News from the PALATINATE.  
A true and comfortable Relation of the wonderful proceed of Count MANSFIELD, from his first coming into the PALATINATE, until this present Month.  
Wherein to his eternal memory he hath set out God's glory, and enlarged his own renown, by being honest to the King of BOHEMIA, and a constant maintainer of the Gospel of Christ.  
Likewise relating the true and admirable manner of raising of the siege of Fr●●ckendale by Sir HORATIO VERE, with the rest of his proceed, until this present.  
Faithfully Translated and extracted out of a Dutch Letter sent from Franckendale, by a great Commander, who hath been an eyewitness of the same.  
Printed at the Hage. 1622.   

Repetunt proprios quaeque recursus,  
Redituque suo singula gaudent.  
Nec manet ulli traditus ordo,  
Nisi quod fini iunxerit ortum,  
Stabilemque sui fecerit orbem.  Boetius Metro. 2. lib 3.  

THE WONDERFUL PROCEED AND progresses of Count Mansfield in the PALATINATE, etc.  
I Must needs now remember the return of the explorators of the Land of Canaan, who terrified the people, with a report of Enachim's and Giants, iron gates, and high Towers, strong walls, and impregnable Bulwarks, great Armies, and formidable Soldiers, only Caleb and joshua opposed themselves with a contrary discovery of a plentiful Country, and large inheritance; for which the people had like to have stoned them. Thus have they dealt with the King of Bohemia, ever since the loss of Prague, and Spinola's entering into the Palatinate, jeering and deriding his attempts, as if it were impossible to prosecute any enterprise against the House of Austria, and withstand the King of Spain's Armies, with such auxiliary Princes, as depend upon his Sovereignty: whereupon they have not only scorned his Election, but taught their tongues a lesson of defamation, and their hands a cunning of deciphering his weakness and temerity, in many calumnious Pictures, and scandalous reports, never remembering Ahabs' little cloud, and what an inundation of rain it grew unto, nor the children's of Israel making of Brick in the Land of Goshen, and what a glorious Nation they came unto, nor the deridings of Sanbolet and Tobias, when they re-edified the Temple, and how they prevailed in despite of opposition: nor in a word, how the Church of God for all the watchings of the Dragon in the Wilderness, hath been still delinered like that woman, and flourished in the end for all her hard beginnings, and outrageous adversaries; and why may not time bring forth the like birth for the happy deliverance of the Palatinate, and her Master, for all this thick hanging cloud over her head, threatening a tempest of utter destruction, and desolation.  
But my meaning is, not to trouble you with repititions, or unbind the farthel of tumour, concerning former matters; wherein you shall find her garment bepainted with many tongues on the outside, and as many hearts on the inside, to intimate thus much, that men will be talking according to the disposition of their hearts: some like Papists, some like Politicians, some like irreligious Neuters, some like Hispaniolized instruments, some like true Protestants, and every one as their fancy induceth: Nay, I will not speak a word of former preparations, nor how the Duke of Bavaria proved so good a Servitor to the Emperor, that upon his coming into the Palatinate, the Papists about Vdenhem, in the upper part of the Bishopric of Spires, made a Comedy of the lost King of Bohemia, as they termed him, and used many unseemly speeches against him in that Interlude, with such undecencies, that England itself escaped not their scandalous minortives: but it passed not away with that successful jollity as they pretended, for the coming down of Count Mansfield quickly stopped all their mouths, and quenched the heat of these burning reproaches; as for those unsavoury untruths of making composition of agreement with the Emperor, or Duke of Bavaria: there never was such a thought, nor motive, either of revolt from the King of Bohemia, or reconciliation to them, and therefore of him only and his proceed, according to the Poet: Arma virumque uno, I will now speak, and show you by God's grace the success of his affairs, and then judge yourselves what possibility he stands in, and whether fairer days may come in the stead of tempestuous weather, yea, I make no question (according to another Poet:)  Saepe prement Deo fert Deus alter opem. 
The 14 of October 1621. his Excellency, for so we must style him: or General, with his whole Army came out of the upper Palatinate toward H●●delberg, being eight Regiments of foot, containing 108. Companies, and 56. Cornets of Horse, somewhat weak, and wearied with long Marches, yet were they 10000 strong by Pole: but hearing of the siege of Franckendale, they stayed not long there, as resolving to raise it, and relieve the Country, to which they were the rather animated, because that General Vere sent Colonel Ouertrant out of Mainhem, with fix Cornets of Horse, four Demy Cannons, and two Pieces of six pound bullets unto him, who were welcomed accordingly, and so his Excellency with 2000 in his own Regiment. Colonel Mersen with 1200. Colonel Waldmans Hawsen with 2000 and part of a new Regiment under Colonel Bandshaw, being 1000 with four Pieces more: besides those which Colonel Ouertrant brought, marched presently to Franckendale; but the Enemy hearing of his approach, disbandied themselves, and left the siege, retiring toward Worms: yet first possessing the Bridge, they had made right over against Steine.  
But this was not so covertly done, but they of Franckendale had notice of the same, and made a brave Salley, wherein the English, whom General Vere had left in Garrison, there performed their parts like honest men, and worthy Soldiers, for there were forty of the Enemy slain, an Italian Captain with ●n Ensign taken prisoners, and many others overtaken in the flight; by which occasion they were freed of the siege, and delivered from the fear of utter destruction: For although the Town was well fortified and had many Bulwarks and Trenches, which General Vere before his departure had overseen, and prepared: yet were they not so perfected and warrantable, but such an Army, as the Spaniard had of 9000. at least, might in time either batter, or enforce, considering the Garrison decayed, and provision failed: but God was their protector, and as you have heard, sent this supply to put new life into their courages, and relieve their distresses.  
Now the siege of Franckendale was in this manner; the Enemy taking advantage of General Vere's retiring to Mainhem, came with 9000. before it, and for four weeks continually battered the Bulwarks; but by reason he had not taken in any of the Sconces, nor dismantled the principal outworks, he could not endamage the Town itself. Nay: when he had valiantly and fortunately got into the Counterscarp, he was forced out again with the loss of 100 men, and taught to know, that a stronger arm putteth out the strong man: yet not altogether disheartened, as resolved, that Honour worketh upon difficult attempts, he obtained a half Moon, from whence he was also fired, and repulsed with the like loss: For when we perceived, that they were Masters of the same, and in possession of the Trenches, we presently made a Mine, which prospered so well, that we blew them into the air: For the Town having a passage at the back of the half Moon after the fashion of ravelings, we did the better effect our purpose, though the work itself was quite defaced. There was also another half Moon somewhat less made upon the ditches, which likewise the Enemy attempted; but belike hearing of the failing of the former, they desisted, although they had made many bravadoes to assault even the ditches themselves, wherein they might have endangered their whole Army: For they were so well defended, that 3000. men could not surprise them, than had they the wall to come to, which must have endangered them a great deal more: nay, if they had obtained the wall, which must be done with the like loss: there were many Scafferies behind, and a new wall begun to be made, which also would have much endamaged them: so that by the judgement of experienced Soldiers, and the success of that, wherein they had been engaged, considering they could not bring the Cannon to batter for the outworks, this Army would questionless have been consumed in obtaining this one place, and yet they might have failed to. For in three weeks they lost 3000. men, and diverse persons of account, besides great Officers and Captains, whose bodies were embalmed and sent to Stein: but (God be thanked) to prevent our further fear, and vain supposes of what might have been done on both sides, the coming of Count Mansfield prevented all our accounts, and the Enemy departed within four days toward Worms, so that the General came not to Franckendale at all, but presently followed the Enemy to Worms, and there encamped himself round about the 18. of October, whether repaired General Vere, & some English Captains, having leisure to treat of their affairs, & send to Heidelberg, and other places both to comfort & supply them: But the truth is, we determined to set upon the Enemy at his Bridge, had we not found many inconveniences in the same.  
For as he lay between the Rhein and a Marsh, well entrenched and insconsed by Stein, we could not come at him, or if you will, durst not set upon him, because men were precious unto us, and many wants came upon us, besides the time of year which threatened us with unseasonable weather, the Country was also foraged, and the wars had looked upon this flourishing Province, with as angry a countenance, as when she threatened to depopulate, and destroy a Country indeed: For both the Enemy and ourselves must be here, and now supplied: Whereupon his Excellency about the 22. of October resolved to retire, and dispierce his Army, and so some went to Franckendale: some returned with General Vere to Mainhem: both the Colonels Mersen, Bandsh●w went to Heidelberg, and his Excellency himself departed to Mainhem, but tarried not long, by reason of many inconveniences: so he obscured his time, and passed over the Bridge into the Bishopric of Spires, taking all places he came at, and ransacking every Town, wherein he determined not to reside except Vdenhem: from thence understanding of the slender guard of other places, he divided his Army, sending some forces to Benshem, some to Heppenhem, and some to Weinhem, all which he quickly surprised, taking the spoil for his Soldiers, & as quickly forsook, when the Enemy approached, who indeed watched him very narrowly: Yet Colonel Tilley passed most industriously to Badenberg, & there made a Bridge over the Necker, and raised a Sconce right against Neckerhausen, where he quartered himself, as his Excellency had done in other places, to the refreshing of his Soldiers, and enriching his Army.  
Till this the Bavarians were at variance with the Spaniards, and some unkindness arose about Precedency of places: For the Spanish General Don Cordona would not give place to the Bavarians, which Colonel Tilley challenged, as lying nearest the Enemy, and skirmishing often with his Excellency, whereupon they fell to blows, and that at last divided them asunder: so the Bavarians going over Odenwald, took Mosbach, and Ederback on the Necker, and also Steinbach, and Schonam, which he might do with ease, considering Count Mansfield returned once again to Mainhem about the 13. of November, and so was this Bishopric of Spieres tossed as it were between two Seas, and ready to be swallowed of either: For both the Armies were needy, and the belly having no ears, nor eyes to discern parties, called for meat, and entertained all that came.  
But what with the necessity of his affairs, & the stirringnes of his spirit, his Excellency could not rest long in a place, & so the 15 of Novem went over the Bridge again, taking in Dieteshen, which after 8. Cannon shot yielded without resistance, wherein Duke Saxon Lowanbord stayed with his Regiment. From thence the 16. of November, his Excellency took Keichweild Town, and a Castle standing in a marsh by composition: for it should seem both Captain and Soldiers (though for the most part Subjects of the Bishopric of Spires) were well addicted to his Excellency, and so yielded without battery, making intercession to serve him, and so they were entertained, and remained amongst us, & the rather, because the Enemy was strong in these parts & places, as lodging the chief Lieutenant Colonel Lipp, under Grave Rheinhart van Solmes, with his Regiment, and 2000 Horse under the Saxon Lowanbord, who were all dispiersed, for maintenance in the Country, and lay thus upon advantage to set forward the service.  
The 18. of November we marched toward Lunterbord, taking both the Castle and the Town without resistance. For the Inhabitants hearing of our approach, abandoned their dwellings, except 10. Burghers, and the Secretary of the State, who submitted themselves, and admitted of our prevailing: the rest of the people fled some hour before we came, whereby we found much Householdstuff, apparel, and linen; all which fell to the Soldiers, by his Excellency's appointment, who desiring rather money, then to be encumbered with such unportable stuff, sold that for a Florine, which was worth ten: for when peace and safe conduct was proclaimed to all, that would return, and repossess their houses, many came back again and redeemed their furniture at easy rates: so his Excellency made his chief quarter here, and grew so strong, that the Towns both of Worms and Spiers, desired his Protection, and paid great sums of money, the one was granted, the other received; by whose example other Towns condescended likewise to contribution: For Landaw and Weisenburg, both ricks Towns; disbursed great sums: Haggenaw paid 5000. ricks dollars, and hath yielded herself with the tender of all service, and the supply of his Excellency's wants, especially to send him Provant and Munition, if he went to Lanterburg, yea all the places and people submitted themselves, and applauded his fidelity and endurances.  
Inso much, that from the 18. of November, to the 25. there assembled so great a number of Earls, Barons, Colonels, Captains, and Gentlemen, besides the wonderful concourse of people, that as it is one way incredible, so is it another way remarkable, that either the person or the cause should thrive so suddenly, and against all expectation: every man offering his service to his Excellency, and every thing giving way to his fortunes, and the success of his enterprises, Don Court, a Baron of Lorraine, hath mustered 600. Horse: Grave Cassimire van Lowestein 1000 Colonel Carleston 600. Horse, and to make the Companies complete both with Foot and Horse, Commissions were granted about the end of November, to raise 6000. Foot more, whereof the most part are come already: so that in my conscience, if multitudes of men will perform any exploit, here are men enough to overrun a Kingdom; or if those men they have may be paid and kept together, here are spirits, that propose great matters to themselves, and as great service to their General. The Duke of Boulogne proportioneth 4000 Foot, and 1000 Horse. The Prince of Wittenberg with diverse great States, and other Ricks Towns promise fair, and send his Excellency word, they have already 8000. in Arms, and at the Spring will make them up 15000. for the defence of the Palatinate; and as it should seem, all the Princes of the Union, somewhat ashamed of their former retraction, will reassume new courages, and make a trial of new fortunes: so that by this computation, if we may flatter ourselves with the hopes of promises, and coadiutements of men, such as the Romans were wont to Auxiliary forces, and Presidiary Colonies, the King of Bohemia reckoning his own helps, may presume of 60000. men: but yet fare be it from presumption, because God worketh many times with lesser number greater works, then either the recovery of the Palatinate, or Kingdom of Bohemia.  
To this we may add that Army which is already under the commands of john George marquis of jaggendorpe, and the Earl of Thorn, being at the least 16000 strong in Bohemia, and the Provinces of Silesia and Moravia, for all the threatenings of the Duke of Saxony, and inconstancy of the Citizens of Prague, and why may I not name the Hungarians, and Transylvanians under Bethelem Gabor, who questionless will not deal ingenerously with the King of Bohemia, but step in as a sharer in this recovery, and keep all the contracts in despite of rumour, that will have him at peace with the Emperor, or at least at truce in this time of his absence from Vienna, as is reported, that he is gone toward Italy about a marriage: But whether it be so or no, such be the Letters, such is the report, and every man stands gazing on these preparations, as if they were to behold some prodigious comet, falling only into the scruple of conjecture, what should be the issue of both. For my part I leave all to the unsearchable providence of God, and return to the business in hand, which turneth me over to a new work.  
By the occasion of these wars, and dilacerating the peace and plenty of Countries, this goodly Province of the Palatinate had come into the hands of cruel usurpers, and unnatural strangers, who have respected nothing, but the present time, and supplying of wants, not caring what became of her hereafter, nor how deformed they made her for to welcome her own parents: For they cut down her Woods, even before Franckendale, and other places, to prevent annoyance from the Enemy, who kept in the same as under shelter, and from thence made many sallies upon the people, and lay as it were in Ambuscado to surprise the Soldiers: they over-trampled her Vines, and made the hooves of their Horses speak cruelly to the roots: they digged up her fields for Trenches and Bulwarks: they pulled down their houses round about their Towns to raise ravelings and counterscarps, they oppressed the people, suffering no man to enjoy his own, nor to give it away to whom they pleased: so that they which before in a manner lived securely without walls, and fortifications, are not now safe within walls, trenches, and the mounting of Cannons: and this is the misery of dissension, and the rage of Princes, who will not be pacified without mischief and revenge, as is apparent all over Bohemia, and those Countries, where the Enemies have come in with the sound of hostility: so that if any demand, why Count Mansfield, being so strong, so well provided, and befriended, doth not return into the Palatinate, and either contrive the rendition, or prosecute the Enemy's expulsion. I answer plainly: 1. The Soldiers love the spoil better than pay, and so are kept together with the hopes of reward, and enriching themselves. 2. Secondly, the Palatinate being thus foraged, will not supply the wants of so great an Army. 3. Thirdly, they must be consumed against fortified trenches and Sconces: For they will not come to a main battle except they list. 4. Fourthly, treasure being wasted, he is not sure always to pay them, and it is a rule in Martial discipline, not to let the Soldier want, while he lieth in the field. 5. For all his Excellency be thus forward, yet is he subject to direction, and expecteth more friends. 6. Last of all, to expulse the Spaniard & Bavarian by force out of the Palatinate, must cost a great effusion of blood, and Princes that are good, would spare the lives of their Subjects, yea, of Christian Enemies as much as may be. But to return where we left.  
About the 21. of November, the Enemy approached Dieteshen with 8000. horse and foot, and four Pieces of Ordnance, notwithstanding Captain Banbierg desisted from opposing or fight with him, as pretending he had no such Commission, but only to stay for his Excellencies coming, who was resolved to encounter with him indeed, but the Enemy tarried in no place, but rather retired back, and so there was no hunting him in a depopulated Country. The 25. of Novemb, his Excellency left Landerberg, leaving but one Company, as a Garrison therein, and marched with all his forces toward Gernsham, and the next day toward Dieteshen, with four Pieces of Ordnance of 15. pound bullet, where the Enemy and he skirmished: for though they retired about the 22. of Novemb. yet they still hovered here about, and resolved upon any advantage or opportunity to besiege the Town, by which occasion when we found them here, we came to blows: but their main forces lay entrenched by a Marsh, and kept the fastness, so that we could neither enforce them, nor fight any set battle: wherefore his Excellency loath to lose time in the evening, retired to Bernshem again, whereby the Enemy had leisure to besiege Dieteshen, and so with nine days battery, and the loss of 200. men, he took it by composition, after we (as I said) had skirmished with them the 26. and 27. many times.  
The 29. of Novemb, the Burgomaster Nonnelts of Spiers was sent unto his Excellency with gratification and assurance, that they would take up 1000 men, and give them three months pay, and so send them well furnished to his Excellency, by which example the Towns of Landaw, Weisenburch, and Hagenaw have done the like, according to proportion of Inhabitants: but Strasbourg hath beat up the Drums for 4000 with her Villages, who are ready to come unto us: so that we increase daily, and find the Protestants to their power, willing to supply us with men, money, and munition; whereupon we returned to Dieteshen again, and repossessed the place, putting the Enemy out, and so left 300. men as a Garrison in the same, which was done the 12. of Decemb. we did the like to Fridelshem, but that fell into the Enemy's hand, as soon as we departed: For you must know, that these places are neither fortified, nor walled, but as the stronger forces possess them, and make them serviceable to their uses.  
The 16. of December we marched from Bernshen to Hagenaw, and so to Wantzenaw by Strasburch, and at last took Elsaz-savoren without any great hurt; but most chief we foraged the whole Bishopric to the supplying our wants, and enriching the Soldiers. For when Strasburg understood what was done, and that we were going away with the spoils; they sent unto us, and redeemed the same with the disbursing of 200000. Ricks dollars; whereby our Soldiers full of money and courage, cried out for the Rhine, and the river of Maine: For we now mustered 16000 foot, and 6000. Horse, having honest and probable certificate, that the Bauarians and Spaniards were not 14000. and so stood in fear of his Excellencies coming upon them, which no question he would have done, like thunder, if they would any manner of way had endured the trial, but they had learned the trick of entrenching, and so expected the good hour of supplying their Armies both from Savoy and Italy.  
The 6. of january Monsieur Bonni Court, a Baron of Lorraine, came to Hagenaw to his Excellency with 600. horse and the Baron Bovo with 4000 foot, so that it should seem his Excellency is much feared in Lorraine: For many of his Companies have already tasted the fruits of the Country, and with reciprocal gentleness been welcomed amongst them, yea, it is certain, that France herself suspects his approach, and the Protestants every where pray for his success, and coming amongst them, because it is rumoured, that the King of France hath taken the Sacrament to overrun them all.  
Thus is the mustering of Soldiers, and taking up of men on all sides: for as his Excellency increaseth his Company with the inhabitants of Lorraine, who willingly suffer his Muster-masters among them, and hath at least 1000 subjects of Spiers likewise to attend his service: so do the Bavarians & Spaniards seek daily to augment their troops, and beside great hopes out of Italy and Savoy, have the help and assistants of the Catholic Bishops, Princes, Gentlemen, and Towns: so that the Earl George van Lowesten hath taken up a Regiment of foot, and 600. horse, who all lie in and about Landaw. Colonel Tilley quartereth with 500 men by and in Landeburg, & hath his other troops dispiersed in several places: For some 14. days since, he took Wimphen, and as we heard many of Heidelberg retired themselves to Mainhem, being full of fear, that in the absence of Count Mansfield, the Bauarians would come back again to Heidelberg itself, but we hope it is too strong and well peopled for them, and they dare not as yet leave the other places wherein they abide, naked and abandoned: beside, Count Mansfield is not retired so fare, but he can come again upon them to prevent further mischief: for Captain Chevit lying in Dielsberg about the end of December, took in a little Town by the means of a playing Petard, and slew many of the Bauarians, spoiling and burning the place: yet did yet belong to our Colonel Landshat, who is a native of that Country.  
In this manner are all these Countries turmoiled, and the people in Arms, so that his excellency groweth stronger and stronger, and the Palatinate is much comforted, and expecteth a fair recovery: For in Heidelberg lieth Colonel Mersen as Governor, and hath four Companies in his Regiment; with him is joined Colonel Landshat with four Companies, and two English Companies, who are well appointed, and the General Vere is very careful and industrious, that the Bavarians take him not at any advantage; whereupon Franckendale was also newly relieved, so that there are now in it 12. Companies, beside, the Burghers and many hundreds of Peasants, who serve for Pioneers, and to set forward the works: nay, they are so strong and cheerful, that they sent a convoy with diverse Gentlemen, and well appointed Companies of foot to conduct the Palsgrave Corn & Wine out of Attenbergs: Schonaver and Niewhausen hoof, with other places, which belonged to his Royalties, to bring all safe to Franckendale: but they of Worms denied us passage, and shut their gates, keeping their Sconces against us, because they pretended a treaty and capitulation with the Bavarians, and either durst not yield to our requests, or were indeed disaffected to us in their hearts: whereupon General Vere not thinking it meet to endure such neutrality, or give way to affronts, which might disparage his Honour; sent us Commission to maleprise all the commodities, and Merchandise, that came from Worms, and intercept the Wagons of all sorts, that passed and repassed too and from them; whereby we quickly took 100 Fats of Wine, much Corn, Horses, and many other commodities, teaching them a better lesson of friendliness and constancy: so that ever since they have agreed, and bound themselves to be more serviceable, and at that time bought out their Corn and Wine again at reasonable rates, though with great loss to the Merchant, who in the bargain disbursed 1000 Dollars extraordinary, which were divided amongst the Soldiers, who brought themselves and that they went for quietly to Franckendale.  
After this, we grew bolder and bolder, and made diverse outroads and inroads into the Bishopric of Spiers, where we obtained good booty, and faw the misery of these places, which were preyed upon on all sides, and made subject to the usurpation of strangers, who were not dainty to disrobe her of her best ornaments: For as I said before even at Franckendale itself, we were enforced to cut down the goodly Woods round about it, and many thousand trees in other places, because they served only as a shelter for the Spaniards to lie in Ambuscado, and so break upon us unawares; or if you will lie continually shooting at us to our great loss and hindrance, without any endemnity to themselves: but now God be thanked it is otherwise, though to the Country's damage and defacing, and we are preparing for to raise outworks, and cast rafts and trenches, which will questionless put the Enemy to great loss and trouble to win, and demolish, before he can come near our Towns: and in this estate standeth the Palatinate itself at this hour, both ourselves and the Enemy well fortified in every place, and resolved, that if they come not to an orderly rendition, it will be now a matter of great difficulty, to put the possessors out of their holds and fortifications, especially if the Soldiers be well paid, and take notice of the Officers care to supply their wants: For although the Country be much foraged, yet for money provision will come on all sides, and the rivers can send down their Boats and Punts from remoter places, with corn, cattles, wine, and other necessaries, as occasion shall serve.  
While we thus busied ourselves in the Palatinate, and lay watching one another to prevent the mischiefs, which might be taken upon advantages, his Excellency grew stronger and stronger, and had planted himself as it were in a new Country: whereupon the spirituality of Mentz, and the confines of Lorraine, yea some say of Metts likewise, desired with one consent a truce for two months, either expecting relief, which I know not from whence it should come, or resolving to buy out their peace, which is that Count Mansfield desired, as knowing money to be the very sinews of his strength, and binding cords to keep all strongly together, or fearing his forces and protestations: For concerning the one, they saw apparently, that as the Scriptures said of jehu, he came or marched furiously: so did this Champion of Honour, whirl up and down their Countries with violence, and added forces to forces to firm himself the stronger. Concerning the other, seeing the Spaniards and Bavarians had led him the way, and taught him a lesson of intrusion, and usurping another man's right; why should not he do the like, paying them with their own money, and prising the balances with their own weights? nay, if they were so ready to rob and spoil the Protestants in the Palatinate? why should not he be as willing and propences to forage the Papists, wheresoever they resided, or he could find them. These considerations made the Bishops and other Clergy men suspect their estates, and resolve to compound for their quietness: For as I said, they saw no forces ready either to oppose or expel the Mansfildians, as I may call them, nor could indeed conjecture, what would be the success of these affairs, or whether this glorious Army would march, much less in what attempts it might be prosperous. For they saw plainly the Bishopric of Spiers was spoiled, and that the Town itself had agreed with him, and in a manner promised, not to entertain any Spanish Catisons, though Don Cordona and Monsieur Tilley importuned the same: yet for all this did the Bishop retire with certain Cornets of Horse to Idenheim, where Monsieur Tilley was resident, and his Excellency perceiving the Papists only to temporise, was the unwillinger to come to any composition with them, but would rather adventure on the spoil: but at last his resolution was to be contented with so much money ready paid.  
You have heard before, that there was some controversy between the Spaniards and Bavarians about points of honour, or (if you will) tumours of vainglory and ambition, which now burst out again: For about the 7. of january, while the Bavarians were resolved to attempt some places: Don Cordova against all expectation would endure the field no longer, nor hazard his Soldiers in the extremity of Winter, which now came upon them, and so retired himself to Winter his troops in better lodging; whereby we had the more leisure to surprise such Merchandise, as passed to and fro the Country: yea, his Excellency commanded the Rhine at Germshem, and had diverse Ships and Boats ready either to make a Bridge over the same, or to transport his Army and Provision to such places, as he determined to lodge in: but he went presently as you heard into the Bishopric of Mentz, and they of Strasburg gave liberty to his Captains to muster men, and take up Soldiers in his name, though the Archduke Leopoldus had sent an Ambassador to diverse Towns by way of countermand and prohibition: But alas! Ambassies will do no good, where men are Masters of the field, and Armies lie ready to prosecute any tyranny contradicted, or in the heat of fury and revenge: For such was the success of Earl mansfield's affairs, that he took up men in all places, and so went directly to Elsas, a Town of great expectation: for although some two months before he had possession of the same, as he thought, having received some Soldiers into the Town, whereby it was confidently given out, that Elsas, or Elsas Saveren was his own, being a fortified place, subject to the Archduke Leopaldus, who is Lord of that Country they call Alsatia, lying between Switzerland and Mentz, arriving by the Bishopric of Spiers, and the Palatinate, full of Rivers, and extraordinary commodities, and every way convenient for his Excellency's affairs: yet they revolted again, and put out all his garrisons, standing firm for their own Lord the Archduke Leopoldus: so that much exasperated against them, about the 17. of january, he sent most part of his Army either to besiege or surprise it, who in the march took all the Bishop's Booers, with their Horses and Wagons, and made good booty.  
But before I proceed any further, you must consider, that in all your Dutch Currantoes, this word Elsas is taken for the whole Country of Leopoldus, as much as for the Town itself, and therefore may bring confusion to the Reader, that he supposeth sometimes the Country is taken, when it is but the Town, and the Town is taken, when he is only marching in the Country. Another error ariseth from these Currantoes in confusion of time, by stilo novo, yea by many antidates, and postdates, so that they place that first, which should be last, and that last, which had a passage of former time. Thirdly, that they build too much upon hearesayes and reports, and so trusting unto various opinions, huddle all news together, because they would be thought to know something. Last of all, your Dutch Letters have a strange custom of partiality to set out the glory, and renown of their own Countrymen, and scarce to mention either the English, or any other Nation, who are indeed the best Actors in such services: As for example, in the description of the siege of Fran●kendale, not an Englishman in any Coranto, or Dutch Letter is named: but only Captain Ouertrant, and such like, when yet the English deserved better than any Nation. Again: in the government of Heidelberg, only the Dutch Governor is commended, but the English are sparingly passed over, with naming of two English Companies in the Town: Nay, in the description of Mainhem itself, the General Vere is slightly charactered, when yet by commission from the King of Bohemia, he is the great Commander of the whole Country; and Count Mansfield himself, while he is resident there, must acknowledge his authority. These things I thought good to certify you of by way of transition, that you be not altogether transported with Dutch news, and partiality, nor confounded with transmutation of time and names, nor affrighted with any relation, which shall seem to darken the glory of these affairs, or the hope of better success in the Palatinate business. But to avoid all doubts, questions and oppositions, I have (gentle Reader) for your sake composed this discourse, and in a plain phrase, that you may rely upon one truth, and teach your hearts a song of thanksgiving to the God of truth, and battles, that hath thus begun to bring matters about, against all expectation: and so to our business again.  
In Lotringhem the Spaniards Commissaries, as well as Earl mansfield's, met to take up men, and muster Soldiers, and were very jealous one of another, who should prevail in their greater numbers, how they sped I cannot tell, but we were pleased in our accounts: For although diverse went to Elnshisem to serve Duke Leopoldus, with assurance that more would follow: yet we made a strong party, and marched forward with 16. pieces of Ordinance, & leaving 300. men in Germersheim, took our way to Lanterbergh, where we had a great skirmish, and lost some men, not without reciprocal damage to the Enemy: but before we passed from hence, news came of the Spaniards coming to Germersheim, with resolution to make a ship Bridge there, and that 600. Bavarian Soldiers were gone out upon booty, whom we watched narrowly to catch in their return, but we failed at this time, and were crossed again with a new report, that the Town of Spiers had entertained 1000 Soldiers to defend the same, as suspecting we might come thither, and take them at some advantage: and thus were the Catholic Bishops likewise standing on their guards, and neither went abroad without a convoy, nor slept in their Palaces without Courts of guard; nay, the alarm went as fare as Cullein, and all places prepared to delend themselves: for the Papists perceived that Count Mansfield resolved to draw the war from the Palatinate, into the Bishop's Countries, and were in great fear, that the young Duke of Brunswick with diverse Lords, in the behalf of the King of Bohemia, would make a strong party on the other side of the Rhine, as well as Count Mansfield had done on this side toward Lorraine, and the borders of France.  
The 20. of january, we took in the Town and freedom of Hagenaw, resolving to quarter ourselves there, and so remained quiet a while, till his Excellency resolved to prosecute the siege of Elsas Saberen more throughly, supposing that, as the Archduke Deopoldus kept there his Court of Chancery, he had also been there in person, but the truth was, he had not long since retired himself into the Valtolina. In brief: after we had disarmed all the Soldiers that were in the Towns, we took, spoiled the Jews, and foraged the Countries, as turning ourselves round about without any certain passage forward, or backward. Count Mansfield sent Colonel Ouertrant as General of this new Army, with 3000. foot, and 1000 Horse, seven pieces of Cannon, some Petards, and many Pioneers and Workmen, who seated themselves before the Town, making large quarters, and yet fortifying themselves after the custom of trenched Camps: the first thing they do, was the summoning the place to the use of Count Mansfield; the next thing they attempted, was the threatening of the same, as fare as demolition, if they did not orderly surrender and compound for their quietness. They of the Town demanded three days respite: they of the Camp murmured at the delay, whereupon Onertrant sent a messenger to his Excellency to know his resolution; who remembering former grievances, and exasperated for their first revolt, sent 1000 men more with a severe imposition, not to allow them three hours by way of disputing, except they determined at the time prefixed to yield indeed: for have it he would, whatsoever it cost him. In the mean while all the Bishoprics were spoiled, and the Papists had not now so great a cause of joy and triumph, as at the beginning their ostentation shown.  
So that I will be bold to say, never was such an alteration: For though Prague is in possession of the Emperor, who hath wracked his rage upon such he named Traitors, and the Palatinate is thus foraged by the Bavarians and our Soldiers. Yet mark what followed, even in a manner the devastation of all Germany, and the Papists every where are set upon by the Protestants, & our Enemies opposed with as great Armies and forces: For how the Duke of Saxony is turmoiled in Silesia, and his own Country is apparent, so that in my conscience he wisheth an end of the War. The Hungarians forage even Silesia itself, and spare none, who have been opposite to the King of Bohemia. Bethelem Gabor takes it ill, that the Emperor will raise Soldiers out of Poland to disturb his friends, and so procured the Turk to send a Chause unto him, to certify his pleasure of misliking the same; and withal watcheth Moravis, and those parts. General jeggendorff followeth Don Baltaser at the heels, and sent word to Count Mrnsfield, that if he would return into Austria, now the Emperor was gone to Inspurg, they would order the matter so to intercept his returning to Vienna. The young Duke of Brunswick hath played also his Master's prize against the Bishop of Haluerstat, who hath forsaken his Country to look for shelter in other places: so that the Elector of Montz was compelled to fortify Amenburg, and put a Bavarian Garrison in the same: yea, such is the turmoil of these Countries, that no place is free of of disturbance, nor person assured of his estate: For the Prince ELectors are so jealous of these affairs, that as fare as they durst, they called the 〈◊〉 of Hess in question, for permitting the Duke of Brunswick to come so fare and peaceably into his Country unrefisted, and sought withal: but he neither denied it, nor they durst prosecute the matter. To conclude Prague itself, the Emperor having banished all the Procostant Ministers, and proclaimed them Traitors, who shall any way assist them, is ready to mutiny, and the Garrisons that keep them in awe, suspect one another, and the revolt of the place, if ever there come an Army before it.  
While these things have their several passages in the remoter places, Count Mansfield prosecuteth his determination against Elsas Saveren, and the whole Country of the Archduke Leopaldus, so that diverse Swiss have offered him their service, and the Archduke is much molested to see such a fire raised against him: whereupon by the Bishop of Strasburgs' enticement, he sent three persons of reputation by the way of an Embassy, that if he would leave the Diocese of Strasburg, and his Country unmolested, he would restore the Veltolina again, and make a perfect peace with the Hesuetians. Count Mansfield replied, he must have other composition, ere he desisted what was his own, or knew he could make his own, he would keep until the Palatinate were restored, and the Bauarians and Spaniards departed, he would either divert the War to other places, or enrich his Army out of other men's purses: as for the name of peace, it had an ill accent in these times, considering their own examples: For what did he any more than was taught him, and could he do less, then set on foot some revenge. If the Spaniards and Bavarians under the colour of the Emperor's service, had set upon the Palatinate, and Protestants there, the ancient inheritance of a religious Prince, and Elector of the Empire: why might not he for the service of the King of Bohemia i●se● other Countries, who were irreligious Papists, and held those Diabolical positions of murdering, and deposing of Princes.  
This answer was much displeasing to Leopoldus, but he saw no remedy. For to add unto his discontentment, the Swissers resolved not to admit of his government, and so sent word to the Duke of Milan of the same, who could do nothing without the King of Spain's resolutions: but they would not tarry his answer, but sought all the means they could to free themselves, and assist the Grizons for the recovery of the Valtolina again: whereupon they certified Count Mansfield of all their affairs, who resolved to follow Leopoldus whether soever he went, and to press him to make an end of the War, and that intrusion.  
In the mean while, the Town of Elsas is now besieged, and the three days they demanded, expired, so they reso lued to fight it out, and sent word to the Castle of He genbart, standing upon a very high rock, to annoy the Army as they could, which they did night and day: For the Mansfildians lay within shot, and the Town thought upon nothing but rescue: but neither did the Artillery do any great harm to the Army, nor could Leopoldus prevent the mischief which followed: For about the 27. of january, the Army gave a brave assault upon the Town, and with diverse batteries, and the loss of 400. men, with two principal Captains, they took the same, as also Mours Menster, where were slain 300: but in both they found sufficient riches, with 300. Tun of Wine, and many thousand measures of Corn, but neither spoil, not rapes were committed: For upon small payments their houses stood with their Householdstuff and utensels unstirred, and none were ransommed, but the honest Papists: For the Abbot and diverse others, were fain to fly, and dispierce themselves into Lotteringhen, and sundry places of security: yet could not prevent great disbursements of money, nor in a manner ransomming themselves: For the Markgrave of Tourlack took his Excellency's part, and got many people and Soldiers to be retained in his Excellency's Army, which was mustered anew, and so he marched back again toward Lorraine with all the Pieces, which he had at Hagenaw, who were fain to disburse 10000 ricks dollars, to buy out their peace; yea, the Duke of Lottinghem himself came to a composition of 100000. ricks dollars, that he would pass quietly without foraging his dominions, which order he observeth with all the places, that do quietly surrender; as for those that oppose against him, either Village or Town he leaveth to the spoil of the Soldier, and when they have no spoil, he payeth them out of his treasury.  
Now you must consider, that how ever Elsas Saveren was taken, yet there was a composition made, and conditions of agreement ratified between them for the payment of 300000. Ricks dollars, which were demanded the first of February, and for want of disbursing, much unkindness and threatening followed: yet had they fine days longer respite: in which interim Count Mansfield retiring himself to Hagenaw, gave the Army leave to visit the Country, and such places where they might imagine any booty was to be gotten, or Enemy to be met withal: and so about the third of February 9 Cornets of Horfe passed Strasburag Bridge to intercept the Bauarians, who were gone upon some design to Swatwood: And upon the fourth of-February many Companies went out another way, and burned four of the Bishop's Villages, watching the Markets, and taking many Bavarians prisoners, who lie upon the Country; as well as themselves, and take one another at advantage, as opportunity feives their turns. The fift of February the speech was, that the whole Army would rise and march forward to Hemses Heim, Brifac, and Friburg: but hearing that the Bavarians were going to new lodging, they desisted for that time, and did not mean to stir, till they were assured where the Enemy would dispose of himself.  
While these things were shown on the Stage of Variety, and all Christiandome stood looking on to behold, what scenes these servants of Bellona would act: Letters both of gratification and direction came from the King of Denmark, and all that favoured the cause of the Palatinate, wherein he had particular intelligence, that the Protestant Princes were resolved upon an Army of their own, that is to say, to be paid at their own charges, under the command of the Earl of Tourlach, and to that purpose Murterbergh taketh up 3000. Foot, and 500 Horse: the Barons Messairs de Bounoys, and Frandecount, two Regiments, the Marc●graue of Baden, and Duke Weymaren 3000. Foot, and 500 Horse, Duke Magnus 1000 foot, and 400. horse, Hemsteder 3000 foot, the Rheien Graf Oue 500 horse, Fleckensteine 600. horse, and Golstein 3000. foot, and 400. horse: all which with diverse others shall march under the standard of the Princes of the Union: For although they understand of great preparations from Savoy, Naples, Milan, Spain, Poland, Austria, and the Princes combined unto the Emperor and his service: yet they are assured that the Swissers have leagued themselves, both Protestants and Papists to cast off the yoke of the Spanish government, and to move in their own free Orbs, as they did before: yea, Leopald●● himself doth much repine at the Spaniards intrusion into the Valtolina, or any territories of the Grizons for the government, did ever belong unto a younger house of Austria, and one of the Archdukes in former times lost his life about the same, and with much ado it was obtained.  
And thus much of Earl mansfield's proceed, to the 12. of February last, whose coming down into the Palatinate, besides the running away so fortunately with his own actions, hath made the passage the easier for General Vere's care and diligence to fortify such principal places, as lay open before to the daring approaches of a strong Enemy, and the fearful batteries of a Cannon, or other stratagems of War: but now Heidelberg with many other Towns are well fortified, the passages have Sconces: the confines are garrisond, the rivers have Bridges, which they can take away at their pleasure, and the very Boors, though labouring like Pioneers, return to their Villages with the reputation of a Soldier: so that in my conscience, if Spinola himself were now to take possession into this Country, he would find it more difficult, than he did, and whosoever may conceit by the same argument, that therefore the Bauarian and Spaniard, being now fortified, will hardly be compulsed out without rendition, or composition. I answer plainly, I think so to: For so I am assured the behalf of the Bauarians, that they will hardly get any further places of account, than they have: but if the War be diverted to other Countries, as you saw, how the Romans dealt with Hannibal, to draw him to defend Carthage, that had been 17. years in Italy, and could not be startled from thence by force, or policy, than it may be these intruders will be glad to go home again to keep their Country from the cruel Arms of devastation: or if some thundering troops come upon them, with a well disciplined and governed Army, then may the stronger arm put out the strong man.  
As for their objection, that would commend the piety of the Enemy, in not overrunning the Country at his first entrance into it. What hath he done better than Count Mansfield hath done in many Countries? but I will answer more particularly; peradventure he could not, after the Noble Vere came to intercept his forwardness: peradventure he was willing to taste of the Grapes and fruits many days, and then it had been folly to have made an untimely Vintage, and devoured all in one day. Peradventure he was loath to go too fare, for losing himself in a Wood, or hazard his return when he would, if such came behind him, as would make him leap over their Pikes, or peradventure he had limitation, lest by proving too cruel, he might stop up the gap of all piety and commiseration, if ever the wheel of Fortune would turn about, and leave the triumpher himself in the hands of compassion, as in all ages and chances of War hath happened, where many a time the Son hath been stabbed for his Father's cruelty, & the General reconciled, by finda noble adversary. But here me thinks I am answered with peremptoriness, that these Countries have such mighty adversaries, that there is no possibility of extenuating their greatness, much less of bringing them to the bar of a new examination.  
Be not too presumptuous, nor run away so fast with over-confidence of any worldly stability: remember rather what Mordecay said to Hester: That if she did not go in to the King for the preservation of her people, God would raise some help another way to bring his purposes to pass: so say I of the Palatinate, when we run away with an opinion of invincible Armadas, and for evitable Armies: the winds and weather may dissipate the one, and very weak opposition, overthrow the other. For the God of winds and battles, hath a trick to humble us with hard beginnings at the first; that prosperity may be the better welcome, when it is hammered out (as it were) on the Anvil of toil, travail, wants, disgrace, contempt, and other fearful endurances.  
FINIS.