THE TRUE COPIES OF SUNDRY LETTERS Concerning the Affairs of Bohemia, as they have been severally written in High Dutch, Latin and French, to Princes, and other men of account.  
Newly translated and printed, M. D. C. XX.   

The Contents of that which orderly followeth in this Book.  

1. A Letter from Prague, April. 1. 1620. concerning the Christening of the young Prince borne there.  
2. A Letter sent into France, concerning the Emperor Ferdinand his Ambassage into France, to desire aid of the French King.  
3. A Letter written by Christian, Duke of Saxony, to the Emperor Mathias, by way of friendly admonition, not to believe the Jesuits; showing how he ought to carry himself towards those of Bohemia, and the other incorporate Provinces.  
4. A Letter from Gabriel Prince of Transiluania to the Emperor Ferdinand.  
5. A Letter from Gabriel Prince of Transiluania, to Christian Prince of Anhalt.  
6. Another Letter from the said Transylvanian Prince to the Prince of Anhalt.  
7. A Letter from Gabriel Prince of Transiluania, to the Duke of Bavaria.    

A Letter written from Prague, the first of April, 1620. concerning the Christening of the King's Son, borne at Christmas last.  
AFTER the King by way of Embassy had entreated the Prince of Transiluania to christian his Child, the young Prince I mean borne, so auspiciously in Prague about the end of December 1619. to the unexpressable comfort of all the Kingdom, and confederate Provinces: he made a journey to Proslaw, the principal town of Silesia, the effect whereof tended to this purpose, that by his personal appearance amongst them, he not only corroborated their good opinions of him, but rectified certain disorders, and from that excellent division of Commutative and distributive justice, opened a larger hand of bounty to such as stood in need of his favour, and showed a stronger arm of Majesty to those that neglected his power. But understanding that the Transylvanians were already on the way toward Prague, he hasted thither; and by the middle of March was welcomed with many happy relations of several victories, both in opening the passages, and defeating the Emperor's army; as if Philip of Macedon should have news at an instant, that the Spartans were subjugated: Olympia bore him a Son, and his servants carried away the games of Hercules. So that to make him more way to his joy, about the end of March, Count Henricus Turzo, with other Noblemen, in the name of Bethlem Gabor, came to be Godfather to the young Prince; there were diverse Lords of Hungary in his company, and thirty Hussaros, as they call them, exceedingly well mounted, six Caroches, each of them drawn with six Horses, and an hundred horses beside, with good equipage, and well appointed. Notwithstanding such was the pleasure of the King to keep correspondency with his own magnificence, that he sent them twelve Coaches more, with diverse officers of the Crown, among whom was principal the high great Steward the Baron of Lobcowitz, a man grateful unto them, as having formerly been in Hungary, and now of sufficiency to put an equal recompense in the other scale against many favours by them extended toward him: In this manner they came to the great City, and the very next day had audience, wherein as an over plus to their embassy, they assured his Majesty, that about the 1. of May, which was the Diet of Newsnak, the Crown of Hungary would be determined, and those forces he had requested, accelerated unto him.  
When the day of solemnity approached, wherein I pass over the concourse of people, and many remarkable accidents tending to the expatiating the Bohemian glory, his Majesty sent his own Caroche by the Baron of Buslwitz, the better to accommodate the Earl to the Court; and so the King, with Count Turzo, the Duke of Wittenbergh, and the Prince of Orange his Ambassador, who were the other Godfathers, went to the Church with the Lords of the States of the Country, and the Ambassadors of the incorporated Provinces: Doctor Scultetus did preach, taking his Text out of the 15. of john, I am the Vine: And when the Sermon was finished, other religious ceremonies began, the young Prince being brought into a place of sequestration, yet public enough for the satisfaction of the people; by the greatest Lady in the Land, called Ouerburgrauen, who supplied the place of Godmother; and had on her right hand, his Majesty's brother; and on her left, the Duke of Weymar: The Lords and Officers went before them, and the Ladies and Gentlewomen followed behind: At every entry or change of places, the trumpets sounded, and the drums beat, till they came up to a stately marble table, whereon a bazon of Gold stood, serving in steed of a Font to dip the Child in. The Count Turzo held him in his arms all the Christening time, and gave him the name of Robert, as intimating, that the first Roman Emperor of his Majesty's Family was so called; but questionless this was the direction of both the Counsels, and a policy of the Prince of Transiluania, to induce the people to conceive or apprehend, that there might once again be Emperors from their now Bohemian King.  
After the Prince was named, he was delivered to the rest of the Ambassadors there present; and so the deputies of the three States of the Crown, the Lords of Silesia, Moravia, the higher and lower Lusatia, with many other Ladies of estimation, had the sight of him by turns, and blessed him extraordinarily even in his cradle.  
But time is the determiner of all things, and so in time, after some accomplishment of ceremony, they returned in order as they came, except the King, and some special Lords and Ladies, who followed by themselves, making as it were another show of State: but it should seem the reason of the King's protraction was to entertain a present, which the Count Turzo offered at the going out of the Church, a very fair and well shaped Turkish Horse, richly caparisond; the saddle and all things appertaining, were pounced with flowers of Goldsmith's work, interlaced with many precious Stones, the very covering was richly embroidered; and the Horse, as if he had known his own glory, grew want only proud again, to show his bravery to the company.  
The royal dinner was solemnised in a great Hall builded on the River for that purpose, some call it the Mew; some, Moldan; and some, Moldavia, as it maketh several windings thorough the Cities. The Feast lasted so long, that that night they could do no more, but retire into a house of pleasure, situated in the privy Garden, and for this purpose made as it were to show a new countenance with great variety of refreshing, as guilding, painting, and unusual pargeting: He's here. They passed the residue of the time with music, dances, and another banquet. The next day, the States of Bohemia presented a gift to the young Prince, of 2000 pounds in valuation, and the other Ambassadors and Lords offered very largely: so that a man may well cry out of the wars, as a consumer of Treasure, and impoverisher of Kingdoms. For I am sure here was so great remonstrance of abundance, that a man would swear they neither wanted men, nor money.  
To morrow is a preparation to celebrate the Baron of Donaws marriage, and the next day an expectation of a Tilting, and every day an invitation of jollity. For in truth, they that saw the noble customs and princely jollity of King Frederick, his Queen, his Brother the Duke of Weymar, and the rest of the Lords and Ladies, (more than solemnity of Prayers and giving thanks unto God) would little imagine, they had such entanglements of affairs abroad, or at any time discomforts at home.   

A Letter written by a French Gentleman being in the Army of the King of Bohemia:  
To a friend and neighbour of his in Poicton, upon the occasion of the Voyage of the Ambassador of the Emperor Ferdinand sent into France.  
SIR.  
I Have received yours, wherein is contained the request of succour, propounded by the Ambassador of the Emperor to our King: and having communicated it to those of our Nation, which are here (as I am,) I do here represent unto you the judgement which we do all make, of what may and aught to be answered, to those who are of opinion to yield the succour which is required, by an inveterate enemy to France, and to the House of our Kings, against the King Frederick of Bohemia, one of our ancient Allies, and one whose House hath deserved so well and so often of the House of our Kings and of France in general.  
We say then, that if these Inducers are not more Spanish then French, at the least they do heavily offend against the Principles of our State by a gross folly: by a remarkable baseness, and by a manifest injustice.  
By folly, first in setting themselves against those who serve for a counterpoise for the State of France, to balance it against a power so great, as is already become fearful to all the States of Christendom; particularly in this, that by the Instrumencie of the Jesuits, it pretendeth to be erected into a fifth Monarchy, by the ruin of other Kings and Princes.  
The second folly were, to go with such facility to the succour of them, who in the life time of Henry the fourth, did refuse his interposition to accommodate the differences risen between certain Princes of the Empire, allied and confederated with France; one of the principal Officers of the Emperor Rodulph, having dared to say, that the King should trouble himself with the affairs of his own State, and in the difference now in question, while it was yet in terms to be accommodated: my Lord the Duke of Nevers being then at Vienna, and having charge from our King to offer his interposition, it was neglected and contemned. And now after the Turk hath refused to give them succour, sued for at his gate four several times, they come to our King and State, against which they have continually practised, during these last fifty years: which they have divided by civil wars, and thereunto contributed their arms and practices, and made use of our miseries as far forth as they could. This is far from taking hold upon the occasion which is presented, as it were by the hand and conduct of God to regain Cambray, Navarre, and other Demesnes of France, usurped by this House; and to take from them the means to use the like courses hereafter, and to overcome the Allies of France.  
The third folly, were out of mere jollity to entangle ourselves in a quarrel, to re-establish that which it seems the will of God is, that it should not be: whose works do appear in the sudden consent of so many Nations, and the unanimous conciliation of so different inclinations, all swaying to cast off the yoke of a domination violent and cruel; and tending to the overthrow of all right, both divine and humane.  
The fourth folly were to drain the revenues of the King, to weaken him in Men, by the diminutions which such wars do bring, and to reduce the hearts of the French to the affection of that Stranger, from whose faction the preceding Kings have had pain enough to divert them, and into which they had been thrown by wicked inducements.  
The fifth were, in that our King taking a resolution to bear his Arms against his Allies, in favour of the common enemy, it might cause so great an hatred against him, that they might grow to accord with this enemy, thrust on by an indignation, which could not be in this case but very forcible; jointly to turn their forces against the State of France, which they should find drained of money, weakened in men, and no way prepared for such an inconvenience. Whereas the true Counsel of State were, when the Neighbours are in war, to make a stock of money, to furnish the frontiers with men and munitions of war, and to keep ourselves on our Guard more than ever.  
So should it likewise be a great ingratitude and baseness, to persuade a most Christian King, to render evil for good, to those Princes who have so often, so readily, and so usefully succoured him with Men, Arms, and Money, for which he is yet indebted in sums of very great importance, employed for the conservation of the House Royal and State of France, against the attempts and assaults of those, who are not now ashamed to demand succour against our Benefactors.  
Herein likewise are they answered that would succour the Emperor under hand: for that which is naught being done openly, is not better by being done in secret: and to commit a baseness in secret, is as much as to commit a theft without witness. Besides, that it is unworthy of the dignity of our King, to counsel him to such actions which have need to be concealed, and yet cannot be, being subject to disaduow and revocation when he shall be required thereto by his Allies.  
Finally, there should be a great wickedness in such a proceeding, and a great injustice in the main matter: for as to the first, who is it that can approve that one should run upon his friends, upon the simple report of his enemies? Must not both the parties be heard, and have leisure to inform the King of their actions, or if you will not believe them, to send unto the place to know the truth? And as for the main cause, it will be found very good on the side of the Bohemians; For first, the Emperor Ferdinand was never chosen (neither could be) King of Bohemia; then when it is pretended that he was chosen, he was not chosen, because the States of Moravia, Silesia, and Lusatia, were not called unto it, and the principal persons of Bohemia had no voice in it: but this pretended Election was made by the surprise of certain Pensioners of Spain; who on the other side could not proceed to a new Election, during the life of the Emperor, who was also King of Bohemia: for he that lives hath no Heir.  
But supposing the Election of Ferdinand, to be good, having after it, against his solemn Oath, violated the Laws of his Country, endeavoured to abolish the Privileges, and so to make it of an elective Kingdom, hereditary: failed in his faith and word given to the States of the Country, not to meddle with the government during the life of the Emperor Mathias: exercised all kinds of violences and cruelties against the Inhabitants; his domination being degenerated into Tyranny, those whose had right to elect him King, might reject him, having rendered himself unworthy.  
Now against all these reasons, there are made five Objections, to wit, that this war being made for the subject of Religion, that the most Christian King ought to undertake it: that the Emperor Ferdinand is Uncle by the Mother to the Queen: that succour in distress is a mutual office which Kings do owe one to another: that the example of revolt against the Prince ought to be repressed: and lastly, that it is to be doubted that the Turk may make his use and benefit of these wars among the Christians his neighbours. As for the first it may be remembered, that when the house of Austria did invade France, they did stick this calumny upon our Kings, that they were Heretics or favourers of Heretics; And now to disunite them from their friends and ancient Allies, they do conjure them by the protection of the Church of Rome, which from all antiquity they have cherished, and peradventure would not stick to tell the King, with Saint Gregory the first Pope of that name, that the Kings of France do alone deserve the name of Catholic, which doth not belong to any else.  
But this pretext of Religion, is the ordinary Mask of those who would overrun such as are of a belief differing from them, and beg the assistance of them which are of their own opinion. This is that old Cloak of two sides, which shows on the one side the public good of Christendom, and sets forth on the other side, a feigned zeal of Religion, thorough which notwithstanding is nothing to be seen but ambition and hypocrisy.  
It is question (say they) of Religion, but may not that be preserved but under the Empire of Austria? Will you believe the accusers only? shall we condemn our Allies without hearing them upon this point? And if it were true, would not the Catholic inhabitants of the Country send to request the King's assistance? And yet in this case were it fit to think of the matter. For since every King and Sovereign in his Territory is not accountable of his administration to his Neighbours, and that we ourselves would not approve that others should come to control us in this point, we ought to fear the example of such a proceeding in time to come.  
Secondly, if you pronounce a judgement that it is a war of Religion, you give leave thereby to the greatest part of the Emperor's Army to depart home, who are Protestant's of the Countries of Stiria, Carinthia, Austria, etc. And you do put the Duke of Saxe, and other Protestants out of doubt, who have not hitherto taken this war for other than a war of State. Besides there do follow two inconveniences.  
First, that you do tax of desertion of the Catholic Religion, those Princes and States Catholic, who do assist the King of Bohemia.  
The second, that you do alarm, divide, and put into evil agreement the Subjects of this State, the inclinations of whom cannot be too well united, for the repose of this Kingdom.  
But to take away this Mask of Religion, you need but to consider the matter how it hath passed: for at that instant that the Jesuits were driven out of Bohemia, by the advice of the Catholics themselves, all the other Orders of Priests and Religious persons, were received into the protection of the States of the Country. Since that, the King Frederick the first, both at the time of his Election and Coronation hath confirmed it, and hath moreover published it in his Declaration: and lastly hath written it to our King by his Letter of the 20 of October last. By which it followeth that this fear cannot fall into the conceit of any, but such, as having no certainly in their faith and word, do judge of others by their own proceeding.  
The second persuasion of the Partisans of the Emperor is to say, that he is Uncle by the mother to the Queen; but they leave out that the alliance of State, doth extend farther than any personal alliance; as they could well say when it was contracted, that marriages were but particular contracts, to take away all shadows from diverse who did enter into jealousies at that time: and now they would have it clean contrary, that particular pactions should prejudice the public right of State, so as it may serve for their purpose.  
But when this alliance itself was in question, the stipulations, renunciations, and other clauses which they themselves caused to be inserted, without any other occasion, then through the jealousy which they bear against the State of France, and the fear which they had that it might have been augmented by this alliance, do sufficiently exclude the Queen, particularly not to interest herself in the quarrels of State between these two houses.  
The third objection, is taken from the common interest of Kings, and from the support which the afflicted do request; which is a clean contrary Style from that which they did indite, during the war of Piedmont, during which they did pursue as criminals those who did assist the Duke of Savoy, whose State the King of Spain did invade, without any more apparent subject, then for the alliance which he had treated, with the late King Henry the Fourth.  
But these men do now preach charity for their own profit, and yet do they retain Navarre, of which they spoiled one of the King's Ancestors, who came to assist our King: nor will they yield up the places which they usurped during the league which they stirred up, & entertained as long as they could.  
But if this argument to succour the afflicted be good, were it not more to purpose to assist the King of Bohemia, whose Predecessors have contracted alliance with our Kings, and have assisted them with men and money against the League, and the house of the Emperor? who have this word by writing, in many of his Letters; and the Acts and Registers of his own Chamber of Accounts, for proof of their good deeds, and good offices towards our Kings and their States?  
Nor is it to any purpose here for them to allege in the fourth place, the evil example of the revolt of subjects against their Prince, who have stirred up and entertained the same amongst us, and who do now receive by the divine chastisement, and for a lawful subject, the experience in their own Countries, of the disorders which they have produced in the States of their neighbours. And, on the other part, the Bohemians, both in regard of what is said before, and of the reasons laid down in their Declaration, are sufficiently justified against this accusation.  
Finally, To omit nothing which may carry any speciousness with it, there is proposed the fear, lest the Turk may make use of this division. But on which side hath he been already invited, but by the Emperor Ferdinand? who hath not only caused the King of Spain to sue to him for peace, but hath caused his Ambassador to make exceeding great instance four several times to the great Lord at his gate, to give him succour; which having been refused him, he comes now to our King out of despair of all other assistance. But if this apprehension be seriously taken, it is that that should invite the other Princes of Christendom, to leave Bohemia in Peace, and to order the grievances done unto the Empire: and us not to exasperate against France in all the allies, kindred, and friends of the King of Bohemia, who are neither so few, nor so weak, but that they ought to be taken into consideration.  
See here Sir, What is our judgement concerning this undue request made of succour to our King, by his inveterated enemies, against the most certain and useful allies of his House and Crown. Wherein we esteem that all his good and faithful subjects will agree with us, and that they will call to mind the means upon which the State of France our common Country is founded, and hath subsisted for so many years: not to permit that a new Counsel, which among the Jesuits they call of Conscience, should not only tax all other Counsellors, as if they had no Conscience, but under this pretence doth overthrow all order, both divine and humane. For (I pray) what would have become of the State of France, during the wars of the League, when these Inducers of Counsels of Conscience did rage against our Kings, & did pursue their ruin? Let them remember that by such Counsels and Counsellors, there hath hitherto arrived all misfortune to those Princes, which have harkened to them, and been served by them. The King of Poland for his part could tell, how he came to lose Swethland; so could the house of Austria itself speak of the Low-Countries, many years since; and that which is now to be seen in respect of the realms of Bohemia, and Provinces incorporated, Hungary and Austria. This is enough to cause other Princes to beware, at the least henceforward. And I pray God, with all other good Frenchmen, to give our King the grace both to testify in the view of all Christendom, which hath her eyes upon him, the steadfastness of his word to his good friends and allies against their common enemy, for their protection, and the repose of his subjects: and his just indignation against those who do counsel him to the contrary. I am,  
SIR, Your servant, Neighbour, and faithful friend, François de Saint Foy. From Prague this 20. of januarie, 1620.   

An Advertisement written in form of a Letter, by the late deceased Prince, Christian the Second, Elector of Saxony, to Mathias King of Hungary, Archduke of Austria, and afterwards Roman Emperor.  
Translated out of high Dutch into Latin, out of Latin into French; and lastly, out of French into English.  
CHristian, Elector of Saxony, greeteth you happily: We received your Letters (most illustrious King) dated at Vienna the 27. of September of this year present. Wherein, according to your accustomed manner of friendly imparting yourself unto us by Letters, you give us to understand, that the happy event of cheerful homage yielded unto you by the States of Moravia, the twentieth of August, in the City of Prin; putting you in lively hope of the like success from the people of the lower Austria: you have notwithstanding found the quite contrary: that is to say, you find, there is no pressing the States of this Country to any oath of fidelity, before their just complaints be heard, and their ancient rites and privileges confirmed: although your Majesty had many times promised to redress their aggrievances, according to the equity of their cause, as the custom in this case is. On which bare promise, the Inhabitants beyond the Ens would not rely, but persevered constantly in the former resolution: And therefore you require, that we would not give credit to those which go about to settle some sinister opinion in our mind: but rather that we should persuade them to lay aside their obstinacy, and so to come under the obedience which they owe unto you, with the surplusage of all that which is further comprehended in the same Letters.  
Your Majesty certainly may be assured, that you are no ways deceived in the good opinion you entertain of our fidelity towards you, in that from our first entry made upon the Electorship, we may confidently aver, without any vain boasting, that all our Counsels aimed at the preservation of the greatness, reputation, and authority of the house of Austria, in maintaining the security thereof against all their enemies. And therefore we cannot without singular discontentment apprehend the discommodity accrueing thereby to you, which daily augmenteth in every man's sight; and other affairs proceeding continually with the same contrariety, seem further to threaten you with worse success.  
And though it no ways beseemeth us to prescribe you, unless of an happy and fortunate reign: notwithstanding, you manifesting daily the great amity and confidence you repose in us, we will not fear, to deliver unto you freely our opinion and advice touching this matter, humbly entreating you to take it in good part: whereof we assure ourselves, from your accustomed humanity and clemency.  
And first of all, who knows not how the house of Austria, hath hitherto been elevated above all other Princely Families under the sacred Empire? with how many several dignities it hath been augmented to every man's satisfaction and contentment, so that many persons, both of high and mean calling, have voluntarily come under her tutelage and protection, being very well entreated, and with all wished clemency?  
But there is no man, how faint a lover of truth soever he be, which must not needs confess, how your Family of long time hath met with no more violent adversaries than the Court of Rome, and Sect of Jesuits, together with those that adhere unto them, with their turbulent and immoderate Counsels, which the States of the Empire, neither could nor can any ways support. Your Serenity otherwise conceives, that no other reason moved the so many goodly Provinces of the Netherlands to shrink from their hereditary and natural Lord, than these so intemperate and precipitant courses, which have planted such irradicable defiance between Subjects and their Princes and Magistrates, that no Treaties can remove or supplant the same: As in very truth, all those consulted Treaties could never confirm those Estates in any settled peace. Furthermore, what hath so extenuated and dishonoured so many renowned victories, obtained by the sacred Imperial Majesty against the Turk, as Belioyeuse, by a secret instinct out of the Jesuits Schools? For the common enemy being seated in the navel or centre as it were of Hungary, with mighty forces both of horse & foot; at that very instant it was, when fire was given to the most outrageous persecutions: nay, and in so many several places, that his said Imperall Majesty, by this means, lost Strigonium, Transiluania, Hungary, Valachia, and Moldavia: the recovery of which Provinces, cost our dear German Countries many millions of men, and an infinite treasure in Gold and Silver. During this cruel war, these tumultuous people were not satisfied, in partly dishonouring, and making fruitless the victories of his Imperial Majesty: and partly, opposing and crossing them; but the Jesuits further, by all manner of wicked stratagems, wittingly persevered in their persecutions, in Carinthia, Carmola, and Stiria, exposing the principal Inhabitants of the said Provinces to cruel Proscriptions, while the Turk, in the mean while, take in Camsa: For, what other cause was there, why the States of the Sacred Empire, after the last Diet of Ratisbone, without any laudable effect, or any firm and mutual reconciliation, separated themselves, but only the Jesuits and their importunities? who did nothing but exclaim, that the most pious Constitution of the peace of the Religion, was nothing but a mere delay, a truce, an Interim, or toleration, scandalising in this case, even the Counsel of Trent; and this they divulged all over, in their writings. From which, and many other occasions, superfluous here to write, many complots and practices being undertaken, to the great prejudice of the house of Austria; your Highness may evidently discern the truth of what we produced; to wit, that your illustrious Family hath met with no more capital and deadly enemies in all the world than the Court of Rome, the Jesuits and their Society. I speak nothing of so many pernicious practices, and disastrous assaults, which the Jesuits have attempted against other Kings and Monarches in France, England, Poland, Sweden, Venice, and other places, without all remorse or shame; that if God had not even by way of miracle, prevented their diabolical designs, they had turned entire Kingdom's topsie turvie, whole Countries with their Inhabitants, and had reduced them for ever to a final and absolute ruin. For wheresoever this Sect, or rather infect kind of Creatures plant, they bring with them all manner of disasters and miseries.  
To conclude, if by their Counsels and instigations, which (I must tell you) are no ways grounded upon any true politic foundation: but rather as Spiders, woven out of themselves, their venomous passions, and Scholastical Dreams, they have excited Subjects, yea, and the entire Provinces of some Princes, to mutiny and revolt; they can create no new Inhabitants or Subjects, themselves fly away into Italy, or somewhere else, leaving behind them a mortiferous stink, and the Impressions of an horrible, and vast desolation.  
But admit your Majesty, may have been persuaded by some, that you are in no sort tied to ratify and confirm unto your Subjects their ancient Rights, and Privileges; above others, those that concern the free exercise and practice of the Confession of Auspurg, which were granted to the people by the Emperors of famous memory, Ferdinand, and Maximilian, for no small sums of money: and therefore upon no beneficial terms, but those very burdensome and chargeable; we are willing to excuse your Highness' innocence herein, and naked sincerity: believing rather that this was performed by the enemies formerly mentioned, who seem to affect your Highness' overthrow, and to deprive you of your Provinces: exciting, and drawing either by malice, or gross stupidity, the general enemy of the Christian name, into the heart of the Country, who, without any great difficulty, is like to be Master of all these so renowned Regions, with whole Hungary, the which (except present order be taken to the contrary) will be enforced to come under the Turkish protection.  
For your Serenity knows, that both the one and other Austria have now contracted a very firm League with the Kingdom of Hungary, and other Provinces: so as if you grant not favourable permissions to the one, as well as to the other, they being equally interessed in the cause of offence, by virtue of the Confederation, by you approved; the other parts will yield them aid and succour. And though as Subjects, they are ready to expose their lives for their Sovereign, their blood, yea, even their second drops which is their goods, and prodigally to cast away whatsoever they have in their power: yet what can be imagined more deplorable and miserable, then to rack and torment their souls by such an extraordinary, and servile Tyranny? That same Apothegme of Stephen King of Poland, was very praiseworthy; who talking of some persecutions begun in his Kingdom; said: That he was King over a people, but not of their consciences. It seems this good King well apprehended, that Religion was not to be planted by the rigour of Fire and Sword: but leaving his subjects freely to build upon that belief, by which they hope for eternal life, and no ways herein disturbing them. And your famous Predecessors, Princes that were endued with admirable experience and wisdom, plainly perceived, that those Princes of Germany and Estates of the Empire, which never gave way to this oppression of conscience, have been wonderfully beloved and observed of their Subjects, for this only cause, enjoying hereby a most happy Reign, and tranquillity.  
Our devotion therefore, towards your Illustrious Family, being to every one well known; and from whence this loyal & simple admonition proceeds: your Serenity having not the least surmise to think, that we were falsely advertized by your Subjects: but on the contrary let all the world duly observe, what hearts they carry to you, and your thrice Illustrious Family, that instigate you to these preposterous courses, which common experience, and the miserable event of present affairs, sufficiently testify. We therefore in all humble affection beseech your Majesty, that conformable to the trust you repose in us, having perused these Letters to take them in good part, and according to the Laws, to the Inhabitants both of the one and other Austria, ratifying those Privileges which they have dear bought, you will permit them the free exercise of the Confession of Ausburge, not putting hereafter their Consciences to the Rack. And so relying on this Confirmation, as a member, and Elector of the Sacred Empire, beyond all comparison, we did more truly labour your own, and the greatness of your Family, than the whole body of the Jesuits, and their Followers; whereof sufficient testimony, hath been given, during the sixteen years of this Hungarian war, and that your Illustrious House, hath been more sincerely by us affected then ever it either hath, or will be, by this pestiferous Sect. Otherwise if you take this friendly advertizement in good part, be sure your Subjects will yield you absolute obedience, neither sparing their lives, nor goods, in your service; no ways doubting of their fidelity, or of any effect that can ensue. By this means you shall purchase immortal glory, and endless exaltations, both amongst Strangers and the Princes of the Empire, obtaining further from God all blessings both of body, and soul; and the same God will daily amplify you with new dignities, and most wished events. chose, if you suffer the Jesuits and their Locusts, so to abuse your bounty and clemency, (which will not sink into our persuasion:) Let it suffice, that we innocently protest, that all our reiterated Admonitions aimed at no other end, but to prevent the House of Austria from those perils and dangers which threaten it: and any unexpected accidents falling out to the contrary, we are exempted herein from fault & blame. And thus in sincere equity, we hope to be excused by God and Men: the which out of our affectionate love and zeal, we did not think good to conceal from your Highness.  
Dated the 6. of Octob. 1608. at Dresden.   

To the Reader.  
THe late Elector of Saxony, Christian the second by name, who was elder Brother to him that now possesseth the Electorship, and who in all times, held good correspondence, and amity, with Archduke Mathias, afterwards King of Hungary, and Bohemia, and not long since, late Emperor Defunct; seeing this good Prince much grieved, for the ill counsel and advise, which he had followed in the managing of his affairs, implicitly threatening himself, and the House of Austria, to lose the said Kingdoms of Bohemia and Hungary, with the Provinces thereunto annexed; he resolved to write unto Mathias this Letter in the Month of October, 1608. which is to say twelve years since: which being truly prophetical, in that which afterwards ensued; it hath been thought of good importance, and sufficiently deserving to be translated into Latin, French, and lastly into English, for a Caveat and Instruction to all Princes, and States, that they never fall into the like inconvenience.   

To the Emperor's most Sacred and Royal Majesty.  
Most gracious Lord:  
AT what time we sat in Counsel with our Princes and Nobility, moved by the urgent occasions of the renowned Kingdom of Hungary, I did at once receive one answer from your Majesty unto both my Letters, sent by the Illustrious Gentleman Stephen Haller; & as my Letters (occasions so requiring) were two, so having obtained an answer which agreeable to the weight of the affairs consisted of two parts, the matter was maturely deliberated by the Counsel: and perceiving present danger in delay, I would not defer to solicit your Majesty the more earnestly about the last declaration of your Highness' gracious pleasure.  
And whereas I perceive your Majesty doth simply and absolutely understand my declaration of the truce, in this sense; that during the time of League no aid may be sent by the Hungarians to the Bohemians, and the rest of their Confederates: the retexing of which question will much illustrate both parts of the present answer: your Royal Majesty may please to understand the whole course of the matter in this sense and not otherwise.  
In the Polonian Assembly there have been three contracts made with me only: and in those, many transactions (and that for diverse respects) confirmed.  
First, Truce and Conditions of Peace with your Imperial Majesty.  
Secondly, with the Bohemians and the other Confederate Provinces.  
Thirdly, with the Peers and States of the Illustrions' Kingdom of Hungary.  
And I confess, that I seemed in the opinion of many so entangled by that parley (contrary almost and opposite in diverse passages unto itself) that deserved and promised equity could not possibly be observed towards both parties, but the one must either be something neglected or injuried by me; which so sinister conceit of me that I may speedily remove from the minds of men (especially if your sacred Majesty or Counsellors have entertained it,) pleaseth it you to be informed of the certain truth and divers conclusions.  
The Hungarian Nation hath confirmed a perpetual league with the Bohemians: and we have promised mutually by oath to live and dye together in withstanding all enemies: so as to make peace or war with any, not advertising the other, is unlawful for either part. This agreement and covenant betwixt us took place, when by notice given them, and their consent, I ratified the peace which I now have with your Majesty. But since the second Article, I being silent, doth oblige your Majesty expressly to grant the same peace upon demand, to our Complices and Confederates, the Bohemians and the other Provinces, which you have granted us; and that your Majesty is bound to hearken after my motions, which do but seek that the cessation of Arms upon just and equal conditions, should be on every side granted; If I shall perceive your Majesty to satisfy in no part this solemn protestation, but contrarily with renewed forces to sound the alarm and put your Soldiers in Arms to suppress us: if I observe your Majesty, as daily complaints inform, contrary to the hope and expectation of all good men, to swerve already (which be far from you) from this agreement; who can be ignorant that myself is no longer, neither the Hungarian Nation obliged to you? Nay, if we aid not without delay our friends, whose protection we undertake, we shall unworthily be accused, by them of disloyalty. I do therefore abundantly satisfy the Bohemians and others, in soliciting your Majesty for their truce like our own: which, if I obtain of you as due by covenant, or if I discern their suspected and dangerous estate by vain linger and delays; neither your Majesty, nor any other shall ever accuse me or the Hungarian Nation of promise breaking, if we find our most bitter enemies, whom obligation tied to league and peaceableness. Wherefore your Majesty is not otherwise to understand my declaration of the truce placed expressly in the second Article, than the writing itself witnesseth; that this our league with the Bohemians is not, neither can be made simply common, as if together at the same time and in all kinds of league we were tied to each other. Neither are they so neglected and forsaken of us that there is no profit procured unto them by our confederacy. Moreover I requiring it, and favouring just and equal conditions, your Majesty is by covenant bound to grant like truce unto them as to us; which if you do not, we are no further to contend in the matter with words and pen. Let truth over sway all things. Since I labour and sweat now the third time in soliciting your Majesty in our Confederates and Friends cause, and that with obtestation.  

Thus much concerning the Entreaties had with your Majesty and the Confederate Princes.  
COncerning the Articles concluded in the Consultations passed at Polonia, the distinction is manifest enough in them both of the truce confirmed with your Majesty, and the league established and concluded by the Confederates. The inward administration and government of the Subjects of the Kingdom, until the truce is expired, or till the next following and proclaimed general Assembly of State, howsoever prescribed by the Princes and Lords, is (I suppose) so highly weighed that it should not molest either your Majesty or others. Assuredly I think it fitter to give place to so many complaints, and to men's disturbed appetites in this state of things, then having not yet laid hand upon the tossing bridle, discourage Subject's minds a far off with too much security; which hitherto, I confess ingeniously, is so performed by your Majesty, that opposing by all means our studies and endeavour, the industry of the seditious hath more availed (more is the grief) than theirs whose labour is employed in composing controversies. But I am ignorant being a stranger in that administration, where your Majesty's dignity is impeached, or the liberty of the Kingdom so restrained, since your Majesty in confirming the league did savourably consent to my free and absolute Government. Neither for my part is it urged, in what esteem and regard these present Articles and public Constitutions are of, in those places which belong to your Dominion But I see the prescribers of those Laws do endeavour to conform my manner of Government and Reign to their own pleasure.  
From which it is manifest, that neither this administration according to the Articles, nor any thing else can violate the Peace and League with your Majesty, and so with sufficient diligence & plainness I have declared the three conclusions. Neither at this time will I undertake any thing besides an earnest soliciting, urging and expecting of your Majesty's pleasure and resolution, concerning this my third and last, and most just demand in behalf of our Confederates. And whereas your Majesty designeth long time for the deliberating of this matter, and hath sent unto me to entreat of it, doubtless that cause will move suspicions in men's thoughts, not without some danger which cannot be removed without certain, real, and desired tidings of peace established. God preserve your Royal and Imperial Majesty long, happy, and studious of peace. Given in our free and Regal City Cassovia, 15. Martij, 1620.    

A Letter written about the 18. of March, 1620. to the Illustrious Prince of Anhalt, by the renowned Prince of Hungary and Transiluania.  
Most Illustrious Prince and honoured friend:  
NOtwithstanding we have more diligently observed in the ternary request made to the Roman Emperor, on the behalf of making League with the Confederates, how he constantly determineth: and though we should expect his answer before our expedition of aid to the Confederate Lords, yet understanding to our great grief the hostile proceedings of Caesar and his partakers against them, we thought by these presents with all friendly speed to signify it unto your Highness, desiring you would withdraw your forces, and not presently, and hand to hand conflicting with the enemy hazard your Army until this present day, our succours which with deliberate counsel we have appointed for the Confederate Princes be joined with you. Yet in the interim, if Caesar's Armies shall make excursion or spoil in the Territories of Moravia, or Austria, or removing his Tents shall pitch them in more fortified places, or shall seem to hinder the means of procuring victuals and relief, we deny because of the distance of place that you are to depart until the coming of our Forces: in the speedy furnishing & dispatching of whom we will use on our parts all diligence, to the end their speedy arriving may abundantly recompense delay. Which thing we thought fit not to conceal from your Illustrious Person: but recommending unto you our sincere endeavours, do wish the happy success and fortune of these attempts.  
From Cassovia, 17. March 1620. Your Highness' sincere friend in all Offices, Simon Pectius, Chancellor to the Christian Prince Gabriel.   

A Letter written the 19 of March 1620. To the illustrious Christian Prince of Anhalt, by the renowned Gabriel, Prince of Hungary and Transiluania.  
Illustrious Prince and noble friend:  
WE understand by both your Letters sent unto us, not only the unfriendly but also hostile intentions of Caesar towards us: not without great admiration and grief. Which thing happening contrary to our hope and opinion, he may not marvel if in deferring our aids longer than necessity and our own desires require, we provide for ourselves. For having made such League with Ferdinand, as he was to grant the like upon demand to our Friends and Confederates, it appeareth by the last Letters sent by Caesar, and also by the enclosed, in what manner we have solicited and urged the granting thereof in Caesar's Court. Perceiving therefore Caesar's so manifest hostility, and the truce to be broken and violated by him, and that he hath not satisfied the agrements betwixt us and him, we will convert by Gods help all our cogitations, studies & forces to the aid of our Confederates, neither will we make delay in an office so necessary. Of which things by our Secretary (or Gentleman Usher) we would more fully signify unto you. And commending your Illustrious Lordship to the divine protection, do wish all felicity against the common Enemy. Given in the free and kingly City Cassovia, 16. March, 1620.  
Gabriel the Prince.   

A Letter written by the Prince of Transiluania, to the Duke of Bavare.  
Mighty Prince and Excellent friend:  
WE doubt not but your Excellency hath sufficiently understood of the present troubles, and the success of them in the Noble Kingdom of Hungary: but concerning their causes and proper Reasons, you have not only diversely and indirectly been informed, but also our opposers have delated unto you unmeet and untrue rumours concerning both our purposes and person. These we will in disdain pass by as the Fictions and Comments of giddy brains, rather than discover them with tedious ambages. Your Grace shall now receive the true description of our designments. When as unwittingly he pressed the person of the most sacred Emperor, and Kingly Majesty of Ferdinand, because of the ancient persecution of our Orthodox and sound Religion, bearing it well in mind: So that the Government and Administration of his Majesty was not only suspected but grudged at by all his Subjects, the covered and lurking fire in their minds began first in Bohemia to flame forth. Which in the beginning they might easily and with Clemency (if they had so pleased) according to wisdom and due office have extinguished, ere it had proceeded to such combustion. But having now by many companies of people aggregated together from all the most remote parts of Europe, so overspread and overrun Bohemia & Moravia, that the Inhabitants were almost constrained to surrender to the Enemy both life and goods, liberty and their Religion; they threatened with like tumultuous Arms and Forces, to invade and oppress presently, publicly and resolutely, Hungary and Transiluania, we and the other Princes being vanquished and surprised. Wherefore the Moravians and Bohemians with the Austrians and other Confederates, do all of them protest unto us the peril of those ensuing wars, and entreat us by the right of our ancient league to succour their afflicted and decaying State. Being therefore solicited by so many Kingdoms, and compelled by the authority of ancient league, we did (our condition so requiring) aid by counsel and approbation our Confederate friends: yet so as we determined neither to have any forces of the Turk, neither to suppress the Roman Catholics, or any other Religion, the jesuitical Factionly excepted; but would maintain the profession of our Orthodox Faith, and free the liberties & impaired Estates of other Countries from violence and tyranny. Wherefore our actions witness that our intention hath been no other hitherto▪ forasmuch as we have confirmed a league with his Imperial and Royal Majesty in the Kingdom of Hungary, so that he would please after sufficient demand to grant the same Articles to the Bohemians & the other our confederates, which we have not ceased by our Letters and Ambassages to solicit: to the intent the ruins of the Kingdoms, and the streams of Christian blood might be diverted. Moreover, that Arms laid aside, profitable entreaties and agreements might take place, and such broils might cease▪ & peace be obtained by the attending of both parts to most just and equal conditions. Ourselves desire rather to manifest our wishes to deserve well and highly of all Christian Princes and Kingdoms by practice rather than by words and Letters. Amongst the which also attributing very much to your princely equanimity in these troublesome times of Christian Kingdoms, do commend with singular confidence our own endeavours, and our Confederates unto you; the principal scope whereof, being no other than the establishing of peace & tranquillity, & the restoring unto liberty our Countries, Laws, & Religion, it is meet your Excellence do promote and further amongst those with whom you shall converse, this so holy and commendable study; and do sincerely favour the rights and equity of our Confederates, and conceit us most respectful of you in all things. But if (which we suppose not) his Imperial Majesty shall altogether deny to our Confederates the conditions of Peace being solemnly demanded, or (not understanding first by way of peaceable in treaty the just and equal cause of both parts) shall by his own enterprise or by other convert his power to the utter ruin of those Kingdoms, we cannot in any case so forsake our friends as not to show ourselves incontinently enemies unto them whosoever shall so invade them and break the Truce. Which thing being unfit to be done among Christians, so it behooveth your Highness to provide for the concord of Christian Kingdoms rather than favour wars and hostile enmities. Concerning all which we desire to know your Highness' pleasure and sentence. We do wish unto your Excellence unfeignedly all prosperity. Given in our Town, Rima Zombath, 29. january 1620.  
Your Excellencies assured, Gabriel the Prince.  
FINIS.