy their best Souldiers in businesses of greatest danger On the other side the Duke of Savoy who upon newes of the Spaniards approach fearing Vercelles was come in person thither understanding that the Princes of Este were retired with their men to Leganes commanded Count Verva to go with 4000 Souldiers into the Langhe where he sack't many Townes past over the Poe fired Pieve del Cairo and indeavoured though in vaine to take the Castle of Arazzo for it being well defended by the Spaniards and Don Martin of Aragon comming speedily into the succour of it the Savoyards rose from before it having lost about one hundred of their men During this revolution of affaires the presént condition of the Crowne of Spaine was justly weighed by the piercing wits thereof and the powerfull Forces of France was to their great griefe examined which being wholly united did much annoy the Austrians and by evident example did deceive those who fed themselves with hopes of kindling civill dissention in that Kingdome and did chiefly apply their wits thereunto For the Kings reconciliation to his Brother the Duke of Orelans from whom the Spaniards had received so many assurances made them know they were to ground but little beliefe upon the faith of that Nation which being rivall to theirs would upon occasion make it appeare That though it were treacherous to its King it would be much more false to the Spaniards and that those means were now become desperat by which in former times when the King was under age the Princes of the Kingdome tooke the boldnesse to prescribe Lawes to the unlimited Regall power and that the Cardinall Richelieu a faithfull servant of that Crowne and one of an exquisitely refined judgement knew how to countermine the Spanish Plots They therefore resolved to follow the example of Scipio Affricanus by bringing the Warre into France whilst France made War out of France To this purpose they began to provide for all things necessary to set
and on the East it bounds upon Misnia the Inhabitants thereof beleeving themselves not able to contend with a victorious Army at first newes of the Kings being marched that wayes sent Deputies unto him to see whether by their intreaties they could make him turne another way since they were not able to doe it by their Armes they therefore presented themselves before him they made knowne unto him the Oath they had taken to the Elector of Mentz what troubles they had undergone for doing so and promised that they would keep Neutrals but this medecine not being adequate to their malady wrought no effect The King would enter their City make them know his Lawes and owne him for their Patron the which he did on the 26th of September to lesse prejudice of the Citizens then they imagined who much affrighted at the report of what cruelties the Swedes used against the Roman Catholiques could not free themselves from feare yet lost they nothing but their Patron being treated by the King with all demonstrations of sweetnesse A man ought not to be so overjoyed with a good victory as that his heart be distempered by the delights thereof the King being therefore entred Erfurt on horsebacke before he lighted off his Horse he commanded Colonell Riven to take with him twenty Companies of Horse and three Regiments of Foot and therewithall to march presently to Ghota in Thuringia seated upon the River Nesa which having neither walls nor garrison fitting to resist the Swedes assault the setting upon it and taking of it was one and the same action The King the next morning went to Ilminan seated upon the Ilm on the Confines of Franconia neare to the Woods which divide those Provinces This Towne at his first approach fell to Capitulation as did Ghota marching two dayes through that great Wood he came before the walls of Mansfield which lyes between the Rivers of Stray and Verts which gives the name to a circuit of Land lying betwixt the Bishopricke of Halberstat and Hall and takes unto it selfe the name of a County He saluted it with many Cannon shot and made two assaults upon the defendants who stoutly resisted him but the Governour knowing it would be a hard matter to maintaine the Towne succour being farre off and inexcessible and the Swedes violences growing greater and inexcessible and the Swedes violences growing greater he thought it was best to give that which he could neither sell nor keep and upon honorable Conditions to march forth with Collours flying Drums beating and Bagge and Baggadge the which the King courteously gave way unto and he marched out much satisfied at the so great Civility of an enemy who observing it as an approved peece of Policy that civill usage and faire demeaner is a meanes to make men rather turne Subjects then continue enemies did punctually observe that course Mens wisedome is improved by nothing more then by the example of others as appeared by all the County of Hammelburg a rich County full of Townes and well peopled Castles seated betweene Franconia and Thuringia which following the example of the Towne of Mansfeild yielded themselves to the Kings obedience this likewise caused the losse of Koningshoven which lyes upon the banke of Sala and which is guiâ—t about with strong walls and rampiers after the moderne fashion before the which when the King appeared and battered it on three sides the King with threates annexed to promises thereby both inheartening and terrifying mens mindes by denouncing punishment to the obstinate and reward to the obedient induced the Inhabitants to yield the Towne which would otherwise have been stormed and burnt The gaining of this Towne spread no little amazement through all Franconia and the adjoyning territories insomuch as all those which had yet any thing left whereby to subsist removed themselves and the best of their movables to places of better security Example which prevailes much with reason joyned to these his acquisitions Karlstat Lucinfert Hasfert and Gemund all of them seated upon the River Mayne in the midst of Franconia part of which were wonne by force part upon Composition and almost all of them without any Imperiall Garrisons for Tilly foreseeing how hard a matter it would be to keep them and wanting men to recruite his Army whereby to enter the field againe had drawne those Garrisons away for his owne use so as being onely defended by Country people and inhabitants who were readyer to drinke then to fight and some of the Townes invironed with wals and ditches after an ancient manner fearing to fare as other Townes had done which by their standing out had rather provoked the Kings anger then wonne his favour they made no resistance but capitulated though Karlstat and Lucinfart wherein were some Foot-Companies of the Elector of Mentz seemed to make some defence rather to free themselves from the name of Cowards then to keep their allegeance to their Master The King knowing of what importance the taking of Wurtzburg would be to him the Master-Towne of Franconia placed at the foot of a little hill upon the river Mayne and whereinto great store of monyes and other movables were brought from the adjacent parts and whereby he might much refresh his Army marched with his Forces towards it and in the beginning of October he brought his Vanguard consisting of 8000. Souldiers before the wals thereof and planted his Cannon against it the City not being able with her ancient fortifications to resist moderne inventions and the Citizens nor yet the Souldiers being of courage enough to make good a breach which the King had quickly made the gates were opened being forsaken of those of the League who had retired themselves into the Castle The Swedes having wonne the City presently beset the Castle which was seated upon a hill and built upon a rocke so as favoured not onely by nature but by art also it seemed to be almost impregnable yet though the Situation thereof made the businesse appeare difficult the Swedes were incouraged by the speeches and presence of their King who infused a dauntlesse courage into them whilst he promised them booty and honour words able to inhearten the basest mindes and which are the true spurres that thrust Souldiers upon all worthie actions so as after some dayes defence it was taken by the Swedes who fought with much cunning and without feare of death for danger nauciates not him that is accustomed to daring They found there such abundance of Ammunition monies and movables as there were few that made the assault who did not that day change their apparrell and returne to their lodgings with good store of Dollers Wurtzburg is a very sine Town and one of the chiefe Cities of Germany it belongs to the Bishop thereof who governes both in seculer and Ecclesiasticall affaires his income mounts yearly to many thousand of Dollers so as he is numbered amongst one of the Ecclesiasticall Princes of Germany He is chosen by the
Nation not persisting in their first furies and their first heats being over they cannot easily do those Achievements which are proper for flegmatick and patiently minded men Whilest Flanders was jusled on all sides by the Forces of two so great Kings threatning mischiefe and troubles to Italy and that the great preparations of both sides promised a storme Marshall Bannier who was in the Bishopricke of Magdeburg understanding that Peace was concluded between Caesar and the Elector of Saxony as also the uniting of their Forces foreseeing the breach which was likely to ensue between the Swedes and Saxons and knowing the first hostile act would be upon the City of Magdeburg as a place of great concernment to the Elector it being a very strong hold in the bosome of his Territories and to which hee likewise laid pretence began to repaire the Fortifications thereof and to take order for such Provisions as should not onely be necessary for the preservation of the Towne but for the maintenance of all the Swedish Forces in those Provinces These preparations being heard of at Dresden the Elector desiring quiet which made him make Peace with the Emperour sent letters speedily away to Bannier wherein by well grounded reasons hee perswaded him to accept of the Capitulation of Peace made at Prague for the publick quiet and offered him a summe of Mony if he would friendly deliver up Magdeburg into his hands and remove from that Bishopricke Bannier who was not to conclude nor treat any thing herein without the consent of the Crowne of Swethland and the other confederate Princes returned no answer at all but meeting with some Troopes of Saxon Horse and skirmishing with them wherein the Saxons had the worst began the breach with the Elector of whom the Swedes much complained saying hee was not worthy the benefits he had received from their King who to preserve his Dukedome from invasion had not onely imploy'd his owne Forces but shed his blood and lost his life and that instead of ingraving the memory thereof for ever in his heart hee had secretly concluded a Peace prejudiciall to the Crowne of Swethland and to the Princes and States of Germany without acquainting his friends and confederates therwithall as in all reason he ought to have done These complaints of the Swedes comming to the Electors eare he presently published a manifesto wherein was declared That he had made this Peace as a lover of the good of Germany without the which all those States were in danger of being over-run by Forreine Forces That hee had contracted amity with the King of Swethland onely for preservation of the common liberty the which being now yeelded unto by Caesar the reasons were consequently taken away for which he had joyned himselfe in that union That as he intended it the Crowne of Swethland was to be satisfied for all the expences it had been at and to be included in the agreement made at Prague but that the great Chancellour Oxesterne and the other Swedish Officers being ambitious to command in Germany to injoy a better climat then their owne and to inrich themselves by the spoiles of that exhausted Country would not listen thereunto though the businesse was faire and to be desired In briefe that he was a Prince who would not obey the vast desires of such Ministers of State as did not love the weale publicke and lastly that his proceedings were not prejudiciall to the interest of his friends These excuses and declarations did not mitigate but more inflame the Swedish Commanders and invite them to revenge for as good Wine makes the sharpest Vinegar so their former good friendship turned to the greater enmity The King of Hungary who having wintered his men in the Dukedome of Wirtenberg and in Alsatia remained himselfe in Vienna to assist at the emergent consultations and resolves of greatest concernment and to make necessary Provisions for the Empire having agreed with his Captaines what waâ—â—o be done in the future field and parting from Austria with such Forces as he could that Winter get together tooke the shortest way towards Wirtenberg to re-inforce his Army not onely with men but with his owne presence When hee was come to Helbrune the Commissioners of Vlm whose condition did daily impaire and troubles improve allured by the good Articles granted to those of Auspurg and Nurenberg prostrated themselves before his Majesty and demanding pardon were received with such courtesie as is usually practised by generous Princes and sent backe with all their desires subscribed unto Gallasse having received directions from the King to move with his Army and indeavour somewhat whilest his Majesty staid at Helbrune to treat of accommodation with many Cities whose Commissioners flockt to him for pardon past over the Rhyn at Filisburg and knowing that to take Wormes a Towne neer Mentz and Franckendalle seated upon the Rhyn and invironed with Rampired Wals would be a businesse of some moment to make the recovery of Mentz and Franckendalle the more easie set upon it and readily planted his Cannon against it The Swedish Garrison which exceeded not 900 men too small a number to guard so great a circumference of Wall finding all the opposition they could make bootlesse and so much the rather because they durst not trust in the Inhabitants after having seemed to hide this their weakenesse compounded before any assault was made and retreated to Mentz Miminghen following the example of other Haunse Townes understanding the conditions granted to Vlm and being in the midst of the Austrian Forces without hopes of succour did likewise Article with the King of Hungary and was received to favour having its ancient priviledges subscribed unto The like did Schorndorfe one of the strongest Townes of Wirtenberg seated in the Center of that state upon the River Rems in a large Champian invironed with Hills which makes it seeme a Valley this Towne did for some moneths indure the Siege but now compounded and received Lawes from the Enemy The Austrians were not wanting in all requisite diligence but knowing that England though separated by a large arme of the Sea which makes it as it were another world if the French should grow to a greater power would suffer by the shade of so over-spreading a tree the people whereof to boot with their owne politicke interest of not desiring their neighbours increase in greatnesse whether it proceeded from envy or from their naturall hatred occasioned by the diversity of the Nations dis-agreeing in Tongue and Customes or from the memory of the ancient cruell Warres between them and the French were generally jealous of the French indeavoured by the perswasions of such Counsellours as were of their partie to move the King of England in their behalfe so to weaken the French Forces by this friendship for that being entertained in having an eye to these they could not so easily reflect upon Flanders This their indeavour did in realitie meet with many lets and difficulties though in
So Walestein as well to acquit himselfe of the favour received as likewise that his intention was not to stirre out of Germany that he might not grow lesse in authorities and for the feare hee had leâ—t his Corrivalls might in his absence plot somewhat to his prejudice procured that imployment for the said Colalto to which the Emperour easily condiscended not so much out of the affection which hee bore to Walestein and Colalto as to satisfie the Spaniards who liked better of Colalto as one lesse haughty and who depended more upon them and set themselves close to this Warre for that the liberty of Italy consisting in the Counterpoising of the Forces of France alwayes desiring to assist that side where they would get footing if they should have wonne Casall a place of Retreat for the French Forces and a Fortresse able to keep the State of Millan in continuall Motion and the Common-wealth of Venice being weakned by the losse of Mantua which Common-wealth of Venice as Arbitrator of all actions in Italy by piously backing Justice is alwayes a helpe to the weakest and doth in part keep the Subjects of Italy alive they did not onely hope to secure the Millanneses but thereby to open the way for their Conquering the remainder of that Kingdome a Designe of all others alwaies most studied of the Spaniards He moreover knew that those of the Nation were ill-apaid that imployments should be conferred upon Strangers that the Haunce Towns Princes of the Empire little affected with the Austrian Government were jealous of the greatnes of the House of Austria and did mainly endeavour the weakning of it which hee observed might easily be effected for that the Emperour in likelihood would be contented to give way to the disbanding of the supernumerarie Forces or else to the sending of them out of the Empire upon some other employment thereby to make Electors at the Election of the King of the Romans willingly adhere to favour the King of Hungary and not more to exasperate those Princes Hee was likewise certifi'd that such Princes of Italy as the Emperour might hope for helpe from against the Protestants were not well contented to see the Imperiall power screwed up so high and were much troubled at the comming of the Army to Reine in Lombardy He hoped well in assistance and diversions from France which by the victories of Lewis the Thirteenth was brought into a peacefull and triumphant condition He hoped likewise for helpe from the King of England who was not well satisfied with the Austrian party for their usurping of the states of the Count Palatins his Nephewes He was no lesse confident of Holland a growing Common-wealth enricht by many Forces both by Sea and Land Hee then saw the occasion was fitting which he knew was not to be neglected but that he was to reassume that Warre which being with little successe begun by others had no other hopes but from his try'd valour To the effecting of these Designes of the yeare 1629. Many Commanders were well received in Swethland who had been returned from the Caesarian Army and from that Army which was sent to assist the King of Polonia under the Conduct of Harnem which was given out to be done by the good will of Walestein who intirely hating every one that did but speak of Reformation desired such Innovations as might make the Emperor know how ill he was advised in lissening to those who by a peacefull way did cunningly lead him to a more dangerous Warre Having received good Intelligence by these and giving them speedy Commissions to raise Forces and on the other side having gathered together the remainder of the Army which was brought back from the Warres of Livonia and having taking such order as was requisite for the Souldiers pay in Gothland Finland and Smoland hee in a few Moneths space found himselfe ready to bee served and obeyed by a strength of old Souldiers to the number of above twelve Thousand Foot and Horse And now hee thought himselfe to bee in a good posture to have ground enough to raise his plotted Designes upon and to hoise Saile for Pomerania Pomerania extends it selfe along the Shore of the Baltique Sea it is bounded on the East by Poland and on the West by the Dukedome of Mechelberg inlarged afterwards by fruitfull Territories even to the Confines of the Marquisate of Brandemburg She receives into her selfe the Noble Oder one of the famous Rivers of Germany which falling from the utmost parts of Moravia upon the Confines of Silicia runnes into the Lake called Grosse Haffe The King having to this purpose called all his Captaines and Officers together and the greatest part of the chiefe of his Kingdomes out of the which the King by a Fundamentall Law cannot upon what pretence soever goe without the consent of all the Orders at Sâ—ocholme the City of his Residence placed right over against Pomerania looking on the South side upon the Sea by two great Armes whereof it is girt about would in publike make knowne what his Designes were Thus being all in the great Hall of his Court hee demonstrated unto them with valid reasons the necessity of this Warre as well for the preservation of his owne Kingdome in quiet as for the maintenance of their Faith and in a very feeling manner enlarged himselfe to this effect That the Empire was now growne to that height as that the thirsty ambition of the greatest therein exceeding their owne limits would spread their Resolutions even over his State since it was evidently seen how he was injur'd by the Imperialists who never having had any thing to doe with the Baltick Sea had now declared Walestein to be Admirall thereof an Usurpation not to be endured by a couragious King that the Princely name of Swethland had in their Imperiall Diets beene villified with scurrilous Writings and Hostill Edicts that he suffered in his Honour by the Austrian Ministers of State that his vast mind cryed for revenge that the occasion of enlarging and securing their Dominions ought not to be let slip by Princes who had their wits about them that Honour Religion and Greatnesse were the things now in question that his Forces did not now differ from them of former times so much dreaded which had brought under the fairest Nation of Europe that the World would say the same of times past that the like Fortune as Alexander Caesar and Achilles had would not be wanting to one of as undaunted a Courage that it did not misbecome a King to quit his owne Countrey whose minde being bent upon Glory Greatnesse and his Subjects Happinesse should not bee imbased by the leasure of Courts that to spend his Talent in the Luxuries and Pleasures of Peace did not become a Prince who had been brought up in Martiall Exercises and lastly hee with a loud voyce said that he would either Sacrifice himselfe to the Negligence of his Fortune or else returne unto his Kingdome
of Gustavus Horne to take in Dam a place not far from Stettin standing upon a little River called Plana which being manned by five hundred Austrians and wanting moderne Fortifications compounded upon the first sight of the Swedish Cannon and went himselfe in person with the rest before Newgarten a little Towne walled about upon the side of a little Lake derived from the River Hamerbeck and wherein were about foure hundred Souldiers in Garrison he in two dayes made himselfe Master of it then running over that slip of land which lies betweene the aforesaid River of Hamerbeck and the River Meltanne he tooke Criffenburg a Towne watered by Rega and Triptoe seated on the utmost parts of Pomerania towards the sea upon the banks of Meltanne which without any contestation yeilded on the other side Gustavus Horne repassing over the Oder quickly tooke in Costin Freinwalt Anchan and Ockermand all of them walled Townes of Pomerania beyond the Oder towards the West and all of them guarded by Imperiall Garrisons which being only fortified by ancient Rampiers and high Towers suddenly compounded and the greatest part of those Souldiers who amazed at the prosperous successe of the Swedes knew not whether to flye for safety enrolled themselves under the Swedish Colours passing from hence he likewise won Passevalke Barth and Grimmen places which though of small defence yet for the Imperialists to retreat unto Then considering that if the prop of Griffenhaghen should be taken from the Imperialists the rest of the Townes which were held in those parts by the Romanists would be much weakned he came before Honigsberg a Town walled about after the ancient manner and guarded by five hundred Souldiers seated in the furthermost part of Pomerania upon the Confines of Maria nova he took it in three dayes There came in moreover to his obedience Lippin by the side of a little Lake from whence the River Mizaell takes its rise Arsnsnalde a Towne upon the shore of Ina Bernsheine a Towne upon the same River and Bâ—rwalde which lyes betweene Mizell and Ronigsberg all of them weakely walled about after the ancient manner and of small resistance The fame of the Swedes proceedings being this meane while spread abroad in France and England whereat these two Crownes did much rejoyce The King of Great Brittaine whom the restitution of the Palatinate much concerned solicited the promised Levy which being begun by foure thousand Foot destined for the King of Swethlands service and furnishing him with good summes of Money he tyed himselfe in streighter bonds or friendship with him the French likewise who for the interest of State coveted this diversion by the which they might the more easily succour Montferrat and which was the proper way to moderate the Spaniards greatnesse which growing more powerfull did more and more covet the Universall Monarchie and filled all the Potentates of Europe with Jealousie sent Mounsieur de Carnace Embassadour to the King of Swethland as well to congratulate his happy entry as to make good what he had promised him before his marching which Embassadour was by the King received with great alacrity and after some short negotiations a League was concluded betweene these two Crownes the 22. day of January in the yeare 1631. in the Campe at Barwalde the grounds whereof were That the Princes who were oppressed by the Austrian Faction should be restored to their former States Townes and liberty and that for the maintenance of this War his most Christian Majestie would pay every yeare foure hundred thousand Dollars This agreement being of no small support to the Swedish affaires as well for the reall assistance as for the reputation got by the friendship of so puissant a King to the which many German Princes as also Forreners ought to have had respect before they should have undertaken to have assisted the Imperialists was magnificently solemnized with the greatest demonstrations of joy and jubile which by the Swedes could be exprest great Bonfires were made aswell in the Campe as in the Cities and Forts which they had won The Cannon was heard to go off incessantly for three nights together feasts and banquets were celebrated with all expression of joy the generall satisfaction caused by this new amity was every where easily to be discerned The King having likewise at the same time received three hundred thousand Dollars from the King of England and having notice how the people that were raised for his service to the number of two thousand Foot were under saile in the Haven of Dover under the conduct of the Marquesse Hamilton to go for Pomerania and finding his Army much inforced by many Leavies made by his Commanders in the neighbouring Provinces from which many of the Enemies Souldiers fled away he saw he was not now to refuse his good fortune but to march forward with his Forces to new Conquests his Army then being Mustered at Stettin in the presence of the French Embassadour was found to consist of about twenty thousand gallant Souldiers all well Disciplin'd and though the Imperiall Forces in Gratz Greffinhaghen did much oppresse Pomerania insomuch as he was desired by the Inhabitants to ease them of that burthen yet not approving to turne into those parts he held it better to passe with his Army into the Dutchy of Mechelburg and to get footing also in those parts aswell that he might draw neare the Landgrave of Hessen who having declared himselfe for the Swedish Party and made offer of his life and fortune unto the King gave pay unto eight thousand Souldiers as likewise that he might hold intelligence with Lubeck Hamburg and other Haunce towns which having driven the Imperialists from them he might much advantage himselfe by them for they were stored with people and with Money and 〈◊〉 many Protestant Princes had withdrawne themselves thither for shelter from the fury of the Imperialists who had then seized upon their Provinces where together with those helpes he should receive no little advantage by the rising of those Inhabitants who for the publique liberty would not refuse to spend such wealth as they should bring with them which they could not better lay out then for the recovery of their Countrey and the maintenance of the publique quiet Hereunto was added that the Dutchy of Mechelburg coasting upon Pomerania and the Marquessat of Brandenburg the latter was thereby the more secure and the Elector taking pretence from the Armies at hand of the King his Brother in Law thereby to free himselfe from Caesars obedience he sound it would be no hard matter to get him to declare himselfe the King was moreover hereunto moved by the alliance of the Dukes his Nephews of that name for being dispossest by the Imperialists and their States conferred upon Walesteine a private Subject it was a thing that could not be suffered either by the King or by the Princes nor by the Haunce Townes He therefore imbarqued his Army at Stettin the sixth of September
valiantly withstood are usually by time and fortune dissolved Wherefore finding no lesse danger in bearing with those jealousies threatened by the Frontier Army the gray-headed Spanish wisedome refined by the Italian subtilty and made perfect by the continuall mannaging of so many and various examples measuring their height of profit with their depth of danger unanimously agreed to endeavour intestine trouble in France to shelter themselves from the cloud which threatened them and to win time which being of great help to those who study witty projects tâ—ey hoped to reape thereby good advantage and though the small Forces which Orleans had with him promised no great effect yet the hopes they had that many others who had not yet discovered themselves and who bore ill will to the Cardinall would joyne with him as being the Kings onely Brother and Heire apparent to the Crowne of France made them hope for some good event And for as much as past examples doe much authorize the Counsells of Princes whereupon building their Maximes they thinke that what hath once happened may be an unvariable Law to future times the Duke growing somewhat coole in the enterprise having no other hopes then those already layd and his Councellours rather blinded by desire then guided by vertue egging him on by calling to mind past examples whereby â—e might see what effects the instabilitie of other Princes had wrought who were much inferiour to the onely Brother of the King they conjectured the like issue must be expected from the troubles so prejudiciall in former times as also at the present to all France It was therefore commonly said by many That the Duke of Orleans perswaded by these suggestions and likewise comforted by Momerancyes promises who was Governour of Languedock and by the hopes of receiving succour from Spaine suffered himselfe to be perswaded and that therfore drawing in an undue season into the Field and being come out of Lorayne He with the Dukes of Roâ—an and Delbeafe Count Moret and his Favourite Pilloran came into Languedock where joyning with the Forces raysed by Momerancy and being in this folly followed by many from all parts great troubles were likely to have insued in France For the which though the Spaniards designe seemed then to have had a good beginning for Marshall De la Force who was with his Army upon the Frontiers of Germany towards the Dukedome of de Pont for the enterprise of Filisberg belonging unto Trevers as has beene said being sent for to suppresse the Rebellâ— freed those Frontiers from the jealousies the Austrians had conceived yet did not that effect follow which was hoped for by the Enemies of France for the Kings Forces hastened thither and these being with good conformitie mannaged by the wise orders of Cardinall Richelieu and the Rebells Forces being divided within themselves by the bad correspondency held betweene the Duke Delbeafe and Pilloran with Momerancy and Marshall Schamburg who was a particular Enemy to Momerancy closely pursuing him and fighting with him neere Chasteauno d' Arri Count Moret was slaine the Rebells disper'd and Momerancy taken Prisoner At which accident Monsieur being exceedingly troubled and they fayling in their courage who inciting sedition and instabilitie use onely to keepe so long constant as their hopes meet with no opposition And finding he could expect safetie from no where else but from the King his Brothers clemency for he was not onely pursued by Schamburgs victorious Forces but likewise by those of Marshall De la Force he resolved to aske forgivenesse of his Majestie and to returne to his obedience He to this purpuse dispatcht away Monsieur De Caudebonne he found no resistance in the King who accounting it a piece of greatnesse to pardon could not but be mollified at the intreatie of an only Brother mislead by evill Counsellours His Majestie therefore dispatcht away Monsieur D' Ayguebonne Brother to the said Caudebonne to the Duke his Brother to assure him of his pardon And at the same time going from Dawpheny towards Languedock and Monsieur comming to meet the King the Articles of agreement were as they were upon the way concluded on by the Duke of Boullognie the contents whereof were That Monsieur confessing his fault did desire the King would be pleased to pardon him promising to give his Majestie any reasonable securitie that he would no more commit the like error That he would forgoe all practices as well within as without the Kingdome and more particularly that he would forsake all intelligence held with the Spaniard the Duke of Lorayne and the Queene Mother as long as she should keepe her selfe out of France that he would not take in ill part any thing his Majestie should doe to any one that had beene guiltie of Treason nor that he never would aske pardon of the King for any forreigner that had accompanied him in this his mischiefe intended to the Kingdome to all which notwithstanding six dayes time was allotted to retire themselves into the Country of Rossâ—glion that he should not keep neer his person nor in his Court any one that his Majestie should not approve of and if he â—ad any such â—eer him hee should to free suspition put him away and for that it could not be believed but that all those evill Counsels had proceeded from Pilloran that the said Pilloran should be bound to make knowne any Treaty that might have beene prejudiciall to the Crowne These being signed by the King great was the joy thoughout the whole Court and the Count D'Allois sonne to the Duke of Angolesme and Colonell of the light Horse was appointed to waite upon his Highnesse to the King who spoke with him upon the way and thus was this fire quencht which perhaps might have set all France on a flame The Duke of Momerancy not being comprehended in the Articles and the Duke of Orleans having promised not to beg pardon for any one that was not therein specified remained to be disposed of as the King should please who knowing how much prejudice Princes receive by pardoning their Subjects for the breach of their Allegeance and that to free ones selfe of enemies otherwise then by iustice is a signe of some feare maturely weighing the salve for this sore which by indulgency is alwayes renew'd although his Majesty was alwayes more inclined to mercy then to justice yet at last he resolved to let France know by the example of this Prince one of the chiefest of all his Kingdome that his mercy extended not to pardon high treason which should he doe it would soon be set at nought that he had been taught by the government of his predecessors not to admit of yoak-fellowes in his Kingdome and that it was not praise-worthy to passe by those offences which tended not onely to his owne privat harme but to the prejudice of the publique Nay by this notable example of his upright government this mighty Monarch afforded the world occasion to admire his great
the Table was the racke to wrest out secrets the net wherewithall to take affection and friendship hee no wayes coveted ceremonies nor complements and if any one not knowing his humour should use any such with him he would in a jesting manner bid them keep their Courtship for the Queens Ladyes for that he was in the field to teach to fight not to learne to dance he was very severe in punishing the Souldiers insolency very dilligent in providing for the safety of his owne men when he tooke any City belonging to any Roman-Catholique hee would answer such Commanders as would advise him to lay heavie taxes upon the Citizens and impose new lawes upon them This is now my City it belongs no more unto the Enemy I am come to unfetter every mans liberty not to imprison them let them live as best pleaseth them and as they have formerly done I change no lawes to such as know how to live in those lawes that Religion hath ingrafted in them new shooes doe often times pinch the foot too much He made no difference in his treatings between Protestants and Roman-Catholiques hee shewed himselfe equally affectionat to the one and to the orher affirming That they were all the workmanship of God that hee thought every one believed well that observed the Kings lawes that it was not the worke of a Prince to instruct his people how to keep out of hell but that it belonged to Ecclesiasticall persons and Ministers of Gods word to doe that whence it ensued that the Romanists losing nothing but their native Prince and that Protestants regaining their liberty of Conscience his Empire and dominion was desired by the one and by the other like a Philosophying Souldier to witnesse the greatnesse of his minde he never indeavoured the perfecting of any enterprise wherein his Souldiers might not run some hazard hee was angry with those who would advise him to be carefull of his life and person he thought the thought of death misbecame a Prince professing Armes that the fancies of saving ones selfe were Counsels proffered by feare he called them happy who dyed in their vocations said death was a Voluntier who tooke pay of those that feared him most Great were the designes of his taking up Armes but after the victory of Leypzig they grew very vast for he aspired at the Empire of Germany which when hee should have gotten he thought it too narrow a bounds to his Commands unlesse he should inlarge them over Italy and other regions of Europe yea peradventure over the Ottoman Empire The Lord Paule Tresborg who was his Leger Embassadour at Constantinople and in his returne homeward lay at my house told me the very Turkes began to apprehend the fortune and valour of this King he had wont oft times to say that our predecessors having had so valiant Commanders and effecting so great enterprises he wondered how now the world was impoverished of such men and that this was the reason why many undertakings failed of performance to which being answered that this was occasioned through the divers use of Armes and manner of waging warre and the goodnesse of strong holds hee replyed that the diversity of Armes was nothing to be esteemed but the diversity of hearts that all Alexanders enterprises might be effected Hanibals victories obteyned and Caesars progresses be made if the heart of Alexander the minde of Haniball and Caesars daring were to be found In two yeares space this valiant King drew over to side with him or else won two hundred ninty six Cities Fortresses and walled Townes which formerly obsequiously reverenced the Scepter of the Emperour Ferdinand the second Hee won many victories in the field but that of Leypzig crowned and immortalized his glory since therein he overcame the worthiest and most victorious Commander of this our age and an Army which growne gray-headed in Armes and sufferings knew not what it was to be worsted By how much the Protestant party was afflicted at this great losse and the rest who envyed the Austrian greatnesse so much were the Imperialists and Church-men consolated thereby for though many more curious then others listened with delight to the actions of the King applauding them rather as things unusuall the present times not having knowne a King who would himselfe in person fight in the first Files against his Enemy yet the feare of his proceedings the doubt of having their rest and riches turned into labour and misery the certainty of having great taxations and contributions laid upon them to sustaine the Caesarian unsinew'd authority were very fitting occasions to cancell the affection they bore to the worth of this King and to rekindle their hatred and envy of him as was seen by the demonstrations they made in bonefires musicke and all other outward shewes of joy which gave the Protestants occasion of much murmurre who said thus to rejoyce for the death of a man was barbarous execrable and inhumane yet many there were that slighted these Jubilies saying that his glory was the greater by how much more estimation they put upon his losse Yet amongst these mirths and jollities the Imperialists were not free from paying tribute of some teares for they were very sensible of the death of Godfrey Count Pappenheime and more particularly the Ecclesiasticall Princes about Westfalia who had been by him and his worth defended against the imminent inevitable dangers that threatned them bewailing as it became them the losse of a benefactor more then rejoycing at the like of an Enemy were much afflicted thereat Their lamentation could not be held backe by their rejoycing for the Kings death which not being thereby allayd shewes the force of their affection to this Commander Godfrey Count Pappenheime was by birth an Alman of noble Parentage and excellent education he applyed himselfe from his first yeares to the warres and passing though all degrees of preferment he at last arrived to the Command of being one of Caesars Colonels a place of great esteem and no small consequence the first proofes he gave of his worth and valour was in the defence of Riva di Chianena in the Valtaline which was playd upon by the French where he raised his renowne and made men curious to inquire after his future actions behaving himselfe afterwards no lesse couragiously in Germany he appeared more worthy to command then to serve and therefore being advanced to the place of Lieutenant-generall of the Catholique League he did more then satisfie the expectation that was had of him In the most difficult actions he was couragious in advers fortune not moved in making of matches politique in deliberation bold in Counsell well advised modest in victory severe in execution in his dealings affable in fine he was in all things vigilant expert valiant mercifull and magnanimous the many scarres wherewith his face was adorned were the Characters wherin his good service was written the love and reverence the Souldiers bore him testified his civill and noble
prepare to rayse the Siege that they might succour their Compagnions when hearing the truth of this last gotten Victory whilst the Trumpets with their Sourdets sounded to Horse they were again comforted every mans countenance was cheared the Cannons playd for joy and bowles of Wine went off apace The French perceiving more cleerly the Duke of Loraynes evill intentions by his continuing intelligence with the Austrians his hostile proceedings against the Colleagues his despising the Kings admonitions his violating of his promise made the yeare before unto his Majestie under his hand his complotting with the Enemies of France in businesses much prejudiciall to that Crowne and discovering more particularly how the Marriage was concluded betweene the Duke of Orleans and Princesse Margueret the Dukes Sister contrary to the Fundamentall Lawes of that Kingdome which inhibite Princes of the Blood to marry without the Crownes consent and thinking now that they had just cause to resent the Dukes actions which were altother contrary to his promises and finding moreover that the Duke of Feria was marching from Milan with an Army thitherward with intention when he should have relieved Brisach to come first into the strong holds of that State and by assisting of Flanders Burgondy and Germany to reduce the French affaires into a greater streight The Marshall De la Force with 20000 Souldiers without any further delay threw himselfe on the 20 of August into the midst of that Dukedome and without any contestation made himselfe Master of the Field and of all the neighbouring Towns whereupon the Duke astonished at this newes knowing himself not able to contest with the Forces of so great a King and fore-seeing moreover the ruine of his state if being obstinate to keepe in Nancy he should quit the Campania he resolved by the joynt Counsell of his Subjects since he could not contend with so great Forces to imbrace such courses as might rather tend to appease the King then to irritate him yet more He therefore recommended the care of that place to the Cardinall Nicola Francesco his Brother and he himselfe together with his Wife and Sister in Law withdrew himselfe to Remiremont towards the Confines of Burgondy and for that his Majestie of France was chiefly incenst that his Brother should Marry with the Dukes Sister and the Duke knowing that if the Princesse Marguerit should fall into the Kings hands before the Marriage should be consummated he would break the Match he resolved to send her disguised in Pages apparell attended upon by three of his most intimate Friends to her Husband into Flanders which insued without any interruption He afterwards sent the Cardinall towards the King who on the 19th of August met the King at Ponte Monson by whom he was graciously received The Cardinall humbly desired the King to pardon any thing that his Brother had done amisse or wherin that State was concerned which was rather ready to put it self under his Princely protection then to provoke his anger The King gave gracious eare to what the Cardinall said and replyd How that the Duke without any occasion had given himselfe over to very evill Councell that he had so oft broke promise with him as he could not now any longer trust him that therefore his firme intention was to secure himselfe of all the Dukes Forts and strong holds during the present Commotions in Germany and that he would have the Princesse Marguerit in his custody and that when these things should be willingly yeelded unto by the Duke he should then taste the effects of his Clemency The Cardinall having by these mannerly excuses moderated the Kings anger and saved himselfe from apparent danger was not notwithstanding herewithall satisfied as indeed it made but little for him for the King saw well enough that all this was but cunning to deferre the time till the Spanish Forces should be arrived wherefore the Cardinall seeing himselfe invironed on all sides by the French having no succour nigh and finding the Spanish promises not likely to take effect agreed to surrender up unto his Majestie the New Citie of Nancy to discard forthwith such people as were there in pay to indeavour that the Princesse Marguerit should be put into his Majesties hands and totally to relinquish the Austrian union But the Duke being after this agreement gone from Remiremâ—nt to Bisansor and causing no small jealousie in the French by the slow disbanding of his Forces as also that it appeared not that he would forgoe his addiction to the Emperour and the King being to boot with this much more offended by reason of the Princesse Marguerits escape he caused his Army to advance in sight of Nancy and sent his complaints interlaced with threats to the Duke who thinking he was able by dissembling the machinations of his desires to free the King from his suspition and being imboldned by the Cardinall Richeleius invitation to whom the King had intrusted the government of all these affairs who then was at Charnes upon the Mosell he resolved though not so advised by his Councellors to goe in Person and speake with him that so he might excuse himselfe and by humbling himselfe procure the safetie of his State since there was no hopes of maintaining it by force or by ayde from Spaine But the French who were little advantaged by their having the New Citie of Nancy whilst they wanted the Old the New Citie being so scituated as it was commanded by the other they resolved to secure themselves of the Old Citie likewise without the which they could not maintaine themselves in the New one The Cardinall after having reproached the Duke for his sinister comportments totally averse to the Rules of good State-government he in the Kings name demanded of him the Old Citie expressing an intention that when the Duke should make good his promises the King would courteously restore all unto him whose aimes were not to take what belonged to another but only to secure himselfe of such a ones loyaltie who by failing therein might prejudice the Crowne of France The Duke who very well knew how hard a matter it was to get strong holds out of the hands of powerfull men when they were once possest of them was not well pleased with this proposition but being much vext and troubled thereat indeavoured by reasons palliated with promises and other proffers to be therein excused but the Cardinall replying that his instructions were to secure himselfe likewise of the Old Towne which by all meanes he must have and threatâ—ning the Duke with some sinister successe if he would not willingly surrender it the Duke much confused and being on all sides invironed by the French forces knowing that he could not evade the blow â— likewise apprehending danger of his own life signed the agreement caused the Town to be delivered up into the hands of the Kings Officers but upon these conditions that neither should the Citizens be disarm'd nor the Duke
prisoners and cut off Waymer who was at this time quartered with his Forces about Newmarch in the upper Palatinate had an eye to the Imperialists proceedings and was informed that the Roman Catholique Army was drawing up towards him and that on the other side the Bavarians were not farre from Ratisbon therefore that he might indeavour as much as in him lay to hinder these advancements he rose from the place aforesaid and incamped himselfe betweene Ratisbon and Amber that he might be the neerer to bring succour to that Citie in the losse whereof he shared deeper then any other as he had partaken of much glory in the taking of it The French Forces being come before La Motta the Garrison whereof did gallantly defend themselves the Marshall Dela Force thought it requisite to possesse himselfe of Busch a strong hold built on a Rocke upon the Frontiers of Germany betweene the Palatinate and Alsatia yet kept by the Lorayners under the Command of Count Tumeius where bringing their Cannon and not well able to rayse their Batteries yet the difficulties of nature being overcome by humane industry they drew up six piece of Cannon upon the ascent of the Mountaine wherewithall they beganne to play upon the Walls from which the Lorayners assisted by the unaccessiblenesse of their Situation did constantly defend themselves though the not comming of their expected succour did much diminish that courage which useth to bee comforted through such hopes The end of the eighth Book The Warres and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE IX BOOK The Contents of the Ninth Booke In which is related the Spaniards preparations in Italy to passe over the Infanta into Flanders the sight in Slesia neere Lignitz betweene thâ— Imperialists and Saxons Ratisbon taken by the King of Hungary The proceedings of the Swedish Generals in the succouring of that place The taking of Lanshut The death of Aldringer His conditions The consequences insuing upon the Surrender of Ratisbon The Saxons proceedings in Slesia The Caesarians proceedings after the taking of Ratisbon The Infanta's departure from Milan with an Army His meeting and interlocution with the Queene his sister in Lintz The Councels of Warre held with the King his Brother in law Resolutions taken to pursue the Warre Nurenbergs agreement with the Emperour Dunawert taken by the Austrians The Siege of Norlinghen The Battaile which happened before it The Victory gotten by the King and Infanta of Spaine Horne and Cratz taken prisoners Crequi his Embassies to divers Princes in Italy in his returne from Rome The French-mens ends in Germany Their pretensions Filisberg assigned over unto them by the Swedes The consequencies hereof Aid given by the French to the Swedes after the defeat at Norlinghen Practises had with the Duke of Orleans What was thereby got His returne into France and his reconcilement to the King his Brother The Infanta's arrivall at Lucemberg What service was performed between the Imperialists the Ringrave neer the Rhyn The reasons why the Austrians did not prosecute the Victory at Norlinghen The taking of Heydelberg And the Treaty of Peace with Saxony re-assumed THe Spaniards constant undauntednesse which to the torrent of adversity opposeth the strong bankes of wisedome and sagacity no wayes affrighted neither at the Protestants proceedings nor the preparation of the French nor yet at their owne bad successes but resting firme in their usuall courage did not onely indeavour to recruit their lessened Forces in Germany and all other the Emperours Territories but also by their civil comportments to captivat that affection which their excessive greatnesse had lost them in the opinions of lesser Potentates The most illustrious Infanta through the magnifick demonstration shewen in Italy of his great spirit had not onely brought under his pay valiant Commanders and a strength of 10000 Foot and 2000 Horse but approving himselfe worthy to be Brother to so great a Monarch having already much comforted his Subjects satisfied strangers and moderated the evill opinions of such as were enemies to Spaine had given no small hopes in the flourishing Spring-time of his youth and government of what fruits were to be expected from him in the Autumne of his excellent inclination Hee was now ready to passe over the Mountaines and to goe for Flanders solicited thereunto by the great necessity that those Provinces stood in of a Prince of the Austrian blood when Colloredo who was left in Bohemia by the King of Hungary past into Slesia with 82 Companies of Foot and 4 Regiments of Horse and came neer to Lignitz a Town in the same Province situated upon the bankes of Ratsbach Which when Harnem understood who was upon his march thitherward being come with his Saxon Army to the places adjacent to that City and being informed that the Imperialists kept thereabouts in Battaile-array he resolved to set upon them before they should be incouraged by any fortunat successe hee therefore came forward on the 13th of May in handsome order with 6 Battaglions of Foot and 4 Squadrons of Horse in his Van-guard two other Bodies of Foot in his Rear and 6 Squadrons of Horse for a reserve at the backe of the Foot and 14 piece of Cannon in the fore-front of the Army he set upon the Imperialists who keeping themselves close together resolved not to turne their backs though a very great winde which blew full in their faces seemed to threaten them with no small harme About three houres after Sun-rising the Horse on both sides began to skirmish the Foot-Battaglions saluting each other alternatly with Musket-shot at last the bodies of both Armies gave together where after three houres fight maintained with equall valour on both sides the Imperialists wearied with their great labour and paines choaked up with smoake and winde and being set on a new by some fresh Troopes led on by Harnem and Tuball began to face about and betake themselves to their heeles and not being able to be stopped in their flight for any meanes Colloredo and the other Commanders could use they were routed about 1000 of them were slaine and taken prisoners some Baggage and field Carriages were lost and the rest recovered Lignitz where under the favour and protection of the Cannon of those Wals they saved themselves from a greater defeat which in another place they could not have evaded Harnem incouraged by this prosperous successe marched the 20th of the same moneth towards Franckfort upon Oder where making his approaches and planting his Cannon though the Garrison made some dayes defence yet by reason of the ill fortune in the late Battaile dispairing of succour and that City being in the very center of the Territories possessed by the Protestants and sorely beset honourable conditions being granted on the 3 of Iune about 700 Foot and 200 Horse marched out of the Towne too small a number to defend so great a place By this time the Bavarians were on their side come within sight
he resolved to ride streight towards the Frontiers of Picardy and took order to prevent any mischiefe which might insue that upon the day appointed certaine Troopes of French Horse should bee upon those Frontiers Hee went out of Brussels waighted upon by Messieurs de Pilloran de Fargis de Condray Montpensier leaving Monsieur de Candeboune to wait upon the Duchesse his Wife which Candebonne was afterwards sent away by the Spaniards as one they trusted not in And finally he arrived in France to the great contentment of all the Subjects Princes Ministers of state Cardinall and of the King himself which they exprest by Jubilean teares and all outward manifestations of joy and to the as great discontentment of all those who had laid their foundations upon these divisions The Spaniards who if all be true that was said were not very well pleased hereat did notwithstanding wisely cover their inward sorrow giving out how much they were joyed that their Kings Brethren in law were reconciled and that his Highnesse needed not have beene so secret in his departure for as they had courteously received him so would they as willingly have served him and attended him with such decency into France as became so great a Prince The Infanta whom we left after the Battaile of Nordlinghen in the Spanish Army in the Dukedome of Wirtenberg went by Ashaffemburg a City belonging to the Elector of Mentz upon the Main towards Cullen and came happily into the Country of Lucemburg with the great applause of the Inhabitants The King of Hungary having taken Neilburne a City in the Dukedome of Wirtenberg seated upon the Neccar which being onely surrounded with old Wals soone yeelded march't with his Forces towards the Ringrave who kept himselfe with his owne men and those hee had drawne out of Garrisons neer Offemberg to oppose the Caesarians proceedings in those parts not being strong enough to face a great and victorious Army discovering the Imperialists Scouts and having skirmished with them he retired towards Strasburg But being pursued by the Caesarian Horse and not able to get to the Bridge over the Rhyn before they overtooke him whilest hee past over his Foot it behoved him to skirmish with the Imperialists Horse where being overborne by the grosse of the Enemy and not able to passe over the Rhyn by the Bridge which was barricadoed by Carts and Foot he to save his person threw himselfe into the River and by swimming over it escaped the hands of the Enemy but left behinde him at this bout neer 400 Horse and some Carriages After this action the Imperialists fearing lest they might necessitate the Swedes to implore succour from France and to joyne themselves with the Army commanded by the Marshall de la Force who was fallen downe into Alsatia and was then quartered about Lindaw they kept themselves within there quarters for some time in the Dukedome of Wirtenberg not indeavouring any new businesse at which the Swedish Commanders did not a little wonder But this was by politicians interpreted a piece of cunning thus to afford leasure to the Swedes who were totally broken that gathering a little courage they might not give way to the demands made in Mentz by the French Agents concerning those Townes which they held upon the Rhyn and thereabouts and which they had yet refused to surrender But the Elector of Bavaria growing jealous at these delayes by which they seemed rather to seek peace with the Protestant Princes then pursue the warre 't was said that the Austrians foreseeing an almost inevitable rupture with France would first see the businesse of Germany setled that they might the more freely afterwards oppose themselves to the French Forces the which was to be indeavoured before they should declare open Warre against the French for if they should fall foule with them before the other affaire were setled they were likely to meet with greater difficulties then otherwise for inheartned by hopes from France their pretensions would be the loftier The Duke of Bavaria doubted lest the Emperour might conclude this Peace and lest he might remit the Count Palatine into his state so to gaine the friendship of the King of England which it much imported him to have Hee indeavoured therefore by what was gathered from understanding men to thwart this and made Iohn de Wert Commander of the Forces of the Catholicke League of which the said Duke as hath been formerly said was Generalissimo sit downe before Heydelberg the Metropolitan of the lower Palatinat to renew by this hostillity the jealousies between Caesar and the Crowne of England the which Wert did and tooke the Town and shortly after the Castle which wanting succour compounded The losse of this Towne though it opened the way for the Caesarians to advance without any difficulty towards Franckfort and Mentz yet was it not pleasing to the Imperiall Councell For Manheime being garrizon'd by the French a strong hold upon the Rhyn at the mouth of the Neccar formerly possessed by the Spaniards afterwards slighted by them to free themselves of the expence they must be at in maintaining a strong Garrison there which now they needed not and having built a Bridge upon Boates they would not oblige them to passe over the Rhyn and declare Warre They therefore kept themselves within their quarters at Wirtenberg and the Marquisat of Turlach not indeavouring any other enterprise attending the conclusion of Peace with Saxony which at this time was with much fervenvency and almost an assured successe treated of For the distastes which that Elector had taken against Oxesterne for the little respect given by him in his discourses to the Electors actions were growne to a very great height And though the French who were troubled this peace should be concluded sent Monsieur de la Grange to the Elector to disturbe it as it was commonly reported with promise of Monies Armes and assistance yet did they not feare to effect it for the Elector was not greatly well inclined to the greatnesse of Forreigne Protestants in Germany and therefore it was not to be believed hee would nourish the Warre at the desire of the French The end of the ninth Book DOCTRINA PARIT VIRTUTEM The Warres and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE X. BOOK The Contents of the Tenth Booke The Imperialists are invited to the surprisall of Filisburg by the Frenchmens neglected Guards many consultations being had they resolve upon the enterprise which they easily obtaine The French are much incenst at this surprisall and make great Military Provisions Franckfort upon the Mayne compounds with the Emperour The Spaniards surprise Triers and carry the Elector prisoner into Flanders Auspurg and other Cities brought to great extremitie cloze in with the Peace of Prague The French fall unexpectedly upon the Valteline and without any dispute make themselves masters thereof The state of Milan takes up Armes and the Spaniards are carefull to preserve the strong holds The
River Scheld he indeavoured the taking of Hulst a very considerable Fort which lies upon the Confines of Flanders towards Zealand which if it should have fallen into the Hollanders hands it lying neere the Marish and bordering upon Brabant they might the easilier have besieged Antwerpe and done other greater matters in Flanders but they being discovered failed in the enterprise and the Prince finding no good to bee done here returned to his former Quarters The French being upon this agreement advertised of the Hollanders preparations entred Hannault tooke many Towns and appeared before Cambray threatning as if they had had some designe upon that place the maintaining whereof it being the very key which opens and shuts the ingresse into Flanders put the Infante to his trumpes for hee knew the Forces of Flanders were not of themselves alone able to defend themselves against so numerous a French Army on the one side and from the Hollanders who were very powerfull on the other Hereupon he renewed his importunities at Vienna which being by the Spanish Agents represented to the Emperour obtained orders from him to Piccolomini who had haulted with 10000 Souldiers in the circle of the Rhyn to observe whether the French and Waymer would enter into Franconia or no that he should march to succour the Spaniards where it should be most requisit The Hollanders finding themselves deceived in their intention upon Hulst and being advertised that the French had betaken themselves to the taking in of Landresi a strong place considerably situated lying upon the Frontiers of Hannault by which to boot with their better securing the Confines of Picardy they opened the way to greater matters and that they having already begun to set upon it the Spaniards were upon their march to succour it who that they might appear with more men in the field had drawne out many from their Garrisons they indeavoured to take the Fort Philippina placed to withstand the incursions which those of the Garrison of Sluce might make but they failed therein for the Infante comming to the succour of it whereby the worke became difficult they quit their designes on that part and being by secret intelligence certified that Breda had but a small Garrison in it and that it wanted many things requisit for Warre they be thought themselves how they might recover so important a strength To this purpose all things necessary for the enterprise being provided the Prince of Orenge imbarked the Army which hee had led into Flanders and went to Bergenopsome and from thence about the end of Iuly incamped himselfe before that Fort. Where before the Spaniards could gather their Forces together or thinke how to succour the Towne he had so well intrenched himselfe round about it as it was easily discerned he meant to keep there close to his tacklings About this time the marriage between Vlidislaus King of Poland and Cicely the late Emperours Daughter and this mans Sister was concluded which was effected with reciprocall content to the Polander that hee might keep on Foot his correspondency with the house of Austria by the assistance whereof he might in time promise himselfe some unexpected good For when the Warres in Germany should be quieted the King of Poland under pretence of bringing in aid from Germany for the Warre which he was to resume againe with the Swedes and others might by thus introducing of Forraine Armies easily in fitting time force his Parliaments to make that Kingdome be hereditary to him and his which now was but elective And this alliance with so neighbouring and confining a King was good for the Emperour in regard of the supply of men which hee might expect from his Brother in law now that Germany was thereof so exhausted Prince Casimire the Kings Brother who came to Vienna on the 24th of Iuly attended on by many Nobles and Cavaliers of that Kingdome did therefore marry the Queen in his Brothers name and carried her from thence in great pompe into Poland to her Husband But if the French and Hollanders fought prosperously in the Lowe-Countries the Austrians were not abandoned by fortune along the Rhyn for Iohn de Wert constantly continuing his siege before Hermesteime had reduced those within the Towne to such a condition as they could no longer hold out for hunger nor had they any hope of succour For the Fort being in the midst of the Territories possest by the Imperialists and the French not being likely to bring their Forces into a Country farre distant from their Frontiers and full of Townes garrisoned by the Imperialists not having any place to retreat unto for safety and on the other hand the Landsgrave of Hessen being held in play by the Marquis Grana and not able to move thitherward unlesse he should forsake his State and leave it to the discretion of the Imperialists the French Governour that commanded in Chiefe therein called unto him all the Officers of the Garrison and acquainting them in what condition the Towne was wanting Victuals and having no hope of being relieved they jointly agreed to give up the place before they should be brought into a greater streight and whilest they might have good conditions from the Enemy there was therefore a Parle propounded wherein the besieged and the besiegers differed upon tearmes but Wert wisely knowing that Military affairs are subject to unexpected accidents and that no cavill ought to be had with such as demand conditions and that his longer stay there would turne to his prejudice the Articles were agreed on upon the 21th of Iune that the French were to march forth with their Armes and Baggage and be convoyed to Orsoi and the Forces of the Elector of Cullen were to enter the Towne and to keep it till such time as the Elector of Triers were either remitted into his State or that some other should succeed in his place which when it should so fall out the Elector of Cullen was bound to restore it to its proper owner Wert having by the taking of this strong hold freed himselfe of all impediments that his Army could meet withall in those parts and consequently being able to betake himselfe to what hee should thinke best knowing likewise that hee should doe no good in going against France the Frontiers wherof were very wel provided for thought there was no enterprise more fitting nor wherein hee was likely to speed better then in that of Hannaw a place of great importance and wherein there was an experienced Governour and a gallant Garrison who with their frequent excursions did not onely keep that Country but the neighbouring Territories in continuall watch and ward Hee therefore leaving Hermesteime marched with his men which might amount to about 8000 thitherward and being come to Franckfort hee quartered his Souldiers some few dayes upon the Villages of the Landsgrave of Darmestat a little to refresh them and the better to inable them for what they were to doe Advancing forward to the Mayne hee