confine my self within my own bounds and do not climb those heights lest like an ill Tyler I should fall from the House-top and be laugh'd at In the better part of the World what broyls hath an itch of Arguing about Religion made that which doth and hath and will occasion this is mans weakness of which there is no more certain Argument then to quarrel about sacred matters It is a Disease of the Soul to make superfluous questions about God but what can we do Divines had rather dispute their live It is commendable to restrain a Gallimawfrey and Hotch-potch of Religions and Innovatours because they may put people upon Change A Prudent King ought with all his Power to defend the Ancient Worship nay rather then know it he is justly counted next under God by whom his Majesty is vindicated yet Faith is to be wrought by Perswasion not by Command No less valiantly did the King avenge the affront offered Crequi his Embassadour at Rome then that done D'Estrade at London Contempt is a Pestilent thing to Kingdoms whose Soul is Authority and an honourable opinion of their Soveraign But contempt is a mean and low opinion of the Prince and his State imprinted in Subjects and Foreigners by which the Majesty of the Throne lyes on the ground For few overrhrows of States have been by malice the most by scorn Lewis the XIV hath vindicated himself from that more then any of the Ancient or more modern Kings who hath not spared so much as the Pope himself The Corsi the Souldiers that are the Popes Guard upon pretence of some trivial quarrel with Crequi's Pages shoot Pistols in at his Windows set upon his Wives Coach as she is coming home and offer all sorts of Insolencies trampling upon the Holiness of the Embassy Crequi departed from Rome unsatisfied the Corsi triumph The Ring of France having taken into his power Avignon a City of the Popes threatens to use extremity and prepares an Army against Italy After divers Treaties it is concluded at Pisa That for the appeasing the Kings Wrath the Corsi be eternally banished from Rome A Pyramide be built for an everlasting monument of the Action but what is the principal matter That a Legate à Latere be sent to the King too in submissive terms to give satisfaction for the hainousness of the Fact which was decently performed by the Popes Nephew Cardinal Chighi The State of France being in perfect settlement the King reverenced at home and feared abroad holds his Eyes steady over all Europe to bring speedy relief to that part which he saw injured and in distress Behold of a sudden the Tyrant of Asia enters Hungaria The Emperour Leopoldus implores the French Succour It is presently sent under the command of Collins Again did the double-nam'd Ister admire the French Banners they fight stoutly against the Turk and the King lending his strength and his Fortune a Peace is concluded or a Truce like a Peace The Victorious Army at their return shewed at Paris their naked Semitars taken from the Musulmans Merchandize is rendered considerable stocks of Money being provided for it Our power is diffused through the West and Eastern Countries the Sea being on all parts free or linked in Commerce Now as the management of every publick Affair requires some assistant the direction of this great charge is committed by the King to John Baptist Colbert to â—hose private profit whatsoever doth not turn to the publick he doth not think conducing a person of a deep reach We see Rebellion chained Luxury subdued the Robbers of the Publick Money confounded all men either inclined by their Wills to do well or necessitated by the Laws For a Prince by his actions teaches his Subjects to act righteously and as he is greatest in Power so is he yet greater in Example and no body complains but of his Greatness who is the hope and Peace of People Here ends the year 1664. and my History with the new Apparition in the Sky they call it a Comet there is none but desires to know whether he should admire or fear it Some there are who give out that it portends some grievous matter we are of that temper that we pass over with neglect what we see every day though worthy of admiration on the contrary even the least matters if they appear to us unusual we make a business of gazing upon them FINIS An Advertisement to the Reader IN the rendring Histories from one Language by another proper Names of Persons are not the least obnoxious to suffer and by consequent leave an obscurity in the Relation Particularly the Latine retrenches modern Styles and moulds the word after a Propriety much differing from our own it may therefore contribute some light to restore the Persons here principally named to their French Appellation and add some Account of them then to subjoyn the more dangerous Errata A Table of the Proper Names A. D'Ales le Comte d'Ales Louys de Valois Governor of Province pag. 154. Alvimar 172. a Maistre de Camp he was slain in Rhetel-Fight Anne d'Austriche the Widow of Lewis the Just and Sister of Philip IV. King of Spain 414 d'Ancres Concini Marquis d'Ancres 95. the great Favourite to Lewis XIII Arcos Roderick Ponce de Leon Duc d'Arcos a Spanish General 66 Argenson le Vayer d'Argenson Conseiller du Roy. 161 Avaux Clode de mesme Comte d'Avaux his Character and Death 231 d'Aumont Marquis d'Aumont Villequier Anthorine made Mareschal 1651. 238. Duke and Peer of France 1665. B. BAll the President Ball and certain Members of the House pag. 215 Le President de Bailleul Nicolas Clement le Meusnier or Miller Estienne Saintot Conseillers de la Grande Chambre Jehan Canaye Jehan le Camus Francois Bitault Charles le Comte de Montoglan Jacques Maugis and Pierre Martineau These were the Parliament-men of that Commission Bar de Bar put in the place of Cominges to be Keeper of the Princes 198 Bassompeirre Francis Mareschal de Bassompierre imprisoned for words against Richlieu 8 Beaufort Francis de Vendosme Duke of Beaufort the younger Son of Caesar and Frances de Lorraine born 1616. lived unmarried and was slain at Candia Beauvais Augustin Potier the Bishop of Beauvais falls into disgrace 13 Becharel de la Becherelle recovers Damvilliers by Stratagem 202 Bellebrun de Bellebrun Governor of Hesdin 357 Bellevre President of Belluvre Pompone Embassador to King Charles I. of Great Britain and to the States of Holland in the Munster-Treaty afterwards Premier President of the Parliament of Paris his Character and Death 356 Belliere le Marquis du Plessis-Belliere Jacques de Rouge Maistre de Camp is made Governour of Diepe 200 Belnau le Marquis de Belnau 54 Bence a German Colonel slain at Rhetel-fight 238 Beringham Henry de Beringhen sent to Mazarine 258 Bethune Marguerite de Bethune Daughter to the Duke of Sully Wife of Henry de Rohan 130 Beveron le Marquis de Beuvron de Harcourt
vengeance on them being penitent We are not afraid of falling under the suspicion to have been debauched from our Allegiance although your people having been harassed by the oppression of some bad Officers hath foolishly endeavoured to vent their passions upon their King and Country For the pardon of their past licence your City will acquiesce in your Royal Word and judge it self safe in that as in a Garrisn Our obedience whensoever you but please you may command This boldness secured by your Parole will be no more invited to transgress by the taking up of Arms. Your Majesty sent us a Herald to try our Allegiance and honesty That we sent him back without Audience must be imputed to our Reverence not obstinacy We had not so far forgot our selves as to stand upon even terms with our Liege and Lord. Soveraign Powers send and receive Heralds one from the other If you range us in co-ordination with them we have reason to desire herein to be excused and disclaim an Honour above our Rank affecting only the glory of Loyality and having no higher pretences than of being dutiful If we have done amiss we submit condemn us to what punishment you please we are ready to undergo it as sensible to have deserved it When he had done speaking the Queen softned with such Language answered They should find none more dear to her than such as did heartily repent and this the issue should demonstrate In the mean time they were referred to hear her farther pleasure from the Chancellor He discoursed much and pertinently bewailed the misfortunes of the people yet they must look to it that there never be occasion given to repent of the favour in chastising the Faction rather by Law than the Sword In conclusion he did not incense the Queen but disposed her to mercy Afterwards the door was opened and they were carried to a place of feasting and made very welcome Orleans and Conde seemed earnestly to advise them to render themselves to the Queens mercy from whom they might promise themselves any thing They returned to Paris with better success than they expected Leopoldus Arch-Duke of Austria was then Governour in chief over the Low-Countries not without secret instructions to have an eye over the French Tumults That is the Spaniards old custom to look always obliquely upon our prosperity and to rejoyce at our misfortunes One Arnolfin is sent from Leopoldus express with Letters to the Parliament and Conti which he first discharged himself of in the house of Elbaoeuf The Prince being scarce full eighteen had neither hatred nor love but such as were suggested to him by his Sister and Marsillac such then was his Junta by whose instigations Noirmont and Legué were dispatched to the Arch-Duke Leopoldus promised to send Forces to relieve Paris so that some fortified Town or Castle of ours upon the Frontiers might be put into his hands for Caution This discovered that the Spaniards have not yet left their old Arts. Such was the madness of some that they did impudently advise it as reasonable to be done The more judicious were utterly against it There was in company with Leopoldus when they entred France Lewis Trimonille Noirmont carried away by the stream of the Faction rather through his Fate than any inclination he had to the Party from which he was so averse that he trembled at the Enemies entrance and went as Quarter-master before more to warn the people to save their Cattel and Goods from plunder than any design to farther the Invasion of the Spaniard yet for this he was attainted and innocent man suffered When as with the sole memory of the Battel at Lentz where being forced upon disadvantage of ground and the charge of the whole Enemies Battalia to retreat at the passâ—â—â— over a Brook that lay between when he was joyne with Conde did such excellent Service as might easily erase what he did after which swerved from Allegiance to the King Arnolsin desires to be admitted to the Parliament and what was to be admired or detested rather he was admitted anâ— presented the Arch-Dukes Letters to so venerablâ— an Assembly making brave and great promises iâ— Leopoldus his Name It has hardly been known that any matter was more nicely scanned Aâ— length the well-affected Party reclaimed the seduced Members to better courses They scattered the mist of Errour and pierced the Spanish Artifices and subtile Designs and resolved it is upon the question that in all cases the Spaniard be suspected though he bring Presents The Parliament of Paris neither wrought off by the vain preparation of the Commanders nor the promises of the Spaniards chuse certain Commissioners to send to the King and Queen their prime President Mole Meâ—mius and Violet with the chiefest of their Members for honesty and experience About the same time what I must not pass over in silence the pestilent Star of Rebellion did influence England with the like Contagion which forgetting its Allegiance and Interest and breaking in upon the Sacred and Venerable Presence of Majesty did not spare its own natural and lawful King Charles held his Kingdom by Succession from his Father A Prince of a most mild temper nor moved with necessary severity against Offenders Not naturally much addicted to business as diverted perchance by the security of a long Peace intrusted Himself and his Estate to some imfaithful Counselâ—ors From whence were all the mischiefs occasioned which befel that Best King to the particular Odium and Infamy principally of Cromwell who taking advantage of Charles his temper and of the weaknesses and errours in the Government poysons and corrupts all the parts of the Kingdom Hereupon Phrensie and Ambition take up Arms against the King and when he was brought low lay violent hands upon him The King awakned too late began to assert his Honour and Cause but was now debarred of his Liberty a Prince for Gallanty of Spirit inferior to no King and that could not have been over-reached but by his excess of Goodness was driven by the Villany of others to exert his own Vertues Cromwell a Person bold and of a deep reach that had fair words at will to carry on his own designs second to no man living in Cruelty and Pride whensoever he might exercise it with safety at length went so far whether by Fate or the corruption of the Times that upon the Scaffold as is notorious to all King Charles in a pretended form of Law by Sentence of a High Court of Justice in the view of his Subjects had his Head cut off by the wicked hand of the Hangman Thus much by the by because I have already hinted it in the former Book there will be elsewhere a fitter place to dilate upon Cromwell who yet reaking with the blood of his Soveraign soon after invaded his Throne The storm seemed now to allay at Paris when in these condescensions an Accident about Thurenne had well-nigh disturbed the Treaty of Peace He was
but in the morning embraced and kissed Cinque-Mars and had talked very courteously to de Thou having naturally that quality and being practised to disgust his anger under fine language The King being glad when the matter was over but perplexed till it was put in execution parts from Narbo The same was done to de Bouillon at â—asailles The Prisoners are brought to Lyons where by chosen Judges that were resolved to do Richlieu's work before ever they heard the impeachment they are condemned to lose their lives De Bouillon got off by the Surrender of Sedan Cinque-Mars and de thou pay dear for their destructive friendship with the loss of their lives Whether Cinque-Mars practised de Thou to draw him into the Plot or whether de Thou was contented enough to be wrought upon doth not appear However both were upon a Scaffold beheaded with great compassion of the Standers by and lamentation of all the Country De Thou bore his condition not stoutly but with a Christian sense was long and earnest at his prayers which now might receive no comfortable return No Criminal hath been known to suffer with more pity of the Beholders D'Effiat received his Fate resolutely in the prime of his Youth by his own vertues and others vices running headlong upon Fame The King was then onward in his Journey on the way to Paris Richlieu that was ever satisfied with punishment never with repentance ordered the execution and almost looked on to see it done and as if he took content to hear their dying groans was loth to depart from Lyons certified the King by Letter that Perpignan was taken and his Enemies cut off Which was an unhandsom expression Reason indeed there is to blame for ingratitude and indiscretion D'Effiat especially who might easily have compassed by time only what he attempted with over-hastiness and by ill practices against the Laws both of God and man The two poor men are worthily condemned for being Traitors but the principal cause of their death was because they could not brook with a slavish tameness to avow the fatal baseness of their Country The one was Son to a Mareshal of France The other received a great addition to his splendor from James Augustus Thuanus our most eminent Historian of an Illustrious Family among those of the long Robe prime President of the Parliament of Paris a person renowned of great vertue and by his ancient Linage allied to many honourable Houses of France Richlieu either haunted or stung in conscience at the remembrance of so many Executions never free from discontent gives out that the tenderness to his Country imported him beyond all private affections And now more like a Sceleton than his Eminence being carried upon the shoulders of men hath houses broken down to make him room to come in at so much French blood lost at home so much shed in the field disquiets and dejects his spirit now imprisoned in a languishing body I have but one request to make the Readers of this Story that they would not suffer so many Noble men executed to pass off in oblivion as though they stole out from the Stage of the World Let Persons of Honour challenge this Priviledge that as they are distinguished from the Vulgar by their Funerals so they may receive a peculiar memorial in recording their fall I mean the Vendosmes the Ornani the Marillaes the Montmorancies upon whom I judge it best not to dilate the Cramaillaes the Bassompeirres the Vistries the Chastelneufs with innumerable others basely imprisoned At length this scarcely breathing Corps nothing benefited by the Waters of Borbogne is brought to Paris carrying about it the incentive of its own pain in a spirit more exulcerated than the body Many marks of exasperation formerly smothered then burst out Distrust of the King a desire to remove such as were not Confidents imposing upon his Masters ear by Chavigny growing daily fierce through an habitual and implanted arrogancy whilst Lewis suspected Armand Armand did no less suspect Lewis A matter of Scandal In the mean time Richlien's distemper grew upon him Many discoursed of the benefits of Liberty The greatest number past their censure who were likely to succeed in favour all called for Peace cryed out against Wars which had been commenced against the House of Austria not so much out of desire to enlarge the Empire or upon any considerable expectation as for the establishing the power of Richlieu Some few days before his last His Majesty came to Town to visit the sick Cardinal Many tears past on both sides and tokens of affection The King thought it his best course to lay aside his displeasure and not to grate the memory of a dying man with any disgustful words Therefore during the whole time of his sickness he visited him by Messengers oftner than Kings are wont and sent to him his principal Physitians were it out of care or to observe his condition The last day frequent intelligence was brought of his declining No body imagining he would be so curious to enquire what he should be sorry to hear yet His Majesty put on his Countenance an appearance of sadness when he was sure that his grudge was satisfied and conceiving he might now be safely kind constrained himself to let fall a tear and forced groans from a joyful breast Armand du Plessis Richlieu was born at Paris of a noble and untainted Extraction his Father was Francis du Plessis his Mother Susanne du Port he had a fair Estate which he wasted First an Abbot afterwards Bishop No excellent Preacher having fed upon the Chimaera's of the Sorbon unacquainted with the more polite Learning while the Marques d'Ancres was in favour Secretary to the Queen Mother Then confin'd to Avignon Recalled from thence by her means was made prime Minister of State Shortly after the poor Lady found her favours over-hastily heaped upon him for she being by his means chased out of the Kingdom an Exile having wandered thorow Holland and England without any certain abode at length in Cologne broken with afflictious changed an unhappy life for a desirable death But this by the way To return to Richlieu whole shape if Posterity shall be so curious as to enquire was comely and tall nor wanted he gravity tempered with a graceful aspect He lived 57 years was in favour 18. Having passed a middle age in respect of glory and eternal fame may be judged to have run the longest period of life For he had obtained whatever could be wished for What could Fortune heap upon one so succcssful and accomplished What was more blessed than for him continuing in Honour flourishing in Fame to secure future Events seeing that nothing in Nature is so fickle as Power that depends upon anothers pleasure After the decease of Richlieu the Cabinet-Counsel to the King were Cardinal Julius Mazarine a Roman by birth Leo Bouthillier Chavigny and Soublet Noyer both Secretaries of State This Triumvirate did not agree Some courting by
require the Command of Havre de Grace as the reward of Mancinis Match against all conscience and reason whereas upon that sole account of having the Government of Normandy he ought to be debar'd from the Command of a Castle purposely built to bridle that Governor The Cardinal answered me when I requird Havre de Grace that it was not at his disposal and he wondred in this state of Publick Affairs he would press such an unseasonable Proposition that was declined by Orleans and Conde as diametrically opposite to the Kings Interests Longueville replies he would not have the strong Hold for his own use but that it might be a Sanctuary for the King in distress and Mazarine himself would shortly be obliged to quit Paris and flye into Normandy which unless the Castle of Havre de Grace restrained it would be apt to run out into Sedition Well said Mazarine go carry the Duke word that I will do my endeavour to give him abundant satisfaction This I related word for word Then saith Longueville I shall have Havre de Grace Mazarine say I said not so but pray go to his Eminence your self and there your Grace may perceive his full meaning I will not do it replies Longueville I like the ambiguousness of the promise In the mean time he boasts that Havre de Grace was promised him This Mazarine denies Longueville affirms I am called in as Witness in presence of Orleans and Conde I report the matter faithfully as it was Both of them are condemned by Orleans Longueville that he had taken in too strict a sense words of a large import Mazarine that he had deluded Longueville with vain hopes in using suspense terms of which he had always infinite in store The injury of scorning his Alliance and this contest occasioned a difference from whence afterwards grew distaste malice and at last imprisonment and innumerable troubles of which I shall speak in the next Book Here follow the Civil Commotions whose causes were therefore the more violent because unjust The Nation valiant in Arms of a vast Bulk within it self not to be managed only able to effect its own destruction happy if it could endure to expect with patience as it is forward to conceive sudden hopes without the disturbance of an unadvised and easie inclination to change could no longer rest in the Harbour of Happiness This must be farther added that Families exhausted with Luxury Debts contracted Estate and Credit consumed and decays of Fortunes neither reparable by empty Titles nor Gifts extorted from the Court were the effectual incentive of Civil war THE THIRD BOOK OF THE HISTORY OF FRANCE The CONTENTS What disturbed the Peace of France falling into Troubles What pushed the People to the madness of taking up Arms What Accidents followed upon that calamitous night from the first Eruption of the Disorders till the Peace unsoundly concluded at S. Germans FOrtune was at this time contriving in several parts of the Kingdom but especially in the City the grounds and causes of Civil Commotions which arising upon several occasions were delightful to our Enemies successuful to our Princes and their Party but almost destructive to the King France made of it self a sad spectacle Here Mazarine making head against the assaults of Fate laid all his hopes to stake and bearing in his mind the whole Scheme of the Government so maintained the Authority of the young and innocent King that in five years time the stoutest Opposers were subdued and he received the State wearied with Civil dissensions under his peaceful Ministry The truth of History will be questioned when it shall perswade Posterity that this Peace was ratified without any great Execution and that only gentleness wrought a blushing to offend This Book with the five following will be full of variety of Events cruel in Battels and jarring with Seditions You will every where meet with Informers or Flatterers No soundness no plain dealing nor any safety in trusting the entirest friends It was 1648. which year the Astrologers did prognosticate would prove unlucky to the State of France Whether their predictions be vain and it is but our credulity to invade future Events or whether it be our errour to misinterpret the great design of the Fates to be sure many Prodigies on Earth and in the Heavens were some denunciations of the celestial wrath France being transported with its high successes had turned the eye of the astonished World upon it The more prosperously our Aflairs succeeded the more speedily the disaffected thought their intentions of raising Civil Commotions were to be executed pretending what is ordinary in such cases the Publick good That the grievances of the people were intolerable The Provinces were pilled by Excise-men and the City it self groaned under the burden of Taxes That the Treasury was drained and the French money to the astonishment of the Spaniard conveyed into Italy Michael Particelli a Lucese by birth called Monsieur Emery was Superintendent of the Finances or Receiver General An able person and especially an expert Chequer man but voluptuous He had used himself to ease tender over his body but never minding Religion as an unnecessary business His body clog'd the vigour of his mind which by his intemperance he brought to the grave before its time The publick storm fell hard upon him It was not Emery was sought after but under him an occasion of rising I cannot deny but that he like a subtile man transferred the publick mischiefs upon Cardinal Mazarine to save himself from the imminent dangers would cry up his prudence and wit he only wanted Experience of the French State Such sort of Praisers are the most pernicious Tribe Then Particelli was of advice that the Statute of Paulet should be repealed that is a Priviledge for Parliament men paying the King a certain annual Rent to continue that Office in their Families Paulet under Henry IV. was the Inventor of that device Before Francis I. Publick Charges were not bought and sold but were the rewards of Vertue That Law being null'd Emery thought the Parliament would be bridled and ranged within its duty But by threatning this from time to time he provoked the Parliament that was greedy after Changes and incensed it against himself From hence arose Complaints Reproaches Debates and Mazarine was struck at through the sides of Emery There arose another mischief no less destructiâ— to the Publick Quiet The Masters of Requesâ— eminent men after they have for some time serve in Parliament purchase this place at no small suâ— of money By that means they have an access â— be Lieutenants and Justices of Peace in the Country or Agitants in the Armies They see to the Collection of Taxes and certifie up every thing to thâ— Privy Counsel Emery had a purpose to augmen their number upon design of scraping more money by that means The Masters of Requests startled at it were put into great passion such influence hath the Interest of private advantage upon
Corinth At length the Parliament sent the choicest part of their Body to his Majesty to request the release of their Fellow-members They proceeded marshalled two and two in long Files on foot graciously nodding upon the Commoners as they passed along Mole the prime President of the Parliament who never wanted a dextrous application in managing any business with freedom and gravity thus addrest to her Majesty That those had been evil Counsels to rend out of the Parliament honest men and good Patriots charged only for maintaining the Liberties of their Country and that on a day of most solemn Rejoycing all suspicion of it being blinded by occasion of the publick Festival That nothing is more pernicious nor to the dishonour of the French Nation than to handle violently what with time and gentleness hath always found good success in our State That those who gave such advice were the men that raised the Tumults and continued so to do day after day That here was no need of long deliberation but the Prisoners to be released nor must the Kings Honour or Authority be pretended but that the safety of the Kingdom is the supreme Law That what he says were no illusions or pretences that 100000 men in Arms attended for Monsieur Broussel That when men had Arms in their hands they were allowed anything when before they were denied reason For Allegiance Duty Reverence there was an end of them These were all trodden under foot He trembled to relate the sad courses that he saw taken To this the Queen answered in short the Chancellor somewhat larger That the Privy Council would take care that their Proposals should be satisfied c. As they went back in the same Rank and File as they came the people meets them and asks What was done in the bussinss Then Mole nodding signified all was well When one hot-headed Fellow flying out presents his Sword to his breast and bids him Go back again Is this the setting Broussel at liberty Are our Requests thus disappointed Are you thus returned without obtaining leave to do us any good Some of the Parliament men slipt away for fear Mole not at all affrighted returns back again to the Court and presseth earnestly that the Prisoners must be immediately released or else all given for lost Upon so great a distraction the Queen having summoned her Counsel inquires what Expedient could be found in this so great difficulty It is debated on both sides by violent speeches that it would be a dangerous severity or pernicious clemency if either nothing or if all were granted the people yet Reasons being then weighed one against the other it was resolved to set at liberty Blammeny and Broussel at that time the Darling of the common people and an empty shadow of their liberty The Parliament a thing never before heard of being assembled in the Gallery of the Louvre and giving their Votes Letters are written for the releasing Broussel and Blammeny whereupon the Rings Coaches are instantly lent to bring them thither of so great importance is the safety of the State in extremity Mazarine who had stoutly withstood the former bad proceedings did more stoutly oppose these very low concessions But what could he do when affairs were in a condition rolling down-hill Warily he considers all things and looks forward upon the future Maintains the Honour of his Majesty as much as the irregularity of the times and ill success of business admit The Sedition was a little pacified yet they continue to keep to their Arms out of a proud Bravado secretly giving out as if there were some design in the bottom Oh! how miserable are those that live without the compass of Religion and Law what once they have deserved they always expect That evening Blammeny returned Broussel came home the next morning with joyful acclamations to see his rejoycing Children and dear Friends From that day forward he lived as before in a constant tenour of honest conversation innocent in his carriage that heat of popular affection being somewhat cold one bounded within his rank A person of no ill design over-born by the stream of the Factious through the publick storm to run upon Shelves and Sands To teach posterity how vain and failing a stay it is to lean upon such Props as will always be condemned and continued to the perpetual ruine both of high and low It was a shame for the King in a manner beleaguer'd to tarry any longer in the City Therefore Mazarine took care to have him conveyed to Ruel two miles out of Town upon pretence of taking the air The Ring-leaders of the Sedition fretted and could not digest to have the King rescued from their fury And now there began to be a great alteration in the Rout for after there came certain news that succours were coming which had been drawn out of Condes Army and were on the way marching thither hastily many were frighted into their Wits again Then they began soberly to reflect how presumptuously they had carried themselves against the King An apprehension seized them under this fright that there were now come those who would call them to an account for their high Treason And this consternation of spirit found grievous tokens of ensuing misery in all even those of the meaner sort What increased these fears was a wondrous cheerfulness in Mazarine who had great assurance of his Majesties Forces Here I first begun to be acquainted with divers transactions as being employed in them but having been carried away by the dissenting Party did many things upon which I reflect with grief The more credit ought to be given me who shall offer to Posterity nothing but what I have been an Eye and Ear-Witness of free from inclination to flattery as from ill affection to the Governours Whatever hath been transacted in secret and coloured over with an artificial gloss as far as cometh within the reach of my knowledge I shall expose to the open view of the noon-day light The Ages to come disengaged from hope and fear will applaud the good and hiss out the contrary actions That so great a Body of the Mutineers should be shaken by so very few was the sport of Fortune Blammeny and Violet were then the principal Leaders The injury of their late Imprisonment sunk deep into their spirits and particularly the great fall of their Uncle the Bishop of Beavais What could Fortune have added to Violet He had a plentiful Estate an honourable place in the Parliament although he could not obtain the Office of being the Queens Chancellor Only that restless spirit of his strived to compass by means of the troubles what he could not presume to hope for in peaceable times The first remarkable act of the retirement to Ruel was the imprisonment and banishment of Chavigny He was apprehended at Vincennes and conveyed over through by-Lanes and wild Forests to Havre de Grace There a strict Watch attended upon him when he was asleep This was
and Fuensaldagne the valour of Conde can scarce be reach'd by the Pen who alone bore the French charge and brought off the trembling Spaniards It was resolv'd in the Counsel of Spain by change of Governours to relieve the distress'd estate of Flanders Leopoldus and Fuentsaldagne are revok'd in whose room with the Marquess of Caracene is put in Commission Don Juan of Austria the Kings natural Son famous for his great successes in restoring the settlement of Naples and obliging Barcellona to surrender in all undertakings fortunate He had scarce enter'd Flanders when he reliev'd Valenciennes besieg'd by the French where he beat up the quarter of Seneterre at midnight and made a mighty slaughter then through the Piles of the slain having taken the Marshal Prisoner enter'd victorious into the desolate City for the Scheld lying between Thurenne could not come in to the assistance of his Fellow-commander nor unite the two Camps The greatest part of the glory of that service was attributed to the valour of Conde was also the relief of Cambray whose Siege he rais'd by conveying Successors into the Town through the heart of the Enemy himself leading the party and facing danger Cambray in thankfulness for the action stamp'd Medals with this Inscription Sacred to the Virgin and Conde our Deliverer But these joyful beginnings of Don Juans Government were shortly after sunk into a lamentable issue in the Sands of Dunkirk of which in its proper place Mazarine always plotting for peace and being assur'd that the Spaniards would never condescend to any terms till they were cudgell'd into it engag'd Cromwell's affection with that dexterity by Bourdeaux that he rejected with scorn the repeated Embassies of the Spaniard and courted the friendship of the French using the negotiation of William Lockhart was to conclude the new confederacy This Lokhuart for his piercing parts so acceptable to Mazarine that he alone engross'd more of the publick business then all the Embassadors else that were then in Paris He maketh new Propositions to the Cardinal that the Forces of both Kingdoms might be united against the Spaniard the common Enemy Lionne which Lomeny Earl of Bryenne his Majesties Secretary Treats with Lockhart about the new Agreement the Articles of the Expedition are interchangably subscrib'd March 23. 1657. The substance of them was this Towards the forceing Peace from the Spaniards that were averse that the French and English forces be joyned together that Siege be laid to Gravelyn Dunkirk and Mardike and if they were taken Gravelin to be held by the French Dunkirk and Mardike by the English preserving entire the Profession of the Catholick Religion This League to endure a full year in which time no Treaty of Peace to be made with the Spaniard but by common consent But the Summer of that year proving too short retarded the Design only Mardike being then taken saving that the Spaniard alarm'd at so strong a Combination to suspect their own strength took special care to secure the places on that Sea-coast Then dyed Belleure prime President of the Parliament of Paris of great Authority in the gowned Assembly but growing more and more daily out of favour at Court He took much upon him delighted to wear about him a Train and many Lacquays kept Horses and Hounds for credit and pleasure having Furniture about him exceeding all bounds His Ancestors Seat that had been defaced with dust was gilt over by him yet these Braveries could not prevent the Owner from being scorched up with a Feaver Lamogny succeeded him being in high reputation for having well discharged the Office of Master of Requests and for integrity of conversation A person to that degree commendable as honesty can be understood Christina Queen of Swethland the Issue of the Great Gustavus having relinquished her Kingdoms and confirmed at Rome the knowledge of the Catholick Religion whose first foundations she had laid at Inspruck resolved for the satisfaction of her curiosity to travel to survey divers parts of Europe to inform her self of their Customs and Policies Inveigled with the delights of France returned this year pretending to some News she had to communicate and as though she were assured of the State of Naples proposed the hopes of that Kingdom to the Duke of Anjou Mazarine entertained her at the Court at Fountain-belleau and though he slighted the idle Report that the Queen had brought yet held her in Treaty by Letters and other Applications In the mean time casting behind her back the Reverence due to the Royal House she ordered one of her Retinue to be pistolled under pretence of his being a Traitor and Revealer of his Ladies Secrets though he in vain pleaded for the protection of that priviledged place It was debated whether she should be turned forth without coming into his Majesties Presence or whether the Fact should be questioned It seemed more adviseable to wave the seeking reparations Therefore his Majesty visits her without making any mention of the person slain and she having tartied a few days was honourably dismissed and returned to Rome The year following 1658. in the beginning of the Spring was the League renewed with the English Abel Servient Lord Treasurer and the Count of Bryenne concluding with Lockhart The Siege of Dunkird was resolved at Amiens and for a blind of it the King gave abroad that he had taken up an intention to reduce Hedin After the death of Bellebran the Governor Riviere and Forgan who were Officers is the Garrison having shaken off the yoke did alike disown both the French and Spanish Command The Court had drawn down thither to repress the Mutineers but they being neither deterred with the brightness of Majesty nor with a most powerful Army discharged their Guns and by all sort of Hostility filled up the full measure of Rebellion From thence the King marches straight for Calais Whither he was scarcely arrived but that he is certified of the investing Dunkirk by Thurenne accompanied with the English Arms under the Conduct of Lockhart to the admiration of all the Low-Countries that in the want of Forrage Wood Turfe Wheat their courage did not fail Herein as in other occasions the Providence of Mazarine was remarkable who by continual Convoys by Sea mastered the barrenness of the Soil and with industry supplied the defects of Nature The King and he visited Mardike to give the nearer countenance to the Expedition But it was judged safer for his Majesty to stay at Calais whilst the Event of the Enterprise was yet in doubt as doubtful it was Cromwell sent his son-in-Son-in-Law Falconbridge Embassadour Extraordinary to kiss the Kings Hand at Calais and acquaint him That he was grieved that by reason of hit age and the weight of his Affairs he could not come in person to wait upon his Majesty and give himself the satisfaction of seeing him The taking of Dunkirk he indeed wished more to advance by it the Kings Glory than for any profit or reputation to the English
Presence-Chamber whither within a quarter of an hours time Conde being called in falls down at the Kings feet but was presently raised up as is usual on such an occasion the first word was most attentively watched for but instead of that was a courteous whispering that one would soon have imagined a hearty reconciliation After this having visited the Queen and Anjou he presented the choice Commanders of his Army Boutteville and Mersin and the rest not concealing the Vertues of each Marsin disfigured more then any else with scars received for Conde no less confounded with the Kings bounty as the memory of his own carriage and the publick hatred the cause of which was the more grievous in that it was just casting his eyes on the ground acquitted himself with only looking up to Conde In Conde there was no abjectness no pride no change of temper in a change of Condition his mind had on the sudden wheeled about from Banishment and Guilt to Majesty He admitted all mirth and plenty applyed himself to such as flocked about him and expatiated in Flatteries having a quick Wit in a graceful return of Complements Whatsoever he said or did although without Art delighted the ears and eyes of them that were present Further that he might allay the name of Souldier which sounds harsh amongst the idle Courtiers with other vertues he avowed his resolution of following a quiet and peaceful life One might have seen faces shining with a sudden cheerfulness the cloud of so many part troubles being in a short time scattered So much power had that brightness of blood that of successes and what is above all nothings being difficult to Conde's Fates Thus having spent about eight days he returns back the same way hearing as he came along the death of the Duke of Orleans of whom I shall speak afterwards He that in work and upon the march lately consorted with the Common-Souldier in Flanders reserving intire the Authority of a General at Paris vies with the most Courtly Lords in Ceremony and Complements As mens Affections were forward Conde's Wit increased his Reputation being adequate to any fortune whatsoever the gracefulness of his Countenance with a certain Majesty his prosperity mens minds bending towards him and instead of all his Fortune To have escaped so many imminent mischiefs be restored to his house advanced in glory One might see the Prinees Palace from early in the morning till late at night swarm with people Men come out of curiosity return with content cannot be satisfied with gazing admire the same vertue which lately they hated his youthful affections and which had been heretofore loose now â—â—rbed with heavy cares his conditions altered for the better and though he were but middle-aged as to years yet was he reported to have parallel'd the longest time of life as to Glory These things were heard at Court and believed to be more then in truth they were his Popularity was condemned and it was disliked that he had received Bishops with courtesie above the ordinary rate that he had nailed Mourning to the top of his Coach for the death of Orleans It is a Custom which is past into a Law that none may assume this to themselves besides the immediate issue of Kings He that had so often nailed Canons dares not now nail his Coach The Prince complains of mischief in the new Court equally grievous but not equally condemned yet modestly as amongst his Masters thanked Mazarine for giving him such advice For the avoiding these and the like jealousies he resolves to leave the City for a time and retire into Burgundy The Government of that Province which had been restored him was the Pretence nor to spread his sail any more to prejudicial Fame but seek a cure of his Troubles from lying still He takes along with him young Enguien already shewed to the Fates that he might produce him among the Peoples It will not be amiss to observe that the Lorrainers and Guises payed their respects to the Prince by Proxy lest they should walk lower-most and on the left hand in his house They complained that he observed this practice which his Father had neglected and remitted The Duke of Orleans born of Henry the Fourth and Mary Medices only Brother of Lewis XIII having laid down the Civil Arms would pass off the discontents that were risen in his Spirit for the ill success of his design with retiring to Blois No longer did he give himself over to be ruled by any of his Servants imparted his cares only to his Wife Margaret de Lorraine trusted her only with his secrets and the thoughts of his Soul Turned of the sudden Antiquary and Herbalist more exquisite then comported with the Quality of so High-born a Prince Delighted in Dogs and Hunting and ranging the Woods not for Venison but to save the Deer Set all the City of Bloâ—se into a Religious Humour Masses without end openly professed himself Devout Votary to use a new Term upon a new Subject when as God is to be adored in Spirit only not only to be served with that Ostentation Those that rise to that height in a phrensie of Zeal fearing not loving wrong him whom they worship Religion is to be used with moderation as all good things which cease to be such if that be wanting Amongst these and the like courses he fell sick and having Antimony unduely administred within a Week died of a Lethargy Having been a hopeful Child and passed his youth in pleasure always under the direction of his Servants never at his own disposal Margaret de Lorraine spends a few days to compose her spirit being transported with grief and impatient Then rides to Paris with her three Daughters and the Herse going before The Corps of Gaston is deposited at St. Denis among the Tombs of his Ancestours with a Private Burial at small Charges the Heralds scarce paid The Kings according to Agreement meet the French stays at St. John de Luz the Spaniard with his Daughter at Fuenterabie Thither is sent Ondedei Bishop of Friuli to make the Contract by a Proxy who performed the Ceremony with an unaffected Gravity At last broke forth that day which put an end to the War and consummateâ— the marriage The Island formerly confident of such high transactions how Spectatress receives the Majesties and the Nobles of both Kingdoms The French King flourishing in years the Spaniard declined This casting a great shadow with his Trunk that with his Leaves Maria Teresa keeping close under her Fathers wing wishes and fears the issue of what was to follow The two Kings having passed their interchangeable salutes there was time to imagine what they Would say There was for some space such a profound silence universally The Old King admires in his son-in-Son-in-law that valour could consist with so great comeliness Lewis and Mary dwelt in astonishment upon mutual contemplation of each other So in the whole company every one admired at that which
Seguier performing his Chancellours part in the Parliament reported the Kings Act with a proper Oration in the Privy Council he discharged his duty that the Blood Royal could not be transfused into the veins of Strangers that it is dangerous to have them adopted who had once the boldness to contend for the Kingdom that the present Fortune of the King is above all dispute Emergencies and future events are above all Royal Power that the States of the Kingdom would eternally condemn Covenants that carried a snare in them When the Succession of the Kingdom is in question they would not be velued without their consent that such matters do not depend upon a Queens fruitfulness nor the flourishing Age of a King for a numerous Issue Royal hath been more then once seen of a sudden turned into barrenness That the pretence of the Vendosms and Longuevilles could not be determined which all the Nobility would favour that never would put their Necks under a strangers yoke that such matters as these are not approved till done yet he could not forbear but according to the duty of his Place he should mention this boldly indeed but modestly submitting all to the Kings Judgment Lyonne replyed a word on the place that the King was not much concerned in what should be the contests of Posterity that a vast accession was purchased at a Chimera It were a very high Crime to question the eternity of the Bourbons Therefore the matter was resolved upon the Kings Authority turning the Scale though the Vendosms Longuevilles and Courtneys drew against it yet these forbore to make any present stir being certified of Charles 's repentance and the retirement of his Nephew and Name-sake into Germany What will be the issue must be expected from time The chief Princes of Europe had sent their Ministers to Charles II. King of Great Britain for the establishing his Authority not yet any long time re-setled Whilest Count Brahe sent by the Swede prepares his Entry into London Octob. 10. Of the preceding year there arose a contention between Estrade the French and Batteville the Spanish Embassadour whose Coach should take place in the proceeding Batteville hired him some of the baser sort of people in London then whom none are more forward to mutiny that once in his life he might get his King one petty triumph over the French Therefore at the set day the sordid rout vented their Spleen upon the Attendants of Estrade having butchered his Coachman and Horses and some of his Servants the Spaniard continued Master of the Field The King of England turned the blame upon the Common People which by reason of his being newly restored he could not at the present restrain The French Kings indignation discharged upon Batteville only More noble Anger hath not at any time else appeared In such a juncture whatsoever Prudence suggests an incensed Prince scorns rushing only upon reve ge He banishes from the Veerge of the Court the Count Fuelsaldagne not respecting his Integrty and that he had been Conductor of the Queen who was the pledge of Peace He also denyed Caracene that was discharged of the Government of the Low-Countries a passage through France in his return for Spain And as though the Kings wrath were not satisfied with all this the Archbishop of Yverdon who was then at Madrid upon the Kings account is ordered not only to demand of Philip himself that Batteville who had offended might be punished according to the hainousnouss of the offence but to cut off all contention about Precedency for the future that the. Spanish Renunciation of all Priority might be established by a Publick Act. The fierce Spaniard hardly digests it and whilst he debates the question the French Embassadour keeps at home laying down his publick quality as though he had devested himself of all Priviledge But Paternal affection bore sway Philip waving the Regal Dignity puts on the Father thinking it not unglorious to give way to him to whom he had given his Bowels But lest this Spanish consent should vanish into Air it was to be confirmed by a solemn Embassy The Marquess Fuentes chosen for that purpose comes to Paris with a great Train The King that he might make the Audience more glorious at an act of that high Nature would have the Popes Nuncio the Embassadours of Venice Swethland Savoy the United Provinces and all Foreign Ministers to be present as also the Peers of the Realm the Chancellour and four Secretaries to Register it Fuentes having been experienced in State-Affairs and divers Embassies was not surprized at the lustre of so great an Assembly Therefore taking that concourse not as a witness of abridging his Honour but turning it to his Glory thus spoke to the King There being nothing more upon the King my Masters Heart then Religiously to observe the Laws of Consanguinity He hath sent me hither with a charge to confirm them which at his Personal presence he established with his Royal mouth His Person I sustain this day not representing a King that knows not to yield but a Father whose spirit only nature works to a compliance He hath thought fit voluntarily to quit to you those Transitory Honours which he hath enjoyed so long since shortly Death is like to put a period to them Those Gallantries may become your Age Such youthful ambition an old Man and your Father-in-law envies not The London Out-rage hath sunk deeper into his then your Heart he could not more effectually redress it than by punishing the Author The Revocation of Batteville is a publick declaration of inflicting punishment on him But what could have been added more to this then to lay strict Injunctions that his Embassadours for the future do not contend with yours about Precedency This is the occasion of the Embassy which I the rather perform because the Peace lately concluded is hereby confirmed May it stand in full force to all Generations The King receiving satisfaction in his due Honour gave him a nod when he had concluded his Speech reserving to himself the whole Spanish State with their Homage He advised the Embassadours to be mindful of what had past and report to their respective Princes what they had seen and heard At the breaking up of the Assembly Lewis appeared more August It may be also called a Victory without blood when the King bought of the English Dunkirk for ready Money What matters it whether so strong so considerable Garrisons come by Gold or Steel and the Nation planted in the Kingdom of Neptune be excluded from the Continent The same year 1662. The King by Proclamation commanded the Tenets of the Jansenists condemned by Innocent X. and Alexander VII to be abolished The New Sect received its denomination from Cornelius Jansen Bishop of Ypers who about the 40 year of this Age put out a Book abour Grace and Free Will wherein he is beleived to have fastened to St. Austin a sense contrary to that Doctors mind But I
Corps is interred amongst his Predecessors at S. Denis without any pomp or but very little Such directions had he given when he ordered concerning his Burial When Lewis was dead every one begun to entertain serious thoughts of his own estate I judge it therefore seasonable before I compile the intended story to declare how the Princes the Parliament the Ecclesiasticks the Provinces the Armies stood affected what were the Bounds of the Empire how firm the Allies and in sum what was the state of our Affairs what Parts in the Government were strong what again weak So that not only the Products and Events of Actions which ordinarily are but contingent but the reason too and causes of them may be known The Death of Lewis as it was joyfully taken at the first heat by those that were transported with it so did it stir up divers thoughts and affections not only in the City and Parliament but likewise in the Provinces and amidst the Armies and Officers The Followers and Friends of the Banished and Imprisoned begun to hold up their heads The King towards his later days whether stung in conscience or to throw an Odium upon Richlieu and that he might lay at his door the cruelty of all proceedings had recalled the Banished and release those that had long lain in prison 3. The Princes of the Blood were joyful as is usual upon change of Government resuming presently their liberty with intention to use their power more licentiously as having to do with a King but five years old a Spanish Woman and Mazarine an Italian For the Bishop of Beauvais did not long continue in favour as one insufficient to draw in such a yoke as his Rivals would make believe Gaston Duke of Orleans the Kings Uncle who had neither love nor hatred but as they were imprest all his life time subject to the Tuition of his Counsellors did at that time lead a life free from cares under the Conduct of the Abbot of Rivieres whose Counsels tending to Peace he did not always follow to his own great damage Then spent he his days in jollity his nights in dancing and drew money to bear these expences out of the Exchequer which as long as it stood open to him he never troubled himself about the Government Conde was a profound Politician He had a strange Art of living Men coming new from the Plough or Ship-broad might find him neither stately nor guarded and he would freely confer with them He was open to all and enquired into every thing know every thing He minded all affairs great and small and so by these ways more than the clashing of Arms raised his Estate to vast Wealth which he was the first Conde that every cared to heap up and in that being very considerable and abounding desired that nothing but the Honour of the Kingdom and the Publick Welfare with his private Gains Enguien his Son leaving all care either of State or Family to his Father then only affected Martial Glory And at that age a successful daring had in him the place of Valour but when his parts attain to maturity he shall come to the highest pitch of perfection What he came afterwards to be the order of the Story will inform His Brother Continewly come from School did scarce write man of an excellent disposition which afterwards inclined to Religion not that which consists in disputing but in living having the sap of good works in seriousness not out of ostentation Longueville Son in Law to Conde sailed in Condes Bottom yet would meddle with all but favoured none save the strongest Party if they came to be low would slip his neck out of the Collar After the Kings death he had proposed to get all the strong Holds in Normandy under his Power especially Havre de Grace that so secured against the Normans secured against the King he might play Rex in that Port. Vendosme the natural Son of Henry IV. by Gabrielle d'Estres having his Estate consumed by so long adversities solaced his mind grown savage by such continued Exile either with the single remembrance of his former Fortune or with the hopes of a better nor did he plot any thing else but how by all possible means to repair the Breaches of his decayed Family The Duke de Mercoeur his eldest Son lived in quiet Beaufort his younger did upon his own head prepare himself a way to the prime Ministry for which attempt he afterwards was imprisoned besides that he had somewhat to â—o with Mombazon I am certainly informed that his late Majesty before his death did very particularly recommend these Youths to the Queen The Duke of Guise resembling his Ancestors in Courage and Gallantry with different success came not up but sacrificed his time in the Low-Countries upon courting and following his Amours to the expence of Reputation The two younger Brothers inherited the popularity inherent to their Ancestors At this juncture of Affairs the remaining Progeny of so many Heroes that heretofore durst try for the Kingdom by Arms now finds not place for so much as a wish pretending to nothing more at this time than a thing very easie to compass that is not to stir A Branch of the House of the Guises Elboeuf and Harcourt depressed in their Estates had no designs This latter a stout and daring Souldier afterwards tossed in variety of Fortunes about whom I shall have occasion hereafter to speak not a little Those of Nemours made French from a Savoy stock of a numerous male Line were but two left the Elder of which had a great spirit in a small body but his thred of life being soon cut off left his Brother Successor who held nothing of that famous House but their blameless manners Such were our Princes not any either willing or able to work an Alteration All of them subscribed to the present Government beating their heads about many things to no effect This is the Quality of the French especially Courtier to make much stir that presently vanishes in the air To bind one another in deceitful bonds afterwards to flye off and betray one another A Crafts Master will easily break through such Cobwels 4. Now the Parliament of Paris they do not dislike the present State This is a great Body compounded of divers Humors At a certain sum of money which is undecent they purchase this Degree For themselves and their Heirs Most of them live above their Estates and having wasted their means either by their Wives or their Childrens or their own prodigality long after a Change Their Office if the matter be lightly scann'd is to preserve every mans propriety to compose differences to mitigate the increase of Taxes and retrench ways of Oppression that have been invented more grievous than Taxes to encourage Trade above all to advance the Kings Honour to teach the people that by their own good example never to clash with nor dispute the Kings Commands but humbly petition him and hold
the Princes Will for the Supreme Law This ought to be the Temper of the Parliament of Paris which hath been heretofore the Rule of Right the Bound of Equity and the Pillar of Law to which as to an Oracle all Nations came from every part to be resolved but as all things grow worse by length of time so is that fallen from its ancient Glory I speak of the most not of all For that Court even to this day can produce brave men who maintaining their State with integrity do bear up that tottering Fabrick and who being carried away with the stream of the Seditious have groaned over their own Ordinances That purple Assembly hath and will yet add great weight to the Kings not only Decrees but Actions also Therefore after the decease of Lewis it was strictly observed which way the Scale would turn By the consent of Orleans Conde and the Parliament the whole Government was committed to the Queen under the name of Regent Then was it not objected against Mazarine his being an Alien Nay soon after he is counted worthy to be chosen and that with the Applause of the Senate for the man to whom the Hopes and Helm of the Kingdom should be intrusted that the Competition among the Princes might by that expedient be removed This the Soul of Lewis now in Heaven intimated the Queen had fulfilled her Husbands meaning 5. Mazarine casting with himself what is hurtful and what profitable past this Sentence upon the Clergy These are his words counselling the Queen Regent The Sacred Order for these many years hath had but a thin harvest of excellent Persons however it come to pass Men follow after nice Questions live idly do not embrace serious Studies All is done with Pomp nay if any Sermons be to be made and the very venerable Sacrifice offered Of their Office they lay claim to nothing but their Rents the Duty of Preaching which is the principal Dignity of a Bishop they quit to any one though never so insufficient They think themselves Bishop enough if they can but ride in fine Coaches with their Arms set on outvy one another in rich Liveries and Lacquais and punish with rigour those that transgress in the least matters Perpetual Haunters of Ladies Couches not without undervaluing the Pastoral Staff This is for the most part for there are some that lead holy and unreproveable lives He that shall take offence will owne himself not to be one of these but â— those other So much power hath Religion over the minds of men that as often as amongst men in holy Orders any eminent Vertue hath got up and overcome the common attainments and the vices of mankind it is adored like a Deity At that time that Company was of no weight nor moment in France said Mazarine I am trouble and in a manner unwilling to write this but plain dealing and faithfulness doth at present offend those that it meets with afterwards it is admired and commended There was Francis Paul Gondy by Extraction a Florentine but born in France Abbot of Rhetz afterwards Coadjutor to the Bishop of Paris Archbishop of Corinth one that if occasion had offered would have aspired high as Cardinal Mazarine confessed he was perswaded Over and above an honourable Family he had Eloquence and Learning with promptness of Spirit Very free of other mens money not careful to pay his debts though his Creditors were in the greatest necessities but rather forward to bestow courtesies He regarded more to engage many than to seek that any should make him requital of a lofty mind had many designs in his head catching at opportunities waited for some alteration only to advance his Honour 6. The Provinces being wasted torn and harassed with Taxes Impositions and Free-Quarters cryed out for nothing else but Peace yet in a readiness to couch under greater burdens So great is their Obedience and Loyalty to their Soveraign Their Governors were men engaged that would hear the yoke quietly There were then no Mountmorencies nor Les Diguieres which heretofore at their least motion would make the Court shake That Rohan who for fourteen years together trod upon the Bowels of the State to maintain by Arms the new Profession was long since gone out of the world and had left none behind him that could answer the reputation of such a mighty Name The Innovators for that name I shall use wearied with Wars their Head being taken off at the winning of Rochel the Seat of the Rebellion panted after nothing but to be at quiet which is wonderful at that change And because that Religion could abet so much mischief it were not amiss to lay open the Rise and Principles of it lest Posterity should be ignorant thereof John Calvin at first called Chauvin of Noyon was the Author of the Innovation that having quitted France retired to Geneva whitber such persons flock and are in high credit Charles was King and Katherine Queen-Mother who yet made no scruple to prosecute the Innovators with fire and sword as Criminals and deserving most exquisite torments Such tortuâ—es hath foolish man invented against himself upon easiness of perswasion At S. Bartholomews-day it was resolved at one stroke to cut off the springing Hydras head by an action unworthy of the French name and such as Seyn with all its waters can never wash out The Religion at present check'd burst out again not only in France but over the Suisse German and English Some of the Princes took part whence were battels and slaughters in several parts Calvin set up Rites contrary to the Divine Institution and as a principal Doctrine instilled into his Followers that the sanctifying Wafer the sacred Bread is not turned into Christ by the muttering of the Priest which I tremble to mention the supreme object of their Worship is not kneaded by the Bakers hands nor changeable nor subject to corruption they vilifie the Sacrifice of the Mass and Prayers for the Dead That there is a Heaven and Hell they are perswaded but not at all that there is a Purgatory That the Pope cannot make Saints and as to them that Heaven is never the fuller They give the Virgin but little honour and only such as is far less than her Sons Prayer they say is not to be made to her Reliques and dead Bones of Saints they make a jest of Indulgences for buying of sins at a certain sum of money to be paid they slight and confidently affirm men might imploy their money better The Pope they despise as a meer Phantosm and empty appearance do not dread his Bulls the Vatican Thunder-bolts affirm it to be a Sword whose edge consists in bare imagination To empty the sink of sin into the cars of the Priest they take for a principal argument of a weak understanding The load of Confession they call a Pack of Humane Constitutions To displease ones appetite with fish and dry meats in Lent Phrensie as also empty ones self with