THREE GREAT OVERTHROWS ONE In the Palatinate, against Monsieur Tilley, the Duke of Bavaria's General: Given by the King of Bohemia himself, being in Person in the same Battle, with Sir Horatio Vere, but not Count Mansfield, as is reported, he being at the same time in Spiers. THE OTHER Before Haggenaw, against Leopaldus Forces, the Emperor's Brother, by Count mansfield's Garrisons, left in the same City. THE LAST In Languedock in France, against the King's Forces, since Soubizes Defeat by his Brother the Duke of Rohan, who hath taken Memorancy the Admiral Prisoner. Collected out of two Letters, the one sent from Heydelburgh, the other from Mainhime, by an express Post, that arrived here on May day at Night.  
And now published this third of May, MDCXXII.   

MATTERS CONCERNING THE PALATINATE, WITH THE DEFEAT of Monsieur Tilley in the Palatinate, and the Duke of Memorancy in France.  
THere are two sorts of men in the world, compared to tame and wild beasts, and these are flatterers and detractors, and that worthily: For what vice may he predominant in a Prince, or Common wealth, which a flatterer cannot gild over with the fair appearance and colours of virtue: and what business can present itself on the stage of this world, but a detractor will calumniate and desire it; which is more apparent at this instant in the combustions of Europe, then ever was heard of in many ages: for how many be there that sooth up the humour of some kings (besides the jesuites, whose profession is blind ignorance, and superstitious zeal, even to set forward impiety) to stand upon terms of sovereignty and imperiousness, as is great reason in Monarchies, though the subjects be slaughtered, the country devasted, the people mangled, the peace dilacerated, the Churches abandoned, religion defaced, and God blasphemed: and how many be there that discredit the cause of distressed Princes, and the thriving of religious businesses, although the finger of God doth point it out that fairer days shall follow stormy weather, which is most apparent concerning the Bohemian affairs, and the Palatinates' recovery, wherein both flatterer and detractor step on the stage of this world to act their Scenes with deceitful hurts and malicious intents. The flatterer carried away with outward shows of the Papacy, and Catholic Princes, will not apprehend, that there can be any determination of their greatness, but cry out with Nabuchadnezer to worship the golden image of their Monarchy. The detractor shaking his head, and biting his lip at any success shall happen, and deriding the business, as if the Giants attempted to fight against heaven. Thus have they magnified the house of Austria and the proceed of the Empire: thus have they discredited the King of Bohemia's attempts, and set strange characters on his actions.  
But as in all disputations there is a Moderator: so would I might now meet with such men, as will stand Neuters, and neither prevaricate judgement, nor overthrew verity: and if the higher matters are too transcendent for their capacity, yet let them give way to true relations, and honest reports, without scorns, or cachinations: but because I shall never have my expectation satisfied in this kind in regard of the multiplicy of humours in a common wealth, I leave them all to be deceived themselves, or deceive others, and only apply myself in this discourse to such men, who out of civil honesty entertain good news with joy, and welcome bad with commiseration and pity, making this use of both, that God is the manifester of his own judgements and mercy to all the world. And so to the business in hand, and to tell you what hath happened of late in the Palatinate, since the King of Bohemia came there, and chanced in other places as the cause hath thrived, and men have had their minds stirred up with good affections.  
Know then, that the fifteenth of our April, and the five and twentieth Stilo novo, 1622. there came letters from Stuchgaret, that a thousand horse, and four thousand foot of Duke Weymers of Saxony arrived at Laffen over the Neckar, who brought word that the next day there will be also 3000. at Rottenburg for the marquis of Baden, who comes in person to set forward the Bohemian cause. But the same day there was a mixture with as bad news: for they will have it that General Tilley came to neither Gemunds' a pretty great town, and as he served the peasants in the villages, so he used the people in this place, killing all the soldiers, slaughtering most part of the Burghers, torturing the preachers, and sparing neither Captain nor officers, nay the very scholars were subject to his fury, so that it seemed he was either blind with ignorant zeal, or mad with intemperate rage.  
A little before Leopaldus had sent down a 1000 soldiers into his country, who had passage even by permission of the people and some town garrisond with mansfield's men to march over the bridge toward Haggenaw, and I must confess, that though Leopaldus hath been much disappointed in his expectation for diverse troops out of Italy, and money from Spain, yet came their soldiers daily from Austria, and certain companies of Swiss are ready to marshal a pretty army in Alsatia, had not the the garrison of Haggenaw made a fearful sally upon some scattered troops, killed diverse soldiers, and brought eight Captains of horse into the town, which when the rest understood, whom Mansfield had placed in the villages, and loath to be behind their fellows in glorious exploits and profitable booty, they likewise drew to a head of three thousand, and approached a village in which were fifteen-hundred of Leopaldus men, whom they not only frighted with an alarm, but discomfited with a great slaughter, taking some prisoners, and many arms: but you must know in these disasters it is fare better here then with Monsieur Tilley, because the soldiers have an ordinary ransom, and upon surprisals, there is an ordinary delivery, wherein and whereby Count Mansfield hath gotten such a reputation for the fair sparings of all people that submit, or yield him contribution, that the better sort commended his discretion and military customs, and inferiors pray for his success and augmentation of honour, especially clap their hands for joy, when they hear him cry out for the cospel, and the King of Bohemia. Yea I will be bold to say that these wars have made more true hearted Protestants, than all the flatteries of Peace, and wantonness of prosperity could ever do.  
Much about this time (and here I pray you pardon me for precedency of Days, or Actions; for I would be loath to tie you or myself to such searches: it is sufficient, that you shall receive the Relations fully, honestly, and truly, as they chanced) And so I say, much about this time Count Mansfield came to Germishem with three Regiments, whither also repaired Monsieur Ravillau, to treat with him about matter of great importance, especially a Truce: but he now answered, that he could not determine of any thing, until the King of Bohemia were settled, who should dispose of Business at his own pleasure.  
Upon the neck of this, as we say, there came assurance of the marquis of Badens preparation to the War: who sent word, that his Army was in a readiness, but he would willingly have a Camp at Durmishem, as being able to keep the Field himself, having levied Soldiers, and trained Bands, to the number of ten thousand, besides Wagons and Munition, Carriages and pioneers, with all other Furniture belonging to a great Captain: Nay, his Customs were so Religious, that in the midst of his Troops he observed the Sabbath, and commanded both Prayer and Fasting for one Meal in the same, whensoever he determined any Attempt, or set himself a-work for befitting Enterprises. To this you may add the Arrival of Palatine Lodowick Phillips at Germersteme, and many Friends in other places, as true forerunners of the King of Bohemia's coming indeed.  
Monsieur Tilley all this while ranged up and down, and sometimes shown his Horse in the Fields before Ladenberg, and sometimes came with his Foot to give Alarms to Heydelberg, and sometimes terrified the Towns with diverse Outrages, and at all times watched opportunity, to be revenged on Count Mansfield, or at least to take him at advantage in some Expedition, that he might acknowledge he had a Soldier to his Adversary, and as great a deserver of Renown as himself: In which courses he continued, to the affrighting both of Towns, Villages, People, and the whole Army, till the King of Bohemia came indeed; by whose occasion, the second Battle, which is promised you, chanced, as you shall hear hereafter; though for my part I could be contented with the Title of a Skirmish. The denomination of Battle carries too much terror with it, and too much curiosity of distinction, as being the highest part of Military Discipline: in which, many circumstances are to be considered, as mutual Agreement, a Day appointed, the Trenches cast open, the main Forces unobscured, the Troops orderly marshaled, the Cannon placed, and in a word, a preparation made to Death and Slaughter, as you see a Feast appointed to entertain some great Prince.  
Now came the time, the long-wished time of the arrival of the King into the Palatinate, about which there is some disparity of reports. For some will have his Army to meet him after his Convoy from the Duke of Boulogne: Some say, he took Wagon, for the ease and accommodating his Person; and some say, he outstripped the Army, and came only with three Post-horse to Gernshem, from whence, he spent three several days in visiting Mainhem, Franckendale, and Heydelberg: in all which places, according to the common acclamations in welcomming their Princes, as their joy exceeded, their Ceremonies augmented; and the Prince saw plainly, it was no common custom of the people's welcomming their Princes, whosoever they be, but a hearty desire to show their love and obedience unto him, who had ventured his life to come amongst them, and would never desist, till they were recompensed for their losses.  
But it was too soon to begin so effectually, and so there passed at this time a reciprocal thankfulness and ceremony between them: yet in my conscience it lacked some fervency, because the ignorant people imputed some unkindness unto him, in regard that by his forsaking of them, they were compelled to forsake their houses, and inheritances, to leave them to a stranger's usurpation. But this aspersion was quickly wiped away with a gentle hand of observation, and a present entertaining of new joy, especially that they now hoped, that these strange Harpies which devoured their plenty, should either be expulsed by the valour of Zetes and Culines, or enforced to a composition, which might deliver every one his portion again: which although it seemed now a little diminished, yet they well hoped, time and good husbandry would reduce to her pristinate fullness and handsomeness: To which they were the rather induced, because the marquis of Baden hath much augmented Count mansfield's Army, by uniting their Forces together, and visiting King Frederick, who cannot be saluted otherwise, nor receive any Character, than the King of Bohemia.  
When these Princes were thus solemnly met, and that a Council of War had resolved on some things worthy their presence, and so great an Army; Monsieur Raville was discharged, and sent home without an answer: For they were resolved to have no Peace, but to make way to new fortunes by sharp Swords.  
In the mean while that these things passed in the Palatinate, Bavaria suspecting the worst, had raised more Forces of his own, and had more sent him by the Emperor: so that there departed from Vppenhem over the Bridge eleven Troops of Horse into the Landgrave of Darmstadts Country, to join with Tilley at Simpen.  
And thus nothing was expected, but Mischief, and Revenge on all sides: For no body durst look out of Laudenberg, by reason of the Horsemen of Heydelberg, which watched them continually; nor was there now any thing thought upon, but watching one another, to take advantage for their own ends and purposes.  
And in this manner stood the Business of the Palatinate at this hour; and so must rest a while, till you hear the news of Silesia.  
The Duke of Saxony somewhat troubled, that Lusatia was denied him by the Emperor, remained rather discontented then pleased, and so gave way to the Princes of Silesia to call a Diet because of the uproars. For the soldiers had mustered themselves to assault Glatz: but were repulsed by the young Earl of Thorn, who slew many of them, and made them retire with great loss, whereupon to prevent the worst, he entertained 150. soldiers more, who came from Wittingham, by which occasion they are so strengthened and heartened, that they have protested to defend themselves to the last man. In like manner the other Protestants are much incensed against the Bishops, and every where there is crying out upon the Catholics tyranny, and wicked jesuites: whereupon the Bishop of News will take from them of Cuntele the use of their Churches, prohibit their assemblies, deny the reading of the Scriptures, and as ill as julian the Apostate, debar the intercourse of Christians: now Cuntele is three mile distant from , and was ever a privileged place, whither they of the religion resort, and were proud again to be reputed Protestants. For although in these places there was some disparity between the Caluinists and Lutherans, which bred some scandal to the professors: yet were they all glad of the general title of Protestants, as you see at this hour, the Papists generally rejoice at the name of Catholic: from the Bishop's example many Priests and officials performed the like, but the people unaccustomed to such indignities, from murmuring fell to opposition, and so stood upon a guard of defence, and began some slender oppositions in many places, resorting to the Princes and Lords of the Province both in town and villages, desiring them to let them have the freedom of their souls, how ever the Emperor or Duke of Saxony under him would seem to command their bodies, and obedience to extraordinary contributions: upon this there is great mustering of soldiers round about and the Emperor sent a new messenger to the Duke of Saxony to be careful of the government. For he knew the loss of Bohemia depended upon the absolute revolt of Silesia: But the truth is, they were afraid of the marquis of jeggendorff every where, who for all the Parliament of Hungary, and the great assembly there to rectify the disorders of the Commonwealth, grew strong with new forces, and was reputed twenty thousand, and feared to come against them presently: For the country grew mutinous, and every man suspected one another, considering the Emperor was reputed weak, and would gladly have a peace, if he knew which way to obtain it with his honour: to which I am the rather induced, because new Soldiers must have money and good entertainment, and the old were worn out with many and diverse difficulties; especially slaughter, hunger and sickness; besides the Countries lay wasted where they quartered, and the Inhabitants did not husband nor till their grounds as they were wont in former times: and this was the general cause almost throughout all Germany, at which the people every where were very much moved, because troubles arose not for Religion or the Gospel's sake as the main point of the same: but for ambitious titles, and matters of State and government, of which there is neither time nor occasion to dispute here: and thus much for the remoter places.  
Now we may draw near home, and come to that you desire, the second Skirmish I promised you, which was against Monsieur Tilley in the Palatinate, and concerning which there are diverse reports: but this Letter is come from Crutsnach, wherein the Spaniards lie in Garrison, and therefore I am persuaded they would make the best of a business against them, and be as sparing as they could to discredit their own affairs, and so they tell the tale in this manner.  
Although the Report of the King of Bohemia's coming into the Palatinate was quickly divulged, and made known to all the Garrisons, especially Openhem and Crutsnach, where the Spaniards lay, and had lain ever since their coming into the Country: so that now they were very well fortified and entrenched: yet as they had been quiet all this Winter, they were now likewise never startled by the rumour, so that it was then supposed, that they had some private or secret directions so to do, or knew there was some capitulation about their removing and rendition of the place: notwithstanding Bavaria would not be so answered, but as the Emperor had given him the Country, he would maintain the Title, and also justify the possession: but as you heard in many places, there came interpositions, and no doubt would prove him an intruder. Besides, when it was objected unto him, that although the Emperor as exasperated against the Prince Frederick, had done this for the present, and made his indignation an example of revenge: yet either it could not last, or time would work a reconciliation: but as for him, it must needs be a perpetual cause of displeasure, and their posterity in the remembrance would hunt one another into the fields of slaughter and war. To this Bavaria replied, let hereafter times look to themselves, he would not go about to prevent destiny, he had now for himself his limitation, & therefore regarded no more, than the present, his own glory, and the Emperor's dignity, which in his failing now must needs be made a scorn to all nations: whereupon he proceeded (as you have diverse times heard) and was indeed the only supportation which his Imperial Majesty trusted unto, as affecting the revolt of Prague, opposing the enemies of Bohemia and Moravia, repulsing the soldiers which had begun in Austria, and now maintaining an army in the Palatinate, of which he made Monsieur Tilley General, who had no question deserved well of fame and report for many sundry actions, wherein both himself and his Master had attained the reputation of good soldiers.  
In this course did they continue all this winter, repining at nothing more than the proceed of Count Mansfield, who was now the only bar and hindrance of their fortunes, wherefore they watched all opportunities to oppose him, but he grew too strong for them, and as I may say too proud: for he left them in scorn to a hard winter, and made way for his own glory, even through the Palaces of Bishops, and countries of Catholics, which neither Bavaria nor Tilley could prevent. Yea, when he had done what he listed, he came back again amongst them with greater fury and more impetuous violence, like the Ram, which fight with his adversary, retireth by little and little, but not for fear or dastardliness, but to return with greater courage and force: thus in the mean time comes the King of Bohemia, as I said, into the Palatinate again, and found Bavaria and Tilley springing with the spring to new vigour and lustre, insomuch that at two several times Tilley had surprised some part of his carriages, and slain some few of the rear of his army: yea he continued with that bravery, that he did show himself most when the King was strongest especially after the King of Bohemia was come into the Palatinate: for than he bestirred himself indeed, and not only spoilt the villages, but threatened Heydelberg, who had many alarms by his means, and many reports of her besieging: not thus contented, he braved the camp himself, and came out in fury to set upon the King in an audacious manner, and so a skirmish began, which a little rebated his fury, but yet not eclipsed his glory.  
Here gentle Reader I know not what to say unto thee, because rumour is spread into streams concerning this matter: but in regard my Letter comes from Crutsnach, from the Spaniards, and that all Letters tend to one purpose, that there was such a defeat, I will follow my Copy, let other men please themselves as they list, and so they tell the tale thus.  
The King after he had joined his force that Mansfield had sent unto him with Sir Horatio Vere, having occasion to remove his army, was pursued, or if you will, attended upon by Monsieur Tilley, who marched along with all his forces to overlook the proceed, which was orderly performed, until the King came to a bridge, where for the time he made a stand, as indeed not thinking it convenient to pass over, considering Tilley was so near, and in a valley beside him.  
Tilley again conjecturing that he made this stay for fear of him, came the bolder forward, and pressed so fast toward him, that he was compelled to break through a battle of his own pikes with his horse, which must needs disorder his foot, and which was judiciously discovered by the King: insomuch that being well prepared, he took the advantage, sending some horse to entertain these, who came so forward, and advancing with the rest against the disranked pikes that could not so easily be brought into form and fashion again, and so without dwelling long on the business, because they continued not long in the skirmish, Tilleyes battle was overthrown, and he himself had much ado to escape: then followed a strange slaughter: for there were perished and taken prisoners between 5. or 6. thousand men, but most of them slain, and last of all it ended with spoil, for the soldiers took away their arms, and stripped their bodies, leaving them naked to the fowls of the air. Thus is Tilley escaped, and therefore we can say no more of him: yet only Count Mansfield is now a subject to talk of, and no question will run in some violent course of glory, if the Emperor do not speedily send more forces, and raise a greater army: for in my conscience this victory hath elated him more than all his former proceed in the Bishopric of Spires or Leopaldus country: to which I have a fair way of belief, in regard that heretofore Mansfield was willing to hearken to a parley, and entertained the Emperor's messages, and Letters about a peace: but now he gave it out, it was only to win time, and to compass his ends, which were to serve the King of Bohemia, and his coming into the Palatinate, by whom he would be both directed, and commanded, and without whose permission he would not so much as consent to a truce or cessation of arms.  
At last (as you have heard) the Palatine comes unto him, and is welcomed in every place and applauded of all the people, so that it is doubted, he will stand upon the higher terms, because he hath the stronger force: as for the Spanish Garrisons, they are firm and well provided, yet I see no reason for their continuance, except Bavaria be supplied, and a new order taken to renew the war: For whether war or peace, I am resolved, that Prince Frederick will not suffer us thus to remain in his country, and be as thorns in his sides.  
To this effect was the Letter from Crutsnach, written by one of the Garrison, and therefore I am persuaded it was impartial, and according to the Business: so that there is hope for the general Cause to thrive, and the particular Business of the Palatinate to cheer us with a new recovery. And thus much for those Affairs.  
Hear is also another Letter come secretly from Paris, concerning the King's Forces in Languedock, which I suppose is very convenient to be published, according to the probability of the matter, and the fearfulness of the Time. It is not my purpose to dispute of the Actions of Princes, but to lament the poor estate of Protestants. It cannot be hid from the ears of the World, that is not hid from the eyes of the People; and so, as rumour hath told us of the distresses of the Protestants of France, good thoughts have instructed us to wish the pacification of their Troubles, and pray for the diversion of the King's anger against them, with the cessation of the War. But it will not be: And therefore, for my part, I refer the Business to God, who can cure the wounds of his Church, and comfort the hearts of his People, which have of late, especially in France, been more sadded then ever before; in regard there is a Book published in Paris of Monsieur Subizes defeat going to Rochel, whom the King followed in person, and slew many of his company: this Relation filled their souls with grief, and their eyes with tears; and in such a manner the sorrow for the same increased, that they would not admit of recovery, and joy, although they presently heard, that Monsieur Duke de Rohan, Subizes Brother, being in the field for the Protestants in Languedock, had given Duke Memorancy, the Admiral of France, a great Overthrow, which is thus confirmed.  
After the jesuites had prevailed with the French King to go against Rochel, and prosecute the Business of Montalbon, the Soldiers were mustered in every place, and the General of the Army proclaimed nothing but War and Destruction; yet was there Oppositions against them: and the Protestants of Province and Languedock well hoped, that Monsieur Desguiers would take their Cause in hand, and defend their Religion; which whether he will or no, is yet doubtful, and so hangs in suspense.  
But Monsieur de Rohan would not tarry for his resolution, and raised such Forces as he could, to supply Mountabon, and defend the Country: against whom was sent Duke Memorancy, as General of the King's Army, with other Lords and Gentlemen of quality; who came forward with a goodly Army, and too goodly (if it had pleased God otherwise) because it was against their Brethren. But Kings command, and subjects must obey: Mountmorancy comes forward apace, and Mountaban was afraid of a new obsession: but it proved otherwise. For Rohan was courageous, and presumed on the Cause, though it were against his Prince: so in plain terms (as they say) they fell to a Battle; in which, all things were ordered belonging to Martial Discipline, but that the Lord of Battles did disorder the Business. For coming to blows, and joining with fury, Memorancy gave way, and Rohan took the advantage: yet the fight continued long, and till the main Rout was too too apparent, there seemed no difference. But at last, as no extremity can last, the Victory fell to the Protestants, and the Admiral was taken prisoner, with two Brothers of his Blood; but one of them died of his wounds, and many other were slain outright: The Letter says five thousand, the Rumour more, but the Religious heart says there were too many of these, considering the Business was between Friends and Kindred, Countrymen and of one Nation, Christians and Neighbours, and not between Strangers and Enemies to the Kingdom.  
This is that we receive from foreign Parts, and this is that we harken after in our own Country: every one wishing well to the King of Bohemia's proceed, every one praying truly for the afflicted Churches abroad; yea, cursing the jesuites for such a Doctrine, that bellowes out nothing but War and Death, Slaughter and Revenge, Cruelty and Spoil, when yet the Saviour of the World bad Peter put up his Sword, and feed his Flock; road with Hosanna and Palms to jerusalem, and not with Armies and Triumph; submitted to Scorns and Buffetting, and did not revenge himself: And yet these men dare seduce the Princes of the World, and blaspheme the God of Heaven, who laughs them to scorn for the present, and will in time to come cast them in a Bed of Affliction with the Whore of Babylon.  
FINIS.