remarkable CONSIDERATIONS upon the Life, and Services Of MOVNSIEVR VILLEROY. Together with certain political Observations upon the fall of sejanus.  
Translated out of the Originals by Sr. T. H.  
LONDON, Printed by E.G. for Godfrey Emerson, and are to bee sold at his shop, in Little britain near Aldersgate, 1638.   

To the King.  
SIR,  
BEhold here the ruins of an excellent fabric, whence goodly, and rare pieces may be taken to beautify new buildings. They are the wise observations of the most ancient of your Counsellors of state, during his six& fifty years service in the greatest state-affairs of your crown. They who account it no less glory to imitate merit, then to succeed to honours, will make use of his example, as of a Torch enkindled by Truth, the eldest daughter of light. If they follow him, and the blast of passion, or Interest make them not dissolve, or slip aside, your majesties good intentions may be seconded with happy counsels, and your desires with great and glorious effects.  
P. Mathieu.   

Advertisements.  

HE who affords not honour to monsieur Villeroy, denieth it to virtue: I was present at the last was done him at lions in the Church of the Minims, and there heard his learned discourse, whom Henry the Great so much had loved and esteemed, who had been for above fourteen yeares the Chrysostome of the Court, and of whom france may more truly say, then Greece of Pericles, that the Temple of persuasion was seated on his lips.  
And although he forgot nothing, which appertained to the merit, and dignity of this occasion, yet cannot I think though he well acquitted himself, that I stand disobliged from what I owe to the memory of this man.  
He reaped all that was exquisite, and excellent in this subject, I but glean after him, yet it is sufficient I let it appear, that as to model the portrait of Mercury at Athens, they took the picture of Alcibiades, so perfectly to delineate a states-man, we must make use of Villeroy.   

Nihil obstat quò minùs typis mandetur,& cum utilitate legatur praesens Tractatus Petri Mathaei, &c.  
3 januarij. 1636. R. Weckherlin    

historical OBSERVATIONS Upon The Life and Services of MOVNSIEVR VILLEROY.  
HOW lively, and strong soever the apprehension of a noble spirit be, it hath need of help, and direction, and the greatest men seek the assistance of those who preceded, in that profession they intend to pursue: It is to stand upon the highest degree of admiration, to imitate no man, and to be imitated by all. Satrius Rufus followed Cicero, Cicero found flowers of greek Eloquence in the actions of Demosthenes, who boasted to imitate Pericles; Pericles took Pisistratus for a pattern: and I verily think there is not any States-man will refuse to walk in the manage of affairs on the tracts of Villeroy, and derive profit from his experience.  
The name of a States-man hath so large an extent, and participateth qualities so eminent, and excellent, that it meeteth with few subjects worthy of it. It onely belongs to him, who hath never blemished his reputation by any act of disloyalty: hath perfect knowledge of Men, of affairs, and Countreyes, is knowing in all sorts of occurrences, yet thinks not others ignorant, He presumes not to know all, he goeth not always the same way, nor turns out of a good one; he shows nothing in his opinions, which relisheth of the impudence of flattery, or the baseness of servitude; he suffers not his own interest to out-run the public; he never resolves on any thing out of passion, through mood, choler, or hastiness,( four dangerous rocks of prompt and subtle wits.) Finally, there is order in his discourse, judgement in his writings, sincerity in his opinions, constancy& silence in commands, diligence and facility in resolutions.  
ROYAL Science, which is called Reason of State, or politic Prudence, consisteth in a vigorous strength of wit, and an absolute experience in the manage of public affairs; the knowledge of which is so hard, that life is too short to understand it. Science comprehendeth those things which tend to demonstration and constancy; Prudence is practised in changes, and revolutions; the one walks in the high way of Law and Reason, the other divides itself, and departs from the ordinary course.  
For which cause Henry the Great, a little before his death( for ever to bee lamented) said, that he then began to understand what rule was, nor had he learned it but from experience, which he termed his great book, wherein Noman long reads, who becomes not knowing. So that as it is impossible to find a Common-wealth, such as Plato designed, or an Orator as Cicero representeth, or a captain according to Xenophon, so it is impossible to have a States-man accommodated with all things requisite to counsel a great Prince, or to assist to the government of a powerful republic.  
FRANCE which was never barren in the production of men of this faculty, hath not seen any man who sooner began this profession, nor hath longer exercised it, then monsieur Villeroy, and if in the last Act of Life, the desire of Eternity had permitted him to think of the world, I make no doubt but he tasted this comfort, that he left none behind him, who had served the King, and State longer, with more trust, or in greater occasions, then He. Who is admired by all, cannot in his profession be compared with any. A man must rise very high to attain parts so transcendent.  
He hath served five Kings, toiled six and fifty yeares, lived threescore and fourteen, saw the end of foreign broils, the beginning of civill. Hopes and Favours to increase, Rise and Fall: The Court-monster, which hath two hearts, and two tongues, and is so fruitful in change, so constant in inconstancy, furnished him with examples, which he was able to apply to all sorts of events.  
HE came not alone to the Court, nor inconsiderately, to make up a fortune in that place: The wealth his grandfather left him: and the consideration of the services done by him to King Francis in Italy, and to his mother the queen Regent in his absence, had already raised him above a vulgar esteem, besides the liberality of his father, and his marriage at eighteen yeares of age to the daughter of Aube-spine, secretary of the Commands, and the most trusty of the Queene-mothers servants, gave him assurance, that nothing but time opposed his fortune.  
It is a matter very difficult to raise it at Court, how industrious so ever one be, if a powerful favour, or some notable service lay not the foundations of it. How many brave spirits whither away for that they have not this sun in their East? They are gems, which lose much of their value and lustre by not being handsomely set.  
HE likewise derived another main advantage from his entering into affairs in this his first youth. It is every hard to thrive at Court in the Evening: What a deal of time to unclew so many webs? what watchings to arrive at repose? what affronts to meet with honour? what calumnies to get out of envy? There are things harsh and uneasy, which patience and custom makes familiar, and supportable, and especially a certain annihilation of ones own will. Who thinks to preserve his own will entire, shall never make great progression in Court. It is a prison, at the entrance into which, arms must be laid down, liberty, contentment, repose, and nothing retained but hope and patience. For which cause monsieur Villeroy so often said, That a man must never despair at Court, and patience and importunity overcame all.  
queen Katherine, who had so much judgement to make choice of wits, such liberality to oblige them, employed him in affairs, sent him into spain, for performance of certain Articles of peace made in the year 1559, and to Rome to Pope pus the fourth, concerning the difference of precedency, which had never been before disputed against the most Christian crown. It grieves me, that setting down this, I am more than a hundred leagues distant from the original of a letter written with his own hand, upon the occasion of his ambassage; had I means to relate some passages thereof, it should appear his understanding went on from the first, in a way quiter other than ordinary capacities.  
The prime piece in the equipage of a States-man, is, a good and solid judgement. Good wits with little labour, small time, and much dexterity, attain their desire: Other, who are dull and heavy, are like barren land, which the more it is cultivated, is the less fruitful, or as ignorant Mariners, who still complain of the sea or the winds,& strike not into the haven, but by accident. A Spirit free and prompt, understands himself in Counsels, in Dispatches and affairs; and as he conceiveth matters in a different manner from others, so his words are not vulgar, they still come to the point, and by ways which least appear. He is subtle in arguments, quick in replies, and easily apprehendeth: His resolutions are perspicuous, and clear, He is not confused in discourse, hath grace in things feigned, gravity in matters of truth: He knows how to propose an affair, to divide it, to pursue, and end it.  
IN the beginning he had an eye very open to do nothing contrary to good opinion. As reputation beginneth, it grows or declineth. Above all, integrity is to bee wished, for all virtues are to little use, if that be wanting; It is the bottom of that vessel, which breaking, all that is powred in, runs through. The words of an honest man counterpoise an oath; He speaks to men, as if he spake to God; He calls things by their own names, openly favoureth good men, sweetly adviseth such as err, hath not an care, for calumnies, slanders, nor flatteryes, and if dissimulation( the new court virtue,) be to be used, he doth it so soberly, that neither innocency, nor verity hath cause to complain. He desires not to make appear all, what he can, to the hurt of any man.  
AT his return out of Italy, the Queenemother procured him the reversion of Aubespine, his Father in laws charge, and recommended his fidelity and vigilancy to King Charles the ninth, who called him his Secretary, trusted him with his most inward thoughts, dictated to him a book of Hunting, and certain Poems; and among the rest, that, which he addressed to Ronsard, wherein he saith, 
Ronsard, thy wit more sprightly is than mine,  
My body younger, abler much than thine.   
Ronsards answer began in this manner.  
Such as I am you ( Charles) shall be one day,  
Life hopeless of return, still flies away.  
But as nothing is wanting where the grace of God aboundeth, I am of opinion that not any thing so much furthered his advancement, as the firm, and constant zeal he maintained in catholic Religion, in times, when the greatest knowing men went out of the way, and novellisme( which hath so powerful charms over the French) had corrupted many brave wits both in schools and Parliaments. For after the conference of Poissy, the Edict of january having opened Temple, and permitted Altar, against Altar; and when the principal Cities of the kingdom weresurprized, there was such a tottering, that I have heard him say to Henry the Great, and to some elder than himself, that the queen-mother to accommodate herself to the times, and to comply with the strongest, seemed not to be an enemy of this novellisme, and permitted testimonies of her affection to it in her Cabinet. necessity is a violent, and rough counselor in affairs.  
This young man continuing stable in the way of antiquity, and abhorring this change, wherein ancient Discipline, and the Hierarchy, was scoffed at by those, who believed the way they pursued was the most assured for safety, and the shortest to make a fortune, having powerful protections in Court: but this constancy augmented the first affection which King Charles bare him. The good liking of Kings is acquired, or manured by such, as apply themselves to the first inclinations of their youth, or to the exercises& humours of their pleasures, or to the increase of their revenues, or to the extent of their conquests. All other ways are not sure enough, and when one is arrived thither, the best is, that, of loyalty, and modesty.  
AT the age of 24. He alone executed the charge of Secretary of State,& that of the Exchequer being vacant, it was united to it. It was not at that time in such splendour, and consideration, as it is now. I have elsewhere made it appear, that under Lewis the eleventh, there was no Secretary of Commands, as also that the first man in the Chamber received the command of expedition, which was resolved and decreed between the King and the principal Lords of the council; in such sort, that many great actions were seen to be both subscribed, and signed by sundry Secretaries. But ever there was with the Prince some trusty man, who undertook the care of the most secret resolutions, and the dispatch of the most important. Such was Balue under Lewis the 11th, Brisonnet under Charles the 8th, the cardinal of Amboise,& Robertet under Lewis the 12th.  
THE chancellor hospital, and Morvilliers, Bishop of Orleans, Keeper of the seal, and Aube spin, Bishop of Limousin, three great men of this Age, who had the chief care of the Kings affairs, imparted their experiences to him, and enabled him, To admire little, and to know much. Diamonds are weighed against Diamonds, and wits are refined by wits in affairs, which press forward, and transport the most heavy, and stupid natures, as Torrents carry along,& unloose the weightiest stones. And as to become eloquent, the imitation of the most exact Pieces of ancient Orators should be proposed: so, to prepare a brave Spirit for state-affairs, the shortest way, is, the example of those, who have long practised them. More, men profit by example, and labour, than by precepts and discourse. But as great occasions do not perpetually happen to exercise the understanding, nor great capacities are still found to handle great affairs; It is an infinite happiness for such as have easy access, and familiar conversation with those able men, who being raised upon the highest spheres of government, see, before other the storm, and calm, at distance, judge of events, and know the source and sequel of affairs: for as one is parched in the sun, and perfumed in odours, without much ado, so such frame their judgement upon all sorts of resolutions.  
HE began his endeavours upon great works; at which time his Spirit, not poorly grovelling upon inferior things, raised itself by strength of wing to the highest, as to its Center. It is fit a States-man know the quality of his own spirit, and extent of it. There are some, who the more they are advanced, the less appear; and other, who will not admit so much light as to make themselves to be well seen: for charges and business discover men. Some would bee thought worthy of a place, if they had it not.  
The comparison of the diversity of Spirits, to that of statues, is not amiss. The Athenians employed two excellent Sculptors,( Phidias and Alcmenes) to make the head of Minerva, and beholding them both together, after they were finished, they scoffed at that which Phidias portrayed, it being but roughly designed, and admired the other; which with unspeakable cunning, laid together all the most delicate& gentle touches.  
But when they were raised upon two high columns, that, of Phidias, lessening by distance to its due proportion, appeared to be exactly wrought, and Alcmenes his Piece, without form, the height so taking away the beauty, that it seemed no other than a bowl ill rounded.  
There likewise are Spirits, which appear according as they are more or less exalted; some having not vigour enough, unless they be perpetually in the supremest region of affairs, other go not so high, and their ability mounteth but to a certain degree, past which they are not known, and much ado they have to know themselves. The head turns, and the eyes dazzle in high places.  
There were no slight affairs handled by the Kings council in those times, all dispatches were most important, and all Counsels tended to battailes, and victories. I have heard him say, that he was present at the making of the Edict of Pacification, in the first troubles in the year 1563. The difference of religion, which had divided the French in Gods service, divided them likewise in their service to the King.  
Hereupon were two great factions raised, of which religion was the pretext, and government the cause. The council of Trent held all the world in sentinel. The passage of the Duke of Alva into Flanders, gave occasion of fear to the one, and of courage to the other. After queen-mother had yielded up the power of regency to the King, shee let him see the Provinces of his kingdom. The interview of this Prince with the Queen of spain at Bayon, and the secret counsels held between queen-mother, and the Duke of Alva, occasioned great designs. The King being at Meaux, saw the forces of the Prince of Condè so near, that he was advised to steal to Paris by night, under the conduct of the swissers. There was a conference at Saint Denis between the Kings Deputies, the chancellor hospital, the Bishop of Orleans, Limousin, Saint Sulpitius, with monsieur the Prince of Conde, where Villeroy also was. It was waited on by the battle, wherein the Constable dyed; monsieur the Duke of Anjou was declared chief, and Lieutenant of the Army, Aube-spine dyed the next day, and Villeroy alone entred into charge, and the times furnished him with more business, than was left him.  
CHARLES the ninth sent him to the Emperour Maximilian, upon the treaty of his marriage with the princess Elizabeth. This third voyage much holp to dispose and fortify his judgement; so fit it is that such as desire to bee employed in great affairs, should see foreign Countreyes, especially neighbours, which may become enemies. But if the curiosity of seeing, be not accompanied with the affection of judging, and remembering what is seen, all the profit is lost, and vapours away in mere vanity.  
It is not enough to admire rarities abroad, or to bee delighted with things pleasing, it importeth to consider, how they are governed in peace, and war, how the Prince is served, in what his forces consist, what he wanteth, how his fortresses are built, how provided with munition, and defended, how he entertains his men of arms, which way he may be assailed, or surprised; Whether he have more wood to heat his Oven, than corn to sand to the Mill.  
Young men easily observe the vices of nations, and sow the seeds of quarrels, when they upbrayd such with them who passionately strive to maintain the honour of those nations, and who believe their own is still exempted from ordinary vices.  
Ignorance of affairs both foreign and domestic, is no less shameful in a Statesman, than in a physician, who nothing fears the temperature of mans body. An ignorance which many times leads Princes along into lost designs, with such blindness, that they often make war against those, of whom they should ask peace.  
THE King foreseing the course of of his own life would not bee long, recommended him to his brother, when he was going into Poland. He died at Bois S. Vincent, and the affection he bare him, reduced him into his memory at that time, when he had none at all for worldly matters. If this Prince made use of violent counsels, Villeroy gave them not, for he many times  told him, that the Prince who had more care to make himself to bee feared than beloved, was sure in the end to bee more hated than feared. fear is an ill school of duty. This cruel, and abominable word( Let them hate, so they fear) is not Christian like; the very Romans knew it not but in the time of Sylla.  
VILLEROYS service was presently so necessary, that after the death of his first Master, he was no less favoured by the second. Discovering the black cloud, which broke into a prodige of revolt and sedition, he gave the King this just counsel, to reunite the royal stock in one and the same belief, and design, and not to divide catholics, that they might not aclowledge any other Prince for head but the lawful.  
he employed him, to get two men to come into the Court, who were most dear unto him, the Duke of Allencon, and the King of Navarre. Ambition, which more considereth the scope of desire, than duty, had taken from him the affection of the one, and novel opinions, contrary to ancient belief, had debaushed the conscience of the other. He sent Queen-mother to them, and would have her to be assisted by Villeroy in this negotiation. It is a great happiness for a servant, when he is employed to make an accord between the children of the family.  
HE was the first who had notice of the purpose of creating a new order of Knighthood. Perhaps he might have done beter to have restored, that, of S. Michael into grace, as the Emperour Maximilian hath been praised, to have raised, that, of the Golden Fleece. This Prince having other thoughts, instituted that, of the Holy Ghost, and believed Villeroy, who  told him, that communicating it to few, it thereby should bee the more illustrious. A Prince ought to bee very retentive in conferring titles of honour, which are the true rewards of merit. There was no reason to deny Themistocles the crown, who vanquished the Persians in the battle of Salamina, and give it to Demosthenes, who fled out of the field.  
IT is well known, how passions swayed, and overflowed against this Prince, and how many writings insolently free, were published against him; he caused the authors to be punished, but it was contrary to Villeroy's advice, who had learned from the wise, that Paper suffers all, and that, the more Satyrs and Pasquils are forbidden, the more they are sought after.  
It is not the duty of a States-man to wound the mind of his Prince with all manner of bruits, nor to inflame his anger against those, who invent or spread them to the prejudice of his reputation. There is no kind of offence ought more to bee dissembled, than that of Tongues, pens, and Impressions.  
Generous souls account themselves sufficiently revenged by letting it appear they can be revenged. Alexander mocked at them, Augustus recompensed them, Tiberius dissembled them, Titus scorned them. It onely is for great Kings to do well, and hear evil. Three good Emperours, Theodosius, Arcadius, and Honorius, father and sons, have on this left so divine a law, that it seemeth to have been dictated by heaven. See it in French, as it is in latin, in the seventh Title of the ninth Code. If any one through want of modesty, and excess of impudence, believes he is permitted to invade our reputation, by malign and insolent slanders, and( drunk) with passion, becomes a detractor of our government, we will that he for it bee not liable to any punishment, nor suffer any thing rough or rigorous: For if it proceed from levity, he is to bee pardonned; if from fury, he is to bee pitied. If from injury, it is to bee forgiven: and therefore wee will, that the entire knowledge thereof bee preserved, to the end, that considering the quality of words by the persons, wee may advice whether wee should pursue or dissemble them.  
COMPLACENCE is so familiar with Princes, that one had need to have a soul very religious, not to love better to please with Truth, than to be acceptable by flattery. There is nothing in Kings Palaces so rare as simplo truth. An Archbishop of France said one day to Queen-mother, during the assembly of the general States of Paris, That it was now fifty yeares that truth had not gone through the door of her Cabinet And another Bishop preaching in the Louure last year, said to the King, That it entred not into Kings houses, but by stealth, and through the windows. The Prince is much bound to a faithful servant, who tells it him with confidence and discretion, and to be well served it is fit he ordain honours, and rewards tied to the Truths  told him, in doubtful and important cases, the concealing whereof would be prejudicial.  
queen Katherine loved a certain Lord of her own Nation, Villeroy perceiving the Princes, and prime men of the kingdom did complain of it, and that such complaints are ever the seeds of partialities, had the boldness to beseech her to moderate this affection, which she did; and he whom she affencted, used such modesty& good discretion therein, That his fortune was never subject to ill adventures, which always meet with those, who abuse favour.  
King Henry the third after his return out of Poland, was quickly weary of military exercises, suffering this his warlike humour to dissolve in the delights and vanities, which peace bringeth. he instituted divers companies of saeculars, who lived, not always, but for certain houres, regularly. His principal retreat was at Bois S. Vincent, whither he drew the Nobility: and for that affairs followed him every where, he would that, Villeroy who had the care of those, which could hardly bee put over to the next day, should take the habit as other, and should have a peculiar place, as it were a parlour, to receive packets, and hear couriers. But perceiving expeditions were retarded, he said to him as truly, as generously, ( Sir) Duties and obligations are considered according to time, and that is the cause why old debts should be paid before new: you have been King of France before you were head of this company, your conscience obligeth you to render to regality, what you owe it, before you grant to the congregation, what you have promised it. You may dispense with yourself in the one, not in the other: you wear not Sackcloth, but when you list, but you have the crown on your head perpetually: and no less weighty is it in this retirement, than in affairs. This is to speak.  
A Prince cannot give too much time to piety, but he must sometime leave God for God, who permits himself to bee found in affairs, and contents himself with a good intention. Let heaven bee of brass for France; while piety lives in the heart of its Kings, it shall need no other rain; no more than Egypt, which cares not since it hath the water of Nilus that fattens and refresheth it.  
But they ought to desire it may be most pure, without art or enforcement, walking with head erected, without laying it on this or that side. It avoy death these two extremes, impiety and Superstition. Many Princes by the one have braved God, and have thought ill of him by the other. impiety blindeth the soul, Superstition maketh it dull-sighted. Piety loves God, impiety contemns him, as if he were a man: Superstition fears him as if he were not a God.  
SEEING this Prince loved solitude, and made his ordinary abode at Paris, he gave him counsel to sand some principal Lords of his council throughout the Provinces, that his majesty might there be seen by the effects of his justice, since they were deprived of the contentment of his presence, imitating the Sun, who stirring not out of heaven, sendeth his rays throughout the world. If they be good men, and of quality, they every where advance the service of the Prince, their words are so many flaming arrows, which with their heat melt the Ice contracted in distant places.  
A Prince cannot better preserve the good will of his people, than by employing men, who onely affect a general good. Of all the precepts which the Emperour Charles left to his ion Philip the second, this is observed to be the best. That not being able to be in so many remote and distant places, he should handle the matter so, as daily he might bee seen by his authority and justice, disposing them in the hands of persons of great innocency and virtue, that his subjects might not have occasion to bee sorry for his absence.  
THE King who to bee revenged, purposed tragically to end the Assembly of the States of Blois, sent him a Ticket of Retreat, for no other reason but for fear, lest he and Belieure might divert him from his precipice; and lest much depending on the Queene-mothers dispose, they might give her some notice of it. For greatly he feared the spirit of this mother, who had a great power over his, besides, he saw not clearly into her practices. The Spirit of Man is very hard to be known, but that of a woman never. he thought the blood of these two Princes would quench the fire they had enkindled; but he more redoubled the flamme. For a while after, there was almost a general revolt. The Saturniall feasts were renewed, wherein servants became Masters, and galley-slaves no sooner loft the oar at the signal given by the captain, but that the most obliged fell off from their duty. He then offered the King the continuation of his service, which his principal servants forsook; but he, not understanding the weakness of his own Counsels, imagined, he might slip over a man so necessary, and confident.  
A Prince diggeth out his own eyes, when he inconsiderately riddes himself of a servant, who knoweth his affairs. Almost all Poland had conceived an implacable hatred against Gavaric the Kings most faithful counselor, Lescus, and Blanc threatening him to choose another King, if he banished him not. Garvaric was content, and besought the King to throw him into the sea, since he was the cause of the Tempest, protesting that he not onely would willingly lose his country, but his life also for the safety of his Prince, and the Peace of his country. Lescus declared, he had rather retire, and live as a private person, than stay in a kingdom under so unjust, and unreasonable a condition.  
VILLEROY then, hoping neither for safety, nor protection, that way, cast himself on the side wherein his Father, his son, his Wife, his Family, and his goods were. He much desired to expect in one of his houses till those storms might fall, but being unable to abide there, but at the discretion of the violence of the times, he was constrained to forsake the way of justice for the way of Prudence. In intestine broils, the worst side is to be of none: In particular quarrels it is a point of wisdom to stand neuter. Who onely respecteth the place, goeth off when he will; who is of a faction is not so admitted, that he can leave it, without ruining it.  
And yet notwithstanding he was in such account with both, that although discretion and equity appeared not in these confusions, but by the light of Harguebusses, all, which belonged to him was regarded, his family felt not the miseries of the siege of Paris, his friends caused him to keep victuals secretly, and sometimes in drums, his house at Conflans was preserved by a Lord who honoured the Father, and had been bread with the son. At the taking of Pontoise, a great man of this kingdom had the care to cause all the movables of his house of Halincourt to bee brought into a strong city of his government, and when the peace was concluded, he sent them back to him in Carts, as it were by Inventary, there being not perceived the loss of any the least parcel. It was an admirable providence of God to see, that against all likelihood, it should be restored him, and that his charge of Secretary of State, should likewise be rendered him.  
How rigorous usage soever he received from his king, his affection towards his memory was no whit exasperated. Henry the Great  told me one day the strange resolution this Prince had had against the Duke of Alencon his brother, and commanded me not to forget it in his history, saying: It was necessary to observe the faults of Princes, to the end that such as come after them may not wander in that way, wherein they lost themselves. I framed a discourse upon it, and shewed it to monsieur Villeroy, to submit it to his judgement. He assured me he had never heard of it. The King hearing this answer, said: You ought to believe me, because I speak the truth, and you cannot but praise monsieur Villeroy, who would not speak it to prejudice the honour of his master. To this may bee referred his answer made to Tinteville, saying unto him, that none but be was able to writ the history of that time, I am( saith he) too much bound to the memory of Henry the third to undertake it.  
After the dreadful, and tragical death of this Prince, and on the next day after, he sent to one of the most trusty servants of his successor, an express messenger, who represented unto him, that the harshness of war would be the destruction of the state, and dissembled not with the Duke de main, that it would ruin Religion, and advance their faction, who went about to reform it.  
This desire of peace rendered him odious to such as sought to profit by war; the Spaniards decried his good intentions; bad French called him the Politician,& although the Cities in this desperate liberty felt many miseries by war, and created many more by their partialities, yet the name of Peace was so odious amongst them, that quiet spirits were accounted turbulent innovators.  
It was through the constancy of his judgement, and of one other of much courage, and great understanding, that the Duke de main found it to be the best, and most adventurous counsel which was ever given to a Prince, to cause four of sixteen to bee taken, who through a furious act of injustice, had dishonoured this royal Parliament. By the like advice he drove away a petty tyrant from the bastille, which he had made the store-house of his thests, and lastly, gave the government to a noble spirit, whose constancy, and unshaken fidelity Henry the Great applauded, for he esteemed an honest man, on what side soever he were.  
AS it is not hard to guide a ship which sails before the wind, so it is not difficult to give counsel where there is neither main impediment, nor peril; but rough storms try good Pilots,& great affairs strong judgements. Such appeared, that, of Villeroy in this over-whelming tempest, where it was dangerous both to give counsel, and to refuse.  
he freely  told the Duke de main, that there was but one of these three ways to pacify the kingdom, either to accord with the King, or to reunite all the catholics under one head against him; or to submit themselves to the protection of the Spaniard. The third being perilous, as contrary to the laws of the kingdom, and the humours of the French: and the second very difficult( the Princes of the blood being straightly united for the interest of their houses) he advised the first under this condition, that the King should re-enter into the catholic Church, and that he who had the keys of it, would open the door. That his majesty should be sought unto therein by a notable& celebrious ambassage; and publicly, to justify their arms in case he would not harken to this just means of peace. The times have made it appear, how many miseries have been avoided by following this counsel. Those rivers of blood drawn from all the veins of the Body of France, would have served to cement together great bulwarks, to defend it against its enemies. It were to writ a history to represent what was done in that time, it sufficeth to tell you that the fruit of his negotiation was the conference of Surenne, which advanced the Kings conversion, after the truce, which was waited on by peace, as by the daughter on the mother. The people having tasted the sweetness of repose, would have no more troubles, the faction of the Duke de main found itself weak, and succour failing, every one provided for himself.  
AFTER the conversion of the King, he entred into the Kings service, and as Aeneas going from the sack of Troy, carried along with him his Father, his son, and an important place, which served for the reduction of the rest. The wisest condemned the obstinate, which shut up their eyes against this growing light, and required more ceremony to return to their duty, than they had used in their separation.  
The King gave him his charge of Principal Secretary of State,& from the very day he entred into it, he perceived, order returned to affairs, to the great comfort of his heart. he spared not to say, I have dispatched more business to day with monsieur Villeroy, than I did with other in six moneths. He never spake to him upon any occasion, how strange or unexpected soever it were, that he delivered not his opinion, grounded either upon reason, or example. He wondered that such a head knew so much, without acquiring in youth ought which is learned by study, or which is gained by books; most certain it is, that had this so vigorous and sprightly a judgement been cultivated by Art and Science, he would have arrived to much more perfection, and say what we can, Theory walks more solidly than practise, and books show in a little time, what experience teacheth not, but with the expense of many yeares.  
HE never negotiated with any man, that he was not too hard for him. There have been foreign ambassadors, who were held in their own country to bee Intelligencies and spirits in the discovery and discussion of affairs, who talking with him, found their subtleties were but like beards or ears of corn, encountering with the solidity of such a judgement: their discourse but capritches, their skill but formalities.  
They who manage affairs, do all of them propose one same mark, but they go to it by different ways, and some sooner than other. The Italians by profound discourse penetrate far into the future: The Spaniards derive their best resolutions from passed examples: the French stick upon the present: but Prudence regardeth all three time, and ever grounds its reasons upon the necessity of the present, the profit or loss of the passed, and the foresight of the future. They who were but his half friends, affirm his parts were not ordinary; a great integrity free from avarice, a great modesty, an exquisite ingenuity, an incredible vigilancy, opposite to profusion, innovation and disorder. He red all was presented to him, he put not businesses over to the next day, he cleared the Table every day, and dayes and nights are not more equal under the equinoctial, than were his words and actions. He carried in the most embroiled confusions, the same countenance which he shewed in the greatest contentments of the Court. Bruit affrighted not him, who bent not his apprehension, but to just and apparent fears. To fear all, is cowardice; to fear nothing is stupidity; with the same hand with which he presented the evil, he gave the remedy. The King considering this his goodness and dexterity, often said, I must needs say, monsieur Villeroy is a good and gracious servant.  
He gave audience without trouble, confusion, or in patience: the gravity which one met with in the beginning, was sweetened by a great affability, a matter necessary for a States-man; for the stoutest spirits are paid, and satisfied with good words, which never excoriate the tongue, and are repulsed by harshness; They who are sour, and austere, who hear not with attention, and patience, nor answer but in anger, destroy the Princes service, who is bound, either in his own person to hear, and see, or by his ministers, who are his eyes, and ears. do you think( said Rodolphus, founder of the famous house of Austria) that I am chosen Emperour to be perpetually shut up in a Box?  
HE used great advisednesse, not to precipitate his counsels; Henry the Great proposed a very urgent business to him, and seeing his coldness, asked him why he spake not: Because( saith he) I thought it was a matter of command, not of speech. He desired to have his advice in an occasion which concerned a Prince of the blood, he answered, when Kings deliberate upon any thing, which toucheth their allies, they must onely consult with nature. A States-man ought to know upon what, and how he must give, or refuse to give counsel. In some matters it is cowardice to be silent, in other it is temeritie to speak, but in no hand is it permitted to give counsel, before it bee asked. he gave the King that good counsel, which greatly served to establish peace, and destroy the pretexts of war, causing monsieur the Prince, who was at S. John d'Angely, to come to the Court, and to bee bread in catholic religion, that it might plainly appear in the lawful succession, for this uncertainty occasioned fear in mindes, and entertained partiality in the provinces.  
KINGS are always Kings; but in civill divisions, as they are not acknowledged by one side, so they are not well obeied by the other. This Prince during the war, had been often constrained to play the Carabin, to overcome in his Cabinet by sweetness, before he fought in the field by valour; Here, to bee a fellow in arms, and there a Soldier. The actions of his majesty were obscured, as the statue of Minerva was veiled during the solemnity of Plyntheries; or, as all stood sad at Rome whilst the Salii( those mad Priests of Mars) bare the Ancylia through the streets.  
The King well perceived the prejudice which ensued thereon: for as great severity exasperateth affections, so too much facility vilifieth authority. Villeroy  told him, that a Prince who was not jealous of respects due to majesty, permitted both the offence,& the contempt: That Kings his predecessors in the greatest confusions, had always carried themselves like Kings: That it was time he should speak, writ, and command like a King: That it was not always done, there had before been too much regard of words, too much advisednesse in dispatches, too much consideration in commands. he had often entreated those he should command, recompensed those who deserved punishment, and appeased such as had angered him.  
When he was peaceful, they who had lived in indifferency, had much a do to return to distinctions, and order. Insolent presumption, and proud arrogancy( the ordinary symptoms or indocible, and inconstant spirits) could not arraunge themselves under the laws of modesty, and duty.  
From that time the King became a King in good earnest, he put the most refractory under discipline, and many found themselves under those they sought to precede. Majesty, which so freely had suffered itself to be approached unto, and to be importuned, became so tender, that how little soever it was touched, it shewed itself to bee wounded. For which cause the King said, Villeroy had taught him to play the King, and had shewed him more in six moneths, than he had known thereof in six yeares. He some time after being asked, if he would keep the festival of the three Kings in the beginning of the year, he remembered himself what Villeroy had said unto him, and added; we have but too much played the Kings. Antiochus Epiphanes King of Asia, for having contemned Majesty, and not knowing how to bee a King, was surnamed the Mad-man.  
he could not learn this lesson from a better master; for precepts to make a King, are not acquired but from rule, and many must be observed to know what the Offices thereof are. Those of private persons are daily practised, royal grow not, nor appear not, but in great occasions.  
As Adaldague having been secretary of State fifty yeares to three Othoes, Emperours, and Gaspar Schlick to Sigismond, Albertus, and Fredericke the third, were reputed skilful of all the obligations of Emperours: so Villeroy, who had already seen the court under the reign of Francis the second, and had entred into employments under the reign of Charles the ninth, and had managed the most important affairs under Henry the third, and was not ignorant of any of the greatest under Henry the fourth, could alone give this instruction.  
Who teacheth what is to bee done, cannot be ignorant how it is to bee done, which is the cause there is no great difference between those who rule, and such as show how to rule. They have but one mark to aim at, which is the safety of the state, both the one and the other are ordained to serve the Commonwealth; and for this it is, why a Roman Emperour said, that to reign was to serve, comprising this servitude in three words, To serve the Senate, by submitting to Counsels; To serve all, by looking after the common good; To serve particulars, by yielding right to all, and defending them from injury.  
SO that he who can well serve the Prince, can well serve the State, who can play the States-man can play the Prince. It is one samething to appoint or counsel, that, which must be appointed. All, which serves to rule well, serves to counsel him well who ruleth.  
In treaties with strangers he hath ever shewed the generosity of his spirit. Did he not say to the Patriarch of Constantinople, who made the first overture of the peace between the two Kings, pursued, and concluded so gloriously by the Chauncellors, Belieure, and Sillcry, that spain could not hope for it, without restitution, and to speak to Princes of restitution, is it not to increase variance? what got Roncas from him, when he proposed the Duke of Savoy's desire to come into France, but that he should not bee welcome, if he had an intention to with-hold, what he ought to restore. After the treaty of Paris, he said: Wee still expect when this Prince will bee delivered of a good word. And thereupon his ambassadors saying, the King of spain would pass into Italy to defend the inheritance of his nephews, he replied, That is it we desire: for if wee must break, the cause is just, and the agreement will be the better made, and the more perfect.  
This prayse-worthy passion of the greatness of this crown, made him one of the most unwilling for the exchange of the Marquisisate of Saluces for la Bresse, he not enduring to counsel the King to lessen his frontier. He considered that Henry the third had often repented him to have rendered the Cities of Pignarol, Savilliana, and peruse to the Duke of Savoy, which were the keys of dauphin, and piedmont, and that the Duke of Nevers, not seeming to consent to an act so contrary to the greatness of this crown, had demanded to bee discharged from the government of Provinces beyond the mountaines. This brave Prince, then, foresaw, and foretold, that so soon as this gate were shut up against the French, that, of the Grisons would not long continue open.  
When a Prince hath any thing from another by the right of arms, or other title, how slightly soever it be coloured, he is not well counseled, to render it again. It is a maxim among all Princes, and there is none so tender of conscience, who will mortally wound his own state, to accommodate his neighbour.  
A Prince, potent, warlike, and peaceable, thinks on nothing but the enlargement of his frontiers, and sees no limits of it, but at the point of his sword. It is said Lewis the eleventh made this answer to those who spake of the weakness of the frontiers of picardy against the English: Trouble not yourselves, my frontier is much further. As much as to say, that to keep the English in peace, he would make war upon them in Scotland.  
As he shewed the constancy of his courage to strangers, so he made the like generosity to appear in reducing the Kings subjects to their duty. he hath shewed the greatest of this kingdom, that their greatness onely restend in humbling themselves to the Kings will. That there was no safety for them, but in their loyalty: That the quality of Prime-prince dispensed not with them from being the prime servant to the King.  
When the King undertook the voyage of Sedan, the Lord of that place more confiding in the Kings goodness, and the consideration of his services, than in the defence of his fortress, desired to speak with monsieur Villeroy, who went to find him out at Torcy. The King during their conference, uttered these words, I have sent him a rough Grey-hound. He flattered him not, when he said, his unhappiness and ruin were in resistance; his safety, and hope in humility and obedience. he yielded up the Fort, and it was a notable piece of judgement in monsieur Villeroy. For particular interest made itself general in the passion of those who said, they apprehended no other peril for this Lord, but that he had enemies near unto the King, who would counsel him to make the Altars of Rome to smoke with his blood in hatred of his religion.  
AT all times Villeroy preferred the Kings service before all other thoughts, neglecting his own affairs for those of the state, and hence ensued that infinite proof of his integrity, in that he very little augmented the estate, which his ancestors left him.  
His long services, his incessant industry, the affection of five Kings, might have filled his house with so great riches, as to make them comparable to the wealth of that Roman Citizen, who saw rivers to rise and glide along in his own lands. His father was governor of Pontoyse, Meulan, and Mantes: Henry the third had given to his son the Lieutenancie in the government of lions. Henry the Great gave it him after the death of monsieur la Guiche( the flower of noble, free, and generous souls) he afterward had the government in chief, which monsieur de Vendosme held. And all this compared to the toils of such a servant, shows, that in the houses of Kings, gratitude is not always equivalent to great services.  
Whereupon Henry the Great said, Princes have serevants of all prices and fashions. Some do their own business before their masters: Some do their masters, and forget not their own; but Villeroy thought his masters was his, and used the same eagerness which another would have done in soliciting his own cause, or labouring in his own vineyard.  
There is neither greatness, nor increase of a state to be hoped for, where it is governed by men more careful of their own particular, than the public. So likewise it is fit the Prince do his affairs, who serveth him, that he may have his spirit free, which cannot be, he having that( monster Poverty) in his mind. Philip the second King of spain, said to Ruy Gomes, his faithful servant, Dispatch my affairs, and I will dispatch thine. When after his death many spake of the great riches he left, he said, I thought I had done much better for him.  
Never was any man more earnest for the honour of a state, than Villeroy. The chief point of his instructions to ambassadors, who went to serve the King out of the kingdom, was, religiously to preserve the honour of majesty, to speak nothing imprudently, nor wickedly give ear to any thing against it; and he always made the King in his dispatches, to speak as a Prince, great, and awful, in elegant terms, but such as were most proper for Kings. In his particular letters there was ever something gentle, and which shewed him to bee a man well born, and long bread in the Cabinet of Kings.  
HOW great soever his credit was, he abused not the good opinion of his master, nor tired him with troublesone suits. So likewise when he spake for any one, his recommendation alone was an undoubted proof of merit. As he was not of a humour to do good to many, so he would not hurt any, nor oppose the Princes liberality to divert it: To do no good to any, is Avarice; to hinder another therein, is cruelty.  
MANY brave spirits would have been unknown, if he had not made them to bee known, and ackcowledged. he raised some of them to the principal honours of the Church, and amongst many, I will make choice but of two for an example, because they were of the same promotion, and arrived unto it by two several ways, the one by the merit of learning, the otherby judgement in affairs.  
Villeroy, who was advertised of all, and recommending the first to Henry the Great,  told him, his great learning had been so admired at Rome in the first voyage he made after, that, of the Duke of Nevers, that would he have stayed, the Pope gave him hope of great fortunes, and honour. he needed to say no more, to resolve the King, who had notice of this truth in his own conversion, and in the conference of Fountainebleau  
The other was in such esteem at Rome, that had it not been for his opinion concerning original sin, he had been chosen Pope. he  told his friends he was bound to Villeroy for the Cardinals-cap, who not so much considered his merit, as his own desire to do the King good service, to the end that such as should have the like intention, might bee assured of the same reward. Three great ornaments of France, who have had the Scales of the kingdom( the seals, the sacred mark of the Kings Iustice) have not concealed that Villeroy's recommendation had holpen their merit.  
HE commended not this vehement passion of searching into, or correcting things past. he held his peace in the beginning of the pursuit against Financiers; but after the first heat was cooled, he dexterously took his time to over-throw it, and  told the King, he had ever observed more trouble than fruit in such inquiries, which being too general, oftentimes involved the innocent with the guilty, and disturbed the peace of Families. This was not, that he desired not to see abuses corrected, and Sponges squeezed; but there are remedies which make the malady worse.  
he desired the people should have means to breath, and our Kings to bee so rich, and potent, that all extraordinary ways to get money, might bee abolished. Our revolts and seditions have multiplied the miseries within, and drawn on fury abroad; have caused warres, which cannot bee undertaken without money, nor ended but by peace; and peace not being to bee had but by arms, arms are not maintained but by money, and money cannot bee got but by tributes.  
In these great extremities our Kings have been constrained to have recourse to violent remedies, to mow the meadow as often as they list. Charges are augmented, and redoubled by the increase of evils, in such sort, that Philip, furnamed the Long, saw himself reduced into so violent, and pressing necessities, that to come out of them, he demanded the fifth part of the revenue, and labours of his subjects, without any imagination of the times, or distinction of persons.  
The true opinion of his integrity, had acquired so great a reputation, that not onely his words were weighed, but great heed also was taken of his silence.  
They who flatter Princes, and hold their vices to bee imperfect virtues, approved by their discourse, a design, which Villerov dissuaded by his silence. This Prince coming to himself, said, that Villeroy saying nothing, spake much to him. Behold what power the sole countenance of an bonest man bath!  
HE never did any important thing but by his advice, from whom he derived the knowledge, both of what he should do, as also what might happen, when it were done. How often hath he been heard to say, Villeroy said it; all is done as Villeroy foresaw it. news was brought to him, that the Duke of Savoy had caused Poncas to bee arrested. Sir( said Villeroy) D'albigny will receive the counter blow. The prediction was true, and deciphered the strength of a great judgement.  
He so clearly looked into the future, that it is above fifteen yeares ago since he said that the greatest would one day account it an honour to be present at the raising of a man, who is ruined for that he had not a friend to whisper him in his ear, what Pericles daily said to himself, Take heed Pericles, thou commandest free men, thou hast to do with Athenians.  
A true friend had spoken that to him, which Villeroy said to a Prince: That he had observed oftentimes at Court, that fortunes which come leisurely, are the latest ruined. But false amities entertain men onely with fables, and blasts of wind, which fill empty imaginations. Strong and generous souls suffer not themselves to bee deceived by vanity. They are lions, which for a time endure to bee lead whither one will, whilst their eyes are covered; but when they have liberty to understand themselves, they become untractable. The same lions suffer themselves to bee dressed up with flowers to enter into the Games; but if their shadow, or the water show them that this dress is not consonant to their generosity, they tear it in pieces. It is onely fit for dull and stupid oxen, who are lead along to sacrifices.  
HIS Cabinet hath been as an universal map: there was to be seen the groundplot of the greatest enterprizes of christendom, there was scarcely a Monarchy or republic in the world which had not somewhat to do there. It was the academy where the Princes of the blood, and other peers became capable of those things, the ignorance whereof is not excusable. Recourse was made thither as to a certain Register to determine disputes of ranks, to ordor the ceremonies of the most solemn actions of majesty.  
No man entred into it, who went not out more knowing; men of action there learnt maxims of state, ambassadors there took their instructions, Generals of Armies there received direction of designs, and Governours of Provinces their power.  
So well his counsels served to the preservation, and continuance of peace, that it is to be feared, lest we have occasion to say, as Pope Sixtus the fourth did, That the peace of Italy died with Galeas Duke of Milan. In this Cabinet Henry the Great hath renewed his alliances with his neighbours, hath quenched the civill war of Italy, hath established the repose of the Hollander, hath succoured his allies in Germany, hath weighed so many sundry propositions for the glory of this crown, and revenge of injuries.  
In this Cabinet it was, where the holy marriage, everlastingly happy, was proposed, which afforded Henry the Great, sons to bee the assured pillars of this crown, the love and ornament of strangers. Heaven had ordained, that our Hercules, after so many labours, should repose in the chased bosom of princess Mary, daughter of Francis, the great Duke of Tuscany, and Joan of Austria, daughter of the Emperour Ferdinand, honoured with two the most supreme titles, which may adorn a generous soul, being wife to H●nry the great, and mother of Lewis the just. It onely belonged to her, that her head already crwoned with immortal Laurels of virtue, should bee so likewise with the prime crown of the world; but God, who at the same time had delivered her from a great malady, hath reserved her to bee the eldest queen of christendom.  
VILLEROY was one of the three, whom Henry the great recommended with so much affection to this great princess, and who contrary to all discourse, and human appearance, have maintained order in affairs, and quiet in the kingdom during her regency. Whilst shee authorised their counsel, and cherished their good intentions, Tranquillity, Plenty and Obedience, three marks of the felicity of Empires, made this kingdom to flourish Constantine the great, wondering that Alexander Severus had so happily reigned, coming to the Empire young, and an alien( for he was a Syrian) it was answered him, that Mammea his mother was directed and counseled by personages of great experience, and integrity, Vlpianus, Iulius Paulus, Fabius, Sabinus, Pomponius. It was upon the assistance of men of this quality, and on the wisdom of such, that Plotina, wife of Trajan, entering into the imperial palace, and turning herself towards the people, said, Such as I come in hither, such I desire to come forth. A head cut off in the grieve stupefied, and astonished a sedition, and settled the auththoritie of the regency, which was but newly begun, and Villeroy judged this example to be necessary, although alliance obliged him rather to look after the abolishment, than the punishment of the crime.  
She had in the beginning so much confidence in his counsels, that shee thought they made up a part of the prosperity of her regency, as Athens termed Aristides the felicity of Greece. Had they been followed, the first stirs raised against the government, had been stisted in their birth, and the second had not passed 11 rivers, if her conference with Mounfieur the Prince, had not been broken off.  
Shee witnessed her great and just affection, when she visited him in a sharp sickness, saying, that in her devotions, after shee had remembered the soul of her husband,& the life of her son, she prayed for the health of Villeroy.  
THEY who have their tastes so depraved, that they forsake sweet for sour, gust full for unsavoury, and who in discourse seek for nothing but satirical stings, will say, that the lively colours of so many rare, and eminent qualities, as are in this Table, were to be heightened by the shadows of reproaches, fastened on the original. But all this being but dust which mars it not, I remit them to two Apologies, which give a reason of all hath been raised against his reputation.  
It is true; men the most perfect, having imperfections; in him there hath been observed some excess of gravity. he knew the great supereminencie which experience gave him over others, and was very careful to preserve it, when he treated with the most able of all sorts; very sensible, and curious he was upon all passages, which proceeded against his judgement, be delighted to see his opinions applauded, and would not hazard them, unless he were sure they should find credit, or success.  
I hereupon remember, that when Queenemother sent him in the year 1612. to monsieur the Prince, and to monsieur Conty to conjure them to return to the Court, they said of him, that he of all men in the world, was able alone to give a great Prince, bold, free, and good counsel; but he was so accustomend to go before, that he made him to come after.  
he who sits highest in the theatre, is loth to descend lower for the last comers. It is a harsh thing for such as have grown old in a Princes service, to yield to others. They still have in their mindes, that, which Ctesiphon said to Eschines. You played the game, and I laid out the money: you wrote, and I spake: you were the wrestler, and I the spectator: you danced, and I piped: you dispatched your own business in the government, and I, those of the public.  
The treaties of marriage between the King, and queen, made him odious to such as consider the crown of spain, as a Comet on their side. Then was the time, when good intentions were decried by some, suspected by other, and that Calumny began to assail them. As Hercules, although the son of jupiter, was not put into the number of the gods, until he had fought with Hydra: so he had not arrived to the great reputation of being the Oracle of this state, unless he had grappled with this monster. But as Hercules made so little account of slanders, that he ordained a sacrifice, wherein he would not bee adored but by injuries, he mocked at it, and  told his friends, These kind of divels are not driven away, but by contempt.  
A packet was brought him, surprised at Orleans, which was going to the Assembly at Thoneins, full stuffed with complaints and reproaches against his honour, blaming him for advising these marriages, and urging the execution of them.  
he shewed it to all the world, although it was in his power to have made it vapour away, unseen by any: a lesson for others, not to suppress either a dispatch, or an advice, how prejudicial soever it may bee to their honour, or to the fortune of their friends; for it is fit the Prince be informed of all, and that his service take away all respects and particular interests.  
It was red in the Cabinet, and every one admired the constancy of his soul, which neither shooke nor was stirred with so rough assaults, even before the faces of King, queen, and Princes, and other ministers of state. It is weakness of spirit, or a confusion of crime, to resent an injury, which one knows can neither touch, nor wound us. A lie covereth all.  
FORTVNE, which tried the constancy of Scervola by fire: of Fabricius by poverty: of Rutilius by banishment, proved the courage of Villeroy by means which should uphold him, and his enemies shot arrows against him, which they ought to have kept to defend him. As he was very odious to some, for having advised the alliance of spain, so he was blamed by others, for seeking to delay the accomplishment, and not approving the exchange of the government of picardy for that of Normandy, he in a moment saw favour eclipsed.  
he retired into his house of Conflans, proposing to himself to end in the haven, the yeares he had spent in the flood and ebb. He had wished this retreat, but seldom enters this wish into the thoughts of Courtiers, who the elder they wax in it, grow the more in love with it: For they know, when these stars fall from their sphere, they not onely lose influence, and motion, but light also.  
he was not suffered to taste the pleasures of solitude, he was made to know his absence prejudiced affairs, and that the general Assembly of the States held then at Paris, was scandalised, that a man was taken from the son, who had so well served the father.  
Honest men said, the safety of the vessel was doubtful, since good Pilots were not secure: what assurance is there in such confusions? And who will intermeddle in a state, where Aristides is wronged, Socrates is condemned, and Aristotle fears to abide?  
HE returned at the queens first command, protesting he would never bee the cause of hindering the Kings service, and that the resentment of an injury, took not from him the sense of duty. he said, The servant was not well advised, who retired upon his Masters anger.  
he returned then, but brought not back with him, that first reputation, and stayed long, until his patience had gnawne upon that, which his courage was to devour, being sometimes preceded by those, who heretofore would have thought it an honour to follow him: but it being very hard to foregoe men so necessary, the queen sent him to Creil, and to Clermont, when the second motions began to stir, and thence to guienne.  
IT is not fit to let a great understanding, born for action, to rest; and old age exacteth a thing unjust, when it makes him retire from attendance on the Prince, but if he bee not permitted to repose at threescore and thirteeene, nor is dispensed with to go a voyage of two hundred leagues through the most scorching heats, among fears of surprises, and designs of enemies, and to return from it, through extreme and insupportable colds, I know not at what age one should sacrifice to repose.  
Having the last year made the voyage of Poictou and Brittaigne, his great yeares, and indispositions ought to have excused him; but the occasion was too fair, the journey too honourable, the service too necessary, to free a man from it, who said the servant should not ask whither he was sent, contenting himself with the honour of the command, and to obey; for he cannot bee ill accommodated, if his master bee well served.  
These long journeys have difficulties, from which the greatest, who find accommodation every where, free not themselves, and those which are but sport and pleasure to the young, are insupportable to the aged.  
For this it was, why Budaeus, whom Francis the first made one of his Secretaries, to oblige him to follow him, and assist him to drive away ignorance and barbarism, termed the Court-life, a life irksome, insolent, and embroiled. I have often revolved in my mind in those his journeys, that excellent and learned latin Letter he wrote to his son, to excuse him with his friends for not publishing a volume of his Letters. Behold here the sum of it. I cannot intend it, not so much for the hindrance of affairs, as for the sundry disturbances of Court, and the strange enforcement of often changing place. How many times think you, for these fifteen dayes, have I had opportunity to sit, either to writ, or red, in base, streight lodgings, and where one sees not at all, especially when all the rabble comes about one.  
I do nothing but run up and down. It is more than a mile from the place where the King lies, to my lodging, if it may bee called a lodging, to bee in the same Chamber pelmell among Peasants, their poultry, and all things fed in the base Court, near unto my horses, and unto cocks distinguishing the nightwatches.  
I am besides, constrained to go to the first Table I find, and needs must I,( as it happens, and as Court chances are unexpected) play the smell-feast. The Victualling houses being not still prepared, nor fit for honest men, wee are enforced to retire into Cottages, where the rain comes in on every side, and where there is no household stuff, but such as the Cyrenians had.  
If Budeus, one of the rarest men of his time, who brought Athens to Paris, and who was master of the Requests; in a time when there was but eight, suffered all this, a man must be very nice to complain of the condition of his attendance at Court.  
THE first overtures to end the war being made at Bourdeaux by his dexterity, he was employed to poitiers, to make the truce; he went from Tours to Loudun to treat of the peace there. A negotiation, the most rugged, and difficult which was ever brought upon the Carpet, both for the diversity of interests, and the multitude of interested.  
A Marshall of France preceded him in this ambassage, two Lords of the council assisted him.  
All his Discourses were lessons, and Commentaries to enlighten the most doubtful occurrencies. The prayse-worthy curiosity of one hath observed, and written what he said in conferences both public, and familiar, and the collection he made, containeth matters so rare, and singular, that not to mention it, would wrong the history.  
Returning from Loudun to Tours, to show unto the queen, the thorns which choked the treaty, he forbore not to tell her, the Princes complained, that the King had no better notice of affairs; and speaking to his majesty, he said, it was time he should take the care of them, and prefer the most important before the least serious, adding, that when Kings neglect their own affairs, there are still some found, who disturb them, by undertaking to do them.  
This was a spark, which falling into his royal soul, enkindled a resolution in him to bee, that, for which God had created him. It is impossible for a Prince to do all, and shameful for him to do nothing. The high chamberlain of the Persian King, drawing a side the curtain said, Rise( Sir) and give order in those affairs, which God hath committed to you. The History judiciously observeth the morning: for it is not to be watchful in affairs to come to them in the evening.  
vigilancy and Royalty are born together. It is the eye on the Egyptian sceptre.  
Is it possible an eye can sleep on the top of a Truncheon, or on the point of a lance? Princes and Ministers of state( as stars) must watch for those that sleep, and to make themselves capable of their affairs, they must often speak of them, and to more than one, that they engage not the safety of many to the judgement of one man, as Alexander Severus consulted with Captains in enterprizes; with Iudges in matter of punishments and rewards; with learned men concerning examples to bee followed, or eschewed; and with Priests in affairs of Religion.  
WERE the contentments which the Court affordeth perfectly pure, and not embroiled with envy, suspicions, and anxieties, those of Villeroy after the treaty of Loudun, would have been most absolute, having ended a miserable war, which good, and rational men, even with commseration detested. All war ought to bee accounted for the sickness and malady, and peace for the true constitution, and wholesome temperature of a state. A Prince commits no less an error in letting slip the occasion of a sure, and honourable peace, than by precipitating himself rashly, and imprudently into an unjust war.  
But he having in the treaty of Loudun, more considered public interest, than particular, saw himself in such dis-favour, that he was constrained to suffer his charges to bee disposed of, as they pleased. he in this precipice retained his ordinary constancy, as Colossusses, though thrown into a ditch, lose not their greatness.  
he consecrated the houres to piety, which he had heretofore employed in affairs, and men wondered to see him give care to Sermons at the same time, when our Kings formerly took delight to harken to him. Heretofore he sought for God at Court, he now finds him in retirement. One cannot bee at the same time in Babylon, and Ierujalem, and he who is in That, must ever have the window of his soul open towards This.  
After this memorable time, which put the vessels into the port of a perfect tranquillitie, that had too long floated on the Anchor, in an instant arms were seen to fall out of the Princes hands, and the designs of a third faction to bee stopped. The King presently advertised him of it, bee caused him to come to Louure, and as it were, casting himself between his arms, put upon him the whole care of his affairs and state.  
he shewed him the letters he had prepared, and which were all ready upon this occasion to bee sent to the Governours of Provinces; he approved them. They were the lines of a good pen, and a brave spirit, who preferring sidelity due to his King and country, before any other obligation, had two yeares together wisely and courageously managed a great part of this great and dangerous design.  
ancient ministers of state were taken off from affairs, or rather affairs were bereaved of their good direction, and the three principal offices of state were strained, and dissolved into one man; the first counfell which Villeroy gave the King, was, to restore them to their charges, and re-establish the former order.  
The King rejoiced at the return of monsieur the chancellor, as he had deplored his departure, and frequent tears, which fell from the queens eyes, when he took leave of her at Blois, shewed the violence which her soul had suffered to consent to this change. The Lord Keeper of the seals, who had more freely yielded them up, than accepted them again, received them the second time from the Kings hand, who praised his virtue and justice; not unlike to Euphrates, which never alters his course for the opposition of the highest mountaines. The superintendant of Finances continued his charge with the same integrity, but with much more power than before. The Controulership general of Finances was given him, whom Henry the Great had entrusted with it, and who hath so much sincerity, loyalty, and honour in this charge, that wishes cannot add to the contentment, which the public, and his conscience gave him.  
HE went to the Assembly of rouen, and carried thither good thoughts, and wholesome counsels for the service of the King, and the good of the state, not hiding his dislike, to see that after this great Crisis, the malady was not wholly taken away. he made this journey upon condition, he at his return, might think no more but on the greatest, and to forsake the toils of Court, and noise of the city. Amongst the many Temples which Rome raised to its fabulous Deities, that, of Repose was in the country. Writing to his son, the governor of lions, he wished him to do his business in the morning, as if he were sure to lose it in the evening.  
HIS most sensible contentments appeared in the marriage of the marquis Villeroy, his grandchild, with the daughter of monsieur Crequies grandchild, the brave Marshall, the Demetrius of his time, who at the age of threescore and eighteen, affrighted Lombardy. he recommended nothing so much to this young Lord, as the Kings service, thinking this command comprehended all other.  
Obey the King, is to perform the principal point of the Law; For who giveth not to Caesar, what belongs to Caesar, is always slacken in his duty towards God. This is a precept, which the Nobility of France should night and day study; It is the gold which the Oracle advised should bee hanged at the ears of the Lydian youth.  
The rules which a great man of this kingdom gave lately to his son( an officer of the crown) for his better direction, are good for all those, who will walk in innocency before heaven, and in honour on earth, I account these the most certain: Render yourself obedient and at hand near the King at the houres you shall think to bee most acceptable to him, conform your will to his, seek for what he affecteth, make it your principal delight to please him, and to gain his good favour. To think to make yourself more esteemed by great expense, than by virtue, and frugality is an abuse: yea verily, a folly. All the Philosophers of the university, and of experience, cannot furnish you with better precepts, either to make, or maintain a fortune in Court.  
PRESENTLY after the beginning of the assembly, death violently assailed Villeroy, but it surprised him not: for he long before was prepared for that day, the last of age, and first of Eternity, and had seen all that, to die before him, which disturbeth the contentment of a sweet death. There are none; but such as are well prepared to die, who go joyfully, and constantly towards death.  
The violence thereof lasted but twice four and twenty houres, it nothing at all taking away the strength of his judgement, nor vigour of his patience, sweetly breathing forth his last in the hope and thirst of eternal life, and in the testimonies of piety, which he so religiously had manured all his life time. His body was opened to bee embalmed, and carried to Magny, the place of burial of his ancestors; there was no blood found in him, he having made his service continue to the last drop.  
The King in words worthy the goodness of such a master, and the merit of such a servant, shewed he felt in his heart this loss, and the remembrance of what he dying, recommended unto him. The Prince who looseth an ancient servant able to give him counsel without passion, and to tell him truth without flattery, is well assured of the felicity of his state, if his affairs be not sensible of such a loss.  
INSTANTLY after Villeroy had yielded up the Ghost, the chancellor, the Keeper of the seals, monsieur President Ianin, who knew true amities go beyond a tomb, said to the King, he could not better witness he had loved the father, then by affecting, his.  
The King made his love appear by sending a message to Mounsiour de Halincourt that as he in monsieur Villeroy had lost a good father, so he should in him ever find a good Master. His letters next day after his death on the thirteenth of December, expressed the sorrow of his majesty. It is a loss( these are his words) which I particularly ressent, not onely as acknowledging, and having tried in divers occasions, together with his fidelity& affection the effects of the long experience he had acquired in the manage of my affairs, and how necessary, and profit able he was for me. There is no service so great which is not well requited with such words, and none can be found to be more excellent, for the honour of his tomb. As it is an imprudence in al kind of discourses to speak things superfluous, and from the purpose, so it is a treachery to omit the necessary. I might account myself culpable both of the one and other, if I should forget that the King by the like effects of his affection commanded monsieur the Duke of Ventadour and monsieur the Marshall De L'Esdiguieres, to accord the difference between monsieur D'Halincourt, and monsieur De S. Chaumont, and that this difference was so incensed, that although the wills of men were well united in what conscerned the service of his majesty, and common safery, yet passion disuniteth the affections of many.  
One whom the King drew from his council of state to give him the superintendency of judicature, and government of this province, made an excellent remonstrance upon this.  
Whose lively reasons, plumed with words as strong,  
Through generous souls( at arrows) pass along.  
That it may appear that the Kings Subiects in such like divisions should not suffer their affections and judgements to run after those interests, which appertain not to them, but reserve them wholly, for the service of his majesty, for public necessities and their particular quiet; for all partialities finally conclude in seditions.  
The name of Villeroy hath been so celebrated every where, that the memory thereof shall eternally bee much honoured. Cardinals never are present at Ceremonies of funerals, but for Princes, yet here five, Bevilacqua, Vicenzo, Bonzy, Vbaldino, and Vrsino were present at his obsequies, and funeral Sermon, learnedly and elegantly pronounced by a jesuit in the Church of St. Lewis at Rome. The Archbishop of lions; who performed it so worthily,& who so well understands the Kings service, took upon him the care of this duty. There, Italian Ladies, many Lords, infinite other, French by birth, or affection were to be seen.  
Behold what I have observed upon the life of monsieur Villeroy, that every one may make an estimate of his merits and services. I was bound unto it, being unable to forget the account he made of my writings, the good liking he delivered of them to Henry the Great, the pains he pleased to take; not to see, and slightly overlook them( for every one can do so:) but to correct them, which none could do so well. I, in this have often found, that it is an incredible contentment to submit ones labours to a great and sincere judgement: For if he like them, others are not to be feared, if he approve them not, one will strive to do better: I desired the one more than the other. For approbation is very pleasing, but correction more profitable. I wish the gratitude of my duty may in this appear: for it is a kind of ingratitude to tell, but to few, the good we have received from any one.  
The King wanteth not worthy men to supply this place, and France in the production of brave spirits, is the golden branch of Sybilla, which losing one loaf, thrusts out another, but there goeth much time to make up a man of such experience; besides, it is an incomparable help to have been under the discipline of Henry the Great, and to have observed, that he proposed, what he would resolve, and put in execution what he had resolved on.  
THE prosperity wee enjoyed in the first yeares of his reign, were likewise the effects of the great prudence and magnanimity of this prince, who had in the calm foreseen from whence the storm might come, and how to divert it. It had perhaps continued longer, had the like order been still observed,& those who have observed the difference of times and events, have compared the advices of this great King, to the city of Athens, whose climate was so temperate, that in what part of the world soever one were, he had cause to be sorry, he enjoyed not so sweet, and wholesome an abode.  
THE loss of a good servant is not easily repaired, whole Ages are necessary to make Villeroyes. Augustus lost two, which he never found again among so many millions of men in his Empire. His legions were as soon made up, as dissolved: The sea saw new fleets, where it had swallowed up the old: Buildings rise from out of their ruins, more pompous and splendid than they were; but all the time of his reign he was heard to bewail Agrippa, and maecenas, finding not any worthy to supply their places.  
I am deceived; The loss of a good servant is in some sore repaired, when his counsels are followed, and the maxims are observed, which his long experience authorised, as infallible principles of verity. It is not todesirea slight happiness to the state, to wish that Mounfieur Villeroy were always in employment by his good advice, since divine providence permitteth not him to be personally therein, and that it principally consisteth in the observation of that wholesome counsel which he always gave his masters: To prevent commotions, and not to neglect light faults, lest they draw on great. The first examples of justice and the first acts of revenge, are the best, and such as fall upon the authors of sedition, destroy it. Phalaris did onely one act of justice by shutting him in the brazen Bull, who invented it.  
but it is enough: the rest is in the History, I have but this one thing to say. I must after an excellent& free discourse published at rouen in the beginning of the assembly, affirm, that monsieur Villeroy was the Firstmover of state affairs, the miracle of Prudence, and wisdom, the Sphere from whence those brave spirits descended, which received the Kings commands; And in a word, the Archimus who made all Europe move; and who as Archimedes breathed out his last, over his figures, and died in great and sublime meditations for the glory of this crown, and the reformation of disorders.  
The end.