THE ESTATE OF THE EMPIRE, OR An Abridgement of the Laws and Government OF GERMANY, CASTANNA INTO Dialogues for the greater conveniency of a young Prince that was instructed therein,  
By Lewis Du-May Knight, Sieur de Sallettes, Counsellor to his Highness of Wirtemberg.  
Translated into French by D' Alexis Esq Doctor of Laws, and Advocate in Parliament.  
Now faithfully rendered into English.  
LONDON, Printed by R. Norton, for Richard Royston, Bookseller to the Kings most Excellent Majesty. 1664.   

Februarii 13. 1663.  
Imprimatur  
William Morice.   

Ad Amicissimum Gulielmum Godolphin suâ virtute quàm quovis titulo insigniorem.  

Intervalla dabant exempta laboribus istum,  
Quem tua limâssent otia docta, librum.  
Si placeat legisse, sat est; sin judice mendas  
Ungue notes, melior fiet, eóque tuus.    

The English Translator to the Reader.  
Reader,  
THis Book is a Traveller, as the Prince for whose sake the Author composed it. It was born in Germany; from whence it passed into France, where it was kindly received, and Naturalised: Now being arrived in England, and finding some private welcome, it desires at least to be a Denizen here. What it contains, will briefly appear in the following Summary of the Dialogues; But why I undertook to render it into English, besides the entertainment of some of my vacant hours, I have little to justify myself, but the zeal which every Christian should have at this time, to arm himself with the best weapons he hath, to oppose the Barbarous proceed of a proud and implacable Enemy. My Magazine and Artillery extends to no more than Pen and ink; with which I vainly fancied I might seem to do something; As when the industrious and judicious Mr. Dugdale Norroy King of Arms, perceiving that slow-paced ruin, or (which was worse) hasty impiety had shaken most of the sacred structures in this Kingdom, and threatened all the rest, thought it a provident (but we may justly call it a generous and meritorious) work, to save them in Effigy, and keep up both their memory and models in exact brass Cuts, adding his own profound Researches and elaborate discourses, which are indeed— monumentum aere perennius; so (though the comparison fall infinitely short in most things) there being now too much reason to apprehend, that the dreadful inundation of the Mahometans (without almost a miracle) is ready to overwhelm the State, Government, Laws and Princes of Germany, nay, to take away both their place and Nation, I conceived it both pious and seasonable, as far as lay in me, to rescue that noble Country from oblivion, by publishing this small Treatise in English, wherein the marks and footsteps of that Empire may remain amongst us. Thou wilt find it to be a Translation (if the Title-page had not confessed it) with that usual & unavoidable imperfection, that notions passing out of one Language into another do, as it happens in the transfusion of liquors into divers vessels, carry much dregs along with them, and always taste of the Cask. I may perchance be blamed with reason enough for following the word too close, yet I think I may safely say in general I have not gone far from the sense. But certainly if I had put it into finer Language and more elegant expressions, the work had been so far mine, and so much worse. That, for the style; as for the matter, I give thee that frank verse of the Poet in English, 
— If better things be known to thee,  
Kindly impart; if not, use these with me.    

A Summary of the Dialogues.  
THis Treatise contains ten Dialogues between a Prince and his Governor, who teaches him all that there is considerable in the Empire: For this Book comprehends in brief all that the Doctors of Law and the Interpreters of the Golden Bull have written thereupon; as may be seen in the reading of it.  

I. Dialogue.  
This Dialogue serves for an Introduction to the rest, and the Governor having shown his young Prince, that he should learn to be a good Christian, before he learn to be a good Prince; makes him understand, that it is necessary for him to go out of his Father's Court, and travel through Foreign Countries, as a means to become such. Here it is discoursed at large of certain Travellers that learn nothing but the worst fashions and customs of other Nations. Then he shows the advantage of Travelling with judgement, and in company of such as know what is requisite to be observed in every part of Europe. After that, he makes it appear, that it is easy to become a wise Counsellor and an able Soldier by Travelling; wherein a man learns to know the humour of people, and the Languages. Hereupon he speaks of the corruption of Languages, the cause thereof, and other curious notions. Lastly he maketh his Germane Prince understand that he ought to know the French and Italian Tongues; and that, without busying himself upon sciences that have more vanity than solidity, he should learn the art of Governing well, and consequently the Estate of the Empire, which contains almost all that a Prince ought to know.   

II. Dialogue.  
This Dialogue contains the Estate of the Empire in general; and therein is shown, that the Emperor is a Monarch, though he have not an absolute power to do all that he pleases, forasmuch as the Princes of Germany acknowledge that all their dignity is communicated to them by and from him. He can create Kings, Arch Dukes, etc. but cannot confer Ecclesiastical Benefices, and why.  
In the beginning of this Dialogue the Author says, that his Book shall treat of the Head and principal Members of the Empire; of their power & authority; of the Origine, progress, and alliances of the illustrious Houses; of the rank and place they hold in the Assemblies; of the Branches of every Family; of the causes of love, hatred, and jealousy amongst them, etc. After that, he proves that the Estate of the Empire is Monarchical, and confuting the contrary opinions, he establishes his own. And because the Emperor hath not right to confer Ecclesiastical Benefices, he renders the reason thereof; and makes it clear, that notwithstanding all that, he is the first Monarch in the world. And forasmuch as he is made so by Election, the Author speaks of the Electors, their beginning, their power, their order, and their number; and showing what necessity there was to increase the last, he brings the reasons which the Ancients had to raise to that dignity three Ecclesiastical, and four Secular Princes, who have power to create and depose the Emperor, and the King of the Romans. Then he speaks of the Ceremonies used at their Coronation, and of the power both of the one and the other.   

III. Dialogue.  
In this Dialogue he speaks of the Estates of the Empire; and having shown that those which are so, have many rights of Regality, he passes to the consideration of the House of Austria, discovers its original, how long it hath born the Imperial Crown, into how many Branches it is divided, how it came to be so powerful, and what are its privileges. After that, he discourses of the Palatine, Saxon, and Brandenbourg Houses; and says all that the curious can desire to know about them.   

IU. V Dialogues.  
In these two Dialogues he treats of all the Secular Princes of the Empire, and of every House in particular, assuring the curious they shall there find wherewithal to satisfy themselves in their search after the antiquity, descendancies, rights, rank, titles, alliances, and Branches of the Houses of Brunswick, Meklebourg, Wirtemberg, Hesse, Baden, Holstein, Saxon-Lawembourg, Anhalt, Hohenzolleren, Aremberg, Henneberg, and East Friesland; in like manner as they saw the greatness of the Electoral Houses in the preceding Dialogues. And all along where occasion offers any Political question, he resolves it briefly; not forgetting the praises of men of merit, of Universities, and of Colleges, which are very many in Germany. And because it is almost impossible but there should be some jealousy, hatred or envy between so many Houses of equal condition, he lays down the causes thereof; and shows how those that precede by turns, take their place; and how many voices they have in the Diets of the Empire; who ought to inherit those Houses, in case they come to be totally extinguished; in what Houses there is right of Primogeniture, and what Religion they profess.   

VI Dialogue.  
This Dialogue will give you a perfect knowledge of the Ecclesiastical Princes of Germany; wherein he shows how many there were in former times, and how many there are now, as well Bishops, Abbots, Abbesses, as other Ecclesiastical Prelates. How many Orders of Knighthood, what power they have, and what observance they are under. And because ordinarily some Churchman is Director of the Circles of the Empire, he speaks of the Directors of all the Circles; then he discourses of every Bishopric in particular: And afterwards he passes to the Abbots, and to the original of the Teutonique Knights; how they became so potent, and how they have lost those great Provinces they had acquired. After that, he shows how the Prelates are become so rich; how they obtain their Dignities, which he makes appear not to be after the same manner now as anciently.   

VII. Dialogue.  
Here he speaks of the Counts and Barons of the Empire; and the word Count, called Graff in Dutch, gives occasion to inquire into the origin of Palsgrave, Margrave, Landgrave, and Burgrave, and to know how many there be, when, and how they became great: from whence the title of Archduke came: and whether the dignity of a Duke was always more illustrious than that of a Count: He proves that there are several sorts of Dukes and Counts, and confutes the opinion of those that hold, an Emperor should have four Kings under him, a King four Dukes, a Duke four Counts, a Count four Barons, and a Baron four Castellans. The Counts were anciently no more than judges; and he shows how, and at what time they got the inheritance, and became Lords of their Counties. At present those of the Empire have place and voice in the Diets, are almost equal to the Princes and many of them coin money. He speaks of the Houses of Nassau, Hohenzolleren, Furstemberg, and of many others in particular; and then he passes to the Barons, who differ not from the Counts but in name, and sets down a Catalogue of them: Then having distinguished them from those which the Emperor creates in his Hereditary Provinces, he ends this Dialogue with a touch upon the new Barons, who would have the same title that the old ones have.   

VIII. Dialogue.  
Here will be seen the difference between a Knight and a Gentleman, and between Knights among themselves. There are four kinds of them in Germany, where the Gentlemen are separated from the Body of the Lords, and are not admitted into the Estates of the Empire, though many of them hold immediately of the Emperor; and they are those only of Swaben, Franconia, the Rhine, and Lower Alsatia, who observe a kind of Aristocratical Republic among themselves, whereof he speaks at large, as also of their Order and their privileges: Then he passes to the Gentlemen Subjects, and because they prove their antiquity by the Tournaments wherein they appeared as Parties, he speaks of Tournaments, and the Laws therein observed heretofore, and at what time, and by whom they were brought into Germany, by whom called together, and in what place: From whence he takes occasion to discourse of the Cities, their beginning, their beauty, their privileges, and their incredible power: Then he tells what each Imperial City hath most considerable, and how they preserve their liberty.   

IX. Dialogue.  
In this Dialogue he speaks of the Universities of Germany, of their foundation, their number, and their usefulness. Then he passes to the administration of Justice, and shows how it was administered in the time of the first Emperors, and how it is at this present: at what time the Parliament or Chamber of Sovereign justice was made sedentary, of how many persons it is composed, of what quality they ought to be, and of what matters they take cognizance. After that, he discourses at large of the Diets, of him that hath the power to call them together, after what manner he doth it, who are the persons that he calls thither, who they be that ought to come, when, and whither they are to be summoned, and of the rank which the Electors, Princes, Lords and Cities hold, when the Emperor presides there; how suffrages are given; and lastly in what manner Conclusions are resolved on, with all that can be desired upon this subject.   

X. Dialogue.  
Here is an abridgement of the last Wars of Germany, which shows in what condition the Empire was when the Peace was concluded; where may be seen the Confederates of both Parties, and the Battles and Encounters of Armies briefly set down, with the advantage which each Party had therein. After which, the Peace was made; where he speaks of the satisfaction which the Confederates obtained, and of the Troops that remain in Germany still. Then he adds a word of the Golden Bull, which contains the fundamental Laws of the Empire.    

The State OF THE EMPIRE, OR An Abridgement of the Government OF GERMANY.  
Cast into Dialogues for the easier accommodation of a young Prince, who was instructed therein by his Governor.  

Dialogue the First.  
That it is requisite for Germane Princes to travel, and to learn the French and Italian Languages, and the State of the Empire.  P. 
HAving already sucked in the milk of piety, and learned that a Christian Prince ought evermore to have before his eyes the fear of God, the salvation of his Soul, the good of his Subjects, and the honour of his House; I feel myself touched with an emulous desire to equal my ancestors; and to that purpose I would willingly join Political and Military knowledge with moral and Christian virtues. But considering that life is short, and that I must know many things to attain the end I aim at, I should lose all hope of being able to arrive there, if I were not assured that you will levelly and smooth the difficulties that may occur to me in the way. Oblige me then, by finding out some new method, and leading me by a short cut to the perfection I wish for.  G. 
All men, and Princes especially, being born to do good unto many, I am glad to understand you are so desirous to learn the means; and that in imitation of your Progenitors you will couple warlike and peaceable virtues together, to know at all times how to serve the Empire, to rule your own State, to protect your Subjects, to honour the good, and chastise the wicked. Though then life be short, and the perfection you pursue not easy to be met with at Court, where every thing seems to stand in opposition against your laudable design; yet if you have a desire to equal your Predecessors, and the courage to overcome those difficulties that may offer themselves, I shall willingly contribute thereunto with my uttermost industry; and endeavour to show you how much I esteem your resolution. Do me the favour only to change the pleasures of the body into those of the mind, and to seek your sole content in the acquisition of those things which may raise you above other noble persons of your age and quality.  P. 
You have no more to do, but to set me down the rules you would have me observe; for the choice which my Lord and Father hath made of your person to be the guide and director of mine, and the knowledge I have of your virtue, have made me resolve to submit my will to yours; and I give you my word that nothing shall be able to withdraw me from the resolution I have taken to obey your orders exactly, and to do all that you shall think good and conducible to my progress therein.  G. 
Your generous disposition doth not suffer me to question that which you promise me; and for my part I am ready to lay out all that I can and all that I know for your advantage. Now forasmuch as foreign languages serve for an ornament to persons of your condition, I am of opinion that you should learn them.  P. 
Your will shall be my law in any thing; but if it be possible, make me learn things with languages, which are but their instruments and conveyances.  G. 
I mean so; and I judge it necessary that you should learn to discourse in Latin, French, Italian and Dutch, of every thing that Europe affords the most considerable.  P. 
I believe it is impossible to learn what you would have me, without travelling; and oftentimes travelling instructs us but little, or to become worse than we went out, at the charges both of the souls and bodies health too.  G. 
Few men have reaped the fruit that was hoped of their travel, because there are not many that travel with judgement. Many travellers returning to their own homes bring back from abroad the affected delicacy of the English, the variable modishness of the French, the dangerous dissimulation of the Italians, and the unsufferable pride of the Spaniards. Some others who think they have spent their time very well, tell you, they have taken notice in England of the magnificence of London, the conveniency of the Thames, and the beauty of whitehall: that in France they admired the throngs of Paris, the sumptuousness of Fontaine-bleau, and the majesty of St. Denys: that in Italy they considered the wonders of Venice, the curiosity of Belveder, and the nobility of Naples: that in Spain they have seen the Traffic of Sevill, the greatness of Lisbon, and the admirable structure of the Escurial. Some come back loaden with ribbons upon their clothes, cuffs at their legs, and towels about their necks. Others return stuffed with a false opinion of knowledge in their fancy, an airy imagination of wisdom in their understanding, and all kind of vanity in their memory.  P. 
Were it not better that such men should stay at home, then wander about the world to learn nothing but to become dunces?  G. 
Such persons doubtless would do more advisedly to remain in their villages, then to go abroad. Doing so, a man may be ignorant without serving an apprenticeship to it: and there is less dishonour in knowing nothing, when one doth not take himself to be an able man, then to fancy much after having seen the world, and yet not be able to open his mouth without being ridiculous to all the company. But all this should not persuade you that travelling is useless. Wine is not bad but to those that mis-use it; and Fire burns none but the unwary: it is even so of Travel; it embellisheth the minds of those that use it prudently, and serves like glue to fasten those in vice who haunt vicious company. The Traveller should make virtue his aim, and having learned to understand Nations, he should imitate what they have of good, and eschew all the rest.  P. 
I have always thought till now, that they who can discourse pertinently of all they have seen in their Travels, have employed their time very well abroad.  G. 
It is mere casting away a man's time, his pains, and his expense, to learn only to talk of the Temples of Rome, the Bridges of Paris, the Arsenal of Venice, the Frigates of England, the Channels of Holland, the Perspective of Ruel, and the Volerie of Fontaine-Bleau. The Prince that travels should heedfully regard the Laws and Fundamental Maxims of States, the Revenue of Principalities, the inclination of Soverains, the order of their Court, their Alliances, their Power, their Favourites, and the Reception which they give one another. In a word, Heroes should learn Heroical Sciences, and the care of a King should be to Reign well.  P. 
By Heroical Sciences, do you mean the Treatise of Arms and Heraldry, to which the Author thereof Sieur de la Colombiere gives that Title?  G. 
That Treatise is well worth the reading, but it contains not that which I call an Heroical Science. By those Sciences I understand all that leads Princes on to Immortality; for example, the Art of subduing ones self, and of conquering his Enemy; the Mathematics, and the Art Military, which teaches them to fortify places, to lodge Armies advantageously, to draw up a Body in Batralia, to lead them on in a Fight, and to show themselves eminent examples to their followers, both by their quickness of Spirit and strength of Body.  P. 
Are those things to be learned by travelling?  G. 
Travelling lays the seed of those virtues in our hearts, which prick us forward to the pursuit of Immortality. For he that hath seen Europe with judgement, knows at his return every thing that can carry him on to glorious Actions; he understands the Interest of all Princes; he sees what danger Italy is in by having one or more Enemies, and judges of the remedy that may be applied to it; he comprehends the ways of maintaining the liberty of Germany; and when he comes into a Council, it must be acknowledged by those that hear him discourse, that he hath profited more in a Travel of two years, then if he had stayed ten in his Study.  P. 
I might easily confess to you, that the conversation of several persons increaseth prudence; but I do not perceive how the seeing of Foreign Countries can make us able Soldiers.  G. 
Travel teacheth us to understand the plenty of countries', the Fords of Rivers, the conveniency of Bridges, the distance of places, the strength of Cities, the number of the people, the inclination of the Subjects, the humour of Princes, the Sympathy and Antipathy of Nations, and many other things which may instruct a General of an Army and a Counsellor of State, giving them particular advantages. Travel doth also give us lessons of Temperance, Modesty, Patience, and the Languages, which are useful to all men, but necessary to those who would have any Command in Armies.  P. 
Languages are so necessary to persons of Command, that our Ancestors would advance no man to the Imperial Dignity, that was not able to speak Latin, Italian, Sclavonian, and Dutch. And the Emperor Frederick II. besides these advantages could speak elegant French, Spanish, and Turkish; and, which was very rare in his time, he was skilled in the Ancient and vulgar Greek.  G. 
The Emperor Frederick the second of that name, and the last of the House of Suevia or Swaben, with whom the Majesty of the Empire was buried for many years, was both Valiant and Learned; and if you employ your excellent natural endowments well, you will become so too: you have a good Judgement, a happy Memory, a sound Body, and a vigorous Complexion.  P. 
I am, God be thanked, of a strong Temper; and I retain long enough what I have once learned. But why is it necessary to learn so many Languages, if Latin be sufficient to hold conference with Strangers, and Dutch to employ my cares upon the good of the affairs of the Empire, and the administration of my Father's States, if God give me the grace to come to the Government.  G. 
I know that the Latin and Dutch Languages may serve your turn, and that a Prince may Reign piously, justly, and religiously, without the knowledge of Foreign Tongues. Nay I know one, who is even the Tutelar Angel of his Subjects, and who without having learned either Latin or French, governs his State in the fear of God, and without oppressing any man hath paid his debts, and built a Castle of a marvellous bigness; while others more knowing than he have brought poverty upon their Subjects, and left it to their own children. But the intercourse of business which we have with Strangers suffers us not to neglect their Languages, without the hazard of incurring some inconvenience thereby.  P. 
I understand by what you said last, that one may be a good prince, though he have not studied; and yet that you would have me to possess a reasonable knowledge of Foreign Languages, that I may not stand in need of an Interpreter to deal with other Potentates that have affairs in Germany, or Lands lying within the limits of the Empire: which would oblige me as well to understand Swedish and Spanish, as French and Italian; seeing the Crown of Sweden possesseth a good part of the Lower Saxony, and that of Spain more than half of the Netherlands.  G. 
It were good to know the Languages you mention; but being it is impossible to master them all, one should endeavour to learn the most necessary. Spanish is the noblest of all the bastard Languages, and I know never a one of them that pleaseth me more; but the King of Spain making use of Burgundians to treat with us, and Dutch being no less common amongst the better sort of Swedes than the Swedish itself, methinks one may better want the Swedish and Spanish, than the French and Italian Languages.  P. 
Why do you call Spanish a bastard Language?  G. 
I call it so, because it is not a Mother Tongue, but compounded of the Latin, Gothick, Arabic, and old Spanish; for the Romans, the Goths, and the Moors, having Reigned many ages in Spain, introduced a mixture of all those Languages.  P. 
If mixture only be enough to bastardise a Language, there are but few Legitimate; for there be many Greek words found in the Latin, and many Latin and French in our Dutch. And questionless it is for this cause, that Lewis prince of Anhalt obliged those of the Fructifying Company, or the Society of good Wits, to avoid that medley with all possible care.  G. 
Greek words that are found in the Latin Tongue, or Foreign terms, which vanity rather than necessity hath introduced into ours, do not qualify them to be of the same nature with the Spanish. The Romans and the Germans have admitted those stranger words by way of wantonness, and may do well enough without them, if they will; on the contrary, the Spaniards have so few of their own, that if they should restore to the Latins and Arabians what they have stolen from them, they would no longer be able to express their conceptions, but would remain as destitute of words, as Horace's Jackdaw saw herself stripped of feathers, when every bird had resumed his own.  P. 
Is French in any better condition? and can it well pass without those Latin terms which the Romans brought in while they held the Gauls under their jurisdiction?  G. 
I do not think it is, being certainly persuaded that all Nations which have long been under obedience to Strangers, have lost the purity of their ancient Languages. So that we have more reason to wonder that the French brought so few Dutch words into Gaul, when they laid the foundation of a flourishing Kingdom there, then that the French Language is half Latin.  P. 
Were the Gauls ever subject to a Germane power?  G. 
Yes; for all Historians do unanimously agree, that Pharamont the first King of France was Duke of Franconia; that he extended his Empire all along the Rhine; that Clodius his Son proceeded as far as Cambray, and that Merouée his Granchild settled his Royal Seat in Paris; from whence Clovis the great brought Burgundy under his Dominion, and forced the Goths to forsake those parts of Gaul about Narbon. Afterwards his successors degenerating from his virtue, and leaving the management of affairs to the Majors or Stewards of their Palace, Charles Martel (who preserved Christendom by the victory he obtained at Tours) gave so much reputation to his Son Pepin, that he easily seated himself upon his master's Throne, having thrust Childerick the Lazy into a Monastery.  P. 
Therefore Princes ought to take special heed that their servants make not themselves great at the expense of their master's Honour and authority; for a Prince without authority is like a head without eyes, or a body without a Soul.  G. 
Authority is the soul of Government, and the reputation of a Prince is the support of his State: without these things there is nothing to be seen but contempt, disobedience and rebellion. The most moderate seeing their Prince devoid of these good qualities, desire that he may obtain them; the most Religious pray God to give him them; the most courageous grumble; and the most seditious losing all respect talk of putting another into his place. The unfortunate life and death of Henry the Third King of France, are unquestionable evidences of this truth.  P. 
How should one do to gain authority and reputation?  G. 
Authority depends upon reputation; for the people believing that their Prince is valiant, liberal, and prudent, doth readily obey his will, and receive his Commands with respect, honour and reverence. Now to gain the reputation of a prudent Prince, he should be very careful that his servants and Ministers be friends to the public good, affable, modest and generous: To be esteemed valiant, it is sufficient that he show a constant resolution to maintain his People in their ancient Splendour, even at the expense of his life; that adversity cast him not down, nor prosperity make him insolent: And to give a fairer lustre to his liberality, he should take care that the little he bestows, arise not out of the oppression of his People. If it be thus indeed, then without being present every day at Council, without drawing his sword, or giving much, his Subjects, his Friends, and his Enemies too, will esteem him valiant, liberal, and prudent, and all of them fearing to offend him, will pay him the duties of Subjects, Friends, and Neighbours.  P. 
A Prince that carries true piety in his heart, and all Christian virtues in his soul, needs not doubt but God will dissipate and disappoint all the evil designs of his mutinous Subjects, and ambitious Neighbours. But what Countryman was Pepin?  G. 
It is generally said that he was originally a German; nay, many think that Charlemain his son was born near the Rhine: John de Serres in his Inventary of the History of France, Tom. 1. pag. 315. says, he was born at Worms, crowned at Spire, and buried at Aix; and in pag. 324. of the same Tome, he says, he was buried at Aix where he was born. How ever it be, they were both of them Kings of France, and the latter won so much renown by preserving the Church of Rome, and defending the Pope, who was unjustly assailed by Desiderius King of Lombardy, that the Pope, the Senate and people of Rome proclaimed him Emperor in the year of our Lord 800.  P. 
I thought it was Pope Leo III. only that divided the Empire, and gave the Western part, with the name of Emperor, to Charlemain, when he made him Advocate of the Holy See.  G. 
The Pope's labour to persuade us so, and would have it believed that the Crowns of Lombardy and Rome are essential to the Imperial dignity; saying, that the Emperor becomes King of Germany by the election which the Princes make of his person, but acquires the name of Emperor, Cesar, and Augustus, by the consecration and approbation which he receives from the Pope: But this opinion of the Popes, and of some writers their Votaries, is ridiculous; otherwise the Heathen Emperors would not have been lawful Emperors; and those professing Christianity, who resided at Constantinople since Constantine the Great until Constantine Paleologus, nay, those of Germany since Ferdinand the First till this very day, would have been Usurpers, having been Crowned neither at Milan nor Rome; which cannot be said without the guilt of High Treason. From whence you ought to conclude, that the Emperors are so by the Grace of God, without being any way beholden for it to the See of Rome.  P. 
Did the posterity of Charlemain keep possession of the Empire and the Kingdom of France for any long time?  G. 
It held the Empire and France together not very long: for the children of Lewis the Debonair sharing their Father's Estates, that division weakened the House, occasioned Wars between the brethren, and was the cause that his Grandchilds lost the Empire in the year 912. and the Kingdom of France in the year 987. at which time Hugh Capet made Charles Duke of Lorraine Uncle by the Father's side to Lewis the Fifth to be declared unworthy to succeed to the Crown of his Progenitors, because he had done homage to Germany for his Duchy. So the race of Charles the Great, to whom all Christendom doth owe so much, fell totally from their greatness, and made room in Germany for the Saxons, and in France for the Capetians, who set up the Empire and France again in their first lustre.  P. 
Was Hugh Capet a Frenchman?  G. 
He was born in France, but a Saxon by extraction; for Charlemain coming to an agreement with Witikind of Saxony after a long and bloody War, took one of Witikinds' sons into France with him, and did so much for him, that his successors raised themselves with ease to the highest Offices of State; and at length Hugh Capet put the Crown upon his own head, and transmitted it to his descendants, who enjoy it still with more happiness and authority than their predecessors did.  P. 
I learn by what you tell me, that all the Kings who have reigned in France since Pharamont, came out of Germany; and I am glad to understand so much, because it is an honour for our Nation, to have given Kings unto so considerable a part of Europe. But methinks this discourse draws us much off of our mark; and being to speak of Languages, and of the place where they should be learned, we allow that subject the least share of our thoughts.  G. 
It is true indeed, that we make long digressions, but they bring us nearer to the end we aim at; for the best way to learn Languages, is to speak and discourse with those that have the reputation of speaking well.  P. 
Do not all Frenchmen and Italians speak their own native Language well?  G. 
There are Provinces in France and Italy where you meet with few persons that speak French or Italian purely; and never a one where the vulgar hath not some terms out of use, and rejected by the learned. So that those who travel to learn languages, should take care to make their stay in places where the common people have the best accent, and the least barbarous phrases.  P. 
Where should Italian be learned?  G. 
You know that the inundation of people, who, to show the Romans that they were not invincible, came at several times out of Gaul and Germany, so corrupted the Latin in Italy, that it degenerated into a language exceedingly mingled. Since that time the great wits, as Petrarch, Boccace, Ariosto, Tasso, Bembo, and many others, have so cultivated it, that their writings do in no wise give place to the elegancy of the Greeks and Latins. Now as Cities are some more or less ingenious than others, the inhabitants of Sienna have surpassed them all in the sweetness and politeness of the Italian tongue; and the Court of Rome, which is composed of all the rest, hath brought it to its perfection.  P. 
That being so, I will stay longer at Sienna and Rome, then in other places.  G. 
So I advise you; and you may be sure not to repent yourself; forasmuch as the people of Sienna are highly courteous and friendly to strangers, and Rome being the Epitome of the world, there is more to be seen there, then in any City of Europe.  P. 
Tell me likewise, if you please, which are the Provinces and Cities of France, where they speak French the best?  G. 
There is no Province in France, where men of knowledge do not express themselves passably well, both in speech and writing; but in many parts of France the Natives are forced to learn the words and rules of their language as well as strangers. Therefore if you desire to know where I think they speak French purely, I shall tell you, it is in the Parliament of Paris, where the Judges and Advocates study to utter nothing in public, but what may distinguish them from the vulgar; and at Court, where every one speaks excellently well, except some, who being willing to please foreign Ladies, bring in a new way of pronunciation, when those Ladies are troubled to pronounce some word right.  P. 
I make no doubt but the Precedents of Paris, who are members of the most illustrious Parliament in the world, express their sentiments in perfection; and no less, that Courtiers endeavour to excel in all things. But is it of absolute necessity for one to continue in Paris, or at Court, if he would learn the French language well?  G. 
If it were necessary to follow the Court, or abide in Paris, to learn to speak French, very few would speak it perfectly, because expenses at Paris are so great, and most strangers having been pinched by the late Wars are forced to be good husbands, and be content with a little.  P. 
I am more sensible than I would be of the incommodities of the last War, and doubt not but the greatest Lords are forced to retrench their expenses; but seeing it is not possible for me to be long at Court, what City in France is the most convenient for my purpose; and in what Province may I spend some time at the easiest rate?  G. 
Before the War every thing was cheap throughout all the Kingdom; but now I conceive that as the Provinces lying in the heart of the Country feel less incommodity from the Soldiers than those upon the frontiers, so they have greater plenty of provisions, and may afford them better cheap. Thus the Cities that are situate upon the river Loire may give you the satisfaction you desire, because the language there is pure, the people civil, and all things at reasonable rates.  P. 
The Maps place this River almost in the middle of France; and the head thereof rising in the mountains of Auvergne, it washes the walls of many fair Cities from Roan down to the Ocean Sea, and by a course of above 150. leagues passes by Marsilly, Nevers, Desise, Sully, Orleans, Blois, Amboise, Tours, Saumur, Pont-de-Cé, and Nantes: so that if you do not specify the City or Cities which are most proper for my design, I shall believe they are all so, and be in perplexity how to make choice of the most convenient.  G. 
Considering your humour, I judge that Saumur and Angers will suit best with you; because there are Lords and Gentlemen near those Cities, who will take pleasure to show you that of hunting, and will also furnish you with Greyhounds, Setting-Dogs, and Water-Spaniels, to coarse the Hare, take Partridge, Quail and wild-Duck.  P. 
Do they not fly at the Heron too, and the Magpie?  G. 
Yes; but it is not ordinary to meet with Gentlemen in France that keep Hawks; and there are few that have not some excellent Dogs, both for their pleasure and their profit. I say, for their profit, because you shall see some of them that provide their Kitchen with the game they take themselves.  P. 
Do you think a young Lord that desires to learn sciences and exercises can spend any time at hunting?  G. 
Hunting hath always been the most gentile, and the most useful recreation of Princes; nor was it ever disesteemed, but by those that know not the benefit of it. It withdraws great men, either from idleness, which is the mother of vices, or from gaming, which is unsuitable to their condition, such as Dice, and those games whereby much money is lost, as Prime and Hoc: it makes them strong, active and bold, and teaches them even to fight, and to beat their enemies.  P. 
Almost all Princes love hunting, and apply themselves to it with great industry, because it is a representation of War.  G. 
War and hunting have great resemblance, and the good huntsman is, or may easily become a good Soldier. To surprise the Wolf and the Fox, you must use a certain subtlety, which teaches us to lay ambushes for your enemies; to take the wild Boar, you should know how to present the Boar-spear to the best advantage, just as you do a Pike or a Halberd when two Bodies of Foot come to push a pike; and to shoot a Deer and a Hare running, or a Partridge and a Quail flying, you ought to be as good a marksman as the best Fuzillier in an army. Besides these advantages, hunting inures you to endure hunger, thirst, heat, cold, rain, snow, and all the incommodities of the air, without which it is impossible to be a good Soldier.  P. 
I confess that hunting hardens us to labour, and teaches us many things necessary for War; but I think I have heard you say, that Lovis de Camoes', the Prince of Portuguez Poets, calls hunting furia loca insana, and doth exceedingly vilify huntsmen.  G. 
Louis de Camoes' is reproved by his Commentator for having spoken very impertinently of the pleasure of Kings; and they that would excuse him, say that he speaks of none but those that make it their only profession, and prefer the pleasure of hunting a Stag, or flying at the Heron, before the safety of their Subjects, and their own Honour. However it be, Camoes' was neither your Master nor your Lawgiver; and that which he said, ought not to hinder you from laying ambushes to take wild beasts of all sorts, nor from going a hunting when your mind stands in need of relaxation.  P. 
You mean then, that after I have spent some hours at my study, I should bestow some others upon sports; because as a Bow standing too long bend, grows weak; so the mind when it is too long taken up with contemplation, gins to disrelish study, if it be not refreshed with some Gentlemanlike recreation; in the number of which you place Hunting, as one of the most agreeable to Princes.  G. 
It is true, but because youth runs so easily down the hill towards pleasures, and that our Nature disaffects and loathes the occupation of the mind, I would have you hunt as little as possibly you can, and that to keep yourself in appetite you would prefer Tennis and Fencing before Hunting: for that exercise hath such catching baits, and the Princes of your House are so vehemently inclined to that kind of pleasure, that we see few of them who set not a greater value upon it then upon their study.  P. 
I confess the sway of my inclination is absolutely bend to it, and I could more willingly endure the pains of Hunting a whole day, then of study but two hours. Yet because you think it fit, I will hunt as seldom as I can, that I may keep the promise I made to you, to follow your counsel in all things.  G. 
It is no small comfort to me, to hear that you prefer my advice before your pleasure; but I am sorry that you call and esteem that a Labour which is nothing but pure delight. Study would be a sensual pleasure, if the mind were capable of any. They that have once tasted it, can never take themselves off again; and oftentimes it engages those who are born for action, to give themselves over to contemplation in such manner, that thereby they become despiseable, and indeed altogether despised, drawing upon themselves the point of those Lances which they have neglected, and the venom of those Pens which they too kindly embrace.  P. 
As therefore all kind of studies are not proper for all kind of persons, so neither is it lawful for every one to spend so much time in them as he would.  G. 
You say right; for as Alexander's dog thought any creature of less strength and courage than a Lion to be unworthy of his anger, and would not vouchsafe to stir, if he did not see an object equal to his valour; so men ought to make choice of such studies as are proportionable to their conditions. And forasmuch as by God's Providence you are born such a one, as will one day have occasion to render him an account of a Principality, you must of necessity learn to govern it well, without amusing yourself upon knowledges more curious than useful, and which would better become a Professor in Philosophy than the General of an Army.  P. 
I know that men do not use to send for Shoemakers to make their clothes, nor to Tailors to make their boots. Nevertheless many Princes enter upon the Government before they have passed an Apprenticeship for it, and take the least care of that which concerns them the most. But that I may not be one of that number, I conjure you to instruct me in all that I ought to know; to be able to govern.  G. 
The method of good Government is not to be learned, but from the mouth or actions of Kings and Princes. Therefore I beseech you to give diligent heed to all you shall read in the Books of the Kings, the Chronicles, and the Wisdom of Solomon, in the Sacred Story; in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which James VI King of Scotland, and first of that name of England, composed for the instruction of his Son; in Guevara; in the life of Marcus Aurelius, in the Romulus, Tarquin, and David persecuted, written by Malvezzi; in the lives of Philip II. King of Spain, and Henry iv King of France; and every where else where profane History takes notice of the vices and virtues of great men; that so you may day by day grow to be an honester man, and a more excellent Prince.  P. 
I have already read some part of that which you prescribe to me, and should punctually observe this rule, if I were not hindered by my ignorance in the Languages wherein they are written.  G. 
That defect would occasion many others to you; and if you did not learn to understand Authors in their own Language, you would receive but little satisfaction: for ordinarily translations have less grace and ornament than the Originals. For which reason I have given order to your Master, to use the easiest method for you, and the greatest diligence he can, that you may be a good Proficient in foreign Languages. I beseech you to second his laborious endeavours, and help to make them fruitful.  P. 
Your will hath always had the authority of a Law with me; and I find it good for me to have learned what you judged to be for my advantage. Having therefore heard you say that Italian is easily obtainable by those that speak Latin and French, I shall endeavour to get these two in perfection, before I undertake the third.  G. 
I like your design, and dare assure you that you will learn Italian with ease by the help of French; for the knowledge of the one smooths the difficulties which occur in the other, especially if one begin with French.  P. 
Which of these two do you esteem the finest Language, and the most useful?  G. 
Your question doth somewhat perplex me: for my part I think them both equally good and graceful, but not equally useful; for to know the utility of a Language, it should be considered in what part of the world a man inhabits, what persons he frequents, and with whom he hath to do. Italian is in high esteem and exceedingly useful in the Emperor's Court, and upon all the Coasts of the Mediterranean Sea. They that trade in Asia, afric and Europe with the Turks, Greeks, Arabians, Candians, Rhodians; Cyprians, and other Levantine people, may commodiously make use of it. French is in greater vogue towards the North, and is marvellously well entertained in Germany, England; Denmark, Sweden, and Poland, where all the Kings, Princes and Lords speak it exactly, except the Emperor, who neither loves the French nor their Language: yet it is so much in fashion, that the chiefest Italians, nay even the Spaniards of his Court, and all others that I have known in Germany, speak it, or clip it.  P. 
Then would it not be better for a Germane Prince to learn French perfectly, and practise it continually, then to amuse himself upon many Languages, and become master of never a one of them?  G. 
Every man should take a just measure of his own strength, and not grasp at more than he can hold. But seeing you have a natural disposition to learn Languages, and the honour to be a Prince, which gives you the hope, and almost the assurance of being employed in variety of business, and in divers Countries, I lay it as a charge upon you, to love French, and not neglect Italian.  
The end of the first Dialogue.   

Dialogue II.  
Of the State of the Empire in general.  P. 
I Understand French indifferent well already, and I think if I made a voyage through France I might easily attain to the perfection of it. And therefore I earnestly entreat you to use the power and credit you have with my parents, that by their good leave I may begin to travel, and see what Europe affords worthy of my observation.  G. 
I know that travelling is a proper means to accomplish what you have begun, but I cannot allow that you should imitate those who make it their study day and night to learn what was done at Rome 2000 years since, without taking any thought to know how men live in Germany at the present. They that study in such a manner, are like those imprudent busybodies, who having their eyes open to see what is done among their neighbours, have no regard to understand what is doing in their own houses. My opinion is, that before you go out of Germany, you learn the State of the Empire, lest being skilful in foreign things, you remain ignorant of domestic affairs, and desiring to become a Citizen of the world, you be nevertheless but a stranger at home.  P. 
You have so often entertained me with relating the rarities of Italy, France, England, and Spain, that I am in love with those pleasant Countries; and then the Wars whereof the Low-countrieses have been the Theatre, and those also which the Swedes have successfully begun and ended in the Empire, inflame my heart with a desire to see Sweden and Flanders. Nevertheless since you think fit that we should take a cursory view of the Empire, I am content, and do therefore pray you to tell me what it is requisite for me to know thereof; that when I am in foreign Countries, I may be able to discourse of my own, and show that I am not ignorant of that which I am concerned to know.  G. 
The Ancients have written but few things touching our Empire, and modern writers do so much serve and humour their own passion, that it is hard to see clear in what they deliver: yet because it imports you more to understand Germany then other Countries, I am content to answer unto every thing which you shall be pleased to ask me concerning the State of the Empire. Do me the favour then to think of what you desire to learn upon that subject, and propose your questions freely.  P. 
We will speak, if you please, of the head and the principal Members of the Empire; of their power and authority; of the rise, progress and alliances of illustrious Houses; of the order which they observe in Assemblies; of the branches of every Family; of the causes of love, hatred and jealousy amongst them; and of other such like things, which shall come into my mind while we are discoursing of them. And if occasion offer us any question Political or Moral, you will oblige me not to let it pass without a rational discussion. Now because Bodin and some other enemies of our State, out of envy to see us for so many ages in possession of the Imperial Crown, debase the Majesty of the Empire as much as they can, and think that our Government is Aristocratical; do me the kindness to undertake the defence thereof, and acquaint me with the truth of the case.  G 
Strangers are to blame, when they speak of what they know not; and all men, when they writ contrary to their own judgement. It is better to hold one's peace, then to smother the truth: for although many men hate it, and great ones are not usually fed with this diet, but under a disguise; yet for all that, it is pleasant and acceptable to all good and virtuous persons. Well then, there is nothing under Heaven that can equal the Empire; and the title of Cesar and of Augustus, is not where to be found but in Germany. True it is, they that speak of the Emperor, as well Germane as strangers, deny him an absolute power; and I agree, that he doth not all that he will; nay, as earthly powers are in perpetual motion, I confess he is no more at such a high period of greatness as Charlemain and the Saxons were: But they that divest the Emperor of the title of Monarch, and deny the Empire to be the most divine form of Government, do equally offend both Him and Us.  P. 
I do not think that the State of the Empire is purely Monarchical, because the Emperor is not absolute.  G. 
If it were necessary that a Monarch, to be so, should have absolute power to do every thing that he would, there would be no Monarches at all, but such as those monstrous Tyrants, the Turk and the Muscovite. Therefore when I yield to you, that the Emperor doth not absolutely do what he will, yet I must not forbear to assure you that he is a Monarch; nay, the first Monarch in the world; and it is actually seen, that all other Monarches of Christendom do willingly give him place.  P. 
Is the Emperor subject to Laws?  G. 
The Emperor being a man, and a Christian, is obliged to observe both Humane and Divine Laws; and because he promises and swears not to do any thing contrary to the Capitulation which the Electors prescribe to him after his Election, doubtless he is bound to keep it, in like manner as all Kings are, not to violate the fundamental Laws of their State: But the obedience he yields to his Laws doth in no case derogate from his right of Sovereignty.  P. 
Is it not necessary in Monarchies, that one alone should command, and all the rest obey?  G. 
The word Obey should not be taken here in a strict sense; it is sufficient that all the members of a Monarchy acknowledge the Monarch for the head, from whence all their power, dignity, and glory is derived. And in the case of our Emperor, the Electors, Princes, and other great Lords do freely confess, that their dignity is nothing but a beam issuing from the Imperial Majesty.  P. 
All men are not of your opinion; and there are those who believe, that the Princes of the Empire do not acknowledge to hold their greatness of any but God: And really it seems, that if they did acknowledge to hold it of the Emperor, they would not in plain terms use this kind of style, N. by the grace of God Duke, etc.  G. 
That title is communicated to them with that of Elector, Duke or Prince; and experience teacheth us, that when a Count, who was not such by the grace of God, is raised to the degree of a Prince, he forthwith takes the quality of Prince by the grace of God: From whence it follows, that as no man is Elector, Duke or Prince, but by the Emperors grant, in like manner these Princes are not qualified so, but by way of Communication. Nay, it is impossible that they should be absolutely independent of any but God, being (as they are) Subjects of the Empire, receiving their dignity from the Emperor, and doing him Homage for their Principalities.  P. 
Can the Emperor create Princes, Counts, and Barons, to have place and vote in the Assemblies, without the consent and concurrence of the States of the Empire for his so doing?  G. 
The Emperor, by that ample power which inseparably adheres to the Imperial Majesty, may raise persons of merit to the highest Secular dignities; but because the States of the Empire might suffer some prejudice, if he admitted into their Assemblies all the persons that his Majesty advances to the quality of Prince, the Emperors have thought it reasonable to have the consent of the said States, conceiving it but just, that what concerns a whole body, should be approved by the same.  P. 
Cannot the Emperor confer Ecclesiastical Benefices, and give Bishoprics to whom he pleases?  G. 
He hath lost that right by the overgrowing authority of Popes, who not content to have robbed the Emperor of his right to nominate, or at least to confirm those Sovereign Prelates: have taken from him the power of nominating to the Ecclesiastical dignities of Germany; And they did also oblige him to come and take his Imperial Crown at their hands, but no Emperor hath been crowned at Rome since Charles V  P. 
I would gladly know how the Popes have so much lessened the Imperial Majesty.  G. 
The Emperor Constantine the Great having removed the seat of the Empire to Constantinople, the Roman Bishops began to have more Elbow-room, and laying the foundation of their greatness as well upon the distance of the Emperor's Residence as upon the piety of Princes, and the respect given unto them, they took upon them the name of Universal Bishop, which their Predecessors never thought of but with horror and detestation. Nevertheless the Lombard's kept the Popes in awe, and vexe● them often, till the time of Pepin and Charlemain, who undertook their protection, and enriched them with the estate of those troublesome Kings. The Pope willing to acknowledge these good turns, did Homage to those Princes for the Territories of Ravenna and Pentapolis of Romagna, which Pepin had liberally bestow upon him, & obliged his Successors to the sam● duty, agreeing that those Princes and their Heirs should have the Right and Prerogative of choosing Popes. Those two Kings mad● use of that right; but after the death of Charles, the most potent of the Clergy, fearing they might not have interest enough in the Emperor's Court, got themselves chosen at Rome, and afterwards came with an excuse that they were not able to hinder their election, and therefore besought Lewis the Debonair to confirm them; which he did for fear of disobliging them.  P. 
Did this submission of the Popes continue long?  G. 
No, but a short time: for pope Nicolas I. of that name, being better seen in State-matters then his predecessors, disengaged himself of that duty, and using the Thunder of the Vatican in a right season, excommunicated Lotharius brother to Lewis King of Italy, and gave so much courage to his Successors, that in a short time they took the boldness to pretend to the election of the Emperors, to degrade them, and to set up another instead of any one that had the misfortune to displease them.  P. 
Did not the Emperors withstand those violences?  G. 
All that had any resolution resisted that injustice, passed over the Alps, and forced the Popes to keep themselves within their duty: but as Princes are oftentimes some more unfortunate or less courageous than others, at length Gregory VII. urban II. and many other Popes trampled the Majesty of the Emperors under their feet, thundered, and decreed against them in their Councils, deprived them of their Right, and brought them by force to go and take the Imperial Crown at their hands, saying there was as much difference betwixt Popes and Emperors, as there is betwixt the Sun and the Moon; intending to infer from thence, that as the latter of those two planets hath no light but what is communicated to it by the Sun, so the Emperor had no other glory, nor power, nor Majesty but what the Pope bestowed upon him. But since Charles V his time no Emperor hath been Crowned by the hands of the Pope; and it seems that the House of Austria hath recovered that to the Empire, which the unhappiness of form times had rend from it.  P. 
It was a great unhappiness indeed, that our Forefathers gave so much way, and parted with so much of their Right to the Popes: But you do also confess, that his Majesty cannot give any Right of suffrage in the Assembly of the Empire unto those persons whom he raises to the dignity of Prince, without the consent of the States first obtained.  G, 
No man having voice or seat in the Diets, but he that is entered in the Registe or Matriculation-Roll of the Empire, which remains in the custody of the Elector of Mentz; it follows necessarily, that no ma● can be admitted to sit there without the knowledge and allowance of that Elector.  P. 
That which you tell me, doth in some some sort derogate from the Majesty of the Emperor, who in that respect seems less absolute than the Kings of France and Spain; for they can give the titles of Duke and Grandee to whom they please, and endue new men with the privileges of the ancientest Lords of that Order, without pre-acquainting them with it.  G. 
Those that the King of France raises to the dignity of Duke, must have their Patent verified in the Pariament of Paris, before they can take their place there: and though this were not so, we should only be bound to confess, that the Emperors have used more favour toward the principal Members of the Empire, than the Kings of France do toward their Peers, or those of Spain toward their Grandes. But for all that, neither of those Kings, though great and potent, is so eminent as the Emperor, except in this regard, that both of them have no Superior, nor any equal within their Dominions,  P. 
Hath the Emperor any more illustrious marks of Sovereignty than those Kings, who give no man an account of their edicts, but in these terms, For such is Our pleasure?  G. 
Those Kings are great, and as it were Emperors upon their own Territories, and make Laws, create Magistrates, Lords, and Gentlemen, as many as they please: but neither they, nor any other person in the World equals the Emperor, who by a plenitude of power creates Kings, and hath a Right to hinder any other Potentate from attempting to do the like.  P. 
The Emperor doth often erect Lands into Baronies, Earldoms and Dukedoms; nay, he makes Barons, Counts, and Dukes, without giving them any land: But I have never heard it affirmed, that he had the power to erect Principalities into Kingdoms.  G. 
The Emperor Otho III. made Poland a Kingdom of a Dukedom in the year 1001. Henry iv did the like for Bohemia in the year 1086. and Charles the Brave Duke of Burgundy desired the Emperor Frederick III. to give him the title of King, but could not obtain it. All which things do without question elevate the Emperor above all the Monarches of the Universe, and make it evident that the Imperial dignity is the most eminent upon earth.  P. 
I believe, as you do, that no King assumes the authority to erect Principalities into Kingdoms, and that our Emperor in that point hath no equal in the world; but you have not yet proved, that he hath the power of hindering others from giving those eminent titles.  G. 
The Pope says he hath the same Prerogative; but Pius V having given the title of great Duke of Tuscany to Cosmo de Medicis in the year 1569. the Emperor Maximilian II. opposed it, and made Cosmo receive it from him: And by that action the Pope was obliged to confess that he had exceeded and transgressed the bounds of his power.  P. 
Parents do not love their children with more tenderness, nor children their parents with more reverence, than I love the Empire; and for that cause you can tell me nothing that affects me comparably to the relation of its greatness. Continue therefore, and as you have touched something of the Majesty of the Head, give me some account also of the Members.  G. 
The principal Members of the Empire are the Electors, which at this present are three ecclesiastics and five Seculars. They of Mentz, Tryers, and Collen, are Arch-Bishops and Arch-Chancellors; the first in Germany, the second in France and in the Kingdom of Arles, and the third in Italy: The Seculars are the King of Bohemia, who is great Cupbearer, the Duke of Bavaria, who is great Steward, the Duke of Saxony, who is great Marshal or Constable, the Marquis of Brandenburg, who is great Chamberlain, and the Prince Palatine of the Rhine, who is great Treasurer of the Empire.  P, 
Are those offices which you now mentioned, the principal function of each Elector?  G. 
There is nothing that makes the Electoral dignity so eminent, as the right they have to elect the Emperor, and to depose him when by his enormous crimes, or by an unmanly idleness, he neglects the honour of the Empire, the public good, and the duty of his place.  P. 
Was the Empire always Elective?  G. 
Charlemain having gotten the Imperial diginty, transmitted it to his posterity by way of Succession; and that right continued in his House, as long as his descendants retained any thing of the generosity of that incomparable Heroical person: But when his virtue became totally extinguished in his Successors, the Empire was offered to Otho of Saxony, who refused it, and advised them to confer that honour upon Conrade Duke of Franconia. After Conrade, Henry Son to Otho of Saxony (who had refused the Empire) was chosen into his place, and his Son Otho the I. succeeded him. And that way of succession from Father to Son was observed till the time of Henry IU. who coming to that Dignity while he was under age, and ruling badly enough when he was of years to do better, the Lords of the Empire began to undervalue his authority, and Pope Gregory VII. taking occasion by the foretop, declared him unfit to Reign, excommunicated him, and commanded that the Imperial Sceptre should be given to another. Then the Germans made a Law, whereby they abolished the right of succession, and assumed to themselves that of choosing the Emperors.  P. 
It seems to me that the Empire was elective sooner than the time you specify.  G. 
Some would have it, that the Electors were instituted after the death of the Emperor Otho III. and others, only in the time of Rodolph of Habspurg; so that there is no certainty to be known in this matter, and it is free for every man to follow the opinion he thinks most probable.  P. 
When the right of succession from Father to Son was abolished, was the power of choosing the Emperors given to the Princes that bear the title of Electors at this day?  G. 
When the Empire became Elective, all the Princes as well Secular as Ecclesiastical, the Lords, Prelates, and Cities, in one word, all the Estates of the Empire got the power of creating the Emperors: Afterwards in process of time the less considerable were debarred of that right; and at length the confusion which grew from that great number of Electors made it be thought convenient to reduce them to a few. Then they that held the highest Offices in the Imperial Court, excluded all others from them, and the Emperor Charles iv confirmed them in the possession of that right by a regulation which he made thereupon in an Ordinance called The Golden Bull.  P. 
Until what time did that great number of Princes and Lords concur to the election of the Emperors?  G. 
It may be made appear to those that will be satisfied with reason, that many had a voice in the Election of Emperors until the time of Frederick II. For Otho Frisingensis assures us, that Henry II. was chosen Emperor by all the Lords of the Empire; and when he was dead, Conrade Duke of Franconia was advanced into his place by the consent of all. Henry III. son to Conrade was also chosen, but there is no mention made of the Electors. The Abbot of Vrsperg writes, that Henry iv was raised to the Imperial dignity by the Bishops and Princes of Germany. The same Author says, that Henry V was chosen by all; that Lotharius II. was made Emperor by two Archbishops, eight Bishops, many Abbots and Lords of the Imperial Court; that Conrade III was placed upon the Throne, the Duke of Saxony not being called to the Election, and the See of Mentz being then vacant; that Frederick Barbarossa was chosen by all the Germane princes; that Philip came to the Empire by an Election which the Suevians, Bavarians, and Saxons made of him; that Otho iv received the Sceptre from those of Collen, Strasbourg, and some other Cities. The same Abbot of Vrsperg says, that the Emperor Otho iv was excommunicated, and that the Princes of Germany, to wit, the King of Bohemia, the Dukes of Austria and Bavaria, the Landgrave of Thuringia, and many other Princes chose Frederick King of Sicily, to whom they had formerly sworn Allegiance, even while he was yet in his cradle: This is that Frederick until whose time, as you see, the number of the Electors was uncertain.  P. 
There seems to me to be a contradiction in what you say, that the Empire was successive until Henry iv and a little after you affirm, that Henry II. Conrade, Henry III. and iv were Elected.  G. 
I had taken notice before, that the Authors who writ upon this subject, are at variance among themselves; for which reason I allege those that speak of those Elections: And it is sufficient for me to show you, it is the opinion of Writers, that the number of Electors was not reduced to Seven till after the time of Frederick II. And here you may observe, that the Eighth was not heard of till the last peace of Germany.  P. 
Why was the number of them increased at the Treaty of peace concluded at Munster and Osnabrug in the year 1648.  G. 
In the year 1623. the Emperor Ferdinand II. transferred the Electoral dignity from Frederick V Count Palatine to Maximilian Duke of Bavaria. This translation of dignity, and many other acts of Sovereignty, which the Empire remarked in Ferdinand with a jealous eye; as the taking upon himself alone to decide matters which cannot be determined, but by the judgement of all the Estates of the Empire; the resuming of Church-lands possessed by Protestants, and giving them to Religious Orders; together with a fear of worse proceed, obliged the Princes to join in a League, and to call strangers to their assistance. The War was long, and so bloody, that it swept away more than half the people of Germany. At last both sides being weary, an Assembly was held at Munster to conclude a Peace, and the Ambassadors there found themselves in a great straight how to satisfy the two principal branches of that House. Each of them pretended to the Electorate; the first, having had possession thereof for many ages, required the restitution of it; and the second, alleging the signal services he had done the Empire, by which he merited that recompense, would not consent to the Peace, unless it were provided that he should still enjoy that honour. In conclusion, as Maximilian had many friends, so Charles Lewis did not want his supports: Whereupon they came to this agreement, That Maximilian Duke of Bavaria should have the first Electorship to him and his posterity, and an eighth place should be new-erected for Charles Lewis Prince Palatine of the Rhine; upon this condition, that if the Gulielmine branch happened to fail before the Rodolphine, these latter should re-enter into their ancient Electorship, and the other newly created should be wholly abolished.  P. 
I do not wonder that these Princes did so earnestly desire, the one to recover, and the other to keep the Electorate in his Branch; since it is believed, that this dignity makes the possessors thereof not inferior to Kings.  G. 
The Electoral dignity is very great; and they that are endued with it, are in a more eminent degree than other Potentates of the Empire, because they have power to make the Emperor: But I do not think they may be equalled to Kings. Nay, I remember I have read, that the last Duke of Burgundy, of the blood Royal of France, demanded precedence before the Electors at the Council of Basil, and obtained his pretence.  P. 
I know, that Duke alleging his high descent, and the many Dutchies, Counties, and other Lordships in his possession, obtained a declaration from the Council of Basil, that in regard of his condition and his great Estates, he should precede the Secular Electors. But you also know, that the Electors have taken place of Kings upon some occasions.  G. 
The King of Bohemia gives place to many others, except when he is in the Diet for the Election of an Emperor; and in the like case the Elector of Brandenburg hath disputed the precedence with Rodolph II. King of Hungary. Nevertheless it is out of controversy, that the Electoral dignity is inferior to the Royal: And it may be proved by the order which the Electors themselves observe; for the Elector of Bohemia, when he was but Duke, had the lowest place, but having obtained the title of King, he began to go before his Colleagues, only because it was not thought reasonable that a Royal person, Crowned and Anointed, should give way to those that were but barely Electors.  P. 
Though this dignity do not stand upon equal terms with that of Kings, it is nevertheless very great; but who is the chiefest among the Electors?  G. 
None of them disputes the precedency with him of Mentz, who is Dean of the Electoral College, appoints the day and place of the Election, when the Emperor is dead, or when it is necessary to choose a King of the Romans: The second is the Elector of Tryer, the third of Collen. Thus the ecclesiastics take place of the Secular Princes; of whom the King of Bohemia is the first, the Duke of Bavaria the second, the Duke of Saxony the third, the Marquis of Brandenbourg the fourth, and the Count Palatine the last. Notwithstanding which order I must think the Electors of the Rhine and Saxony to be above all the rest, because during the vacancy of the Empire they are Vicars thereof, and can do all that is in the Emperor's power (except giving Investiture to those that hold great Territories or Lordships in Fee of the Empire) without being subject to give an account of their administration.  P. 
When is it that they choose an Emperor?  G. 
The Empire being destitute of a Head, by the natural death of the Emperor, by his own spontaneous demission, or by his demerit, when for his unworthiness he is deprived of it, they proceed to the election of another.  P. 
Methinks it is very strange, that they can dispossess an Emperor; and much more, that there should be any who would voluntarily resign their Crown.  G. 
Both the one and the other have been seen more than once; and that we may not go too far back to seek for examples very remote from our time, it shall be sufficient for me to tell you, that Wenceslaus son to Charles iv being become unfit for the Imperial Crown, was forced to surrender it unto Robert the Elector Palatine in the year 1400. And when Charles V had surpassed all his predecessors in merit, and shown by nine voyages, which he made into Germany, six into Spain, seven into Italy, four into France, ten into the Low-countrieses, two into England, as many into Africa, and by passing the Ocean and Mediterranean Seas eleven times, that nothing was impossible to a Prince of his resolution; he would further manifest, that he knew how to conquer himself, and having called his son Philip into the Netherlands, he put the Sceptre of Spain with all its dependencies into his hands, and by William of Nassau Prince of Orange sent the Imperial Crown to his brother, who was already King of the Romans: After which he retired himself to a quiet solitude in the year 1556. where he lived two more in the contemplation of heavenly joys, and went to receive them the 21. of September 1558.  P. 
It is a wonder that a Prince so inclined to honour the holy See, did not resign his Sceptre into the hands of the Pope.  G. 
That incomparable Monarch loved to have the See of Rome flourish, but was not willing the glory thereof should be illustrated by the eclipse of the Empire. He knew what he ought to the Church, and what to Germany: He was not ignorant that the Constitutions of Pope's aim at the weakening of the Empire, and the diminution of its authority; but he knew also how to put a difference betwixt just and unjust. And by that action he maintained the right of the Empire, and yet did wrong to no body.  P. 
May a King of the Romans be chosen while the Emperor is living?  G. 
There are that think it ought not to be done, because it is as much as to give occasion to one to wish the death of another. Yet experience, which is more to be considered then the speculative fancies of Doctors, teaches us, that Charles IU. Wenceslaus, Maximilian I. and II. Rodolph II. Ferdinand III. and iv were chosen in the life-time of their predecessors. We have not any example, that a King of the Romans hath been made against the Emperors will; but I think it out of question, that they who can depose an Emperor, may also appoint him a Successor without his consent.  P. 
Some say, that when they create a King of the Romans while the Emperor is living, they set two Heads upon the Empire, and two Masters over Germany.  G. 
So long as the Emperor lives, the King of the Romans hath no authority of his own, and his dignity is but subordinate to that of the Emperor: from whence it follows, that without imposing two Heads upon the Empire, or two Masters upon Germany, a Successor to the Emperor may be nominated, who instead of procuring or desiring his death, may only ease his pains, get insight in business, and learn how to govern.  P. 
Where do the Electors meet, when there is question of making an Emperor, or a King of the Romans?  G. 
The election should be made at Francfort; and indeed the greatest part of the Emperors received that honour there: Nay, the Elector of Saxony questioned the election of Ferdinand I. because it was made at Collen, in the year 1530. Nevertheless before Ferdinand's time, Henry II. was chosen at Mentz, Henry III. at Aix, Henry V at Collen, Lotharius II. at Mentz, and after him Maximilian, and Rodolph II. and Ferdinand III received that honour at Ratisbon. From whence you may conclude, that the place of the Election is not certain.  P. 
Wherefore was the number of the Electors reduced to seven? And what was the reason that there were three Ecclesiastical, and four Military?  G. 
Religion and Arms being the foundation and sure support of the Christian Commonwealth, the Emperor could not provide bette for the safety of the Empire, then by choosing three Prelates and four Captains, to help him in bearing part of that great burden while ●elived, and to put another into his place after his death. But there were seven of them, no● only because that number is mysterious and venerable, but because being odd, if the voice in an election happened to be equally divided one of the Electors might cast the balance t● that side where he thought there was the mo●● merit. Besides there were some of the● Churchmen for this reason, that being it was impossible for them to come to the Crown● they might keep the other Electors within th● compass of their duty, and put a bar, that n● man should be chosen but he that deserved that dignity: Which, as we have already declared is the chiefest in Christendom.  P. 
You place the King of Bohemia amongst the real and true Electors, whereas many as well Germane as Foreiners say, that he is not called to the Diets, nor hath any voice at the election of the Emperor, but when the other Electors cannot agree.  G. 
The King of Bohemia hath no voice nor place in the Assemblies, which the learned call the Universal Senate, and the Epitome of the Empire; neither is he summoned to appear there, because being not registered in the Matriculation-roll, nor contributing any thing to the necessities of the Empire, he doth not sit in those meetings: nevertheless, they that say he is no true Elector, and hath no voice at Elections, do not reflect that King Ladistaus made a bitter complaint because he was omitted at the Election of Maximilian I. that he threatened to take arms, and never left clamouring till the Empire came to this accord with him, That whoever should omit him for the time to come, should be condemned to pay 500 marks of gold: And they that are most experienced and skilful in this point, give him the first voice, and say that Sigismond of Luxemburg King of Bohemia, being in the Diet for the choice of an Emperor after the death of Robert of Bavaria, spoke the first according to the custom, and saying that he knew no man more worthy of the Empire than he was, named himself; whereupon the rest of the Electors his Colleagues admiring his freedom and generosity, unanimously gave him their voices.  P. 
I see then, the Electors may name themselves.  G. 
Yes, but not all. The ecclesiastics have not a passive or reflexive voice in those Diets of Election, that is, they may name another, but not themselves; because the Ancients thought it not fit, that one and the same hand should bear the Crosier and the Sword, nor one and the same head wear the Mitre and the Imperial Crown.  P. 
It being necessary then that the Emperor should be Secular, may all Seculars indifferently be raised to that dignity?  G. 
The Electors can advance no man to the Imperial Throne, but he that is of an illustrious, rich, and Germane Family. The reason why the Emperor should be of an illustrious Houst is this, because, being he is to be Head ove● many Princes that resemble so many Kings, it is to be presumed they would not willingly yield obedience to a person of mean condition. He should be rich, because the Emperors have alienated almost all the Rights of the Empire, and by their ill husbandry forced the Election to have an eye to the riches of him they choose, that he may maintain himself out of his ow● Revenues with that splendour that is requisite to the Imperial Majesty. He should be a German, because a stranger having but little affection for us, might transfer the seat of the Empire to some other place, and deprive Germany of that prerogative, or put it upon a necessity to keep the same by way of Arms.  P. 
It seems to me, that all the Emperors of Germany have not been natural Germans; and consequently, it is not necessary that he that is chosen should be so.  G. 
Before the Emperor Charles iv had made the Golden Bull to be published, it was not required that the Emperor should be a German; but since that time, though it be not absolutely necessary for him to be born in Germany, it is necessary that he be a Germane by extraction. Such were Charles and Ferdinand the First, though the former were born in the County of Flanders, and the latter at Medina in Castille. Likewise Francis I. King of France, alleging that he was a Germane, when they made scruple to place him upon the Imperial Throne, did not pretend to have it believed that Angoulesme was in Germany, but that his predecessors were originally of Germany.  P. 
I conceive it may be seasonable in this place to ask, whether it be better that Kingdoms should be Elective or Successive; and because I know you will be able to resolve the doubt, I desire you to satisfy my curiosity.  G. 
In speculation, each of these forms hath its advantages and discommodities; but I do not think that rationally one can be preferred before the other, but with respect to places, times, and persons. Germany, Denmark, and Poland find it expedient to elect their Princes: The French, Spaniards, and Swedes like it better that the Son or nearest Kinsman should succeed their Kings. The reasons of those that prefer Succession, are plausible. They say, that ordinarily in the time of the Interregnum, Elective Monarchies fall into Anarchy, disorders, and the danger of utter ruin, being like a ship in a storm without a Pilot; that Elective Princes, having no assured hope to transmit the Crown to their children, endeavour to enrich them at the charge of the public, and that no man hath so great a care to preserve another's estate as his own. They add further, that persons of low degree are elected, who become insolent upon it, and leave no stone unturned to make the Crown Hereditary to their Family; and which is still worse sometimes the Electors being at variance, instead of one Head set many over the Commonwealth. But all these reasons are good and allowable in those States where Succession hath had place for many ages. The Germans had rather have their Emperors by choice; and to prevent those inconveniences, they many times elect a Successor to the Empire while the Emperor is living: And though that course be not taken, yet the Empire is not in danger to fall into Anarchy or any disorder, seeing the Electors Palatine and of Saxony are Vicars of the Emperor, and Administrators of the Empire during the Interregnum. And so the ship is never without a Pilot in Germany; where to abate the desire which the Emperors may have to agrandize their children by weakening the Monarchy, they usually make choice of the nearest of Kin to the Reigning Prince; and they do not transfer the Crown to another House, but when they find never a Head worthy of it in that Family that hath it in possession. This way of continuing the Imperial Dignity in one House doth also hinder the inconvenience of advancing men of low degree to the Throne, and of giving two Heads at a time to one single Commonwealth. For which cause I think it not fit to innovate any thing in a State, and that every Nation should persevere in their ancient customs, forasmuch as all changes in a State are dangerous.  P. 
God be thanked, we do not see so many murders and seditions in Germany during the Interregnum, as there are at Rome; but there hath been no means found out to prevent alienating the demesns of the Empire▪ The Emperor hath almost nothing left in Italy, and the best Cities of Germany being enfranchised, the sinew of the State hath lost much of its strength; which could never have been, if the Empire had always been Successive.  G. 
There is nothing complete and entire in this World; and it is as hard to find a perfect form of Government, as a Commonwealth, a King, an Orator, a Captain, a Courtier, an Ambassador, with the qualities which Plato, Xenophon, Cicero, Onosander, Castalio, and Tasso Fancy and desire. When a Kingdom is Successive, the people is often forced to obey a child, or rather those who abusing his authority do oppress and exhaust his Subjects during his Minority. When it is Elective, they are divers times put to no small trouble to find out a good King; and when they think they have chosen an Augustus, a Trajan or an Antonine, it proves too often that they have pitched upon a William, a Henry VII or a Wenceslaus. We must look for perfection in Heaven, and not think to meet with it here below.  P. 
Seeing we are in Germany where Election hath place, we ought to prefer it before Succession; and to speak truth, considering the State of the Empire at present, it seems to be preferable. But of what age should a Prince be, to be capable of being placed upon the Imperial Throne?  G. 
It were to be wished that he were one, who had beforehand given some proofs of his virtue, and made his name glorious by his Military actions; nevertheless though by the Law no man can be raised to eminent honours before the age of 25. years, yet the Electors do not always tie themselves strictly to those rules: For they chose Otho III. in his infancy, Henry III. at twelve, Henry iv at eight, Frederick II. and William at twenty, Wenceslaus at fifteen, and Charles V at nineteen years of age.  P. 
I would willingly know what difference there is between the Emperor and the King of the Romans.  G. 
You will meet with some Writers, who mean the Emperor when they are speaking of the King of the Romans; and yet they are distinct persons: For no man can be Vicar to himself, and the King of the Romans is the Emperor's perpetual Vicar; when the Emperor is absent, or taken up with other affairs, he administers the Empire, and the Emperor being dead he succeeds without dispute. The King of the Romans bears for his Arms the Eagle with one head, the Emperor with two; he is styled Augustus, and the Emperor semper Augustus: The Emperor writing to him useth the term of Liebten in Dutch, which signifies Dilection, but he writing or speaking to the Emperor, gives him that of Majesty: To conclude, he acknowledges the Emperor for his Superior, and though in his absence he exercise the same power the Emperor did, it is but by concession, for he hath no authority of his own within the Empire, so long as the Emperor is living: And therefore if he take place of other Kings, it is only because he exerciseth the same Jurisdiction which the Emperor doth.  P. 
Is the King of the Romans the only Vicar of the Empire?  G. 
Heretofore there were 3. Deputies in the East, as many in the West, one in Africa, and another in Spain: At present there are but two for all, to wit the Electors of the Rhine and of Saxony; whose dignity is derived from the office of great Steward, which they had under the Emperors of Charlemagne's Race. By virtue of that dignity, when the Emperor dies, and before a Successor be chosen, the first governs the Rhine, Franconia, Swaben, and Bavaria, as far as the Alps; the other all that Country where the Saxon Laws are observed. But if there be a King of the Romans, that right ceases, because he is Emperor that very moment wherein the other deceaseth. So that it may be said, when there is a King of the Romans, he is the only Vicar of the Empire; and when there is not one, the Electors of the Rhine and Saxony alone are the Vicars.  P. 
We have hitherto spoken sufficiently of the Emperor, of his Vicars, and of the Electors. Nevertheless before we proceed any further, I would know whether the Emperor take the name of Cesar before his Coronation; and how he is served when he eats in State.  G. 
Immediately after the Emperor is chosen, he takes the name of Emperor, of Cesar, and of Augustus: and if he pleases giveth privileges, and does all other acts of Sovereignty: Afterwards, when he will display the Splendour of his Majesty, he dines in Ceremony; and then the Ecclesiastical Electors say Grace, and hold the Seals; the Elector of Brandenburg gives him water to wash, the Saxon executes the Office of Marshal, the Palsgrave presents him the first dish of meat, and the King of Bohemia the first glass of Wine: But he wears not the Crown upon his head, unless he will himself: And if any Elector be absent, his Deputy performs his Office, and not his Ambassador; now the Lieutenants or Deputies of the Electors are, the Lords and Counts of Limbourg, of Walpourg, of Papentheim, and of Hohenzolleren, for the four ancient Seculars: I do not know who is the Count Palatines Vicar, and the Ecclesiastical Electors have none.  P. 
I have heard you say, that at the Inauguration and Coronation of the Kings of France the Peers carry the Royal Ornaments; do not the Electors do the same at the Coronation of the Emperor?  G. 
In those Ceremonies the Elector of Collen did for a long time Crown the Emperor; but because the Archbishops of that See have not been Priests for near a hundred years last passed, he of Mentz performed that Office: And at the Inauguration of Ferdinand III. there was a dispute between those two Electors for he of Collen being a Priest at that time, desired to recover that honour; and he of Mentz. pleading the possession of his Predecessors, urged that he should be upheld and continued in that Right. In conclusion, notwithstanding the opposition of the Elector of Collen, he of Mentz executed the Office; and some believe that he did but preserve a Right which appertained to Mentz before. The Diadem of the ancients was certain white Scarves, with which they bond the head of their Kings; at this time it is a Crown, which the Golden Bull calls Infula. It belongs to the King of Bohemia to carry that; as the bearing of the Ball to the Elector of Bavaria, of the Sword to the Saxon, and of the Sceptre to the Brandenburger. The Imperial cloak is richly set with precious stones, and is fastened together with a golden buckle over the breast.  P. 
Your mentioning of the Crown makes me call to mind that which some writ, that the Emperor is Crowned at Aix with an Iron Crown, at Milan with one of Silver, and at Rome with one of Gold.  G. 
Charlemagnes Crown which is set upon the head of the Emperors at Aix, is of pure Gold, what ever you have read of it; but it shows by its lightness, that the Princes of that time were not profuse in their expenses. And as for the rest, the Emperors go no more to seek a Crown at Milan, nor at Rome.  P. 
The Majesty of the Emperor is as a Sea without a Shore, a boundless subject, whereof a man cannot sufficiently discourse; but all that is said of it, seems little in comparison of what remains to be said. Nevertheless, seeing it was not our design particularly to cull out all that makes the Head of the Empire so admirable; tell me what power the Electors give him: and then we will pass on to the consideration of the Members.  G. 
The Electors do not give the Emperor the power he hath; for that power is inseparably annexed to the Imperial dignity. But they make choice of a Prince, they declare him worthy of Majesty, they give him the Sceptre, they set him upon the Throne, and salute him Emperor. From this dignity proceeds the right of making Universal Laws, of creating Kings, Electors, Archdukes, Dukes, Marquess', Landgraves, Counts, Barons, Gentlemen; and of depriving them of that honour, when they behave themselves unworthily. For he that can give a dignity, can likewise take it away. He can also make Notaries, Tabellions, and Doctors; nay, erect Universities, where men that deserve it may be declared, created, and made Doctors: He can legitimate Bastards, restore to honour, give the benefit of age, erect Parliaments and other Courts of Justice, judge without Appeal, and give Investiture to such as hold great Territories in Fee of the Empire: He hath power of life and death, can give safeguards, set up Posts, and raise ordinary Burroughs into the rank and degree of Cities.  P. 
Cannot the Emperor declare War, and make peace also?  G. 
For the declaring of War, he must have the consent of the Estates, who heretofore might refuse to aid him with men and money. The power of making peace is of the same nature; and it is out of question that the Emperor cannot conclude it alone, when the whole Empire is concerned: For then all the Estates having interest therein, it is probable that they ought to give their consent thereunto; as they did at the last, which was concluded at Munster, and confirmed at Nuremberg.  P. 
I cannot persuade myself that the Emperor hath more power to make Universal Laws, and erect Parliaments, than he hath to declare War and make peace.  G. 
It is true, that the Laws which oblige all Germany to their observation, are made in the general Assemblies; and that Justice is administered in such place, and by such persons as the Emperor and the Estates appoint: But the single approbation of the Emperor gives the name and force of an Universal Law to the determinations and results of the Estates of the Empire; as he also empowers the Judges and Assessors of Courts to administer Justice: For which cause it may be said, that the Emperor makes Laws, and establisheth Parliaments.  
The end of the Second Dialogue.   

Dialogue III.  
Of the Estates of the Empire in general: And in particular, Of the Austrian and Electoral Houses.  P. 
THe discourse concerning the Head of the Empire having held us longer than I expected, I shall pass more lightly over the consideration of the Members: Touching whom it seems necessary to me, that you speak separately of the Secular and the Ecclesiastical Lords, of the Gentlemen and the Imperial Cities. After which I shall entreat you to add a word concerning the Universities, the Chambers or Courts of Justice, and concerning Tournaments. So then, though we have said something of the Electoral dignity, I shall not forbear to ask you what I think requisite for me to know of every Family in particular.  G. 
I shall willingly hear your demands, and satisfy them as well as I am able. Only I beseech you to observe some order therein, that I may answer you with less difficulty, and you understand me with more ease.  P. 
I shall do what you prescribe as punctually as possibly I can: And to begin, I desire you to tell me, who they are whom in Germany we call The Estates of the Empire.  G. 
All they who are registered in the Matriculation-roll, and assist the Emperor with their counsel in public Assemblies, and with their purse in his necessities, according to the diversity of times and the custom of Germany, are the Estates of the Empire: And whosoever is not Matriculated, and contributes not to the necessities of the Empire, is not in the number of the Estates, though he be immediately subject to the Empire.  P. 
What advantage have the Estates of the Empire above other Germans?  G. 
All the Estates of the Empire, having voice in the general Assemblies where those Laws are made that oblige all Germany to their observation, may also oppose any thing that may be to their prejudice, further any thing that is for their interest, take order that they be not oppressed, and concur to the establishment of such Laws as they ought to observe. Wherein they have far greater advantage than others, who are forced to submit unto Laws made without them, which they neither had power to contradict, nor are so much as called to approve.  P. 
Are there many that have voice and seat in the Assemblies?  G. 
All the Estates of the Empire, who are the Electors, the Princes, the Prelates, the Counts, the Barons, and the Imperial Cities. And besides the place and voice they have in general and particular Assemblies, they have also a certain right of Regality, and the privilege of the Austregues, that is, a right not to be convented or brought before any but peculiar Judges.  P. 
I thought that the Emperor alone had the right of Regality; that this right and Majesty were one and the same thing; and that but few Counts and Barons had place and voice in the Assemblies.  G. 
By the Counts and Barons which I told you had seat and suffrage in the Assemblies, you should understand those that are Estates of the Empire, and abstract all others, even those Lords to whom the Emperor gives the title of Prince in his Hereditary Countries; who are in no small number, the abuse being grown to that height, that few or none are content with the title of Gentleman. As to the other part of your supposition, you should take notice, that Sovereignty and Regalities are different things: Sovereignty is that which essentially constitute the Emperor, that is, which makes him to be Emperor; and Regalities are the Adjuncts of Sovereignty, and the Rights which flow from it as rivulets from their spring.  P. 
I beseech you explain yourself a little more.  G. 
For the better understanding of what I have even now said, you must note that the word Regality is diversely taken, to wit, 1. for great Lordships held in Fee of the Crown; 2. for Churches extraordinarily rich: 3. for the right of giving great Benefices: 4. for the Royal Ensigns which are carried before Kings, and put upon their heads and into their hands: and 5. for the Rights which have been given to Emperors for marks of a Sovereign eminence. Regalities' may be also distinguished into the greater and the lesser: The greater are Regalities of Dignity, which relate to the Emperor person; the lesser are Regalities of Utility which regard his Treasure. The great one are incommunicable, the lesser are communicable, and communicated to Princes, Lords, and Cities, to one more, to another less, according to the good pleasure of the Emperors.  P. 
I do not yet fully understand which be the Regalities of Dignity; I pray speak a little more at large of them.  G. 
The Regalities of Dignity are the immense power which the Emperor hath to give the title of King, Elector, Archduke, Duke, etc. to make Laws, to administer Justice, and other such like things.  P. 
I think the Emperor hath communicated the right of administering Justice unto the Imperial Chambers of his Court and of Spire.  G. 
That is true; but the power of the Chambers is no argument why the Emperor alone should not be said to have the Sovereign Right of administering Justice: For the Judge of those Chambers bears the Imperial Sceptre, to show that he exercises the Emperor's jurisdiction there; all judgements are pronounced there in his Majesty's name, and sealed with his Arms: Which makes it clear, that all is done by his authority, and in his name.  P. 
Was Justice always administered by the Sovereign Chambers which his Majesty hath established, the one in his Court, and the other at Spire?  G. 
The Chamber of Justice or Parliament of the Empire was ambulatory till the time of Maximilian I. who taking pity of the parties that were necessitated to follow the Court, and seek for Justice there at great expenses, at the request of Berchtold Count of Henneberg, who was then Elector of Mentz, established a Sedentary Chamber at Worms in the year 1495. from whence it was soon after removed to Spire, but cannot be withdrawn from that place without the consent of all the Estates.  P. 
Doubtless the Emperor hath given an extraordinary jurisdiction to that Chamber; for I have heard say, that it hath concurrence of jurisdiction with his Majesty.  G. 
The Chamber of Spire can have no concurrent jurisdiction with the Emperor, unless it be that his Majesty may concur with himself; for the jurisdiction of the Chamber is nothing else but the Emperor's jurisdiction. Besides, the Emperor hath not established the Chamber to concur with him, but to administer Justice in his name. For in transferring thither all the jurisdiction universally, for so much as concerns Civil causes, he hath ordered that nothing shall be dispatched but in his name, and under his Seal. Whereby it is easy to judge, that there is a dependence, and not a concurrence of the Chamber of Spire with the Emperor; who also causeth the Assessors to be punished when they transgress and swerve from their duty.  P. 
Seeing the Emperor hath transmitted all his jurisdiction unto that Chamber, certainly it passeth judgement upon all things without appeal.  G. 
Except Ecclesiastical and Spiritual matters (as the crimes of Heresy, Adultery, and other such like, the cognizance whereof belongs to the Church) that Chamber Judges finally and absolutely of every thing: So that an appeal cannot be made unto the Emperor, and much less to the Pope, even in a cause of a pious nature. And there is a Decree to be seen of the 20. February 1512. whereby one that appealed to the Pope was fined a hundred Marks of Gold. But this Chamber takes no knowledge in the first instance, but of the causes which concern some Immediate person, that is, immediately depending upon the Emperor.  P. 
Are all Immediate persons Estates of the Empire?  G. 
The Gentlemen of Swaben, Franconia, the Rhine, and the lower Alsatia, are not Estates of the Empire, though they be immediately subject to the Emperor.  P. 
Let us begin to speak of the Estates of the Empire, and tell me, if you please, what was the original of the House of Austria, how long it hath worn the Imperial Crown, into how many branches it is divided, by what means it became so potent, and what are its privileges.  G. 
You ask too many things at once; yet I will answer them. But that we may avoid confusion, I will speak severally of that which you have proposed conjunctly. And as to your first question, I say, that flatterers think they can never raise the beginning of this Most August House high enough, unless they fetch it from the Trojan horse, and tracing the Fables of the old Romans invent a fine Genealogy from near 500 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. Others would have it to descend from Charlemain in a direct masculine line. The most common opinion is, that the Counts of Habspourg, who wear the Imperial Crown at this present, are a branch of the Dukes of Zeringuen, from whom also the Marquess' of Baden are descended, and the Dukes of Teck, whose lands are passed by marriage into the House of Wirtemberg.  P. 
That which you say, is not out of controversy; for a modern Author affirms confidently, that the Archdukes of Austria and the Kings of France come both out of one and the same stock. But because we desire not to enter into dispute, let us go forward; and tell meat what time those Princes put the Imperial Crown upon their head.  G. 
Frederick II. having passed from this life to a better, the Empire continued some year without a Head: After which Interregnum all Germany esteeming the virtue of Rodolph Count of Habspourg worthy of the Empire, he was set upon the Throne in the year 1278. and reigned 18. Rodolph being dead, Adolph Count of Nassau was chosen in his stead: But Albert, Rodolphs' son, being now become Duke of Austria by the gift which his Father made him of that Principality, and Lord of Carinthia by the marriage which he contracted with Elizabeth inheritrice of that Province, because he could not brook a Superior, took arms, slew the Emperor Adolph in battle, and forced the Electors to put him into his place, in the year 1298. and ten years after on May-day 1308. he was killed upon the high way by his Nephew John the son of Rodolph; and his successors were no more admitted to that honour till the year 1438. in which Albert the Fifth Duke of Austria, and second Emperor of that name, was raised to that dignity. He reigned no longer than one year, and was succeeded by Frederick III. his Cousin, who reigned 54. years, and got his son Maximilian I. to be Elected whilst he lived. To Maximilian Charles V his grandchild succeeded, and to Charles Ferdinand I. his brother, from whom are descended in a right line of males all the Emperors that have reigned ever since his death, and still reign happily to this day.  P. 
I think the sons of Philip, Archduke of Austria, Duke of Burgundy, divided that House into two branches.  G. 
That House arriving to greatness by little and little, by the acquisition of the Countries of Austria, Carinthia, Stiria, Tirol, and Alsatia, was raised to a prodigious grandeur by the marriage of Maximilian of Austria with Mary of Burgundy, who brought him in Dowry the 17. Provinces of the Low-countrieses, with the Franche-County. And a little after, it acquired a great part of the world by the marriage of Jane of Spain with Philip the sai● Maximilians' son: For by the death of the Queen of Portugal her elder Sister, Jane became heiress of all that her Father and Mother had in Spain, and of the Kingdoms of Naples, Sicily, Majorca, Minorca, Sardinia, and the New World. So that Charles V seeing he had enough to satisfy the two branches severally quitted all that he had in Germany to his brother Ferdinand, reserving nothing thereof to himself, but the name of Austria, and gave his son all his other Dominions, which are so great that the Sun never sets upon them.  P. 
You do not tell me, that Philip II. son to Charles V got the Kingdom of Portugal partly by right and partly by force, after the death of the King and Cardinal Henry, Uncle by the Father's side to Sebastian, who was unfortunately lost in Africa in the year 1578.  G. 
I reserve those things to be spoken of when we shall travel into Spain; and then I shall tell you, that Philip II. having gotten the Kingdom of Portugal, with the East Indies, Brasile, the places of Ceuta, Tanger, Marzagan, many Isles in the Ocean Sea, and all the Coasts of Africa, unto the great Monomotapa, many lands and fortresses beyond the Cape of Good Hope, in Persia, Arabia, and the Indies; he and his son possessed them prosperously. But Philip IU. his grandchild lost that Kingdom upon Christmas-day 1640. and afterwards all that depended upon that Crown followed the sway and revolution of Portugal.  P. 
This House being most mighty in Europe, Africa, Asia, and America, and having the Imperial Crown upon its head ever since the year 1438. without intermission, it must certainly have privileges unknown to other Houses of Germany.  G. 
The Princes of this House have received extraordinary mercies and advantages from God, from nature, and from men. From Nature, inasmuch as they have all a long chin and thick lips; which is a Physiognomical mark of their piety, constancy, and integrity. From God, inasmuch as by giving a glass of water with their own hand to one that hath great Wens hanging at his throat, they cure him; and by kissing one that cannot speak plain, they unloose his tongue; nay, which is more, this House having within 300. years afforded twelve Emperors, five Kings of Spain, and forty other Kings, Cardinals, Archdukes, and Dukes, there hath been never a Tyrant amongst them all. As for the privileges they have received from the Emperors of that House, they can create Gentlemen, Barons, and Counts, through the whole Empire; and the Emperor cannot take from them the lands they are seized of, to give them to another. The Archduke of Austria is the first and most intimate Privy Counsellor of the Empire, and h●● Principality is not subject to contribution●. These Princes, when they receive the land they hold in Fee, are in Royal habit, wear a● Archdukes Cap upon their head, pay nothing for their Investiture, and are not subject to the Justice of the Empire. In Assemblies they take their place on the right hand of the Emperor, after the Electors, before the Ecclesiastical Princes: If they be challenged to fight a Duel, they may take a Champion, though that privilege be denied to their adversary: And if all the Princes of this House happen to fail, the eldest daughter shall inherit all their Estate, and bring all these privileges to her husband.  P. 
In real truth this House hath done so many good offices to the Empire, that I wonder not to see it privileged above all others. Are these Princes many?  G. 
No, 
That Emperor is since dead, as also his brother, and one of his sons.  but few: The King of Spain at the time we are now speaking, which is the year 1657. hath but one son; the Emperor two, and one brother; and the Archdukes of Inspruck are two. Thus the branch of Burgundy is in danger to be totally extinguished; but that of Austria is strong enough still, there being five young Princes of it.  P. 
If the Branch of Burgundy should totally fail, should not that of Austria inherit?  G. 
I believe of Right it ought to succeed; for it is no less descended of Jane of Spain then that of Burgundy: But being daughters inherit, it would be known, whether the heiress of the Kingdom will not marry some other Prince; and whether a Spanish Lord will not have a mind to taste so dainty a bit.  P. 
It would be a great weakening of the Emperor, to take from him the strong support he hath always found in King Phillip's Exchequer. Let us now look, if you please upon the Palatine House.  G. 
By your demands you oblige me to follow the order which the Princes observe in their sitting at the Assemblies. After the House of Austria that of the Palatine holds the first rank without dispute. This House enjoys the first Electorship, and the first place amongst the Secular Electors after the King of Bohemia: And the younger brethren of the Palatine House, who have place in the Assemblies, take it immediately after the Secular Electors, as the Archdukes do after the ecclesiastics. Now all the Princes of this House are descended from two Emperors, whose Nephews make two principal Branches, both very Potent and Illustrious, but of different Religions, and perchance no very great friends, since they that are sprung from Lewis of Bavaria wear the Electoral Cap which belonged to the descendants of the Emperor Robert: And that change came to pass because Frederick V Elector of the Rhine, not regarding the Election that was made of Ferdinand of Austria, accepted the Crown of Bohemia, whereby he kindled those fires and forged those irons that have wasted our Country for above 30. years.  P. 
I have already heard say, that the Bohemians drew upon themselves and us the mischiefs of the last War by the Election they made of two Kings, when they had but one Kingdom to bestow. Let us therefore pass by those causes of our evils; and according to your accustomed method, tell me something of the Original, of the privileges, of the greatness, and of the alliances of this House.  G. 
Many Writers fetch the Original of these Princes out of the loins of Charlemain, and follow the Genealogy down from him to those that are living at this day. For my part, I know not what to think of it, and therefore refer myself to real evidence. Yet I dare confidently affirm, that the House is very ancient; and that since the year 1253. in which Otho Witelpachius Count of Shiern married Agnes heiress of the Palatinate and Bavaria, this House hath possessed those two great Principalities, with the quality of Elector, and great Steward of the Empire. It hath given two Emperors to Germany, one King to Denmark, Sweden and Norway jointly, and another to Sweden alone: Without counting I know not how many Generals, who have commanded armies in Italy, Hungary, France and England.  P. 
At what time did those Prince's reign in Germany, Denmark, and Sweden?  G. 
Lewis of Bavaria was chosen Emperor the 18. of October 1314 and having Reigned gloriously 23. years, made room for Charles of Luxembourg the iv of that name, who left Wenceslaus his Successor, and he by his intolerable negligence forced the Electors to put Robert Elector Palatine into his place, a man low of Stature, but of so great courage, that the Empire could have wished him endued with immortality, if that were to be found here below. But he died the 18. of May 1410. having Reigned ten years. And Christopher his granchild was chosen King of Denmark, Sweden and Norway in the year 1430. and died without heirs 1448. But Charles Gustavus, son of John Casimir a younger brother to the Duke of Zweybruck or Deux-ponts, Reigns at this present in Sweden with as much glory as any one of his predecessors, and hath a son of Hedwig Eleonor daughter to Frederick Duke of Holstein.  P. 
This House descending from two Emperors very renowned in History, and having so many and such brave Princes at present worth to be Emperors, I wish them those Crown they deserve to wear, and desire you to to● me, whether it enjoys more privileges the● the other Electoral Houses.  G. 
The Electors have very great privileges and the Golden Bull otdains for them all● general, and every one in particular, tha● no man appeal from their Justice to any other whatsoever: Yet none of them have preserve● this Right entire to them, but the Electors o● Saxony, Brandenburg, and of the Rhine. The● can all together choose an Emperor, and depose him when he is lazy and negligent. They have right to prescribe a Capitulation to the Emperor when they have chosen him, and to oblige him to swear to the observation thereof. Moreover, they can meet together once every year, without ask leave of any one, and consult in that Assembly concerning the public and their own private affairs. Besides this Right which relates to the whole Electoral College, the Palatine and the Saxon are Vicars of the Empire; and as such, they can legitimate Bastards as well of great men as of inferior persons, create Notaries and Tabellions, confer the Benefices which are in the Emperor's nomination, give Investiture of lands held in Fee, except of Dukedoms, and of the Principalities which in Germany are called Fansleben (because when the Emperor gives them, he puts a standard into the hand of him that receives them) and which is most considerable, the Elector Palatine can redeem what the Emperor hath sold or engaged, at the same value for which it was sold or engaged; and which is yet more, the Emperor may be convented for Debt before this Elector.  P. 
The ancient Emperors gave demonstration of a meekness without example, in submiting themselves to the justice of one that is a Subject of the Empire.  G. 
No man would deal with Soverains, if they did not oblige themselves in Civil matters to some way of Justice; and in this case the Emperors have been willing that the Elector Palatine should be their Judge: But if the Emperor be accused of Maladministration, the judgement thereupon belongs to all the Electoral College; in which case the Elector Palatine is Director of the Process, and not he of Mentz, though he be Dean of the Electoral College.  P. 
Certainly this is no small honour to the Palatine House; but wherein consists its greatness?  G. 
If these Princes did all aim at the benefit, advancement, and glory of the whole House in general, and if there were no hatred between the Branches; Bavaria, the upper & lower Palatinate the Landgraveship of Leuchtemberg, the Lordships of Simmerens, of Deux-Ponts, & of Weldents, the Duchy of Juliers, the Archbishoprics of Collen, the Bishoprics of Liege, Hildesheim, and Freisinguen, which this House possessseth at this time, would make it formidable to all its Enemies, as well by reason of its vast forces, as because it hath three voices in the Electoral College, and at the least eight or ten in that of the Princes.  P. 
I know that the Elector of Bavaria in the quality of Duke hath the first voice among the Secular Princes, that Duke Albert his Uncle hath one as Landgrave of Leuchtemberg, that the Palatine of Simmeren hath another, and he of Newbourg too, and it may be some other younger brethren of the House have voices also for Deux-ponts, in like manner as for the Bishoprics of Hildesheim, Liege, and Freisinguen. But tell me something of the alliances of this House.  G. 
It is allied to all the great Families not only of the Empire, but of Europe. The Emperor Ferdinand II. married in the first year of the Century current Mary Anne, daughter to William Duke of Bavaria, by whom he had issue Mary Anne wife to Maximilian Duke of Bavaria, Cecily wife to Vladislaus iv King of Poland, Ferdinand III. Emperor, who had for his first wife Mary Infanta of Spain, and by her Mary Anne wife to Philip iv King of Spain. On the other side Maximilian Duke of Bavaria, son of William and of Renata of Lorraine, left a son who in the year 1650. married Adelaïs' daughter to Victor Amedeus Duke of Savoy and to Christina of France, who is allied by consanguinity to all the greatest Kings and Princes in Christendom.  P. 
These are indeed very great Alliances.  G. 
But this is not all. Frederick V Elector Palatine in the year 1613. married Elizabeth daughter of James King of great Britain, and by reason of her the House became allied to the Kings of England and Denmark. Philip Lewis his brother in the year 1631. married Mary Eleonor daughter to Joachim Frederick Elector of Brandenbourg; and his sister Elizabeth Charlotta was given in marriage to George William Elector of Brandenbourg, July 14. 1626. Philip William Duke of Newbourg his first wife was Anne Catherine daughter to Sigismond King of Poland; and John Casimir was the worthy husband of Catherine daughter to Charles, and mother to Charles Gustavus King of Sweden. From whence it may easily be seen that few Houses in Europe are better allied then this, which, besides what we have newly mentioned, is of kin to the Houses of Hesse, Gonzaga, Bourbon, Nassau, Saxony, Juliers, Wirtemberg, Rohan, and many others.  P. 
Is not this Elector Palatine Charles Lewis married?  G. 
I forgot to tell you, that this Prince, who at least equals, if he doth not go beyond all his Ancestors in Prudence and Magnanimity, hath taken to wife Charlotta the worth daughter of the incomparable Amelia Elizabeth Landgravess of Hess; which is sufficient to say; that he could not have made a bette● choice. Edward this Electors brother mar●●ed Anne daughter to Charles Duke of Mant● and Nevers; and Henrietta their sister die a little after she was married to the Prince's Transylvania: His other brethren and siste● are yet to marry. Robert and Maurice hav● given proof of their ability and courage upo● occasions almost without number; and th● Princesses Elizabeth, Loüyse, and Sophia, hav● made skilful masters confess, that the Scienc● have nothing so sublime, nor Picture-drawi●● any thing so marvellous, but the wit and hau● of these Ladies have been able to reach it.  P. 
I hope you will make me a long reci●● of the Genealogies of great persons; and the● you will not omit these Alliances, and these ●●lustrious Princes and Ladies: But that it may b● done with the less trouble, I shall be conte●● to hear you discourse it at your leisure. Le● us pass, if you please, into Saxony; and do 〈◊〉 the favour to tell me what you know of the●● Electoral House.  G. 
There is not any House in Europe mo●● glorious then that of Saxony. It restored the honour of the Empire after the race of Charlemain had lost its first vigour; and under o●● Henry and three Otho's it confirmed the Imperial dignity unto Germany; it conquered many enemies, gave Princes to Savoy, and (if it be true, that Hugh Capet was descended from this House) it hath likewise furnished France with their Kings.  P. 
Do not the Kings of Denmark also come from Witikind of Saxony?  G. 
It is said that the Counts of Oldenbourg are a branch of this great Stock; and it is most certain, that after the death of Christopher III. the Danes would have chosen Adolph Duke of Schleswick, who would not accept of the Crown in regard of his great age, declaring that such an honour would be better placed upon the person of Christian Count of Oldenbourg his grandchild and heir apparent. The Danes taking this counsel, and admiring the generosity of him that gave it, chose Christian the first of that name, whose posterity Reigns at this day in Denmark, Norway, Schleswick, Holstein, Stormar and Dithmarsh.  P. 
We will take another time to speak of the Kings of France and Denmark, and of the Dukes of Savoy. It will be sufficient for the present to inform me, when the Electoral Cap was first brought into this House, into how many branches it is divided, how many voices it hath in the Diets, and what are its principal forces and alliances.  G. 
The Emperor Sigismond knowing the merit of Frederick the Warlike Marquis o● Misnia, and the obligation that the Empire had to his Predecessors, charged Eric V of the House of Saxon-Lawembourg for having laps●● his due time of demanding the Investiture of the Electorship, which his Ancestors had possessed ever since the year 1180. and transfored the same upon the forenamed Frederick o● Twelfth-day 1423. Since that time this House hath without interruption possessed the Electoral dignity, with the Duchy of Saxony, th● Marquisate of Misnia, & the Landgraveship o● Thuringia: And by a further accumulation o● good fortune, it inherited the Principality o● Henneberg; nay, since the last War of Bohe●● the Emperor gave the upper and lower Lusai● to john George Elector of this House, who di●ed the 8. of October 1656. and was interred th● 4. of February 1657. with more than Reg●●pomp, there being 3500. persons in mourning, and 24. Horses of State covered with black and the Electoral Escutcheon embroidered thereon, every one of them led by two Gentlemen.  P. 
In a late discourse concerning the valiant actions of Duke Bernard Weymar, it was sail that he loved not the House of Austria, because it took the Electoral dignity from th●● branch.  G. 
It is true, that john Frederick furnamed the Magnanimous, having taken arms for the liberty of Religion, was deprived of his dignity by the Emperor Charles V. who took him prisoner near Wirtemberg, and gave the Electorate to Maurice in the year 1547. Thus passed this dignity into another branch, and the elder became younger brethren. For this cause there was but little confidence and kindness between the Princes of this House: But as there is no grief which is not diminished by length of time, even so the bitterness between these Princes hath been sweetened, and they seem to be entirely reconciled: For Frederick William Duke of Altembourg took for his second wife Magdalen Sibylla daughter to john George the Elector last deceased; and Maurice son to the same Elector hath married Dorothy Mary daughter to William Duke Weymar, eldest son of that matchless Bernard, whose praises you have heard.  P. 
For so much as I perceive, this House is divided into many branches.  G. 
Not counting the Kings of France and Denmark, and the Dukes of Savoy, who are the illustrious Ciens that sprung out of this great Tree, the Electoral House of Saxony is divided into two principal branches, in each whereof there have been six Electors. The last of the first branch lost the Electoral dignity, because he was unsuccesful in making War for the liberty of Germany against Charles V and the first of the second branch left the Electoral Cap unto his brother and his posterity, for having happily taken and born arms in favour of his Country against the same Emperor  P. 
I pray make this business out a little clearer to me.  G. 
Frederick III. of that name, Elector o● Saxony, having taken Doctor Luther under h● protection, left both his dignity and zeal entailed upon his son john the Constant, wh● likewise transmitted them both to john Frederick surnamed the Magnanimous. Now it cam● to pass that Charles V moved with a zeal fo● the Catholic Religion, endeavoured to mak● the Protestants submit to the doctrine of Rome which john Frederick Duke of Saxony vig● rously opposed: But on the other side Masrice son to Henry the Pious Cousin to this Elctor, desiring to fish in troubled water, an● do his own business, took part with the Emperor, and while that War lasted, taking th● advantage of john frederick's absence, entre-upon some of his Forts and Castles. For which cause the Elector retreated out of Sue●ben, and came to secure his own Territon● The Emperor pursued him, beat him, took him prisoner, and stripped him of his Electorship with which he invested Maurice. Not long after, a fear was awakened in Maurice his mind lest Germany might lose its liberty, and the Protestants their Religion; whereupon he asked leave of Philip Landgrave of Hesse, and though he could not obtain it, yet he made himself Head of a Confederacy which forced the Emperor to an accommodation of greater advantage to the Lutherans. A little after, Maurice died of the wounds he had received in a battle fought between him and Albert Marquis of Brandenbourg. This Prince was succeeded in the Electorship by Augustus his brother, who having reigned till the first of October 1585. left the Electoral Cap to Christian I. Father to Christian II. and john George the first of that name, who died in the year 1656. and was succeeded by his eldest son.  P. 
So the Descendants of john Frederick the Magnanimous lost the Electorship for his undertaking the defence of the Lutheran Religion.  G. 
So it was indeed; and that Prince is so much the more to be admired, that during his imprisonment, and after he had lost all, he exhorted every man to constancy, and opened his purse liberally towards the relief of those that were persecuted for matter of Religion. This great personage coming out of his captivity, which had continued five years, received his lands again (which his Successors possess at this day) and among others left two sons, the elder of whom called by his Father's name john Frederick, having entertained some Rebels in his Fortress of Gotta, was besieged there, taken, and deprived of his estate, which yet was restored to john Casimir and john Ernest his children. The younger of the foresaid Elector children, called john William, bare arms for the assistance of Henry II. King of France; and afterwards retired to Weymar, where he married Dorothy Susan, daughter to Frederick iii. Elector Palatine, by whom he had two sons; from the elder of which comes Frederick William, who resides at Altembourg; and from the younger the Dukes of Weymar and Gotta are descended, who are the only survivors of te● children that he had, of whom the undaunted Bernard was the youngest.  P. 
I have heard say, there is some dispute for precedency between the Duke of Altembourg, and those of Weymar and Gotta his Cousins.  G. 
In this point there is no regard had to the proximity of blood, because there is no yielding in part without losing all. However this dispute was determined upon these terms, That Duke Frederick William should precede as long as he lived, and after his death the most aged should have that preference, without respect had to any thing else: For in the House of Saxony there being no right of Eldership, all the Princes are equal, and amongst persons of equal condition age only gives the precedency. And it is to be understood that there is no regard had to the right of primogeniture, but inasmuch as it concerns the Electorship, in which case the nearest kinsman inherits it.  P. 
john Casimir and john Ernest sons of john Frederick II. of that name (who, as you have mentioned above, was kept prisoner in the Fortress of Gotta) did they leave no children?  G. 
No; and their Principalities were divided among their Cousins: So as Duke Frederick William had the Duchy of Cobourg, and those of Weymar & Gotta had that of Eiscnach. By means whereof they are all well enough: but as it is the custom of these Princes to share their lands equally, the lots may chance to become very little; for William Duke of Weymar hath four sons; and Ernest residing at Gotta, seven.  P. 
I perceive then, that the Descendants of the Elector john Frederick are divided into three branches, and after the death of their Fathers they will be subdivided into three times as many. The Nephews of the Elector Augustus will do no less; since they are four, and likely to have more children. I would willingly know out of what Houses they took their wives, and what every one of them obtained for his part after the death of the Father.  G. 
john George Elector of Saxony, Father of another john George, and of Augustus, Christian and Maurice, died in the year 1656. and bequeathed by his last Will to Augustus' Administrator of Magdebourg twelve Bailywicks about Hall, and in Thuringia; to Christian, the Diocese of Marsbourg, and some lands in Fordland, Voidland, and in the Mountains, to Maurice, besides the Dioceses of Naumbourg and Zeitz, all that his Electoral Highness pretended to in the Principality of Henneberg; and to john George, who is Elector, besides the lands inseparable from the Electoral dignity, he gave the upper and lower Lusatia, with some Bailywicks about Dresden. Ordering likewise that every one of these Princes should equally participate of the ready money, Artillery, and the Utensils and equipage of Hunting, which he left.  P. 
Questionless those Princes must have found a vast Treasure; for that Elector caused much money to be coined, and so locked it up, that very little of it was seen abroad. Tell me now something of the marriage of these Princes, and of their Sisters.  G. 
The Sisters of these Princes are still living, and the eldest is married to George Landgrave of Hesse Darmstadt, the second to Frederick Duke of Holstein, and the youngest to Frederick William Duke of Altembourg. The Elector was married the 13. of November 1638. to Magdelen Sibyl daughter to Christian Marquis of Brandenbourg, and hath had one son by her of his own name, born the 20. of June 1647. Augustus took to wife November 23. 1647. Anne Marry daughter to Adolph Frederick Duke of Meklebourg, and hath three sons by her. Christian and Maurice were married upon the same day; the first to Christina, and the second to Sophia Hedwig, sisters, and daughters to Philip Duke of Holstein: by whom Christian hath two sons and one daughter; and his brother hath had children, but they are dead, as is the Mother also. These are all the Princes of Saxony, who have their habitations at Dresden, at Hall, at Marsbourg, and at Naumbourg; that is, all the Descendants of the Elector Augustus. They of the other Line, which (as we have said) was the principal, are Frederick William Duke of Altembourg, husband to Magdelen Sibyl daughter to John George Elector of Saxony, by whom he hath a son and a daughter; William Duke of Weymar, Cousin to the former, husband to Eleonor Dorothy daughter to John George Prince of Anhalt; and Ernest his brother, residing at Gotta, who married Octob. 24.1636. Elizabeth Sophia daughter to john Philip Duke of Saxony. By which you see the alliances of these Princes, as heretofore you learned the number of their children. For what concerns the voices they have in the Assemblies; besides that of the Elector, the Administrator of Magdebourg hath one; the Duke of Altembourg, two; they of Weymar and Gotta, each of them one; and all together one for the Principality of Henneberg.  P. 
How did the Saxons come to inherit that Principality?  G. 
The Counts of Henneberg having flourished for above 800. years, the Emperor offered them the quality of Prince, which they accepted. But as things of this world are of short continuance, that House failed totally in the year 1583. and that of Saxony took possession of the estate by virtue of a Confraternity made between those Princes in the year 1554. This Principality is situated partly upon the mountain and forest of Thuringia, partly on this side towards Franconia. It remains undivided still, because the Elector, who hath five eighth shares in it, hath not been willing to make partitions in severalty, as the Dukes of Altembourg, Weymar, and Gotta desired him to do. This Country lies very commodiously for the Princes of Saxony, because it joins their Landgraveship of Thuringia with the lands they hold in Franconia, and gives them a passage of great difficulty in that mountain. To conclude, this House is potent by the extent and fertility of its lands, by the great number of Nobility there inhabiting, by its good mines of Silver and Copper, and by the excellent Fortresses of Leipsick, Wittenberg, Dresden, Konigstein, and many others, which put these Princes above parallel, as well as that Sovereign Justice they all exercise upon their own lands, from which no man is allowed to appeal.  P. 
By what I understand, these Princes are to be reckoned amongst the first and greatest of the Empire, as well because the most illustrious think themselves happy if they can derive their Origin from this House, as also because they are very highly privileged. And if I be not mistaken, the Marquess' of Brandenbourg have no great cause to envy them.  G. 
I do not know of any King that comes in a direct male Line from the Marquess' of Brandenbourg: Nevertheless this House is allied to all the great ones of Christendom, and is no less potent those that are the most esteemed in the Empire. It hath the Dutchies of Prussia and Cleve, the Principalities of Halberstad, Minden, Sculemberg, and Anspach, the moiety of Pomerania, the expectance or next reversion of the Duchy of Magdebourg, the Marquisate of Brandenbourg whereto the Electoral dignity is annexed; in a word, it hath so much land, that to put it beyond comparison in Germany, there remains nothing to be wished, but that the Estates thereof were contiguous.  P. 
Are these lands very distant one from another?  G. 
They are not so far off, but that a Courier setting out from Cleve to ride to this Elector in the furthest parts of Prussia, may lie almost every night in his Master's Territories, from the Country of Cleve into that of juliers, from thence into the County of the Mark, so to Ravensbourg, out of which he enters into the Diocese of Minden, and from thence into the Principality of Halberstad, from whence he reacheth the New Marquisate at night, and so of the rest, passing on through Pomerania. All which voyage is two hundred Germane leagues long, wherein he is not to be equalled by any Prince in Germany.  P. 
The Reformed Religion, whereof this Elector makes profession, differing from that of his Subjects, he is thereby less powerful in my opinion; and if he would embrace the Lutheran, which his Grandfather forsook, and (as many believe) only out of worldly considerations, he would enlarge his power, and (if I be not deceived) his Subjects would have more confidence in him.  G. 
This Prince is Reform, and all his Subjects, except those of Cleve, follow the doctrine of Luther; but that abates not either the Princes love toward his Subjects, or the Subject's obedience toward their Prince. His Electoral Highness hath Preaching within his Palace after his way, and permits the Lutherans to teach their doctrine through all his Estates. Now the diversity of Religion between Kings and their Subjects is little prejudicial to a State, except when they would lay violence upon consciences, and force men in that which ought to be free.  P. 
I am of another opinion, and am persuaded that difference in Religion hath poured out those deluges of blood which our Fathers and we have seen with horror in France and Germany.  G. 
It is most certain, that Religion hath cost many thousand men's lives; that it were to be wished, there were but one Religion in a State; and that Philip the Prudent II. of that name, King of Spain, did many times say, he had rather not have a Country, then have it infected with Heresy. I do also grant, that France and Germany were in danger to perish in their blood, by reason of different Religions; but it was only when endeavours were used to force men to go to Mass against their will, or to deprive Princes of the means to maintain their Subjects in the liberty of their conscience. Otherwise Religion is a strong bulwark for the preservation of both those States; and the Spaniard did not lose his hope of attaining to the Monarchy of Europe, till he saw the Reformation stop the passage against his Gold as well as against his Armies.  P. 
I have heard it said, that when Henry the Great came to the Crown of France, all the Catholics of Europe bandied their power to hinder him from sitting upon the Throne, and that he had not arrived thither, but by his valour accompanied with his Right, and with the services which he received from the Protestants; but I do not see wherein diversity of Religion is beneficial to Germany, since the miseries of the last War proceeded from no other source but that.  G. 
Germany receives no less advantage from the Reformation of Luther, than France from that of Calvin. The Empire had been Hereditary before this time, and the Princes become Subjects, if the Reformation, and the desire of maintaining Religion had not opened our eyes. The Italians, who are very clearsighted in matters of State, have perceived this long since; and Bocalini when he brings in Apollo making answer to Sir Thomas Moor, that all people will be Catholics when the King of Spain will be content with Castille, and the Emperor with the County of Habspourg, shows manifestly that Religion defends us from slavery.  P. 
This digression hath not been unpleasant to me; and I believe, as you do, that Religion and the State do mutually support one the other. But do not forget to tell me something of the beginning, progress, privileges, immunities, and alliances of the House of Brandenbourg, of which you have begun to speak already.  G. 
All they that discourse of this House, make it the Head, or a Member of the Colonna's of Rome: As for me, who cannot be persuaded that the great Houses of Germany came out of Italy, but on the contrary (following the judgement of Thomas Lansius) hold it for certain that many great Families of Italy came out of Germany since the time of Charles the great; I am of their opinion, who would make Peter Colonna that built the strong Castle of Zolleren (from which the first Counts of this Family took their name) to descend from the ancient Guelphs, that is, from the Dukes of Brunswick: which being so, this House gives place to never a one in the Empire for greatness of Origin.  P. 
They that pretend to honour our Houses of Germany by fetching them either out of the Trojan horse, or the ruins of Rome, do not know that the Ancient Germans are of more worth than the fugitive Trojans, and the effeminate Romans. But I am of your opinion, and desire only to be informed, how these Lords acquired the honours and estates which they possess.  G. 
The Emperor Rodolph of Habspourg, being desirous to give some testimony of the value he put upon his nephew Frederick Count of Hohenzolleren, made him Burgrave of Nuremberg in the year 1273. and 156. years after, upon the 18. of April the Emperor Sigismond raised Frederick V Burgrave of Nuremberg to the Electoral dignity, to recompense him for the acceptable services he had done in the War of Behemia and Hungary: So the Princes of Anhalt who had obtained that Electorship by the favour of the Emperor Conrade the III. of that name, in the year 1152. lost it by incurring the displeasure of the Emperor Sigismond. Some while after, certain differences arising between the Houses of Brandenb●●● and Pomerania, they fell to open hostility, a●● at last to an agreement expressly declaring, Th●● in case the House of Pomerania happened to 〈◊〉, the Marquess' of Brandenbourg should poss●● the Principalities that belonged to it; and ●●bert of Brandenbourg, from great Master of 〈◊〉 Knights Marianites (as he was) making himself absolute Prince of Prassia; received the ●●vestiture thereof from the King of Pol●●. The Dutchies of juliers, Cleve, and Berg, w●●● the Counties of the Mark and Ravensbourg, were divided between the Elector john Sig●●mond and Wolfgang William Duke of Newbourg, some time after the War which tho● Principalities occasioned in the year 1610. As for that which this House possesses in Fran●●nia, it is their ancient patrimony.  P. 
Why did not the Elector of Brandenbo●●● take possession of Pomerania as soon as th●● House was totally extinct?  G. 
The Elector neglected not his Right, a●● would willingly have taken possession of th●● great Principality, if it had not been in the hands of the Swedes: But the Crown of S●●den being victorious in Germany, and desirous to keep sooting there, would not hearken 〈◊〉 any peace, but upon condition of leaving this Maritime Province to them, it lying very conveniently for them. Therefore as Conquero●● use to give the Law, the Swedes kept the choicest of this Province, and left the doctrine of Calvin with a part of Pomerania unto this Elector; who by way of recompense for his loss, obtained the Bishoprics of Halberstad and Minden, and the expectance or reversion of the Archbishopric of Magdebourg, converted into Principalities.  P. 
I wonder why they should give this Elector three Principalities for the moiety of one; and why the Archbishopric of Magdebourg was not delivered into his hands immediately after the Peace, as well as those two other Bishoprics.  G. 
I do not think the Lower Pomerania, which the Elector hath quitted to the Swedes, yields so good a revenue as the Principalities of Magdebourg, Halberstad, and Minden: Nevertheless I am persuaded, this Elector would rather have had that part of Pomerania, than the three Principalities which he received in lieu of it; by reason of the Sea-force he had thereby gotten, and the inconvenience of having a potent Neighbour that keeps him in perpetual jealousy. And therefore the States of the Empire having regard to those considerations, have given him voices in the Assembly, as Duke of Pomerania and of Magdebourg, and as Prince of Halberstad and of Minden. Now because heretofore the Archbishops of Magdebourg and Bremen took their turns in the Direction of the Circle of Lower Saxony, this Elector doth in like manner alternate at this day with the King of Sweden in the same quality. As to your other scruple, why the Duchy of Madgebourg was not presently put into his hands; you ought to remember, that Augustus' youngest son of the Elector of Saxony being in possession of it, it was not thought meet to dispossess him thereof so long as he lived.  P. 
The Gazette hath often made mention of the difference between the Houses of Brandenbourg and Newbourg for the Dutchies of Juliers, Cleve, and Berg; yet I could never learn the ground of it. Do me the favour to tell me from whence that contest proceeds.  G. 
You are entering into a Labyrinth, out of which Ariadne's clew will not bring us back, if we pass further on. Let it content you then if you please, to know that all the Dukes of Saxony, many Prince's Palatine, and amongst others the King of Sweden, bear the name and Arms of those Principalities; and that it is to be feared, they may one day kindle a flame to consume a good part of the Empire. Franski●● Chancellor of Gotta hath made a long narration of this matter in his Treatise of divers Resolutions, to whom I refer you. It is sufficient for you at the present to learn, that if the Fief follow the Males, and that the daughters neither can nor aught to inherit the same, the Dukes of Saxony have a better right to it then any other person; because they obtained the survivorship of the House of Juliers in recompense of the services which Albert the Courageous did the Emperor and the Empire against Mathias Corvin King of Hungary, who molested Austria; and against Charles the Brave Duke of Burgundy, who had laid siege to Neus, and laboured to bring all the Archbishopric of Collen under his Jurisdiction. This grant was made to Albert by the Emperor Frederick III. June 16. 1483. and afterwards confirmed and amplified in the person and posterity of Ernest Duke of Saxony by Maximilian King of the Romans, September 18. 1486. and by him again after he was Emperor, in the year 1495. But in case it be supposed that Females may inherit those Fiefs, it will be then demanded, whether this Privilege which was granted to Mary only daughter to William Duke of Juliers, aught to be extended unto Mary Eleonor her daughter, and to the Marquis of Brandenbourg and his Successors; or rather to Anne only, Niece to the said Mary Eleonor, excluding Magdalen wife to John Duke of Deux-ponts, and Sibyl Marchioness of Burgon, her sisters (daughters to William, and sisters to John William the last of that Family, Duke of Juliers and Cleve) who received the same privilege from the Emperor Charles V in the year, 1546.  P. 
It is then the inheritance of John William Duke of Juliers, which served for a pretence to the vast preparation that Henry iv King of France made when he was unfortunately assassinated; which hath already occasioned some misunderstandings between the Houses of Brandenbourg and Newbourg; and which may yet cause greater. But let us leave these intricacies to be disentangled by those that are concerned, and take a further view of the immunities, privileges, and Alliances of the House of Brandenbourg.  G. 
The Golden Bull, which hath in all things been exceeding liberal and free of the graces of the Empire towards the Electors, grants them all in general, and every one in particular, Sovereign Justice. Some say that these Electors not regarding this privilege so much as they ought, carelessly lost it; and having been deprived of it may years, at last the Elector Joachim Frederick got himself repossessed of this Right by the Emperor Rod●●ph II. For my part, I am of another opinion, and think with the greater number of Writers, that they always preserved and enjoyed it. As for the order of place observed in Assemblies, this Elector is the last but one, since the creation of the eighth Electorship. We have already said, that he hath many voices; and the younger brethren of his House, to wit, the Marquess' of Culembach and of Anspach have each of them one, but no right to give a definitive judgement in their Subjects causes, if the sum exceed 400. Florins of the Rhine.  P. 
I would gladly know whether there be many Princes of this House.  G. 
At the time I now write, there are three married, and three children. The Elector Frederick William son to George William and Elizabeth Charlotta Princess Electoral Palatine, after long hopes of marrying the matchless Christina Queen of Sweden (who hath since declared that she will die a Maid) was married December 7. 1646. to Lo●yse of Nassau daughter to the great Town-taker Frederick Henry Prince of Orange, by whom he hath a son called Charles Amelius, who was born February 2. 1655. and another named N. N. born— 1657. The Electoral Branch doth at this time consist of these three Princes. The Marquess' of Culembach and Barheit are, Christian Ernest son to Herman Augustus and Sophia daughter to Joachim Ernest, also Marquis of Brandenbourg: This young Prince was born July 27. 1644. and George Albert his Uncle born in 1619. married Mary Elizabeth daughter to Philip Duke of Holstein in the year 1651. The third Branch which resides at Anspach hath been long in fear of ending without issue Male, there being none but Albert son to Joachim Ernest and to Sophia Countess of Solmes, who in her ●ife time had but few her equals in virtue and beauty. This Prince, endued with piety as well as magnanimity, was born September 28. 1620. and in 1642. married Henrietta Loüyse daughter to Lewis Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg, by whom he had only two daughters. But that Princess being gone to receive in Heaven the Crown which her virtues merited upon earth, this Lord hath taken for his second wise Sophia Margaret daughter to Joachim Ernest Count of Ottinguen: And by this Lady, who is a Phoenix in beauty, courage and liberality, he had a son October 8. 1655. and is at this time in hopes of having many more. Which I wish he may, and pray God that imitating their Ancestors, they may be as so many Germane Achilles and Alcibiades.  P. 
Have these Princes any good Forts, full Magazines, and wherewithal to bring Armies into the field?  G. 
The Elector hath at this present very considerable forces in Prussia, where he takes part with the King of Sweden; and he is of so high esteem by the means he hath to help and to harm, that he is courted on all hands. His Forts are exceeding well maintained, and as well provided: Custrin hath never been taken; Pillaw and Memel make him redoubted in Prussia, Colberg in Pomerania, Drisen in the Mark, and Landsperg upon the Vard. His Cousins of Culembach and Anspach have their sure retreats at Blassembourg and Melspourg. And forasmuch as Princes strike their enemies more smartly with the head, then with the hand; the Elector and the Marquis of Anspach are as much to be feared for their prudence, as for their valour.  
The end of the third Dialogue.   

Dialogue FOUR  
Of the Secular Princes of the Empire.  P. 
If you be so particular in describing the Origin, progress, and Alliances of the Princes, as you have been in those of the Electors, it will be long before we get out of Germany.  G. 
The desire I have to see you speedily comprehend the manners, strength, and Laws of other well governed Nations in Europe, will quicken me to pass as lightly as may be over the consideration of the Princes of the Empire. We must nevertheless speak of all those that have place in the Assemblies.  P. 
I am content you should do so; but your undertaking will carry you out of Germany, or into a tedions repetition: for the King of Sweden, the Elector of Brandenbourg, and many Princes of his and other Electoral Houses whereof you have already made mention, are in the number of those who have place in the Diets of the Empire.  G. 
Having elsewhere said that this King, and some younger brethren of Electoral Houses have voices in the general Assemblies; I shall not repeat it here, and shall speak of the Duke of Lorraine in another place, because his Estate is at present in the most Christian Kings hands.  P. 
By that means you will very much shorten this discourse, and yet not lose the opportunity of entertaining me with the commemoration of that House, wherein Valour, Affability, and modesty seem to be natural.  G. 
Since there is nothing more dear to me, then to give you content, I shall willingly omit all other matters to discourse upon the Houses of Brunswick, Meklebourg, Wirtemberg, Hesse, Baden, Holstein, Saxon-Lawembourg, Anhalt, Hohenzolleren, Aremberg, Henneberg, and Eastfriseland: And having considered them one after another, I will pass to the Ecclesiastical Princes, the Prelates, the Counts, and the Barons. But before I enter upon this Theme, I beseech you to consider, that the King of Sweden being a Member of the Empire may very much contribute to the preservation of its Liberty, and the maintenance of the Protestant Religion.  P. 
The French accuse the Spaniards for aiming at the Universal Monarchy, and on the other side the Spaniards say that the French seek for an opportunity to seize upon the Empire. If it were so, methinks the King of Sweden might disappoint the designs of those Monarches.  G. 
All Princes know, that their tranquillity depends upon the equal counterpoise of those two Kings, and therefore use their endeavours to hinder the one from bringing the other too much under; but I dare not affirm that either of them have such high thoughts: True it is, that every one ought to fear it, and that the wisest Princes seeing the balance too heavy on one side, help to make weight on the other. The King of Sweden, who is prudent in Counsel and valiant in fight, will not be the last to apply a remedy, when he sees the danger. And if he should forget his own and the Empire's Interest, the Venetians, Hollanders, and Swisses would employ their money and power for the preservation of theirs and our Liberty.  P. 
Europe breeds a people so ingenuous, knowing, valiant, and so opposite to servitude, that it seems impossible for it ever to come under the obedience of one only person. Let us then leave the Ambitious to rack and torture their minds with imaginary conquests; and let us look upon the House of the Guelphs, which heretofore possessed a great part of Germany: And if you will oblige me, speak as distinctly of it as possibly you can.  G. 
This House, which without dispute held the first rank after the Electors, before the Archbishoprics of Magdebourg and Bremen were converted into Secular Dignities, is put back those two degrees. Nevertheless it comes not behind any one in antiquity, and had its Territories all along the Elbe in the Country of Saxony, when it followed the fortune of Albovin King of the Lombard's, first into Pannonia, and afterwards into Italy; where these people fixed their seat, having driven the Goths out of it, and gave their name to the Province anciently called Gallia Cisalpina about 200. years before the time of Charlemain. Then it was that this family acquired the Duchy of Modena, which it possesseth even at this day.  P. 
Do you think then that the House of Este, which still holds the Duchy of Modena, and lost that of Ferrara in the time of Pope Clement VIII. after the death of Duke Alphonso, is a branch of this of Brunswick?  G. 
I make no doubt of it; and when the Kingdom of the Lombard's was destroyed in Italy by the arms of Charlemain, some Princes of this House came back into their own Country; where they had still so large an estate and authority, that the Emperor Lewis the Debonair married judith a Princess of that family, and had by her Charles the Bald, who was King of France and Emperor. This Empress had a brother named Henry, to whom Lewis his Son-in-law son to Lewis Germanicus, gave those lands which are now called Bavaria.  P. 
These indeed are fair and advantageous alliances, which having made those Prince's Brothers-in-law and Fathers-in-law to Kings, brought them so considerable a Principality.  G. 
The Descendants of Henry did not long possess this Country; for his line failing in Guelphe IU. his Nephew's son, the Emperor Henry iv gave his inheritance to Guelphe V son to the Duke of Ferrara, who (as we have said) was of the same House: And in process of time Henry the Proud Duke of Bavaria descended from Guelphe V married Gertrude daughter to the Emperor Lotharius II. who brought him the Duchy of Saxony for her Dowry. The issue of that marriage was Henry Leo, who together with Bavaria and Saxony, possessed many great Principalities lying upon the Elbe, and elsewhere.  P. 
How comes it then to pass that the Successors of Henry Leo have their Estate confined within the Dutchies of Brunswick and Luntbourg?  G. 
That Prince being of a high spirit, and not able to comply with the Emperor Frederick Barbaross● his Uncle, was proscribed and expelled the Empire; and when he was th●s driven out of his Estates; he made his retreat into England to King Henry II. who gave him his daughter Matildis or Maud to wife, and procured his reconciliation with the Emperor: But because he had in the mean time disposed of the Duchy of Bavaria in favour of the Count of Schieren, whose posterity enjoys it at this day, Henry Leo was restored to no more than the Duchy of Saxony; which Principality past a little after into the House of Saxon-Lawembourg by the marriage of Helen daughter to the Emperor Otho IU. and grandchild to Henry Leo with Albert I. of that name Elector of Saxony. At that time Frederick II. gave the title of Duke of Brunswick and Lunebourg to Otho a prince of that House.  P. 
The misfortune of Henry Leo should serve for a lesson to Great ones, and make all men see, that it is necessary to honour Superiors, and not to provoke one's Masters.  G. 
Many great Princes desiring to shake off the yoke of their due obedience, have forfeited their right, and lost that which they would not acknowledge to hold of their Sovereign. That was the quarrel against the King of England, who was devested of the Provinces of Normandy and Guyenne by Charles VII. King of France: And if the Guelphs had husbanded their strength better, and paid the Emperor the respect they ought him, they had still been the most potent Princes in Germany.  P. 
They are far less at present then they were in the time of Henry Leo; and yet they seem to be very considerable by their own forces, and by their alliances.  G. 
All the Houses that have admitted the right of Primogeniture, are better kept up than others. This having a large Estate, and four voices in the Assemblies, is divided but into two principal branches, which are equal in dignity; but the elder in years of the two Chiefs precedes the other in the general and particular Assemblies. They all bear the same title; and if one branch happen to fail, the other shall succeed it. They have both of them good Fortresses; Wolfenbottel, Celestina, Hanover, Lunebourg, and Giffhorne, are strong places under the command of these Princes. Brunswick hath never submitted to their power, still enjoying the right of a Free City, though the Duke hath often used skill as well as force to bring it under his obedience. These Princes can raise and maintain great numbers of Soldiers within their Territories. And the neighbourhood of Denmark and Sweden may yet make them more considerable; the Emperor being always willing to gratify them to keep them to him, and strangers to gain them to their side.  P. 
It is certain that a Prince whose lands border upon a Foreign State, may easily make himself more valuable, then if they lay in the heart of the Empire; but there is a great deal of prudence to be used in such cases.  G. 
The Dukes of Lorraine and Savoye have always been very much considered for the situation of their Estates, and the need that neighbouring Monarches had of their assistance. For which cause Bocalini having brought them to be weighed at Laurence de Medicis his Scales, finds them as heavy as Kings. Yet if these Princes be not very quick and expert as well as valiant and resolute, they may hazard the loss of all. Emanuel Duke of Savoye, who had no equal in courage, and but few in prudence, having a little slackened the Maxims of his accustomed Politics, saw himself almost totally ruined, and Duke Charles of Lorraine is still out of his Country, for having justled against that party that was able to fall foulest upon him. So that Frontier Provinces stand in need of Princes endued with an extraordinary virtue, and an unparallelled vigilance, otherwise they rather bring bring harm then advantage.  P. 
The present Princes of Brunswick and Lunebourg are so great personages, that I make no question but they use a Policy worthy of themselves. Tell me something of their Alliances.  G. 
All the Houses of Germany have great relations, but one shall find few of them like this, that hath had in marriage seven daughters of Kings, one of an Emperor, and four Electoral Princesses: It hath also bestowed three of its Princesses upon Kings, one upon an Archduke, many upon Electors, and far more upon other Princes of the Empire. It hath likewise had in marriage Palatine Princesses, Duchess' of Brabant, Saxony, Cleve, Pomerania, Meklebourg, Wirtemberg, Saxon-Lawembourg, and Berg; Marchionesses of Brandenbourg, Landgravesses of Hesse; and in a word, daughters of all the illustrious Houses of the Empire.  P. 
I think this whole Family is of the Protestant Religion.  G. 
When Duke Julius took the government upon him, he spent three years in the Reformation of his Country, and being assisted by the care and knowledge of Doctor James Andrew Chancellor of the University of Tubing, brought his design to such perfection in the year 1570. that it continues in vigour to this day, and learning in the highest ascendent by the diligence of the Professors which these Princes maintain in their University of Helmestad. All this Family follows the doctrine of Luther, except john Frederick, who was born April 25. 1625. and embracing the Roman-Catholick Religion in the year 1650. solaces himself at this time in Italy.  P. 
Hath this Prince many brethren?  G. 
The whole branch of Luntbourg consists of four young Lords; of whom, Ernest Augustus is designed for the Bishopric of Osnabru●; john Frederick may arrive to eminent preferment in the Church, if he engage not in marriage; George William shall be settled at Ha●vick; and Christian Lewis their eldest brother hath married Dorothy daughter to Philip Duke of Holstein. This Prince, who resides at Celestina, is obliged to pay to each of his younger brethren 12000. Rixdollars yearly, and much more to the youngest. Sophia Amelia their sister is married to Frederick III. King of Denmark; and their Mother Anne Eleonor, daughter to Lewis Landgrave of Darmstadt is yet living.  P. 
Pass on, if you please, to the branch of Brunswick.  G. 
The Head of this branch is Augustus, the most knowing Prince of Europe. He hath but three sons, of whom Rodolph Augustus the eldest hath married Christina Countess of Barby, as Antony Vlrick hath done juliana Duchess of Holstein; but Ferdinand Albert is a Bachelor. So that these two Houses are almost equal in number of Princes, as well as in extent of Territory.  P. 
I have oftentimes heard mention of the marvellous knowledge of that Duke Augustus, and of the Books he hath published; and the judgement which I have heard made thereupon obliges me to ask you, whether it be necessary that a Prince be learned?  G. 
There is no doubt to be made, but that Sciences do enhance and adorn the Titles and Souls of Princes, as diadems do their heads, and jewels their Crowns: And although this quality be very rare, yet it is necessary to those that would rule happily and gloriously. Solomon, Alexander the Great, Ptolomee, julius Cesar, Augustus, the two Antonines, and Charlemain, had never attained to so great renown, if they had not associated Letters with the sword, and learning with valour. Wisdom and Knowledge are such Royal endowments, that the greatest men do not think any State happy, if the Prince be not Wise and Knowing.  P. 
Since we are occasionally fallen upon this discourse, tell me what Science Princes ought to learn.  G. 
The first and most necessary Philosophy of a Prince, is to know how to do justice to his People, and defend them from their enemies. And to that end I think he should study to understand those persons that are able to serve him well, and not to neglect the Mathematics, which teach him both to besiege and fortify places as he ought, to form Battalions and batteries, to entrench a Camp, and to take his advantage. As to other things, I do not desire that a Prince should spend his time upon Logical notions, nor that he should like a Pedant be evermore bringing out some verse of Horace. It is sufficient that he be ready in Sacred and Profane History, that he take a delight in Books, and consult the dead, to learn of them what none of the living dare tell him.  P. 
Then you do not believe it requisite for a Prince to be as skilful in Natural Philosophy as Bajazet, in Astronomy as Alphonsus' King of Arragon, nor in Languages as the Emperor Frederick II. was.  G. 
It is as great a fault to aim at knowing too much, as to learn nothing at all. The Prince that hath studied too much, despiseth his Counsellors, and will fetch all his counsels out of his own head; and he that hath learned nothing, is not capable to make choice of the best advices. He that would oblige a great Lord to make himself as perfect in the Sciences as they that make it their profession, deserves no less blame than if he should forbid him to learn above three words of Latin. Learn then to express your mind in good terms, read such books as may teach you to know the condition of your friends and of your adversaries, be well instructed in truly Christian Politics, let it be your care distinctly to know those that love the public Interest, honour them with such offices as they deserve, and leave the rest to your servants.  P. 
This subject leads us out of our way; I pray let us recover it: And since we have said something already of the Dukes of Pomerania, that take their turns with the Houses of Meklebourg, Wirtemberg, Hesse, and Baden; let us take a view of these four one after the other.  G. 
The House of Meklebourg is derived from the Vandal Princes, who joining with the Goths struck terror heretofore into the Roman Eagles, and bore their victorious arms in Italy, Gaul, and Spain.  P. 
Do not you believe that Bucephalus his head which they carry in their Escutcheon, is not a sure mark that they are descended of one of Alexander the Greats Generals?  G. 
Genealogies that are so far fetched relish more of the Romance then of History; and Writers that insist upon such Fables, do injury to ancient Houses. For my part I think it better to confess myself ignorant from whence a Family draws its beginning, then to make even the most credulous to question what is said of it; and freely acknowledging that I do not know whether these Princes be descended from a General of that incomparable Conqueror of Asia, I do know that they are of the most Illustrious and most Ancient personages in Germany.  P. 
If I be not mistaken, the Emperor Charles iv admitted Albert and John Dukes of Meklebourg (sons to Henry Leo Prince of the Vandals) amongst the Princes of the Empire.  G. 
Charles' iv receiving those Lords into the number of the Estates of the Empire, did not give them the quality of Prince, which they had before; but only brought them under the protection of the Empire, by making them Members thereof, upon condition they should be subject to its Laws, and contribute to its necessities, and so enjoy the same privileges which other Lords of their degree and quality did.  P. 
In the time of the last Wars the Emperor made those Princes feel the weight of his indignation, giving their lands to Wallestein a Gentleman of Silesia, who by a strange ingratitude and a devilish ambition endeavouring to seat himself upon the Throne of Bohemia, and dispossess his Master of it, came to a miserable end.  G. 
The lamentable death of the Duke of Fridland gives us to understand that Kings have long arms, and that no man ought to abuse their favours, nor follow the motions which an undaunted courage and an inordinate ambition inspires. The Duke of Byron, and the Earl of Essex had such like designs, and as Tragical Catastrophes. As to the Dukes of Meklebourg, I am to tell you, that the greatest part of the Potentates in Germany have felt the smart of Mars his rods, and these Princes as much as any other, having seen a great Captain indeed, and a renowned Soldier, but unworthy of their degree, bear the name and Arms of their Principality: Nevertheless they reentered into it by the virtue of the Great Gustavus their Cousin-German; and though the conclusion of the Peace took Wismar from them, yet it gave them in exchange the Bishoprics of Ratzebourg and Suerin, turned into Principalities: So as they have lost nothing, if they do not prefer the convenience of that Haven and its Fort before twice its Revenue.  P. 
I did not know that these Princes were so near of kin to the late King of Sweden.  G. 
The Great Gustavus and these Dukes were sons of two sisters, daughters to Adolph Duke of Holstein; which proximity of blood moved that Heroical Prince to embrace their interest: So after the Battle of Leipsick he turned his victorious arms towards the Duchy of Meklebourg, and replaced these Princes there June 25. 1631. Three years after, these Lords were reconciled to the Emperor; and at this time live in peace, divided into two branches, the Chiefs whereof make their residence at Suerin and at Gustron.  P. 
Have these two Branches equal shares of the Estate?  G. 
They have each of them a moiety of the Duchy, and in regard thereof, a seat and voice in the Assemblies: But Adolph Frederick hath eight sons and six daughters; and Gustavus Adolph, who is Head of the other Branch, had no body to participate with him, being a● only son. This latter who resides at Gustron, i● of great spirit, knowing, courteous, affable, and generous: He married Magdalen Sibyl, daughter to Frederick the present Duke of Holstein, and hath one son by her. The children of Adolph Frederick, who resides at S●●nin, are all well made and qualified both in body and mind. Christian the eldest hath married his Cousin Christina Margaret daughter to john Albert Duke of Meklebourg: And Anne Mary youngest of the daughters, is the worthy Consort of Augustus' Duke of Saxony, son to the Elector john George I. All the rest are still to be married, and all worthy of Kings as well for their inward as their outward beauty. These Princes have all conjunctly one University at Rostoch, which was established there in the year 1419 by john and Albert first Dukes of this House.  P. 
I should willingly desire a more particular recital of the Alliances of this House; but fearing to be too troublesome to you, I shall forbear that, and entreat you to tell me something concerning that of Wirtemberg.  G. 
I shall not proceed any further, till I have acquainted you that the House of Meklebourg hath had in marriage six daughters of Kings, and five of Electors, within less than 200 years. As for that of Wirtemberg, which after it had for many ages born the quality of Count, was raised to the Ducal Dignity by the consent of all the Estates of the Empire in a Diet held at Worms 1495, it comes behind never a Family in Revenue, alliances, piety, magnificence, and privileges. It hath a Country, where the Mountains abound in Mines, Wines, and Woods; the Forests are well stored with Timber-trees, Game and Venison of all kinds; the Valleys are a continuation of Meadows covered with Cattle, and watered with Brooks full of Fish; the Plains are thick set with Gardens, and the Gardens like those of the Hesperides, or rather like earthly Paradises. There is in no place to be seen fairer rows of Orange-trees, Grotta's better contrived and beautified, Fountains more artificial, nor Fruits more pleasant to the sight and taste, then at Stutgardt. Few Princes have a house of Pleasure and a Heronry within their Garden, as this Duke hath; neither is there any one in the Empire, that hath a greater care of the Sciences and of Learned persons. They that have been at Tubing, know how many Princes, Counts, Lords, Barons, and Gentlemen have been bred in the noble College which Duke Lewis caused to be built, and which his Successors do splendidly maintain there.  P. 
Since we are entered upon this discourse, make me (if you please) a more particular description of that College.  G. 
It would require a more copious and eloquent tongue than mine, to make you comprehend the benefit which the Empire receives by this Athenaeum. Princes learn there to fear God, to honour the Emperor, to serve their Country, to judge of the sincerity of their Confederates, and to cherish their friends. Counts, Barons and Gentlemen do there learn the ways of winning and keeping the favour of Great men, a sweetness of carriage necessary for the maintaining of a perfect friendship amongst equals, and an infinity of virtues, which are the same thing in their Souls that the Soul is in the body, the eye in the head, precious stones in gold, and flowers in meadows.  P. 
I suppose that in this illustrious College the exercises of the body are no more neglected than those of the mind.  G. 
One may there learn with little charge and pains that which men go to seek for in Italy and France at the expense of their health and soundness both in body and soul. Florence hath nothing for riding the great horse, nor Rome and Paris for fencing and dancing Schools, which may not be gotten without going out of Tubing; where the University and College have excellent Professors in all faculties, and principally in those which are worthy of illustrious persons.  P. 
Doth it cost his Highness of Wirtemberg much to maintain the Professors, and Masters of exercises, which you now mentioned?  G. 
More than you think; but that expense is not considerable in comparison of the glory which redounds from thence. This College and this University are the Pearls which do wonderfully set off the Crown of this Duke: For although he be exceedingly at his ease, though he have whatsoever he can wish, though the delight of Hunting never fail him, though every day present him some new delicacies made or growing upon his own Territories; yet he would be much less spoken of in Foreign Countries, if Eberhard the Wise had not founded that University, if Christopher the Prudent had not projected this College, if Lewis the Pious had not built it, if Frederick the Magnanimous had not endowed it, if John Frederick the Peaceable had not preserved it, and if Eberhard the Constant had not raised it to a higher point for the good of the Princes, Lords and Gentlemen of the Empire.  P. 
Are none admitted into this College but persons of quality?  G. 
This College would not be illustrious, if all sorts might be promiscuously received into it: And these Princes having erected it for the education of persons of noble extraction, they have thought it convenient to exclude those that are not Gentlemen born; to the end that whilst there is none there but such as are obliged to aspire unto an eminent virtue, and that have worthy Predecessors to imitate, there may be nothing seen but such examples as may give furtherance to young Lords in the purfle of that mark they aim at. Nevertheless it is▪ sufficient qualification for the Masters and Governors of Great men, to be modest, knowing, and pious.  P. 
I would gladly know in what manner they live in this College.  G. 
Orders being the essential principle of all Societies, Laws have been made that appoint every one what he is to do, and what he is to avoid. These Rules are read unto such as enter into the College to remain there, and they all promise and engage before the Precedent of the College to observe them, except great Lords who are not bound to those Laws; but so far forth as decency and the command of their Parents enjoins them to obey their Governors, who are responsible for them, and are themselves subject to the Laws; which are extreme easy, and require nothing of any man but what he cannot well omit without running counter to honour and honesty.  P. 
This Institution is worthy of such Princes: But is the Duchy of Wirtemberg so great, that it can maintain this College and the University of Tubing, without incommodating the Prince?  G. 
This Country is not so considerable for the extent, as for the goodness of the Soil, and number of Lordships; in which they reckon 63. Cities, 158. great Towns, 645. Villages, 537. Water-mills, and 14. Abbeys of large Revenue. Before the War this Duke could have brought together 24000. men in 24. hours; and at this time he hath a fair Militia afwell of Horse as Foot, and many Fortresses, whereof Schocenderf, Habsperg, Anach and Neïf, are indifferent good, and Hoheuvilz one of the best in Germany.  P. 
Do me the favour to acquaint me further with the Privileges and Alliances of this Prince.  G. 
There is no Prince in Germany that hath more noble privileges than this Duke. Not one of his subjects can appeal from his Justice: And for that purpose he hath a Presidial Court at Tubing, composed of five Gentlemen, four Doctors, and as many Burghers, who give definitive judgement upon all controversies that happen between his Highness' Subjects both in Civil and Criminal causes; also a Consistory form of certain Divines, and other grave persons who are skilful in matters Ecclesiastical, and such as have any relation to the Spiritual, as Marriages and Adulteries: He hath other Counsels also for affairs of State, and of the Exchequer. As to your demand touching the Alliances of this House, I find that anciently the Males married Marchionesses of Brigan, Duchess' of Lernigen, daughters of Kings of Poland and of Emperors, Duchess' of Bavaria, Milan, Sav●y, and Cleve. Since they were Dukes Eberhard I. married Barbar● of Gonzago; Eberhard II. Elizabeth Marchioness of Brandenbourg; Vlrick, Sabius daughter to Albert the Wise, Duke of Bavaria; Christopher, Anne Marry Marchioness of Brasdenbourg; Lewis, Dorothy Ursula Marchioness of Baden, and Ursula Princess Palstine; Frederick had Sibyl Princess of Anhalt for the conservatress of his House; John Frederick took Barbara Sophia Princess Electoral of Brandenbourg for an assistant and admirer of his Magnificence; and Eberhard III had Anne Catherine Rhingravess for the comfortress of his displeasures in the time of the War, and Mary Dorothy Sophia Countess of Ottinguen for a partner of his felicity in the time of peace, with whom he lived in such perfect union and harmony, that it seemed as it were a taste upon earth of the life hereafter in Heaven.  P. 
Hath this Prince no children?  G. 
He had 14. by his first wife, and hath still nine of them, very sweet lovely persons: The five Princesses speak French and dance as if they had been bred at Paris: The eldest son John Frederick is excellent for horsemanship and at his Weapon; William Lewis, Frederick Charles, and Charles Maximilian are but young, but they carry in their countenances such characters of generosity, as easily persuade me they will one day make the virtues of their bravest Ancestors live again.  P. 
Methinks you are very much addicted to this House, and yet you do not tell me, that one of the younger sons of Frederick the Magnanimous had Weiltingen and brent's; and the youngest of all, Monbeliard, Ericourt, Granges, Horbourg, Richeville, and their appurtenances, which give him a voice in the Diets of the Empire, and almost all the Nobility in the Franche-County and Burgundy hold of him in Fee: Also that this Prince's Lands, depending upon the Empire, enjoy the same right that the Duchy of Wirtemberg doth; and that the eldest Son had the Duchy entire, and left it undivided to his eldest Son.  G. 
I have elsewhere said, that the right of Primogenitute takes place in this House: And since you are not satisfied with what I have told you hitherto, you ought to know that the four daughters of Frederick the Magnanimous were married to John George I. Elector of Saxony, John George Marquis of Zeguerendorf, Frederick Marquis of Baden, and Francis Julius Duke of Lower Saxony; which are high Alliances. The sons of Lewis Frederick Prince of Monbeliard are married, the eldest to Sibyl Duchess of Wirtemberg, and the younger to Anne of Coligny Duchess of Chastillon. The younger son of Julius Frederick married a Countess of Aldembourg, and the eldest a Duchess of Mansterberg, who brought him is dowry the Principality of Ols in Silesia. Vlrick a younger son of the present Duke was General of the Foreign Horse for the Spaniard in Flanders, where he took to Wife Isabella of Aremberg Princess of Barbanson; but at present he is General of an Army for the King of France. Frederick was Major General with great reputation in the Army of Hesse: He is at this time married to Clara Augusta Duchess of Brunswick. These Princes have two sisters; who whilst the War lasted thinking they could not spend their time better, Antonietta learned the Hebrew and Latin, and Anne Jane the Mathematics, in perfection. And that I may forget nothing that may serve to illustrate the glory of this House, you shall observe (if you please) that Eberhard Count of Wirtemberg the third of that name, who died May 16. 1417. had usually at his Court six Princes, seven Counts, five Barons, and threescore and ten Gentlemen.  P. 
I never heard that a Count had Princes in his Court: But tell me, why doth the House of Austria bear the name and Arms of that of Wirtemberg?  G. 
When Duke Vlrick was driven out of his Estates in the year 1519. his Enemies sold that Duchy to the Emperor Charles V and Vlrick continued in exile till the year 1534. at which time being assisted by the money of Francis I. King of France, and the Sword of Philip Landgrave of Hesse, he returned into his Country, and sent his Son Duke Christopher to Ferdinand King of the Romans, who agreed with him at Cade June 24. in the same year, that the House of Wirtemberg should enjoy that Duchy, holding it in Fee of the House of Austria: Which was accordingly done, till the year 1599 when by a transaction made at Prague between the Emperor Rodolph II. and Frederick I. Duke of Wirtemberg, this Duchy was reduced unto its first condition, the House of Austria only reserving to itself the name and Arms, and the right of Succession, in case it survive all the Males of Wirtemberg.  P. 
Let us step into the Country of Hesse; and tell me something of a House to which generosity seems to be natural.  G. 
I know never a Family in Germany more illustrious than that of Hesse, whether you consider its antiquity, or the number of Heroical personages it hath produced, or lastly its Alliances. The Landgrave George hath heretofore told me that his House is descended from Charlemain; and a little after, when I was at Cassel the late Landgravess of Hesse shown me a Genealogical Table, that derived it from a Collateral branch of that great Emperor, but by the way of Females. I can hardly forbear to explicate the same to you at large; and would do it, if I were not afraid to ●e troublesome.  P. 
I know you could show me that Gerbo●● daughter to Charles of Lorraine (Uncle by the Father's side to Lewis V King of France, who came in a direct Male line from Lewis the Debonair) was married to Lambert II. Count of Louvain, from whom the present Landgrave are descended by the way of Henry V. who was the first of this Family that had the title of Landgrave of Hesse: But because I do not question that at all, declare to me how Henry got this Landgraveship, how his posterity kept it, who were the most illustrious Princes of this House, and into how many Branches it is divided at this present.  G. 
You free me from a great deal of pains; which yet would not have been unpleasant to me, for the respect I bear to that House. To begin then to answer your question, I say, that Henry of Brabant (whose predecessors had Born the name of Counts of Louvain, Hainault, Rhetel, and Yvoy, and of Dukes of M●selle, Lorraine, and Brabant) married Sophis Landgravess of Thuringia, who also descended from Charlemain by the way of Lewis Germanicus second son to Lewis the Debonain. This Henry made war nine years together upon Henry the Illustrious Marquis of Misni●, who pretended (as the other did) to the Principalities of Thuringia and Hesse: And at last they came to this agreement, that the one should have Hesse, and the other Thuringia, upon condition that the surviving Family should inherit both; and this agreement is still in force between the Dukes of Saxony, who are Landgraves of Thuringia, and our Landgraves of Hesse.  P. 
Wars between kinsmen are usually cruel and long: At what time did this happen?  G. 
Henry of Brabant first Landgrave of Hesse lived 63. years, and died in that of our Lord 1308. He left the succession to his son Otho, who was father to Lewis, grandfather to Herman, and great-grandfather to Lewis the peaceable second of that name, and first of his Family that was qualified Count of Zigne●heim and Nidda. This Prince may serve for an example of moderation to posterity; for when the Imperial Dignity was offered him, and he chosen according to the Laws of the Empire in the year 1442. he refused that which many seek after with much hazard, labour and anxiety.  P. 
The title of Peaceable which this Prince bore, makes me think he feared the power of Frederick of Habspourg, who took the Sceptre which Lewis would not accept; and I am persuaded that Lewis the Courageous, son to the Peaceable, would rather have canvassed to proture the Imperial Crown, then modestly refused it.  G. 
It is very likely the Son would not have done as the Father did; and in all probabily if that House had accepted the Crown then, I would have held it even to this day: For eve● since that time, all the princes of Hesse the have reigned, were worthy to reign. Willi●● the younger, son to Lewis and Matildis o● Wirtemberg, had no less courage nor prudence then his Father; Philip the Magnanimous, being no more but Landgrave of Hesse, gave much trouble, and no less apprehension to the greatest of our Emperors; William the beleved son of Philip, showing himself the worthy son of so great a Father, deserved the surname of Wise; Maurice was equal to, or greater than any one of his Ancestors; William the Constant was a pattern of valour and virtue; and William his son cannot but prove a great personage, having had for his Mother and ●●tress the most Heroical Lady of this age.  P. 
The Ancients by representing Occasion bald behind, would teach us to use prudence, and not to let slip a present advantage; as Lewis Landgrave of Hesse, and Frederick III. Elector of Saxony, who refused the Empire, and repent it too late. But go on, I pray.  G. 
You must know that Philip the Magnanimous had three sons, who were all married, and Chiefs of several Branches: Lewis and George had less of their Father's estate, than William their eldest brother; yet that division weakened the House; and a little after, the inheritance of Lewis untied the knot of kindness, and sowed discord between the two other Branches.  P. 
I would willingly have a more particular account of that misunderstanding.  G. 
The Landgrave Lewis, son to Philip, died without issue in the year 1604. and appointed his Nephews Maurice and Lewis to inherit his estate by equal portions. Now because one of those heirs was of a different Religion from that professed by the deceased Princes Subjects, he added a clause in his Will, to deprive that party of the right of Succession that should oblige his Subjects to change their Religion. Notwithstanding which clause, Maurice forced the inhabitants of his division to embrace the Reformation of Calvin. Lewis taking Maurice to have forfeited the right he had to the inheritance, complained of the nonobservance of the Will: Whereupon they took Arbitrators, who judged, that the Clause annexed to the Testament could not deprive Maurice of the right he had, as a Prince of the Empire, of obliging his Subjects to follow his Religion. Lewis appealed from this Arbitrary sentence to the Court of the Emperor, where he found more favour, and obtained a Decree that condemned Maurice, and an Army that put Lewis into possession of the lands in question. Maurice not being able to withstand the Army and the will of the Emperor, gave wa● to power: So Lewis surnamed the pious, and George his son, possessed those lands in peace, 〈◊〉 Amelia Elizabeth Mother to William VI h●ving an Army at her command, used it so opportunely, that she drove George out of the●tigious Territories, and forced him to another Agreement, which was mediated by Er●●. Duke of Saxony in the year 1647.  P. 
These contentions must needs begethtred between the two Houses: But are they 〈◊〉 equal puissance?  G. 
That of Cassel is the elder, hath prendence, and more estate than that of Darmstr●● but they are so far forth equal, that each 〈◊〉 them hath a voice in the Assemblies, and neither depends in any wise upon the other. They are both well allied: George Chief of the Branch of Darmstadt is married to the eld●● daughter of the late Elector of Saxony; his eldest son, to a daughter of Frederick Duke 〈◊〉 Holstein; and one of his daughters to Phil●● Lewis Duke of Newbourg. William the present Prince of Cassel hath taken to wife a sister of the Elector of Brandenbourg; and William's elde● sister is married to Lewis of Tremüoille, Dol● of Toüars, Prince of Tarante; and the young est to Charles Lewis Elector Palatine.  P. 
You have already told me, that Willi●● VI. was son to Amelia Elizabeth, who governed his person and estate from the year 1637. till the Peace; and her Regency was so renowned, and so beneficial to that House, that I think myself obliged to propose this question to you, Whether they do not great wrong to Ladies that esteem them unable to govern a State.  G. 
I wonder there should be any Philosophers, who dare affirm, that the Female Sex is unworthy to bear the Sceptre; since Histories tell us that Ladies have preserved and enlarged the Kingdoms of Spain, England, Denmark, Sweden, Portugal, and France; that the five former never flourished so much as under two Elizabeth's, Margaret, Christina, and Loüyse; and that the last was freed from the English yoke by Jane d'Arc, commonly called the Maid of Orleans, preserved in peace under the Regency of Blanch of Castille Mother to St. Lewis, and the bounds thereof advanced under Anne of Austria, Mother to the incomparable Lewis XIV. the present King.  P. 
You will acknowledge that this Sex is usually weak, inconstant, and faint-hearted; and that it is not able either to ride, or wear armour for the good of the State.  G. 
It is the opinion of those, who to decry Ladies, tell us, they are naturally inconstant, fearful, and cruel; and when we object the illustrious examples of Roman, Grecian, Spanish, Germane, and French Ladies, they say, they are rare things, and such as ought not to be drawn into consequence; and that for one that hath administered the State well, there be two that have abused their authority. I confess they are not all sufficiently qualified to rule; but I deny also that all men are so: And I may confidently say, that never any King of England was better obeyed than Queen Elizabeth, that the bravest Swedish Commanders freely acknowledged, their victories proceeded as much from the happy Genius of their Queen as from their own valour; that Portugal owes its deliverance to Loyse de Gusman, who governs it still with admirable prudence; that Elizabeth of France wife to Philip IU. would have reestablished the affairs of Spain, if the impertinency of a Favourite had not held her at distance from the Counsels of the King her husband; that the Hessians were never better ruled then by Amelia Elizabeth, and that no Prince was ever more moderate in his prosperty, nor more constant in adversity then this matchless Lady. One example shall make you confess this truth. In the year 1647. her Army besieged Paderborne, and was forced to raise the siege with loss. The news came to her while she sat at Table; she read the Letter, and told me, We have ill news, my Troops have been worsted, and forced to leave a plate which it concerned me very much to have taken: And so sat out her Meal without the least show of any alteration.  P. 
No more would a great man be much moved at such a loss.  G. 
I know Philip II. seemed not to be concerned, when he heard of the victory won at Lepanto, and of the losing of a Fleet which he thought Invincible; but that Prince was singular in generosity and constancy. And to prove that Ladies are worthy to bear the Sceptre, it is enough that we find some comparable to the most excellent of men.  P. 
I submit to your reason; but withal I think there are not many Amelia Elizabeth's to be found.  G. 
There are but few indeed, because the malice or envy of men keeps them off from showing their ability, and making their prudence and generosity admired. Nay, I make no question, but, if there were as many Ladies as there be Princes upon the Throne, we should often find Female accomplishments superior to ours, enough to make Philosophers recant, and acknowledging their error to confess, that Ladies are as much, if not more excellent than men.  P. 
I perceive you love that beautiful Sex, and understand their worth; and if they had no greater enemies than you, they should have the honour that is due to them. I shall always be of the same opinion, and if ten thousand Philosophers would persuade me the contrary, I should not forbear to say and believe, that there be many Ladies worthy to govern, and would be many more, if they were instructed and brought up to great affairs from their youth.  
The end of the Fourth Dialogue.   

Dialogue V.  
Of the same Secular Princes.  P. 
I Would gladly have heard something of the Marquess' of Baden in the preceding Dialogue, because they take their turns with the other princes you last mentioned: But I hope there is nothing lost.  G. 
These Princes, as well as all that are Ancient, hear many men speak of the beginning of their House, but few that speak truth. I do not desire to confute opinions contrary to mine, nor to entertain you long upon such a subject: It is enough for me to tell you what I have learned from those Marquess' themselves, who have graciously communicated to me what they have drawn out of their own Records. But before we go any further, I desire you to take notice, that the House of Hesse being divided into two Branches, whereof one follows Luther's Reformation, and the other Calvins; each of them hath one Prince that hath withdrawn himself to the Church of Rome: Frederick brother to the Landgrave George of Darmstadt, & grand Prior of the Order of Malta in Germany; and Ernest Uncle by the Father's side to the Landgrave William of Cassel, who making as if he would dispute with the ablest men of the two Religions permitted by the Laws of the Empire, hath embraced that of Rome, together with his Wife, who is of the House of Solmes.  P. 
I was not ignorant of that change of Religion, which hath made noise enough throughout all Germany. As for those Writers that fetch what they deliver concerning the antiquity of Houses, either out of their own brain, or from weak conjectures, I think they are much to blame: For my part, I conceive there is no better way to know from what source Houses are derived, then by the Charters and Epitaphs of the Houses themselves.  G. 
There are some that think Princes flatter themselves in this point, and report fables for truths, on purpose to appear more illustrious and more ancient. And I am verily persuaded, that many endeavour to usurp the Estates of others by vain and false Genealogies; nay, that our nature cannot endure any that doth not flatter it: On the other side I cannot deny, but that Princes themselves, or their learned servants, who have the custody of their Records, must know the truth of their beginning and offspring better than any other person. Now the Marquis George Frederick having caused his own to be searched out with great care, the Prince his Son communicated the same to me such as I here represent it unto you.  P. 
The truth is but one, pure, simple, and without mixture: Wherefore I pray tell me what you know, not regarding the device of some that would draw this House from that of the Vrsins, and others from that of Della Scala or the Scaligers; some labour to show that Baden and Hochberg were two different Families, and others that they are but one.  G. 
They that would have this House come out of Italy, say that Frederick Barbarossa brought Herman Marquis of Verona from thence, and gave him the Marquisate of Hochberg: which cannot be, seeing in the time of the Emperor Conrade II. there were already Marquess' at Baden and at Hochberg. It is therefore more probable, that Berchtold I, having two sons, divided his Estates between them, giving the greatest part thereof to his eldest son Berchtold II. with the title of Duke of Zeringuen, and a good share to Herman his younger son, with the title of Marquis. This Herman II. having married Judith inheritrice of Baden, gave occasion to Herman III. whom he had by her, to style himself Marquis of Baden, to take his Mother's Arms, and transmit them to his posterity, as he did. Some while after, the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa having ruined Milan, and chastised Lombardy, put Germane garrisons in all the strong places, and left Herman iv Governor of Verona. When that Prince came back into Germany, he was called Marquis of Verona in memory of that Expedition; and that name hath occasioned the mistake of those who writ that the Marquess' of Baden are descended from them of Verona.  P. 
Then you hold it for certain, that the Marquess' of Baden are descended neither from the Gothick Kings, nor from the Scaligers, nor the Vrsins, nor from any Marquess' of Verona whatsoever; but from the ancient Counts of Vindonissa and Altembourg, who flourished a long time in Switzerland: from whom also the Dukes of Zeringuen and Tek, the Counts of Habspourg and the Archdukes derive their original.  G. 
That is my opinion; and I believe it as true, as it is certain that Herman Marquis of Baden founded a Monastery in his Village of Backenau, A. D. 1116. which Bruno Bishop of Spire confirmed at the request of the said Herman 1122. and which Herman the younger his son enriched with many endowments in the time of Lotharius II. or Conrade III. A.D. 1145. All which things were done by Marquess' of Baden (before there were any, according to the opinion of my Adversaries) and by the Descendants of Herman son to Berchtold Duke of Zeringuen.  P. 
I believe your reasons unanswerable, and am absolutely persuaded by them, that the Marquess' of Baden did not come out of Italy. It lies upon you now to prove, that these Princes and those of Hochberg were both of the same House.  G. 
On St. Bartholomews' day 1490. Christopher Marquis of Baden and Philip Marquis of Hochberg made an agreement, and a reciprocal Testament, whereby one of the Houses surviving the other was to be heir thereof, because they both issued out of the same stock, and bore the same Arms, or with very little difference. That Will and Testament was confirmed by the Emperor Maximilian I. A.D. 1499. which is sufficient (methinks) to prove, that those Houses were but Branches from one and the same root.  P. 
I am satisfied with what you have told me concerning the unity and descendance of the Houses of Baden and Hochberg. Let us now see into how many Branches that of Baden is at present divided.  G. 
This House, which had been severed into two ever since the year 1200. was reunited after the death of Philip the last of the Hochbergian Branch, by virtue of that interchangeable Testament made by him and Christopher, as we mentioned before. Now Christopher inheriting the lands of Philip A. D. 1503. possessed the two Marquisates till the year 1515. wherein he died; and his lands were parted between Bernard and Ernest his children, who are the Heads of the two principal Branches into which this House is divided at this time.  P. 
Make a little larger relation of this matter, and show me how the Marquess' of Baden come from Bernard, and those of Dourlach from Ernest, both sons to Christopher, who inherited the entire Estate of Philip Marquis of Hochberg, except the County of Newchastel in Switzerland; which Jane, daughter to the forementioned Philip, brought in Dowry to Lewis of Orleans, and it is still in the hands of Henry Duke of Longueville his Nephew's son.  G. 
By the division thus made between those two brethren, Bernard had Baden with its appurtenances: He married Frances Countess of Luxembourg, by whom he had Christopher, who (after Philibert his elder brother was slain at the Battle of Moncontour) took upon him the government of his Estate. That Prince married Cecily daughter to Gustavus first of that name and of his Family, King of Sweden: among other children he begat Edward Fortunatus' Father to William, present Marquis of Baden, Knight of the Golden Fleece, and Judge of the Imperial Chamber at Spire. William hath had two Wives, and many children: by the first, who was born Princess of Hohenzolleren, he hath yet living Leopold William, who serves the Emperor with great zeal and reputation; Herman, Canon of Collen, with some others, who are yet but young; and Ferdinand Maximilian the eldest, who knowing that Mary daughter to Amedeus IX. Duke of Savoy had been married into his House, was desirous to renew that alliance, and to that purpose married Loüyse of Savoy daughter to Thomas Prince of Carignan A. D. 1653. by whom he hath one son. Herman brother to William makes a Branch apart, and hath children of both sex's marriageable.  P. 
Hath not this Prince Herman some land● in the Country of Luxembourg, and a son Canon of Collen?  G. 
Yes; Ernest, brother to Bernard, and son to Christopher, who had for his share the Marquisates of Hochberg, Pfortzen, Weiemberg, Baden, Vsysiler, and Rhetel, took to wife Elizabeth daughter to Frederick V Marquis of Brandenbourg: His son Charles married Anne daughter to Robert Prince Palatine, by whom he had many children, who all died young, except George Frederick: He was not to be paralleled for valour and magnanimity, yet was beaten at Wimpfen by the misfortune of his powder taking fire while the Battle was fight, which he thereupon lost when he was half-assured of the victory. This Prince had two Wives, Juliana Ursula daughter to the Rhingrave Frederick, and Agatha daughter to George Count of Erbach. Of the latter there remain but Anne and Elizabeth, Princesses no less knowing then virtuous; and of the former (by whom he had 15. children) Catherine Ursula, Anne Amelia, and Sibyl Magdalen, who are thus married; the first to Otho eldest son to the Landgrave Maurice, and the other two to two Counts of Nassau Sarbruck: Ernestine is for her rare virtue and admirable knowledge worthy of an eminent fortune; and Frederick their eldest brother, the present Prince of Dourlach, an incomparable man for his skill in Mathematics and Optics, hath had five Wives and many children, the eldest whereof called by his Father's name hath married Christina Magdalen, the worthy sister of Charles Gustavus King of Sweden, and daughter to John Casimir Prince Palatine of Deux-ponts, who in his life-time knew better than any man how to get a powerful ascendent over the hearts of all that looked upon him. He hath very fine children by her both for outward features and inward faculties: The youngest called Charlemain is eminent for virtue, merit, and military experience; he is married to Mary Juliana Countess of Hohenloch, and hath by her one son who will equal his courage, and one daughter who will not be inferior to her Mother in comelyness of body and sincerity of heart. Gustavus Adolph a younger brother of this House, is serving his apprenticeship in the school of the King of Sweden, and of his brethren, whom he will equal or surpass, if God give him life and health, as I wish him.  P. 
You tell me nothing of the controversy between these two Branches, nor of the sentence which Edward Fortunatus his Successors obtained against the Marquis George Frederick and his son.  G. 
It is not good to rub old sores that are skinned over, nor to speak of differences that are silenced by a determination, for fear of grieving those persons whom we respect. It is sufficient for you to know that these Princes are good friends, that they have forgotten all that is past, and endeavour to oblige one another to the uttermost of their power. The branch of Baden is Catholic, that of Dourlach Lutheran, and both zealous in their Religion; but that zeal will not hinder them from being kind to one another as to their persons, though their interest keep them asunder as to their party. Each branch hath one voice in the Assemblies; and the Marquis Frederick shall have precedence there as long as he lives, but after his death the two Branches shall take their turns, that is, shall precede alternatively, according to the resolution made at Munster by the last Treaty of Peace.  P. 
Since we have spoken of Houses in Germany that take their turns successively, do me the favour to tell me the manner how that alternation is observed.  G. 
You may see in this figure how they sit for ten days together; after which they begin again, and continue as they were before; every letter denoting the name of one of the five Houses that take their turns.  
P M W H B M W B P H W H B P M H W M P B B P H M W P M W B H M P W H B W B H M P H P W B M B W M H P  
The five alternating Houses are, 

Pomerania.  
Meklebourg.  
Wirtemberg.  
Hesse.  
Baden.    P. 
I wonder the Houses of Saxon Lawembourg and Anhalt do not precede these five, or at least alternate with them, seeing they hare had the Electorships of Saxony and Branderbourg at the same time.  G. 
The Houses you last mentioned are so far from preceding those five, that they follow that of Holstein, which comes behind the said five. 'Tis not that those two Houses are not ancient; on the contrary, I think their antiquity and greatness hath done them wrong: for as we have elsewhere seen, the Emperor Sigismond deprived them of the Electoral Dignity, to give it to the Marquis of Misnia and the Burgrave of Nuremberg; which so morrified those Princes, that it made them neglect to appear in the Assemblies, and gave opportunity to others to take their place.  P. 
I have read that those Princes kept the title of Elector long after they had lost the Electoral Dignity; and when they could not have place in the Electoral College, they cared but little for taking it among the Princes. But tell me something of the House of Holstein, before we speak more fully of the other two.  G. 
I think I have told you already, that the House of Holstein and that of Oldembourg are but one; that it was derived from Witikind of Saxony; and that after the death of Christopher III. King of Denmark, the Danes chose Christian Count of Oldembourg into his place, at the entreaty of Adolph Duke of Schleswick his Uncle by the Mother's side, who leaving no issue behind him, made this Nephew of his heir of a great part of the Cimbrick Chersonese: and from that Christian it is, that all the Princes are descended, who have Reigned in Denmark, Norway, Schleswick, and Holstein, ever since that time.  P. 
The Kingdom of Sweden having been severed from that of Denmark under the Reign of the Princes of the House of Oldembourg, it is fit you show me when and how that came to pass.  G. 
I shall do it with all my heart, both because you desire it, and because I shall be glad (in doing that) to give some testimony of my gratitude to those Princes, who have almost all of them obliged me. You must know then, that Christian the first of that name, being 23. years of age, was chosen King of Denmark A. D. 1448. A year after, he married Dorothy daughter to John Marquis of Brandenbourg, and widow to Christopher the last King of Denmark. That Prince having Reigned happily 33. years in Denmark, 32. in Norway, and 25. in Sweden, died afterwards A. D. 1482. leaving two sons, who succeeded him in this manner; John his eldest was King of those three Kingdoms after his Father, and gave his brother Frederick the moiety of his Hereditary lands: Then having reigned peaceably, he died A. D. 1513. leaving his son Christian II. to be his Successor. That Prince was born A. D. 1481. and married Isabel sister to the Emperor Charles V by whom he had Dorothy Electoress of Brandenbourg; Christina Duchess of Milan, and afterwards of Lorraine; and John, who died bearing arms under the Emperor Charles his Uncle by the Mother's side, in the year 1532. Christiern otherwise Christian II. forsaken the way of his Father and Grandfather, and became so cruel a Tyrant, that the Swedes drove him out of their Country, and placed upon the Throne Gustavus Vasc, son to Erick a Swedish Knight, A. D. 1523. And nine years after the Danes cast him in prison, where he ended his days in five more.  P. 
Men seem to be of a worse condition than beasts; inasmuch as Eagles do not engender pigeons, nor Lion's Stags; yet Heroical persons rarely beget their like. The greatest men are subject to the misfortune of seeing their children unworthy to succeed them. But what came to pass after the imprisonment of Christiern?  G. 
We will speak in another place of what followed in Sweden. In Denmark the Nobility had an honourable memory and high esteem of the virtues of Christian I. and of john: wherefore instead of the Tyrant, who was prisoner at Sunderbourg, they placed Frederick his Uncle by the Father's side upon the Throne, who was very aged, and yet he introduced the Doctrine of Luther into Denmark and his own hereditary Principalities. That Frederick was the first Duke of Holstein, which is held in Fee of the Empire, as Schleswick is of Denmark; but neither he, nor his son Christian III durst send any body to the Diets, fearing they should be but ill used for having assumed the place of a brother-in-law to two Emperors.  P. 
It may be those Princes not daring to send their Deputies to the Diets, lost the Rank they held there.  G. 
Frederick I. of that name King of Denmark, was Duke of Holstein before he came to the Crown; yet I cannot tell whether he had taken place in the Assemblies of the Empire. But to pursue the discourse we have begun, that Prince left two sons, the elder of whom was King after him by the name of Christian III. and Adolph his younger son, Duke of Holstein. They had both children, from whom all the Princes of this House are descended: For Christian was Father to King Frederick II. and to john the younger; and Adolph, to john Adolph, and to Frederick Archbishop of Bremen and Bishop of Lubeck.  P. 
I pray draw out this Genealogy a little more at length.  G. 
Frederick II. husband to Sophia, daughter to ulrick Duke of Meklebourg, had one son and four daughters, very worthy of your knowledge: For as much as Elizabeth the eldest was married to Henry julius Duke of Brunswick, Anne to james VI King of Scotland, who afterwards got all Great Britain by the death and Testament of Elizabeth Queen of England; Augusta, to john Adolph Duke of Holstein; and Hedwig, to Christian II. Elector of Saxony. His Son and Successor to the Crown, was Christian iv a great King both in time of peace and war. That Prince, who admiring the worth of Henry the Great King of France, made him his pattern in every thing, and had at the least as many sons as he, as well Legitimate as Natural: But there remains no more of the lawfully begotten then his Successor Frederick III. who hath already many children, and may have more.  P. 
This King is esteemed throughout all Europe, for a knowing Prince, and one that sets a value upon good men: Let us see the Descendants of john the younger.  G. 
That Prince was even goodness itself, and God blessed him exceedingly; for he had 23. children by Elizabeth Duchess of Brunswick and Agnes Hedwig Princess of Anhalt, his wives. Two of those Princes died in Hungary, one at the illustrious College of Tubing; two departed in their infancy, and four lived to be married, who are fathers of many Lords, either residing at Sunderbourg, Nortbourg, Glugsbourg, and Plone, or else seeking their fortune in the Wars. The daughters were thus married; the eldest, to a Duke of Lignitz; three of the youngest, to three Dukes of Pomerania; Anne Sabina, to a Duke of Wirtemberg; Eleonor Sophia, to a Prince of Anhalt; and Margaret, to John Count of Nassau. The rest died in their Cradle, except Eleonor, who is still unmarried, and leads an exemplary life; she is 67. years old, yet very lovely for her age, and worthy to be visited by Kings; for she hath a marvellous way of entertaining those Princes and Ladies that do her the honour to see her: And I can assure you, I never saw better sweetmeats served any where then at her house, nor strangers received with greater civility.  P. 
Tell me, I pray, a little more particularly, who are the Descendants of John the younger brother to King Frederick II.  G. 
Alexander his eldest son had six sons, whereof the eldest married a Countess of Delmenhorst, and at his death left one son and two daughters by her: Frederick, Philip, and Joachim Ernest, brethren to Alexander, are yet living; the first hath three sons, and as many daughters; the second hath but two sons alive, five Princesses married, and one to marry; the third hath four Princes, two whereof have command in the King of Spain's service, and three Princesses still maids, all beautiful and witty, and brought up in the School of a Father inferior to none in the Empire for prudence, and of a Mother that hath but few equals in all kind of virtues.  P. 
Do not forget the Descendants of Adolph younger brother to Christian III. of that name.  G. 
Adolph had many sons that died young; one that was Archbishop of Bremen; and John Adolph his eldest married Augusta daughter to Frederick II. King of Denmark. These two had issue, John Bishop of Lubeck, a comely and liberal Prince, who dying left his son John Augustus still very young, but pretty, and exceeding hopeful: Frederick this Bishops elder brother hath the moiety of the Dutchies of Schleswick, Holstein, Stormar, and Dithmarsh; and takes turns with the King of Denmark in the administration of Justice, in having place and voice in the Assemblies of the Empire, and in all other Rights of Regality. This Prince, great in knowledge and magnanimity, hath for a partner in his bed and felicity, Marry Elizabeth daughter to John George Elector of Saxony, by whom he hath still living three sons, and five daughters, four whereof are married, to John Prince of Anhalt, Gustavus Adolph Duke of Meklebourg, Lewis Landgrave of Darmstadt, and Charles Gustavus King of Sweden: And all these Princesses have children.  P. 
If promises be debts, you are bound to tell me to whom the other Princesses of this House are married.  G. 
Elizabeth Juliana, daughter to Frederick who resides at Nortbourg, married Antony Vlrick Duke of Brunswick A. D. 1656. Her Cousins, daughters to Philip, are thus married; Marry Elizabeth, to George Albert Marquis of Brandenbourg; Augusta to Ernest Gunther Duke of Holstein; Christina, to Christian Duke of Saxony; and Dorothy, to Christian Lewis Duke of Lunebourg: Hedwig is still to marry; and Sophia Hedwig died after she had born two children to her husband Maurice Duke of Saxony.  P. 
Doth the whole Country of Schleswick, Holstein, and their appurtenances, yield a great Revenue?  G. 
All these Dutchies together make up above 7000. Crowns of yearly Rent: 
I would in good manners add one cipher more, and make it 70000, lest the Estates of many private English Gentlemen should exceed the Revenue of these Dutchies.  And although a great part of the Country be taken up in Lakes and Forests, yet it abounds with all things, by reason of the Ocean and Baltic Seas that make many Harbours there. There come out of Jutland above 12000. head of Cattle every year, and a great number of Horses, which are to be brought into the Castle of Gottorf, and if his Highness will have any of them, he may take them at 18. Rixdollars a piece. The Duchy of Holstein contains 8000. Ploughs, and yet it contributes no more than the City of Lubeck to the necessities of the Empire: The peasants there are slaves; and the Nobility, rich, ambitious and valiant, as much as any in Europe.  P. 
I have heard you say, you have drunk so good Spanish Wine at Gottorf, Plone, Redwisch, and Eutin, that I am persuaded the remembrance thereof hath made you stay so long in Holstein. Yet you must come from thence, and see whether the Romeldenph of Ratzebourg, and the Beer of Zerbst will be able to keep you at the houses of the Dukes of Saxony, and the Princes of Anhalt.  G. 
If you would give me leave to entertain you at large about the generosity of the Princes of Holstein, we would speak of the horses, rings, and other gentile presents that were offered me at Gottorf, Plone, Redwisch, and Eutin: but since we must pass into the Duchy of Lawembourg, and into the Principality of Anhalt, I shall tell you, that the Duke Augustus, and the Prince Christian, have by their favours sufficiently obliged me to be a particular servant to their House, which hath at the same time afforded Electors both of Saxony and Brandenbourg.  P. 
I shall be glad to know when and how those Princes got and lost those Electorships, with the antiquity of their Houses, their Titles, their Alliances, their Religion, the number of the Branches whereinto they are divided, and other things that you shall judge requisite for my instruction.  G. 
No man denies but that these Houses sprung out of one and the same root, and that they are reckoned amongst the ancientest in Christendom; but I hold it a vanity to inquire for a descent from Father to Son ever since Adam's time to ours; because the Ancients were more studious to deserve an immortal glory, then to seek for Writers to transmit the same to posterity. The Author of the Genealogical Tables which the Prince Augustus gave me at Pleskau in the year 1650. Affirms, that these Princes were Kings, Dukes, and Generals of the Saxons, even before the coming of Christ; and sets down for Head of this Family Berenthobald, who in the quality of King led the Saxons to the War against Hermanford King of Thuringia, A. D. 524. Limneus goes higher, saying they come from Ascana son to Gomer, Nephew to japhet Noah's son. However it be, this House is extremely ancient, it being above 1000 years since Berenthobald II. and III. were Generals of the Saxons against Clovis II. and Dagobert Kings of France, and since Clovis III. King of France married Batildis daughter to Beranger, a Princess of this House. All which things make it evident, that this Family was come to full growth before many very noble ones were produced.  P. 
Seeing those Princes were Kings, or Dukes of the Saxons, how comes it to pass that they kept not that Dignity?  G. 
Those titles were not always Hereditary. Anciently the Saxons, and many other people chose a Duke or a King, when they stood in need of one for the War; otherwise their State was Aristocratical, and Dignities descended not to their heirs. In the days of Charlemain Witikind Head of the Saxons had Aribo Beranger (his Son or Brother-in-law) for his Lieutenant General: And when they were vanquished by the valour of Charles, and reconciled to him by the mediation of Henry Count of Henneberg, Charlemain honoured Witikind with the quality of Duke, and Aribo Beranger with that of Count of Ascania, Ballenstet, and Hircinia, to them and their posterity. When they were dead, the Descendants of that House became Christians, and the Emperor was Godfather to Charles, Father to Poppo, who took to wife Syndovine daughter to Lewis the Debonair Emperor and King of France; from whom all the princes of this House are propagated.  P. 
This indeed is a great alliance; but tell me how they came to be Dukes of Saxony and Marquess' of Brandenbourg.  G. 
Otho the Great Count of Ascania, Ballenstet, and Wolpe, having married Hileta daughter to Magnus' Duke of Saxony, had by her Albertus' Vrsus, who by the favour of the Emperor Conrade III was made Marquis and Elector of Brandenbourg, the House of Stade being extinguished, which had enjoyed that Marquisate a long time. A little after, Henry Leo Duke of Saxony and Brunswick having disobliged the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, was degraded from his Dignity, and the same given to Bernard son to Albertus Vrsus in the Diet of Wirsbourg 1169. which dignity continued in his Family till the year 1423. as that of Marquis of Brandenbourg did till 1417.  P. 
Do not Princes offend against the maxims of true Politics, when they make their Subjects too great?  G. 
Theodosius Duke of Bragansa and the richest Lord in Portugal, being dissatisfied with Philip III. his Sovereign, because he would not suffer the Duke to walk equal by his side, absented himself from Court; and the King's servants foreseeing what danger there might be, to let a person go away discontented that had so great an estate and authority in a Kingdom full of bad humours, entreated his Majesty to satisfy him before he returned from Castille. The King commanded he should be brought to him; the Duke came, and being at Court, the King with an extraordinary sweetness said to him, Pedid duque, Ask what you would have, my Lord: the Duke, whose heart was swelled up with his riches, answered, Senor, los mayores de unestra Majestad, que tanbien han sido los mios, hizierontantas mercedes a mi casa, que no me queda nada que pedir; Sir, your Majesty's Ancestors, who were mine also, have bestowed so many favours and bounties upon my House, that there remains nothing for me to ask. Every body was surprised at this discourse: For although it be honourable for the Sea to communicate itself through the rivers, and for the Sovereign to aggrandise his best deserving Subjects; yet the Sea ought not to cover all the earth, nor the King to diffuse his Royal graces too prodigally upon a Subject: Otherwise the rivers will become Sea, and the servant, Master; which cannot but prove very prejudicial. As then the Planets would have but little regard to the Sun, if they had no need of his light; nor the servant to his Master, if he could do him no more good: So Great men ought to be very circumspect in the distribution of their favours, if they would not lose that honour and respect which their Inferiors give them.  P. 
There are few Houses in Germany that have so long possessed two Secular Electorships at a time, as this hath done. Let us see how it lost them.  G. 
Otho and Bernard, sons to Albertus Vrsus, divided this House into two Branches: The first was Elector of Brandenbourg, and the latter of Saxony, who fixed himself at Wittenberg, and took for his principal distinctive Coat, a bend Fleury Vert on a Field Barry or and Sable. There have been 13. Electors of Brandenbourg descended from Otho, whereof the last was john iv of that name. From Bernard there came in a direct Male line the Dukes of Lower Saxony and the Princes of Anhalt; the first by the way of Albert I. of that name, and Helen daughter to the Emperor Otho IU. and the second by the way of Henry to whom the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa gave the title of Prince of Anhalt. There have been 8. Electors of Saxony of this Family: The last was Albert II. after whom the Emperor Sigismond preferred Frederick the Warlike Marquis of Misnia before Erick V. Albert's Cousin and lawful Successor; to teach us, that all things under the Sun are flitting and transitory, and that the greatest Houses may be humbled and brought low.  P. 
Hath a Sovereign any power to take Principalities from one House and transfer them unto another?  G. 
A King gives account of his actions to none but God, and can do almost all that he will; he ought nevertheless to act equitably, and not to plunge men of courage into despair, than which nothing is more dangerous. They that have lost their estate, think they have nothing more to lose, and are capable of making the greatest repent of the wrongs they have done them. The Sovereign than may take back the benefits he bestowed, when he that received them is become altogether unworthy of them: But before he come to that extremity, he should endeavour to reduce them unto their duty; and having tried all fair means, he must be very, careful that he do not faintly and loosely execute the resolutions that he hath generously taken; nor rashly undertake a great action, which prudence will afterwards persuade him to abandon. A Prince should think seriously of a thing before he enters upon it; but having begun, he should carry it through: For there is nothing so repugnant to the of authority Kings, as to act by halves; nor any thing that so much encourages Subjects to Rebellion, as to see that their Masters are afraid of them.  P. 
Since the death of Francis Albert, who was slain by General Torstenson in Silesia, I hear but little speech of these Dukes; which makes me conjecture, there are but few of them left.  G. 
Though Francis II. had ten sons, six whereof were married, yet there remain but julius Henry, Francis Charles, and Francis Henry, brethren, all without hopes of having children; and one son of julius Henry called Francis Herman, who probably will have but few, having married his Cousin, who is exceeding weak, and of a stature to bear few or no children. This Prince is at present in the service of the King of Sweden against Poland.  P. 
It were great pity that a House so ancient and so illustrious should totally fail; but if that do come to pass, who will be the heir of it?  G. 
The Princes of Anhalt, as we have seen, come from the same source; besides which right, they have that of Confraternity. Now, this House is one of the most numerous in the Empire, and because it is equally divided amongst many, the Princes are not of the richest. joachim Ernest, who was the only person left of the Family, died at 50. years of age, A. D. 1566. and had 16. children; of whom Anne Mary was married to joachim Frederick Duke of Lignitz; Elizabeth, to joachim George Elector of Brandenbourg; Sibyl, to Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg; Agnes Hedwig, to Augustus' Elector of Saxony, and after his death to john the younger Duke of Holstein; Dorothy Marry, to john Duke of Saxon-Weimar; and Anne Sophia, to Gunther Albert Count of Schurtzebourg. The sons divided the Principality into four equal shares, because Augustus said he would be content with a Pension for his life, not intending to marry: But at last upon second thoughts he came back into Germany, where he married Sibyl Countess of Solmes; and his brethren chose rather to give him a part of the land, then pay him a Pension. So john George had Dissau, Christian resided at Berembourg, Augustus fixed his abode at Pleskau, Rodolph at Zerbst, and Lewis at Cotheim; and every one them hath children.  P. 
This way of sharing may bring their House to a very weak condition: But how do they govern their Estate?  G. 
Being all of equal authority, and one having no power or command over the lands of another, they submit to the eldest of the Family, who hath the direction of affairs, calls the Princes together when there is need of having their advice upon any matter of importance: And as they have but one voice in the Diets, so one of them represents all the rest there. To conclude, these Princes are commonly brave, learned, active, bold, courteous, and obliging. The two Christians of Berembourg, father and son, have born arms with honour; Augustus hath extracted Sovereign remedies out of Chemistry; and Lewis hath established the society of great Wits, or the Fructifying Company, whereinto there are at this time admitted and enroled above 20. Princes, and five or 600. Lords, Gentlemen, or Doctors, and other persons of knowledge.  P. 
There is much talk of this Society, and I have not yet learned what is the principal aim and intent of it.  G. 
This Prince having traveled through all Europe, and seen that France and Italy are full of excellent books in the language of the Country, whereby Ladies, and Great men who by reason of their weighty employments cannot have leisure to learn Foreign Languages, have the means to be instructed in all that concerns them; was desirous to introduce the same advantage into Germany, and hath succeeded so prosperously in his design, that now the Virtuosos of our Country cultivate their Mother-tongue, every and adorn it, translating all the books that they count worthy of their pains.  P. 
There are some that undervalue Translations, and endeavour to cast an imputation upon them, as pernicious to the Commonwealth, being causes of lazyness and negligence.  G. 
I know there be some learned men are sorry that an entrance is opened into the Temple of wisdom through an easier door than Greek and Latin: But notwithstanding their opinion, it is certain that Great men should not be debarred of the knowledge necessary for them, under the specious pretences, that the Latin and Greek Tongues will be lost in Germany, if men may find Learning in their native Language.  P. 
If Prince Lewis hath been fortunate in this commendable enterprise, his Country is greatly obliged to him: For these translations do not forbid any man to look into the Originals, being only for such as have not time to learn the Languages which furnish us with books. But of what Religion are the Princes of these two Houses?  G. 
Duke Francis Herman and julius Henry his Father, who are at this time the eldest and ruling Princes of Saxon-Lawembourg, are turned Catholics; the brethren of the forenamed julius Henry are Protestants, as also the Prince of Anhalt residing at Zerbst: All the rest are of the Reformed Religion, and very zealous in it. The first sort of these Princes take the title of Dukes of Saxony, Hungary, and Westphalia; the other Princes of Anhalt assume that of Counts of Ascania, Lords of Berembourg and Zerbst. Lawembourg is a fine place upon the Elbe, but the Castle is ruined, and the Duke lives at Ratzebourg, though he have nothing there but the Castle, the City belonging to the Duke of Meklebourg. The River of Sala crosses the Principality of Anhalt, which makes it no less beautiful than fruitful: But the Country is very little, and the Princes stand in need of a greater estate to exercise the liberality to which they have so strong an inclination.  P. 
Liberality is the proper virtue of Princes, and I think it were better for a great Lord to be profuse then avaricious.  G. 
Every man should take a true measure of his ability, and give no more than he can well bear. Prodigality hath a semblance of something more noble than avarice hath, and really it is less odious: nay, they that gain by it, make it pass for a virtue; but perchance it is more prejudicial to posterity, and no less dangerous than the other extreme. Though a King should give away his whole Kingdom, he would not satisfy all that ask, no nor all that think they deserve much of him. It is then more convenient to give with reason, & never to draw so near the bottom, but that Great men may always have wherewithal to gratify persons of merit; and above all, they should take special care that their liberality be exercised without the oppression of the People, to avoid murmuring which may produce Rebellion.  P. 
There is no need of making Laws against giving too much; Princes are not so free, and there are not many of them that want a Tutor or Overseer in that kind. Let us go forward, if you please, to that which remains concerning the Princes of the Empire.  G. 
Seeing we reserve the Dukes of Savoy and Lorraine, and the Princes of Orange, for another place; we have no more to speak of, but the Princes of Montbeliard, Henneberg, Zolleren, Aremberg, and East-Frizeland.  P. 
Did you not say enough of the Princes of Montbeliard, when you were discoursing of the Duke; of Wirtemberg?  G. 
It is true indeed that the Principality of Montbeliard belongs to the House of Wirtemberg ever since the year 1397. at which time Eberhard the younger married Henrietta heiress of that fair Territory. Yet it is good for you to know, that the present Prince is son to Lewis Frederick, grandchild to Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg, who having had many sons, gave to his youngest the Counties of Montheliard and Horbourg, the Sovereignty of Ericourt, the Lordships of Blamont, Clairval, Passevant, and Richeville, with the Barony of Grange●. This Prince hath Salt-pits and Iron-works that yield him great profit, and a voice in the Assemblies, but hath never a child: His younger brother keeps his residence at Horbourg, and is married to Anne of Coligny, by whom he hath children.  P. 
It is said that the Prince of Montbeliard had heretofore a hundred thousand Rixdollars yearly Rend. Pass we on to those of Henneberg.  G. 
These Lords have not long had the quality of Prince. Their Family was utterly extinguished in the year 1583. and their Principality passed into the power of the Dukes of Saxony, by virtue of a Confraternity. The seat of the old Race was at Eslesunguen, where their Sepulchers are yet to be seen, and many epitaphs that evidence the grandeur of that illustrious House, which was in great credit in the time of Charlemain.  P. 
There are few Genealogies to be seen, wherein the Counts of Henneberg have not a place: But since they are all gone, I had rather you should give me an account of those of Hohenzolleren.  G. 
The House of Hohenzolleren is a Branch of that of Brandenbourg; and so this Prince is Vicar to the great Chamberlain of the Empire, and gives the Emperor water to wash when he eats in Ceremony, if the Elector of Brandenbourg be not present. Ertel Frederick Count of Hohenzolleren was made Prince at the Diet of Ratisbon in the year 1623. and all the eldest brethren of his House bear the same quality. The present Prince married the daughter and heiress of the Count Henry of Berg; his youngest brother is Gentleman of the Chamber to the Emperor, and the middlemost Canon of Collen. These Lords have estate enough, and might be rich, yet they are in bad condition for want of order and good husbandry.  P. 
The Princes of Hohenzollerens are of very high extraction, and have a very noble habitation at Echingnen, where the Castle is magnificent; and Hohenzolleren is seated upon the brow of a high hill. I would willingly know how those of Aremberg were made Princes of the Empire.  G. 
These Princes having performed great services to the House of Austria, and specially to the King of Spain, were advanced to the highest Commands in the Low Countries, where they were often honoured with the Collar of the Golden Fleece; and at last obtained a place among the Princes of the Empire by the favour of the Emperor Maximilian II. Duke Albert, son to Robert Duke of Aremberg and Claudina Countess of the Rhine, married Mary daughter and heiress to Everard Prince of Barbanson, by whom he hath left Octavius (who at this day bears the quality of Prince of Aremberg) and Isabel married to Vlrick Duke of Wirtemberg. This Princess is of incomparable beauty and prudence, and the Prince her brother extremely courteous.  P. 
Being this House hath its lands and habitations upon the King of Spain's Territories, you may discourse of it more at large in another place. Let us now see that of East-Friseland; and tell me when it obtained the quality of Count, and lastly of Prince.  G. 
The Counts of East-Friseland and those of Oldenbourg did always maintain great feuds and emulations between one another till the year 1656. At which time Antony Gunther dying without issue lawfully begotten, left the King of Denmark and the Duke of Holstein for his Successors. And I believe the cause of that misunderstanding might proceed from hence; That Mary of Jever being married to Eno Count of East-Friseland, and having children by him, did yet make John Count of Oldenbourg her heir; and again, that the Counts of East-Friseland being less ancient than those of Oldenbourg, are as rich, as well or better allied than they, and do also exercise Sovereign Justice over their Subjects.  P. 
I know the Counts of Oldenbourg are the ancienter: But when did those of East-Friseland begin?  G. 
Vlrick Sirxena, Lord of Gietziel and other lands, was made Count of East-Friseland by the Emperor Frederick III. A. D. 1454. That Lord married Folca, who brought him in Dowry the Lordships of Escui and Stetendorf. Of that marriage came Edzar l. of that name Father of Eno, who married Mary of jever, by whom he had Edzar II. That Count aspired higher than his Predecessors, and took to wife Catherine daughter to Gustavus I. King of Sweden, of whom he begat john (from whom the Counts of Ritberg are descended) and Eno II. who married Anne daughter to Adolph Duke of Holstein, by whom he had ulrick husband to juliana daughter to Lewis Landgrave of Hesse Darmstadt. This Princess remains a Widow, and makes it her business to bring up her children well; of whom Edzar Ferdinand is still travelling abroad, George Christian is at home with her, and Eno Lewis her eldest son having continued some time at the Imperial Court, was there made Counsellor to the Emperor, and Gentleman of his Chamber. Afterward in the year 1653, he was raised unto the rank and dignity of Prince by the Emperor Ferdinand III. at the Diet of Ratisbon. This Prince was contracted to Henrittta daughter to Frederick Henry of Nassau Prince of Orange, while they were both children; but the parties not liking one another, the Artitles of marriage were broken, and Eno Lewis married justina Sophia Countess of Barley, November 7. 1656. I am told for certain that this Prince hath 150000. Crowns Revenue, and thereby is well enabled to maintain the quality he bears; which is annexed to the eldest alone, the other being no more than Counts, and having no part in the Country.  P. 
We are at length arrived to the end of this journey. Let us rest a while, and afterwards we will take a view of the Ecclesiastical Princes.  G. 
I am content, and shall in the mean time prepare myself to tell you, how the Ecclesiastical Princes live in Germany, how many they are, what order of place they observe in the Assemblies, by whom and how they were raised to their dignity, to what Jurisdiction they are subject; and all other necessary things that shall come into my head.  
The end of the Fifth Dialogue.   

Dialogue VI.  
Of the Ecclesiastical Princes of the Empire.  P. 
THe Princes Ecclesiastical hold the first rank in the Empire, and you place them after the Seculars; but it matters not much, since it is neither for want of respect, nor of knowing their due place. Well then, let us see whether the Empire be as venerable by the Mitres of its Prelates, as it is formidable by the Sword of its Soldiers.  G. 
There is never a Country in Christendom where Prelates have so much power as in Germany. They are almost all Great Princes, and as absolute over the Temporalty of their Benefices, as a Secular Elector is over his Lands. These riches are now and then misapplied to bad uses; and the debauches made by Churchmen, their great Train, the dogs, the horses they maintain, the Jesters they keep for their pleasure, and their dissolute life, obliged our Predecessors to upbraid them with it, and allow us to believe that they gave occasion to Doctor Luther to preach against their Doctrine as well as their evil conversation. Yet still it is often seen that the same Prelate possesseth two, three, nay a greater number of huge Benefices of the Empire, and spends the Revenue thereof without any scruple of conscience in worldly pomp, continual debauches, and other things unworthy of their rank and profession.  P. 
These Princes give themselves but little (if at all) to their studies, misusing their riches, and think it beneath their greatness to preach the word of God, and do other Ecclesiastical functions: But they do not all live alike.  G. 
Whatever is spoken against ungodly persons, doth nothing concern the truly religious. There are Prelates of sundry conditions, and different humours; some are voluptuous, and others chaste; some love nothing but dogs and bouffons, others make much of worthy persons. Heretofore, besides the three Ecclesiastical Electors, there were five Archbishops, and thirty Bishops that had seat and voice in the Assemblies of the Empire: At this time there are not so many, because the Archbishoprics of Magdebourg, Bremen, and Riga, and the Bishoprics of Halberstad, Minden, and Verden, have been changed into Secular Principalities; as those also of Besanson, Verdun, Mets, and Toul, were dismembered from the Empire, and inseparably united to the Lands of Spain and France by the last Treaty of Peace: And those of Valesia, Losanna, and Chur, have been abolished by the Swisses. So that at present there is none but Saltzbourg that holds the rank of Archbishop in the College of the Princes, and about twenty Bishops.  P. 
The Germane Church must without question have lost very much by the last Treaty of Peace, where three Archbishoprics and six Bishoprics were Secularised.  G. 
Riga was cut off from the Empire before, and all those other Benefices were in the power of the Lutherans, who had no mind to let them slip out of their fingers: And so methinks the generality of the Protestant Princes hath lost more by this Treaty than the Germane Church; seeing the Princes have now no more means to provide for their younger brethren, as they had before. For in real truth the Elector of Saxony had Magdebourg, the King of Denmark Bremen, and some other Lords the Bishoprics whereof we have last made mention.  P. 
The King of Spain having the Archbishoprics of Besanson and Cambray in his possession, there is little likelihood that those Archbishops should come to the Diets of the Empire.  G. 
I do not know whether those Prelates have lost the right they had to sit in the Assemblies of the Empire; but it is certain that Cambray doth not challenge the place of an Archbishopric there, though it have gotten that name amongst the Prelates of the Low Countries by the augmentation of Bishoprics in Flanders, which King Philip II. made in the beginning of his Reign. That Prelate keeps his ancient title, and always qualifies himself Duke of Cambray, Count of Cambresis, and Prince of the sacred Empire. The Bishops of Mets, Toul, and Verdun, do also bear the title of Princes of the Empire, though they neither send any more to the Diets, nor have the same power which formerly they had.  P. 
There being so many Lutheran Bishoprics converted into a Secular State, I do not think the Protestants have many in their possession.  G. 
They have none but Lubeck, which belongs to the House of Holstein ever since the year 1547. when Balthasar of Rantzau died. When I was in that Country, John Duke of Schleswick and Holstein was Bishop thereof, and laid out the Revenue of his Benefice in doing good to the poor, and maintaining Gentlemen that had not means to raise themselves at their own charge. That Prince died A.D. 1650. and had one of his brother's sons for his Successor, young in years, but very hopeful. This Prelate makes his residence at Eutin, a fair seat upon a Lake, four leagues distant from Lubeck.  P. 
Since you have done with the Benefices in Germany which have suffered some alteration, you will be so kind as to speak of the others, and to begin with Saltzbourg so much famed for its abundance of Salt, which makes that Prelate extraordinary rich, and for the situation of the City, which puts it into the rank of the fairest and strongest in Europe.  G. 
Dignities are not only considerable for the strength, riches, and beauty of a place, but also, and more especially, for the rank they give unto the persons that possess them. The Archbishop of Saltzbourg is Legate born of the Apostolic See; he alternates with the Archdukes in the Diets of the Empire, and gives place to none but the Electors. Paris, Count of Ladron, was long in possession of this Benefice with great honour, and when he died, made room for Gardobaldi Count of Thurin, who comes not behind him either in virtue or magnificence.  P. 
There is enough said of the Archbishoprics, let us see the Bishoprics.  G. 
The Catholic Bishops that still enjoy a seat and suffrage in the Assemblies of the Empire, are, Bamberg, Wirsbourg, Worms, Spire, Eichstedt, Augsbourg, Constance, Hildesheim, Paderborne, Munster, Osnabrug, Passau, Strasbourg, Frisinguen, Liege, Trent, Brix, and Basile; of which nevertheless Osnabrug belongs to the Catholics only by turns, and after the death of Francis Count of Wirtemberg, a most venerable Prelate, who was plenipotentiary of the Ecclesiastical Electors at Munster, and gave great proof of his prudence, dexterity, and magnificence, to the satisfaction and with the admiration of all the Assembly; I say, after his death, Ernest Augustus Duke of Lunebourg shall be Bishop of Osnabrug, though he be a Lutheran. All the rest that I mentioned, do absolutely belong to the Catholics, greatly fortifying the Pope's authority in Germany, and bringing a large Revenue to Rome by the obligation the Prelates have to send thither for their Bulls.  P. 
I think I have heard, that Prague and Olmuts were Suffragans to the Archbishopric of Mentz; and yet you make no mention of them.  G. 
These two Bishoprics were Suffragans to Mentz, but afterwards united to make up the Archbishopric of Prague, which sends no Deputy to the general Assemblies of the Empire, nor hath any place or voice there, no more than the Kingdom of Bohemia: And that is the reason why I speak not of them here.  P. 
Tell me something in particular of every one of the Bishoprics.  G. 
That of Bamberg is the first of the Empire; it acknowledges no Metropolitan, but depends immediately upon the Pope, and its Subjects cannot appeal from the Justice thereof. This Bishopric is of Imperial foundation, and the Bishop hath right to receive the Oath which the Electors are to take to the Emperor for their Offices of Great Cupbearer, Great Steward, Great Marshal, and Great Chamberlain: And which is to be admired, these Electors were anciently hereditary great Cupbearers, great Stewards, great Marshals, and great Chamberlains to this Bishop, who in that had the same honour the Emperor hath, though every one thought it strange to see the greatest Princes of the Empire in the service of a Gentleman. He that is Bishop at present succeeded Melchior Otho Voite of Salsbourg, and is of the same House that he was of. This Prelate is exceedingly well lodged at Bamberg, where he hath pleasant gardens, and excellent walks of Orange-trees: but the City is weak, which enforces the Bishop to betake himself unto some other place in the time of Wars.  P. 
If I be not mistaken, Francis Count of Hasfeld, brother to him that was General of the Imperial Forces, had this Bishopric and that of Wirsbourg both together; and after his death they were given, the one to Melchior Otho Voite, and the other to John Philip Schemborne, Gentlemen of Franconia.  G. 
That is true; and Anselm Casimir Elector of Mentz departing this life soon after, John Philip Schemborne was put into his place with the general applause of all that know him. This Prince is fortifying Wirsbourg Castle, which is marvellously well situated upon a lofty rising-ground, at the foot whereof runs the river Meyn. The City is large and fair, entirely Catholic, as Bamberg is. This Bishop bears the title of Duke of Franconia, and it is denied him by none but the Marquess' of Brandenbourg. His Country is pleasant and well peopled; his Subjects are free from all other Jurisdiction, and his Fortress of Konigshoiffen is excellent: So that this Prelate is able to assist his friends with great forces, if he will make use of his men and his money.  P. 
He cannot be poor, being both Archbishop of Mentz and Bishop of Wirsbourg: But Churchmen do oftentimes think more of enriching their kindred then succouring their friends. Let us look upon the rest, if you please.  G. 
Worms is the Head and Director of the Circle of the Rhine, jointly with the Prince Palatine of Simeren. The City is vast, as well as Spire; and both of them being fit for nothing but to exhaust the Treasure, and employ the Army of him that holds them in time of War; the Great Gustavus upon that consideration judged it necessary to dismantle them. Spire belonged heretofore to Philip Christopher of Sotteren Elector of Tryer, who having fortified Vdenheim, a Village upon the Rhine where he had a Castle, called it Philipsbourg: At present the French have a garrison there, which costs the Bishop nothing, but may in time of war annoy both him and the rest of his neighbours.  P. 
Is not this Elector he, whom Ferdinand II. caused to be secured; and who, after he got out of prison, engaged himself to France in a perpetual bond of amity and interest?  G. 
The very same, who to the great grief of his enemies lived till he was 80. years old, and died A. D. 1652. He was succeeded in his Electorship by Charles Gaspar de Legen, and in his Bishopric of Spire by a Gentleman called Lotharius Frederick of Meternik.  P. 
I think it very reasonable, that every great Benefice should have its own Prelate.  G. 
And I am of the same opinion; but the contrary is often seen in Germany, as well as elsewhere. Passau and Strasbourg are in the hands of the Archduke Leopold William, who is no Priest, but administers them by Vicar's General.  
Eichsted is a Member of the Circle of Franconia; the Bishopric was founded by Willibald son to Richard King of England, who died july 7. A. D. 781. This Prelate is one of the most considerable for power in the Empire, whether you look upon his Revenue, or the Lords and Gentlemen that depend on him. Neither he, nor the Bishop of Wirsbourg are Directors of the said Circle; but the Bishop of Bamberg, when the Circle is assembled about Ecclesiastical affairs, and the Marquis of Culembach, when it is called together about matters purely Secular.  P. 
You make a distinction here which is not used in other places; for the Bishop of Constance and the Duke of Wirtemberg are Directors of the Circle of Swaben, and preside in the Assemblies, whether the business under debate be Ecclesiastical or no.  G. 
Most of the Circles have one Ecclesiastical and one Secular Director, who call Assemblies together, and preside therein, without distinction of the matters to be treated on. In the Electoral Circle the Electors of Mentz and the Palatine have that right; in that of the Rhine, the Bishop of Worms and the Palatine of Simeren, in whose room the Landgrave of Darmstadt was substituted during the last war. In the Circle of the Upper Saxony that Elector alone hath the presidence of the Assembly; in that of the Lower, the Archbishop of Magdebourg and the Duke of Brunswick had formerly that right; but now the King of Sweden as Duke of Bremen takes turns with that Archbishop, without prejudice to the Con-direction of the Duke of Brunswick. In the Circle of Westphalia the Bishop of Munster and the Duke of juliers have that right; in that of Swaben the Bishop of Constance and the Duke of Wirtemberg. In the Circle of Bavaria the Archbishop of Saltzbourg and that Duke are Precedents; in that of Franconia, there having been a great difference between the Bishop of Bamberg and the Marquis of Brandenbourg residing at Culembach, it was resolved. ●hat if matters purely Ecclesiastical be the occa●●on of assembling the Circle, the Bishop of Bamberg alone should have power to convoke it, and then he presides there without control; but when the Province is to be called together upon business purely Political; the Marquis of Culembach hath the sole right to do it, and to preside in the Assembly: And this agreement is punctually observed.  P. 
Though we be run into another Theme, I am glad I have learned who are the Heads and Directors of the Circles of the Empire: And if it be not troublesome to you, do me the favour to tell me who presides in the Circles of Austria and Burgundy; and then continue your discourse of the Bishoprics.  G. 
The Princes of the House of Austria having exalted themselves to a degree above admitting any Peer, will have no Companion in the Direction of their Circles; and so the Archdukes alone are Directors of the Circle of Austria, and the King of Spain of that of Burgundy. This Prince since the war he had with the Hollanders, hath sent no more Deputies, as Charles V promised to do when the Low Countries were put under the protection of the Empire.  
Now to pursue our discourse concerning the Bishoprics, you shall take notice before we go forward, that four Protestant Princes have Canonryes' at Strasbourg, to wit, the Dukes of Brunswick, Meklebourg, and Wirtemberg, and the Marquis of Dourlach.  P. 
I am informed that those Benefices are but little worth.  G. 
Those Princes value the Canonryes' more, because upon that account they are Members of the Chapter of Strasbourg, then for the Revenue they yield, which in truth is hardly sufficient to maintain a servant.  
Augsbourg is famous throughout the World, for the beauty of the City, for the great number of Goldsmiths and other Artisans that make a thousand curiosities, and because in the year 1530. the Protestant Princes did there present their Confession of Faith to the Emperor Charles V.  
Constance is known throughout all Christendom by reason of the Council held there, by order whereof John Hus and Hierome of Prague were burnt without any respect had to the Safe-Conduct of the Emperor Sigismond.  P. 
They say Catholics believe, that faith ought not to be kept with Heretics.  G. 
The most rational Catholics abhor that maxim; which if allowed, destroys Commerce, ruins Treaties, foments Wars, sow's Discord, quenches Charity, and disannuls Religion. A Prince should esteem nothing more precious than his word, nothing more venerable than his faith, nor more sacred than his promise. King Francis I. said, that if faith were utterly vanished out of the World, it should be found in his word: And Charles V having given his to Doctor Luther, observed it religiously. It is true indeed, that the Spaniards, not willing that Luther's Reformation should be charged upon that incomparable Emperor, say that he kept his faith, because Doctor Luther had already written much, and that it would have been more prejudicial to the Church to put him to death, then to let him live. But that cannot be affirmed without too much diminution to the Glory of that great Prince. Be careful then of promising a thing, the observing whereof may be of damage to you; but make good your promise what ever it cost you; and though you should have passed your word to a Turk, do what you have undertaken.  P. 
It is generally said, that a man should keep his promise, but doth that rule admit of no exception?  G. 
Those things that cannot be promised with good reason, do with as little reason bind to their observation. For example, If any one had promised to kill, to betray, to sell his Master, or any other such like thing, he would not be obliged to make good his promise; for as much as he that promiseth those unlawful things, promiseth that whereunto he neither hath nor can have any right: And a promise takes its strength from the right which the promiser hath over the thing promised.  P. 
Is it not as unlawful to give an Heretic his life (which he employs in seducing the People) as to kill or beat another man?  G. 
Those things are not of the same nature: A man cannot be beaten or killed without a violation of all Laws; but by keeping faith with Heretics none at all are infringed. All well-governed Nations have thought it just and necessary to keep their word where it was engaged. When Croton a notorious robber presented himself, Augustus commanded that sum to be delivered to him, which he had promised to the person that should bring in the Bandites head: And Pompey gave Pirates both their lives and means to live quietly, only because he would not falsify his promise. But certainly there is no less obligation to keep faith with an Heretic, then with a Highwayman, and a Free-booter; unless one believe that a Christian is less bound to make good his word then a Heathen; or that keeping faith should be thought convenient among all other Nations, and inconvenient to those that profess the Faith: as if the People that are enlightened by the brightness of the Gospel, aught to be less just than those that are immersed and mudded in the darkness of error and idolatry.  P. 
You conclude then, that it is requisite to keep faith even with Infidels and Heretics; and I am of the same opinion. And in very truth, a Prince that should have Subjects of a Religion which would teach the contrary, could have no confidence in them, no more than they in him, if he had no regard to keep his word with them, upon pretence that he believed them Heretics. But let us turn into our Road again.  G. 
Constance having shown us the inconstancy of humane promises, hath drawn us a little out of our way; yet it is no hard matter to strike into it again. Ferdinand Count Palatine of the Rhine, Duke of Bavaria, and Elector of Collen, held the Bishoprics of Hildesheim, Paderborne, Verden, Munster, and Liege, all together; by means whereof he might have given himself much ease, and enjoyed his pleasure, if the War had not engaged him in great disquiet and excessive expenses. The Jesuits have heretofore told me, that the two first of these Bishoprics had a miraculous foundation, after this manner; while Lewis the Debovaire was at Hildesheim, it snowed so much all night, that on the morrow the snow was a foot deep every where, except in the place where the Cathedral Church was afterwards built: And Charlemain desiring to encamp on that ground where Paderborne stands, wherein there was want of water, the first pin that was struck into the earth to fasten his Pavilion, gave issue to a plentiful spring that drives some water-mills. Upon which source the Emperor caused the Church to be built, and endowed it with a Revenue necessary for the maintenance of a Bishop. Liege is known to all those that have read the History of Charles the Brave Duke of Burgundy, who lay very heavy upon it at divers times, and upon sundry occasions. This Bishopric and that of Hildesheim are still in the possession of the Elector of Collen; but Verden and Minden were Secularised.  P. 
I knew before that those two Bishoprics were given to the King of Sweden and the Elector of Brandenbourg. Tell me something of Munster.  G. 
That City is of special note, because its Bishop is the Head of the Circle of Westphalia, and because it was the place of the Assembly wherein many Bishoprics altered their property; but much more, for having been the seat of John of Leyden, that petty King, and seditious Anabaptist, who for some years carried the Sceptre and Ball for marks of his Royalty: At last he was besieged, taken, and put on the top of a Steeple in an iron Cage, where he was eaten up by flies and wasps, together with two of his companions who were placed a little lower, after they had been carried in triumph and mockery unto several Princes. That punishment, fit for their Rebellion, and other crimes of theirs, was inflicted upon them. A. D. 1536.  P. 
You said ere while, that Ferdinand Archbishop of Collen held many Bishoprics together; and I would willingly know whether the Church of Rome permit one single person to have so many Benefices, every one requiring residence.  G. 
The Canon Law is directly against plurality of Benefices; and according to the doctrine of the Casuists, just as Christians are forbidden to have many wives at one time, so are Priests to have many such Benefices together: For where the Scripture ordains, that a Bishop should be the husband of one wife, they say it is meant of one Bishopric. But the Pope doth easily dispense, when the Bishop is of high extraction; and at this time there are some great Lords that hold more than two of the best Bishoprics in Germany.  P. 
I wonder Dispensations are granted in that case, seeing by how much the Prelate is of greater condition, by so much is he the better enabled to support his Dignity with the estate of his House. But the Pope is to answer for those Dispensations; and it may be, he that is subject to no Law here, will find himself much to seek when he is to give an account of his actions before the Tribunal of a Judge that hath no respect to Mitres, and shows no more favour to the great then to the little, to the rich then to the poor. Let us go on to the Bishoprics that remain.  G. 
Being I have no intention to speak of those that lie within the Hereditary Countries of the House of Austria, because they sit not in the Diets of the Empire; it remains only that we say something concerning those of Frisinguen, Brix, Basile, and Trent. The first is possessed by Albert Sigismond, son to Albert brother to the late Maximilian Elector of Bavaria. The second is so ancient, that they say it hath had Bishops ever since the year of Our Lord 360. The third hath no power over the City, and the Bishop hath his seat and residence at Poirentrus. The last is known throughout all Christendom, by reason of the Council which was held there under five Popes, and brought to an end under Pius IU. A. D. 1563. In that Council some conclusions passed which strike at the Liberties and Privileges of the most Christian King; the Spaniards also disputed the precedence with him, which the Kings of France had enjoyed till that time without contest, and enjoy it still in despite of their adversary. You may here remark, that Gabriel Bucelin a Monk of Weingart having said that Henry of Bourbon is Bishop of Metz, makes a great exclamation thereupon, that France hath bestowed a Bishopric upon a Natural son of King Henry IU. yet speaks not a word of the abuses committed in other places, only (as I think) because the French King hath the nomination of the great Benefices of his Kingdom; but that Monk doth not take notice, that there be more learned and pious Prelates in France, then in all Christendom besides.  P. 
Is there never an Ecclesiastical Prince in Germany, that is not a Bishop?  G. 
The Great Master of the Teutonick Order; the Abbots of Fulda, Hirsesfeld, Murbach, Kempten, Corbay, Prum, Stabel, and Luders; the Grand Prior of Malta; the Provosts of Eluang and Beressolagaden, are Princes, and have place in the Diets of the Empire; the first immediately after the Archbishop of Saltzbourg, and the rest after the Bishops.  P. 
Tell me what you know of these Princes.  G. 
The Knight's Templars and of St. John having fought prosperously against the Infidels, raised an emulation in some Germane Gentlemen, who waited upon the Emperor Frederick I. in his expedition to the Holy Land, to take the Croisado; and because they were installed in the Church and Hospital of St. Mary at jerusalem, they were called Marianites. Their Order differed nothing from those above mentioned, but in the form and colour of their Cross, and was approved by Pope Celestin III. Afterwards when jerusalem was taken by Saladin, those Knights betook themselves to Ptolemais; from whence the Emperor Frederick II. sent them back into Germany, and employed them against the Prussians and Livonians, who at that time were still Pagans; but by the valour and piety of those Knights, their souls were brought into subjection to Christ, and their bodies to the Order, which began that War in the year 1220. A little while after, those Knights found themselves Masters of a Country of very large extent, which obeyed the Order till the year 1525. at which time Sigismond King of Poland gave the Investiture of Prussia unto Albert Marquis of Brandenbourg. In the year 1563. the Great Master became Secular again, and took a part of the lands subject to the Order, with the name of Duke of Curland: And Livonia having been the subject and Theatre of many Wars between the Polanders, Muscovites, and Swedes, these last did at length become Masters of it, and have it in possession still. So there is no more remaining of the Teutonick Order, but some Commanderies scattered here and there in Germany; and the Great Master hath the seat of his residence at Manenchal or Morkenthal. He is at present the Archduke Leopold William, only brother to the Emperor Ferdinand III.  P. 
All things here below being subject to change, I do not wonder that the zeal of those first Knights should grow cold, and that they (like the Templars) abused their riches. Tell me something of the Abbot of Fulda, and the Grand Prior of Germany.  G. 
This Abbey is one of the richest and most celebrious in Europe. It was founded upon the river of Fulda (between the Countries of Hesse, Franconia, and Wetteravia) by Charlemain and Pepin Kings of France, in the year 744. This Abbot is first of the Empire; he is Arch-Chancellor to the Empress, calls himself Primate of Gallia, and disputes precedence with the greatest Lords. They say that heretofore he could raise 60000. men; and though there were a cipher too much in the account, he would be yet be too potent for an Abbot, who should have no other care but to direct the Monks in the path of virtue by his doctrine and example. The Grand Prior of the Order of Malta in Germany, is at this time Frederick Landgrave of Hesse brother to him of Darmstadt, who was created Cardinal within these few years; and when from being a Lutheran he turned Catholic in the year 1636. he was made one of the Great Crosses of Malta by urban VIII. and a little after, being General of the Galleys of that Order, for an Essay of his prowess he entered with five Galleys into the Port of Carthage at Goletta, and came out again in spite of the Turkish Canon, which continued playing upon him as thick as hail, each of his Galleys towing one of Caragoges the great Pirates Ships at her Stern, the biggest whereof carried forty pieces of Ordinance, and as many Murderers. That action got this young Prince a great deal of honour amongst the Knights of his Order, two hundred whereof were partners in his fortune, and admirers of his resolution.  P. 
The Landgraves never do any dishonourable thing; and if this Prince had pursued his point, and continued in the warlike profession, he had cut out work for the common Enemy of Christians. Let us see the rest, if you please.  G. 
The Abbey of Murbach (whereunto that of Luders is united, because they have both suffered the injury of the times) was once so potent that it could maintain 1260. Horse. It was founded in the mountains of Alsatia by Eberhard Duke of Almain (now called Swaben) to the honour of St. Landegat one of his Ancestors. These two Abbeys are at this time in the possession of the Archduke Leopold William. The Provost of Elvang is usually chosen out of the body of the Chapter of the Provostship, the Canons whereof are Gentlemen. He is rich, and well lodged in a Castle situate upon a high ground near the City of Elvang. Corbay is an Abbey in Saxony, so called, because St. Adelar Cousin to Charlemain, Abbot of Corbie in Picardy, was the Founder thereof in the year 822. and since that time it hath produced great personages. Prum had the honour within its own walls to see Lotharius son to the Emperor Lewis the Debonair change a Crown for a Monk's Cowl: And Stabel is an Abbey in the Bishopric of Liege. All these Prelates go before the Secular Princes.  P. 
I think there are some Prelates that come behind the Secular Princes; and though they sit in the Assemblies, have no voice there but in Body, as the Counts have.  G. 
Those Prelates are three and twenty in number; and fourteen Abbesses, to wit, of Quedlimbourg, Essen, Hermord, Nidez, and Obermunster at Ratisbon, of Lindau, Herenroda, Buchau upon the Lake, Federsic, Rotemmunster near Rottevil, Hagbaen, Guttenzel, Beind, Dandelan, and Gunderthem. These Ladies have right to sit in the Assemblies, but for the decorum of their Sex they are excused from coming thither in person, and yet are obliged to send their Deputies. The Prelates do all bear the quality of Abbot, Provost, or Bailiff, and are so rich and powerful, that if their Revenue were well employed, they might justly strike a terror into all those that would meddle with them.  P. 
I know the power of the Churchmen in Germany is too too boundless; and it may be their riches gave occasion to the Princes to make themselves Masters of a part of the good things which they abused.  G. 
Although the errors which were crept into the Church, and the depraved conversations of Churchmen, were the first motive of those changes that happened in the last age; nevertheless it is certain, that if that had not been, some other cause would have been found out to abate the Revenues of Priests, which were every day increased by ways unjust and violent.  P. 
How did the Churchmen come to be so prodigiously wealthy?  G. 
The piety of the ancient Christians began that which the avarice of the Priests hath accomplished; and to speak more clearly, Christians of every condition seeing men of the Church afflicted, beaten, and martyred for the Gospel's sake, gave them both in their life-time, and left them after their deaths a part of their Estates, either upon money lent out for their use, or upon lands set at a perpetual rent, or upon other goods. After which, Priests went on even to excess, and by Legacies in Wills and Testaments got Dutchies, Counties, Baronies, Fiefs, Castles, Rent-charges as well as Services and Fee-farm-rents, and Houses both in City and Country: by which means Successions fell to them on every side; and so they purchased, exchanged, & negotiated with the Revenue of their Benefices, employing the profits thereof to compass other estates, which being in their hands became exempt and free of all charge. It was that vast enriching of Churchmen which made the People so bare and miserable, being forced to contribute towards defraying the expenses of War, and the maintenance of Princes, although the poor contributors enjoyed but the least part of the land; which obliged Kings at last to forbid Priests all kinds of further acquisitions. If that had not been done, they had swallowed all long since; for heretofore there was an order, that no Will should be made without bequeathing something to the Church: And if any one died intestate, an estimate was made of his inheritance, and according to the value thereof a portion was allotted and given to the Priests. For the remedying of that excess very excellent Laws have been made in England, the Low Countries, and at Venice; and the Parliament of Paris itself, seeing the immense riches of the Carthusians and Celestins, made orders expressly prohibiting them the acquiring of any more immovables.  P. 
Those regulations are just, where Churchmen live in plenty; but they should not be hindered from making moderate acquisitions, it being reasonable that they who feed us spiritually, should be maintained corporally.  G. 
Your argument is very good: Poverty should not be permitted in the Church; for it is impossible the Priest should carefully attend upon preaching the Gospel, visiting the sick, comforting the afflicted, and administering the Sacraments, and at the same time labour to get bread. While Clergymen were under continual suffering, they stood in need of extraordinary assistance, to keep them from falling into despair; but growing too rich, they were swallowed up in lazyness, from whence there flowed streams of ignorance, wantonness, impiety, luxury, superstition, idolatry, and other vices, which brought Christendom almost to utter ruin.  P. 
Let us not enter into the consideration of the lives, manners, and humours of Priests, who have constrained good men to procure their reformation, and that reformation caused rivers of blood, which have very near drowned Christendom. Tell me rather how the Ecclesiastical Princes come by their Dignity.  G. 
The Prelates of Germany are not all raised to their Dignity after one and the same manner; and the order observed now differs from that which was observed when Germany received the Faith. In the beginning of Christianity Bishops were every where chosen by the Clergy and the People jointly. After which, when the Roman Emperors were become Christians, they sometimes gave Bishops to the principal Churches by their own authority, or of several that were proposed to them, they made choice of him that pleased them best: So Constans made Liberius Bishop of Rome, and Theodosius the younger chose Nectarius to be Bishop of Constantinople, from amongst many that were named to him. Since the fourth age (before which there were few or no Bishops in Germany) the Kings made a Decree, that no man should be promoted to the Episcopal Dignity without their consent; and when Germany was united to France, the French Kings made such use of that right, that no man was made Bishop but by their nomination, or at least their approbation: for if the Clergy and the People chose a Bishop, he was to be confirmed by the King. In Bavaria (which at that time had its own Kings) sometimes the People, and sometimes the King chose the Bishops, but so as there was no need to have Bulls from Rome. Pepin gave the Archbishopric of Mentz to Boniface; and that Prelate being grown old, he obtained a Coadjutor from the same King, without having recourse to the Pope.  P. 
I believe indeed that Pepin raised that Prelate to the Episcopal Dignity, but some think he had obtained permission to do so from Pope Zachary.  G. 
The creatures of Rome would make us believe so; but that is not probable, since Pippins Predecessors had the same power, and his Successors maintained it: insomuch that Leo, or rather Gregory iv durst not make Colonus the Deacon Bishop of Real without the permission of Lewis the Debonair; and the Fathers of the Synod held at Aix-la-Chapelle entreated the same Emperor to have a great care of giving good Pastors to the Churches. Nay, all the Popes from Leo VIII. to Gregory VII. were created or confirmed by the Emperors.  P. 
But have not the Emperors made, not confirmed any Popes since that time?  G. 
Gregory VII. took away from Kings and Emperors the power not only of creating and confirming the Popes, but the Bishops also in the Countries under their obedience; and having excommunicated the Emperor Henry IU. he commanded Hugh Bishop of Die his Legate in France to procure a Decree to be made against Laymen that would name persons unto Bishoprics. The year after, he forbade Churchmen the receiving of any Bishopric, Abbey, or other Benefice from the hand of a Layman, though he were King or Emperor: and within two years more he pronounced, that the power of choosing Bishops and Pastors belonged to the Apostolic See. Victor III. confirmed the Decrees of Gregory VII. urban II. went further, and at the Synod of Melfi Can. 8. and at that of Clermont Can. 15. and 16. forbade Clergymen to take the Oath of Allegiance unto their Princes. Those Decrees drew the Emperor Henry V into the field, who took Paschal II. prisoner, and made him restore the Empire unto its first condition. But when Popes had once tasted what a pleasure it was to be independent, and to keep the Emperors under their authority, they forced the Councils of Lateran and Vienna held in the year 1112. to declare Heretical the Collations of Benefices made by Laymen. The Emperors on the other side desiring to keep up their power, named one Bishop, and the Pope or the People, another; and the stronger party held the Bishopric, to the great scandal and prejudice of Christendom. At length Paschal II. excommunicated Henry V. Calixtus II. confirmed the proceed of his predecessors at the Council of Reims A. D. 1120. and Henry being both strucken by the Pope's thunderbolts, and wearied by the obstinacy of the Princes, renounced his own right in the Diet held at Worms A. D. 1122. In this manner the right which the Emperors had to choose Bishops passed from them to the Clergy and the People; but a little after, the Canons of Cathedral Churches assumed that right to themselves, and keep it still.  P. 
I observe that many of the Councils wherein the Empire lost so much of its power and dignity, were held in France.  G. 
Those Kings seeing that Germany had separated itself from France, and kept the Imperial Majesty which their first Predecessors of the second Race had gotten, were glad to see it humbled; and for that cause they sided with the Popes, when they would vex the Empire; helping by that means to forge and hammer those chains of servitude, which would have oppressed them and their Successors, if the Popes had not met with Parliaments and a French people more inclined to obey their own Kings, then to follow the orders of Rome.  P. 
Those Subjects who prefer the obedience they own to their Soverains before any other consideration, are highly to be commended. Tell me how the Prelates in these times obtain their Benefice●.  G. 
There are two ways of creating Prelates in Germany; the one is called Election, and the other Postulation. When the Chapter being Canonically assembled chooses one of the members of their Body to be the Head thereof, or at least two thirds of the Canons give him their voices, he is made Archbishop or Bishop by Election: And if the same Canons think it fit to raise unto that Dignity some Prince or Prelate that is not of their Body, they call that kind of proceeding Postulation. Both these are lawful, and the only practised ways in the Empire: And it is all I had to tell you concerning the Ecclesiastical persons of Germany; which may suffice you, unless you desire to know whether they do homage to the Emperor.  P. 
I question not but Churchmen receive their Fiefs from the Emperor, and pay him homage for their Principalities; but I would gladly know whether they be more strictly tied to the Emperor or to the Pope, and which side they would take, in case his Holiness should make War upon the Empire.  G. 
The Holy Scripture teaches us, that no man can serve two Masters; and I believe the Churchmen of Germany would find the experieace of it, if the Emperor and the Pope should have any quarrel or controversy: For they are obliged to the Pope as Priests and Prelates, and to the Emperor as Feudataries of the Empire. They that prefer the Grandeur of Rome before that of Germany, would forsake the Emperor; and they that undervalue the fulminations of the Vatican, would bear up the interest of the Empire against the Pope. Now if I durst tell you my thoughts, I do verily believe that of ten there would hardly be found one that would departed from the Pope's interest.  P. 
I think so too, and hold it for certain that Popes have brought down the authority of Soverains by the help of Churchmen.  G. 
That may well be; for the bond of Religion holds men more strongly than any other duty. And though wise men distinguish between the true zeal and the capricious humour of Popes, yet the greatest part of Christians being persuaded that S. Peter cannot have any unjust pretention, doth turn to his side without knowing at what he aims; and whether it be by simplicity or malice, the Priests have often brought misery upon their Country to bring their Princes under the Pope, not considering that Sovereign estates depend of none but God, and that all Churchmen (not excepting the Pope himself) own obedience unto their Princes.  P. 
The Doctrine of the Pope's is absolutely contrary to yours: The Holy Father may judge of all, without being subject to the judgement of any body, being the Sun of the earth, and the Emperor but the Moon, and therefore 6645. times bigger than he; and having power to free the Subjects of another from the Oath they have taken to obey him, with how much more reason may he exempt and withdraw himself from the obedience of every other Prince?  G. 
Flatterers give that power to Popes, who abusing the same, have oftentimes been the cause of great Rebellions. But the people of this age are not so simple as those of former times, who believing these fables, forsook their Kings, and brutishly spilt the blood of their Countrymen. Christians now a days turn the eyes of their understanding upon the Primitive Church, and see it evidently there, that Popes were not always so potent as they are now, and indeed that they ought not to be so, seeing they style themselves Lieutenants to Christ, and Successors to S. Peter; the first of whom did always protest, that his Kingdom was not of this World; and the other teacheth us as well as S Paul, that every soul should be subject to the Higher Powers: From which words S. Bernard concludes, that Popes ought to be subject to Princes.  P. 
Many things should be that are not; But let us speak no more of the Pope or of his power: Let us (if you please) see how those that preach against him, obey their Princes; and how Church-matters are administered amongst the Lutherans and the Calvinists in Germany.  G. 
It is most certain that the Reformation of Luther and Calvin makes Churchmen subject to the Prince under whom they live. It is nevertheless to be observed, that Protestant Princes do not submit Ecclesiastical affairs to every Tribunal, but they have each of them a Consistory where those matters are decided, when they are of importance.  P. 
Have the Lutherans any Bishops, to whom Priests are subject?  G. 
In Sweden and Denmark where both Kings and People received the Reformation of Luther, they observe almost the same order as in the Church of Rome, and persons constituted in Ecclesiastical Dignities have power to prescribe rules to others. In Germany where the Lutheran Bishops are as absolute as the Secular Princes, they have the right of commanding the Priests of their Diocese to do their duty. The other Princes having in their Dominions Deacons, Priests, particular and general Superintendents, do also oblige the inferior Clergy to give an account of their doctrine and lives to their Superiors, and to receive their correction. These Superintendents visit their Diocese once a year, and make an exact enquiry into the Doctrine and mannen of all the Pastors under their inspection.  P. 
And have these Superintendents also any Superior?  G. 
G. No man is exempted from an obligation to obey the Laws; and the greatest of the Clergy have a Superior, who can and aught to chastise them when they commit any scandalous offence. The complaints that are made against the lowest Priests being come to the Superintendents ear, he makes inquisition thereinto, and reports it to the Consistory, where the ancientest or the most worthy Prelate of the Principality doth usually preside; and that Consistory fortified by the power and authority of the Prince, ordains what is just and reasonable, imprisoning or degrading the offender when they think it necessary. Briefly, those Consistories are always vigilant for the maintenance of Religion, the enlargement of the Kingdom of Christ, the peace of Consciences, the good of the People, and the upholding of Ecclesiastical Discipline.  P. 
Do all the Evangelique Lords (so they term Lutherans) observe the same order in their Territories?  G. 
When the errors that had slipped into the Church, obliged Princes to reform within their own Dominions, every one made choice of one or more personages of great piety and eminent learning, by whose advice he framed and set up that order which he would have to take place in the Churches of his Country. In the Duchy of Wirtemberg, where the Reformation was introduced by Duke Christopher, a Prince of incomparable wisdom, the Principality is divided into six Dioceses, and for every one of them there is a Prelate called Superintendent General, who is inspector thereof. Those six Prelates have many special and particular ones under them, and over them the Provost of Montgarat, who presides in the Consistory, where all the Ecclesiastical controversies of that Duchy are decided. The Precedent at this time is Melchior Nicolaï Doctor in Divinity, very famous for his writings, and no less worthy of that eminent rank for his piety.  P. 
Do the reformed Protestants called Calvinists observe the same order?  G. 
There is no mention of Archbishop or Bishop in the places where the Calvinists prevail: Yet in Germany they observe some order, and they that are but Pastors, yield obedience to the Superintendents.  P. 
I do not think there be many of that way in Germany.  G. 
The Laws of the Empire permit three Religions, whereof the Reformed is the least numerous and powerful, yet considerable in regard of the neighbourhood of the Swisseses and Hollanders: The Electors of Brandenbourg and the Palatine, Landgrave of Hesse-Cassel, the Princes of Anhalt, the Palatines of Simeren and Deux-ponts, and the Counts of Lip, make public profession of that Religion; but the first hath almost none of his Subjects of the same Confession; the second hath lost the greatest part of his estates by the last Treaty of Peace, and his Subjects are of a different Religion; the Princes of Anhalt and the two Palatines are but weak, and the Counts of Lip of small consideration. The Catholics have for them the Imperial Majesty, the Houses of Austria and Bavaria, part of the Palatine and of Baden, that of Zolleren, all the Ecclesiastical Princes, and the Prelates whose power is extraordinary, and some Imperial Cities. The Lutherans have all the rest of Germany, to wit, all that the Crown of Sweden possesses there, all the Principalities of the Houses of Saxony, Brandenbourg, Brunswick, Lunebourg, Holstein, Meklebourg, Wirtemberg, Darmstadt, Dourlach, Lawembourg, and East-Friseland, a great number of Counts, and the most able Imperial Cities, as Hambourg, Lubeck, Strasbourg, Brunswick, Vl●e, Nuremberg, and many others, which being backed with the neighbourhood of Denmark and Sweden, are able to strike an awe into all those that would disturb their peace; and if they hold together, they will easily disappoint all the evil designs of their Enemies, because the Reformed Calvinists will always join with them, when hostility is used against them for Religion, being well assured that their preservation is linked in one common concern with that of the Lutherans.  
The end of the Sixth Dialogue.   

Dialogue VII.  
Of the Counts and Barons of the Empire.  P. 
BEing we are now to speak of the Counts, it comes into my mind that we have already discoursed of the Princes without any light given me by you why they are called Archdukes, Dukes, Marquess', Landgraves, Palsgraves', and Burgraves: And therefore before we proceed any further, I would gladly learn the Etymology of the names whereby those Dignities are expressed.  G. 
They were purposely deferred till we came to this place, that you might have them all together, or to avoid repetitions which are usually very irksome. And because most of these names are compounded of the word Grave, I will begin with that. Touching which you are to observe, that the Germans call Counts Graven, which in old language signifies Judge; and the Latins call them Comites, because anciently Justice was administered at the Court, and those Judges did always accompany the Emperor. Afterwards that name was given to those who administered Justice in Cities and Provinces, because the chiefest of the Judges were sent thither from the Court out of the Emperor's followers.  P. 
The derivation which you make of that word, as well Latin as Dutch, pleases me well; but from whence do you fetch the words Palsgrave, Markgrave, Landgrave, and Burgrave?  G. 
All these names are compounded of Grave, which signifies Judge, Bailiff, or Governor in general, and being restrained by the words Phaltz, Mark, Land, and Burg, signify the Judges or chief Bailiffs of the Palace, the Borders, the Country, and the Fortresses: So that Palsgrave signifies the Lord Chief Justice of the Imperial Palace; Margrave, the Judge of a Frontier Province; Landgrave, of a Midland Province; and Burgrave, the Governor of a considerable Fortress, to the command whereof was annexed the duty of administering Justice in the whole extent of the jurisdiction of his Government.  P. 
I pray enlarge your discourse a little more concerning these Offices.  G. 
The Palsgrave being the head of Justice in the Empire, all appeals were brought to him, and he jointly with the Emperor decided all matters of importance. Now as every thing here below is subject to alteration; the abuses committed by the Landgraves, the Marquess', and even by the Counts, obliged the Emperors to send Palsgraves' into several places of the Empire: and at last those Counts Palatine craftily making use of the Emperor's negligence, appropriated unto themselves the Provinces of Saxony, Bavaria, Franconia, and the Palatinate. Neither did the Margraves and Landgraves continue in the same state: For in the beginning their principal aim was the preservation of equity between the Subjects of the Empire; and a little after, they took upon them the care to hinder the Foreign Enemy and the seditious inhabitant from doing wrong to those that were under their jurisdiction. There are others that draw the word Margrave from Marka, which in old Dutch signifies a horse; & if that Etymology be allowed for true, I think the Marquess' were Generals of Horse, and the Landgraves of Foot. Those Lords having raised their Commands to so high a point, and the Emperor losing his authority by little and little, from Officers they became Proprietors of the Provinces they had in charge. The reason why I think that Marquess' were first Judges, than Governors, and at last Princes of some Frontier Provinces, is because the ancient Marquisates are all upon the Borders of the Empire, where the Emperors in former times maintained some Troops of Horse to hinder the inroads of disaffected Neighbours.  P. 
I believe the Marquisates of Germany are all ancient.  G. 
There is no doubt but they are so, much more than those of France and Spain: For besides what you may have observed before, when we spoke of the Houses of Brandenbourg and Baden, Albinus writes that Henry I. appointed the Marquis of Misnia in the year 931. to withstand the incursions of the Bohemians; those of Lusatia and Moravia, to keep out the Silesians, who were then under the obedience of the Polanders; and that of Schleswick, to oppose the attempts of the Danes. Those of Austria and Stiria had been established before by Charlemain, to bridle the Hungarians, and keep them within their duty.  P. 
Methinks there are not so many Marquisates in Germany as you mention.  G. 
Austria, Stiria, and Schleswick, have been erected into Dukedoms; and the Saxons who possess the Marquisates of Misnia and Lusatia, prefer the title of Duke before that of Marquis, because the Electoral Dignity is annexed to the Duchy of Saxony; and Moravia is in the possession of the Emperor. By which means there is never a House left in Germany that is honoured with the quality of Marquis, but that of Brandenbourg and of Baden, and those Lords prefer it before all other titles.  P. 
I do not think there be many Landgraves.  G. 
There is none but the House of Hesse that takes its chief title from thence. The Landgraveship of Alsatia was transferred to the King of France by the Treaty of Munster; that of Leuchtemberg, to the House of Bavaria by the marriage of Duke Albert with Matildis heiress of that Principality; that of Thuringia belongs to the Duke of Saxony, that of Sausemberg to the Marquis of Baden, and that of Nollembourg to the House of Austria. Besides these Landgraveships, the Counts of Furstemberg take upon them the quality of Landgraves of Stillinguen and Bath; and those of Sultz are styled Landgraves of Klegeu: But these two last prefer the title of Count before that of Landgrave; from whence you may judge, that the Landgraves are not all Princes.  P. 
I conceive there is no Landgrave nor Burgrave but in Germany, and strangers know not those names in their own Countries.  G. 
Certainly there is no Landgraveship out of Germany, but some think that Burgrave is that which Forainers call Viscounts or Viguiers. I refer myself to the truth in this case, and shall only tell you, that they who fancy and take delight in Quaternions, say there be four of them in Germany, to wit, of Nuremberg, Magdebourg, Strombourg, and Reinek. The two last whereof are no longer acknowledged for such: For Strombourg is a Castle situate between Simerens and Creisenach, which belongs to the Elector Palatine; and Reinek is fallen to the inheritance of the Counts of Issembourg. The Elector of Brandenbourg doth still bear the title of Burgrave of Nuremberg; though Frederick V of that name, who was made Elector on St. John's Eve, A. D. 1417. sold unto the Burghers of Nuremberg the Castle which he had in that City, and some Villages and Forests, with the right of the Schultets or Aldermen, for 240000. Florins, reserving to himself the name and some rights: That of Magdebourg belongs to the Elector of Saxony, who bears the title thereof, and the Arms, which are a Demy-Eagle Argent in a Field Gules. There are some other Burgraves, as those of Kirchemberg, Donau, and Fridberg; but they are not equal to the former.  P. 
Are the Archdukes ancient?  G. 
That name was unknown before the time of Frederick III. and I think Maximilia● of Austria was the first that bore it: And all the world affords no Archdukes but those of Austria. As to the cause for which those Princes took up that glorious title, I judge, that the Emperors of that House seeing their Family arrived to the highest degree of power and dignity, were desirous that it should have a peculiar name to itself; and for that reason they would never communicate it to any one else, though they have been entreated so to do very often and very earnestly. Now the word signifies Prince or chief of Dukes, as that of Archbishop signifies Prince or chief of Bishops: But I do not see that the Archdukes have any Suffragan Dukes, as the Archbishops, who have Bishops under them.  P. 
I do not believe that the Archdukes pretend to have any Dukes their Suffragans, but only to show by that title, that there is as much difference between them and other Dukes, as there is between an Archbishop and a Bishop. Tell me something of the Dukes.  G. 
The title of Duke is very ancient, but it hath not always been so considerable as it is now. The Romans honoured their chief Officers of war with that name, because they led on the soldiers to the battle. After that, and in process of time, the state of affairs obliging the Emperors to have Officers of quality and long experience in war to guard the Frontier Provinces, they sent some of their Dukes thither.  P. 
The Emperors did not appoint Dukes only for the Government of Frontier provinces, seeing those that lie in the midst of the Empire, are honoured also with the title of Dukedom.  G. 
The first Governor that bore the quality of Duke was he of the Marches of Rhetia, a Country betwixt Germany and Italy which at this time we call the Grisons. To that Province the Emperors sent a Duke to withstand the Germans, who oftentimes endeavoured to make eruptions into Italy through that passage, since which, several Governors as well of other Provinces in the Empire as those on the Borders, have had the same honour, because it was thought necessary to send garrisons into those parts, to keep the People in obedience, and also by that means to provide an honourable entertainment for those Lords that had served well in the wars. But as nothing is enough for ambition, those Governors in the end made themselves masters of the Provinces which they had in charge: And so the Dukes grew great by the diminution and enfeebling of their Head, as the Marquess', Landgraves, Burgraves, and Counts in like manner did. The word Duke is borrowed from the Latin Ducere, as Hertzog in Dutch from words that signify a Conductor of an Army.  P. 
Are all Dukes of the same condition?  G. 
There is not one in Germany but is a prince, and allied to Kings; those of other Countries are not so: And whether you consider their antiquity, or cast your eye upon their estates, Alliances, and manner of living, they ought certainly to be preferred before those of Spain, France, and England, and to be ranked equally with the greatest of Italy.  P. 
I know that in France the ancient Dukedoms have been united to the Crown; that in Spain the proud Morisco humour gave the title of a Kingdom to the lands that are not worth a good County; and that in England there is never an ancient Duke. But before we enter upon a particular consideration of the Counts of the Empire, I pray tell me whether the Dukes were always greater and more illustrious than the Counts.  C, 
We have seen already that the ancients called them Deuces that led on soldiers to the battle, and Comites those that were taken out of the Emperor's Court to administer Justice to the Subjects of the Empire. A little after, the nature of those employments were altered, and the Dukes became Generals of Armies, or Governors of Provinces; and the Counts, chief Justices in the Cities and Provinces of the Empire: And both of them made themselves Masters of the lands whereof they were Judges or Governors. All those Lords assisted the Emperor in the beginning, some at the Councel-board, and others in the field, all of them performing useful and beneficial service to the State: Nay, I believe, without regarding the title either of Duke or Count, the Emperors employed those Lords indifferently in the Palace or in the Armies; so that it is hard to judge whether title was the more honourable. Yet it is to be observed, that there were some Counts by Office, and others by Dignity; that the former sort were raised to places of authority without regard had to their birth, and the others were equal, or very little inferior to the Dukes.  P. 
There are some that presume to say, that heretofore Counts were greater than Dukes.  G. 
Gariban a diligent Spanish Historiographer, following the opinion of Vasco, affirms that Counts were greater than Dukes, and endeavours to prove it from that which is found in the Councils held at Toledo, where some that subscribed them styled themselves Comites Proceres, and Comites Deuces. And the reason whereupon they ground that assertion, is, because all those that have many titles, set the greatest in the first place: Which nevertheless is not always true; for the Cardinals of the Church of Rome when they sign any thing, writ Deacon Cardinal, Priest Cardinal, or Bishop Cardinal, not to persuade us that the dignity of Deacon, Priest, or Bishop is above that of Cardinal, but to inform us that they are not barely Deacons or Priests, but Deacon Cardinals, that is, the most eminent Princes of the Church: And so it was with the Lords that subscribed those Councils; they styled themselves Counts, and for a distinction from others they added Duke as the more eminent.  P. 
You will confess that the sons and brethren of Kings, and the greatest Officers of the Imperial and Royal Houses have anciently contented themselves with the title of Count; and if the Ducal dignity had been greater, they would without question have desired, sought for, and obtained it.  G. 
The titles which Kings have formerly given to their children, as also those of Count of the Palace, Comes Stabuli or Constable, and others which satisfied the principal Officers of the Imperial Court, do in no wise derogate from the quality of Duke: For at last those Princes better bethought themselves, and acknowledging that the name of Duke was always a higher quality then that of Count, they desired to be honoured with the same. I know very well, that the Counties of Castille, Portugal, Flanders, Tyrol, Tolouse, Provence, and Wirtemberg, were very illustrious; but I know also that the Countries of Burgundy, Bavaria, and Lorraine, did anciently bear sometimes the title of Kingdom, sometimes of Dukedom, and that the latter imported no less authority than the other. The Princes of Poland, Hungary, and Bohemia, who are at this time great Kings, did for many ages bear no more than the quality of Duke: Nay, some Provinces in Spain were governed by Dukes a thousand years before the birth of Christ; and when that Country was assaulted by the Carthaginians, and afterwards by the Romans, it was vigorously defended by the same Dukes, who were Sovereign and independent. From whence you may judge, that the title of Duke was almost equal to that of King, before ever there were any Counts; and so conclude, that albeit in certain Countries and times the title of Duke hath been somewhat abased, yet it was never inferior to that of Count, but always greater.  P. 
The Counts Palatine and the Marquess' of Brandenburg are nevertheless as much, or more than the greatest Dukes in Germany.  G. 
I agree with you; but that derogates nothing from the title of Duke in general, forasmuch as those Princes are not barely Counts, but Counts Palatine, Margraves, and Electors; and as such, placed amongst the first Princes of the Empire.  P. 
I am satisfied; and having seen that a Duke is, and always was greater than a Count, I beseech you declare unto me those of the Empire: But before we go any further, tell me whether you think that true which some Writers affirm, that a Duke should have four Counts under him.  G. 
I have just now demonstrated unto you, that a Count was always less than a Duke: But I esteem it a mere dream, and a folly below a discoursing soul to resolve, that an Emperor should have under him four Kingdoms, a King four Dutchies, a Duke four Counties, a Count four Baronies, a Baron four Castellanies, and a Castellan four Fiefs. Those maxims of Quaternions should be expelled out of your thoughts as ridiculous: Otherwise all they that have four Kingdoms would be Emperors; and the Emperor losing one of those four which he had, would cease to be Emperor. Besides all Kingdoms are not equal; and it would require a great many such Kingdoms as Valencia, Murcia, Grenada, Algarvia, Majorca, Minorca, Ivica, and Yuetot, to make one great King. And on the other side, if any one could have three Kingdoms equal to that of France in richness of soil, abundance of People, and number of Nobility, he might equalise the greatest Emperors; and the Count of Champagne, to whom seven other Counts did homage, would almost double the proportion of a Duke.  P. 
Having seen in your former discourse the force of the Latin word Comes, and the Dutch Grave, together with all its compounds, and other things which I desired to know concerning the Counts in general; you will oblige me now, to come in particular to the Counts of the Empire, and tell me what was their original, what their power is at present, and what their dignity.  G. 
Stephanus Paschalis, a famous searcher of Antiquity, saith there were as many, nay more Counts than Cities in Gaul, when the French made themselves masters of it; and that the Conquerors desiring to use their new Kingdom favourably, and give a subdued People no cause of complaint, kept up all the offices and commands which the Romans had introduced amongst them. The Laws of Charlemain and of his son Lewis the Debonair are full of the order which the Counts were to observe in the administration of justice. From whence you may gather, that the Counts of those times were not raised to such a height of Dignity as they are now.  P. 
If the Counts were but Judges, who usually are such no longer than their Prince pleaseth; how came it to pass that they made themselves masters of the lands which were under their Jurisdiction?  G. 
Though the Emperors had power to deprive the Counts of their Offices, yet for the most part they let them. enjoy them during their lives; and if they had any sons capable to succeed them, they were preferred before any other: And that they might be the better enabled to attend upon the administration of Justice, and defend the People when need should require, the Emperors granted them Fiefs within the Territory of their Jurisdiction, which Fiefs gave them opportunity to make themselves Masters of all the rest, and to transmit the same unto their heirs.  P. 
Is it long since the Counts made their Counties hereditary?  G. 
It is hard to say under what Emperor that remarkable change happened in the Empire; but it is probable that it was under the Descendants of Charlemain, in the time when Charles the Bald and his son Lewis the Stammerer made their residence in France, and were at variance with the sons of Lewis Germanicus their kinsmen, who said the Imperial dignity belonged to them.  P. 
By what you have hitherto said I can sufficiently comprehend what was the power of the ancient Counts: Do me the kindness to tell me what that is they have at present.  G. 
I do not believe it is your desire to know what Rents, Fortresses, Cities, or Subjects every Count hath; much less, what they might be able to do all together: For it would be impossible for me to answer you. Imagining then that you only ask, what place they have in the Assemblies, and after what manner they give their suffrages there, I answer, that they sit immediately next after the Princes, and that they have two voices, one for the Bench of Wetteravia, the other for that of Swaben. For the rest, in their particular Meetings every one hath his voice, and being agreed, they make choice of one out of their Body to carry their opinion unto the College of the Princes.  P. 
Have all the Counts right to sit in the general Assemblies?  G. 
They only that are Estates of the Empire enjoy that privilege; and those that are not inscribed in the Matriculation-Roll, nor contribute any thing to the necessities, nor have any land immediately held of the Empire, are absolutely excluded from thence.  P. 
Seeing the Counts that the Emperor makes in his hereditary Provinces, are not admitted into the Assemblies, there will be but few that have place there.  G. 
There were more formerly then at this time, because some Counties have been erected into Principalities, and many are swallowed up into the power of the Princes. Tyrol, Henneberg, Montbeliard, Tubing, Oldenbourg, Spanheim, and Weldents, belong to the Houses of Austria, Saxony, Wirtemberg, Holstein, and the Palatine: Schawenbourg, Hohenzolleren, and East-Friseland, have been made principalities, the two first by Ferdinand II. and the last by Ferdinand III. who having Reigned twenty years almost in continual trouble, entered into the rest of the Blessed, the 2. of April in this present year 1657. Now those Lords taking place among the Princes, increase their number and power by the diminution of that of the Counts.  P. 
Are all those Counts, whose lands have not been erected into Principalities, of the same condition and dignity?  G. 
To provide a satisfactory answer to your question, you must know, there be three sorts of Counts in Germany, not comprising those of Austria. The first are Estates of the Empire, as well in regard of their persons, as of their Fiefs; the second having one or more Lands holding immediately of the Empire, and by reason thereof being Estates of the Empire, do also hold a Fief of some particular Prince, in regard whereof they are his Subjects, and obliged to do him some service: The third sort have no Fief holding immediately of the Empire, and consequently no place in the Diets. And thus some have more interest in the benefits and affairs of the Empire than others, and seem to be of a higher condition.  P. 
All the Immediate Counts of the Empire are like so many little Kings, and pay but very few acknowledgements to the Emperor. Many of them coin money, and exercise other Regalities, whereby they draw near to the rank and condition of Princes; and for that cause the very Electors are not thought to marry below themselves when they take such Countesses to be their Wives: I do not know whether it be so or no when they take others.  G. 
It is certain that the Electors have married Immediate Countesses; and I think they might have married others without wronging their posterity. There are some Counts who are Subjects, and yet have born the quality of Princes for a long time, being no way inferior to the greatest. I shall not bring many examples of it, since it will be sufficient to make you confess this truth, when I tell you, that if a Prince should marry a Countess of Egm●n● or of Horn, he would do nothing contrary to his Dignity, although those Counts were Subjects to the Duke of Burgundy; because the first were Dukes of Guelderland, and the other are of the House of Montmorancy, which is the prime Family of France.  P. 
Give me a list of the Counts that have session in the Diets of the Empire.  G. 
I shall reckon you those that are come to my knowledge, and place them after the order of the Alphabet, for fear I should offend against that of their rank. Badembourg, Barby, Bentheim, Bramersdorf, castle, Delmenhorst, Eichemberg, Erbach, Eberstein, Furstemberg, Glerchem, Hanau, Helfenstein, Hohehohe, or Holach, Hohengeroldseck, Hohenlandsberg, Kirchemberg, Lewenstein, Limbourg, Lupfen, Leininguen of Absperg, Lip, Mansfeld, Montfort, Nassau, Oldenbourg, Ottinguen, Orte●bourg, Reitpolskirchem, Rhingraves, Reuss●n, Salme, Saym, Solmes, Sults, Schwartzbourg, Stolberg, Tenguen, Waldek, Walpourg, Wied, Wineberg, Wolkenstein, Zimberen. The Counts of Schwartzbourg hold lands in Fee of the Dukes of Saxony; those of Waldek, of the Landgrave of Hesse; and the Rhingraves acknowledge the dependence of Salme and M●range upon the Duke of Lorraine.  P. 
I do not believe you can give me so exact a relation of all these Counts, as you have done of the Princes; but if you know any thing concerning them, you will do me a pleasure to impart it to me.  G. 
I have used my uttermost endeavour to get a Genealogy of the Counts, but could never compass it, because for the most part they are ignorant themselves of the root of their own Houses. So that I know but very little; yet if you desire it, I shall acquaint you with what I know.  P. 
Tell me something of the House of Nassau.  G. 
I intended to have spoken of the Lords of that House in another place; yet reserving liberty to insist upon them, when we shall discourse of the Republic of Holland (in the establishment and preservation whereof they have had the greatest hand) I shall tell you, that some there be who seek the Origin of that House in Caesar's Commentaries, where he speaks of one Nassua a Prince of Suevia: Others would have it come from Rome with the same Emperor, and say he gave them the County of Nassau. The most incredulous find it illustrious in the Empire many ages since; and cannot deny but that Otho Count of Nassau, son to John and nephew to Eberhard, was General of the Army of the Emperor Henry the Fowler against the Hungarians, and th●● he died and was buried at Nuremberg. At that time it had been long in possession of the Castle of Nassau in the Country of Hesse upon the river of Doüa, near the place where the Moselle falls into the Rhine. A little while after another Otho son to Walderam II. having married the heiress of Guelderland, was made the first Count thereof by the Emperor Henry IU. A. D. 1079. and his Successors possessed it in the quality of Counts till the year 1339. at which time the Emperor Lewis of Baveris made Reinold of Nassau Duke of Guelderland. A little after, that Branch was totally extinguished, and the Principality of Guelderland was united to that of Juliers. The House continued howsoever potent in lands and number of great personages: For Walderam II. left Walderam III. (from whom came the Emperor Adolph, and the Branch of Sarbrug) and Otho III. from whom are descended the Prince of Orange, and the Counts of Nassan, Bred●, and Dilembourg, who are great in number and consideration.  P. 
I know that House hath produced Heroical spirits that have made the world understand, the King of Spain was not invincible; and that William, Maurice and Frederick Henry of Nassau stopped his Chariot when he was driving apace to the Universal Monarchy. Tell not something of their Alliances.  G. 
There are few Houses in Europe which are not allied to that of Nassau. Otho married the heiress of Guelderland, and brought that County into his House, as that of Zutphen also in the year 1079. Another Otho was husband to Adelais, who brought him the County of viand, and the Baronies of St. Vit and Grumberg, about the year 1350. Enguilbert grandchild to Otho took to wife the heiress of Breda; John married Anne Countess of Catzenelleboguen, by whom he was Count of Dietz; and Henry son to John married Claudina of Chaal●●s, upon whom he begat Renatus the universal heir to Philibert of Chaalons' Prince of Orange: Now Renatus leaving no children by Anne daughter to Antony Duke of Lorraine, had for the Successor of his whole estate William of Nassau, who was Founder of the Commonwealth of Holland. That Prince had four wives; Anne of Egmont Countess of Barc, Anne daughter to Maurice Duke of Saxony, Charlotta of Bourbon Duchess of Montpensier, and Loüyse of Coligni: His daughters were married to William Lewis Count of Nassau, Emanuel son to Antony King of Portugal, Philip Count of Hohenlohe, Frederick iv Elector Palatine, Henry de la Tour Duke of Bovillon, Claude de la Trimoville Duke of Toüars, and Philip Count of Hanau.  P. 
I did not think that House was so well allied.  G. 
Philip William eldest son to the said William married a sister of the Prince of Conde: And William son to Frederick Henry his youngest son (while he was in minority) was married unto Mary eldest daughter to Charles I. King of Great Britain. John brother to William had three Wives, and amongst them Cunegonde daughter to Frederick III. Elector Palatine. John who was husband to Margaret Duchess of Holstein, and Ernest Casimir to Sophia Duchess of Brunswick. The Counts of Nassau are also very highly allied: Lewis married Anne Amelia, and John Sibyl Magdalen, both daughters to George Frederick Marquis of Baden. From whence you may easily see, that there be few Princes so well allied as those of Nassau. Lastly, those of Sarbrug do still bear the title of Count, and all the rest that of Prince.  P. 
That which you have told me of the House of Nassau increases the desire I have to know the other Counts. Give some particulars concerning those of Hohenzolleren.  G. 
We said something of them when we were speaking of the Princes; to which I now add, that Eitel Frederick, who was living in the year 1202. married Elizabeth daughter to Adelbert Count of Habspourg, the Emperor Rodolph I. his own sister; from whom the Electors of Brandenbourg and the Counts of Hehenzolleren are descended. Frederick the Blade is very famous for his military exploits, and Justus Nicolas for re-edifying the Fort of Hohenzolleren, which had been ruined by Henrietta Countess of Wirtemberg and Montbeliard: That action was the more illustrious, because Philip Duke of Burgundy, Albert Elector of Brandenbourg, Albert Duke of Austria, and Charles Marquis of Baden, laid the first stone of it, using a Trey, a Trowel, and a Mallet, all of Silver, about the year 1480. The Lords of that House are Hereditary Chamberlains to the Emperor since the time of Maximilian I. who to recompense the services of Eitel Frederick VII. of that name, honoured him with that Office to him and his Successors.  P. 
The House of Furstemberg is very renowned in History; I would gladly know something of it.  G. 
Those Lords were grown very illustrious in the time of Henry the Fowler, to whom Lewis Count of Freibourg and Furstemberg performed great services, maintaining at his own charge threescore men at arms against the Huns; and he was a party in the Tournament held at Magdebourg in the year 935. He was son to Frederick and to Agnes daughter to a King of Scotland; and from him are descended all those that at this time bear the name and arms of Furstemberg. Conrade son to Egon and to Agnes Duchess of Zeringuen, being Bishop of Losanna and Cardinal of the title of St. Ruffina, was chosen Pope, and refused it.  P. 
There are more to be found that solicit for the Popedom, than that reject it when it is offered.  G. 
Egon brother to Conrade added to his other titles that of Count of Aurach, and his Successors enjoyed it till about the year 1443. at which time that County passed into the House of Wirtemberg. Henry V accompanied the Emperor Frederick III. when he went to be Crowned at Rome; Henry his son died at Tournay in the service of the Emperor Maximilian 1. And William son to Courade is celebrated in the History of France for having served and disserved King Francis I. To conclude, all those that are living at present, are descended from Frederick and Anne Countess of Heclehemberg, who left two sons, Christopher and Joachim: From the first come, Elizabeth the worthy Spouse of Frederick Marquis of Baden Dourlach; Eleonor, married to J●hu Eusebius Fugger Count of Kirksberg; John Maximilian, Frebemus Maria, John Martin, and Frances a young Lady still, and of extraordinary beauty. From Joachim are descended Francis Egon Canon of Collen and Strasbourg, great Steward, great Chamberlain, and Counsellor of State to the Elector of Collen; Herman Egon, and William Egon, both Churchmen; Marry Frances widow to William Palatine and Duke of Newbourg; and Ferdinand Frederick Egon, Counsellor, Chamberlain, and Captain of the Halberdiers Guard to the Emperor Ferdinand III. This Count was born February 6. 1623. and communicated his Genealogy to me upon the ending of the year 1654.  P. 
I should be glad that you would run through all the Houses of the Counts of the Empire, that I might know them well; but seeing that is impossible, I shall content myself with what you will be pleased to tell me of them.  G. 
I will tell you what I know; but that will be no great matter. The Counts of Barby are allied to the Dukes of Brunswick, and to the Princes of Anhalt and East-Friseland; they use the title of Noble Lords. Those of castle are as ancient as the Empire in Germany; they are of the chiefest persons of Franconia, fruitful in virtue, great in merit, happy in alliance, sovereign in their Justice, and might raise envy in many, though they had none but Wolfgang George, Precedent of the Council of State, and great Steward of the Court of Wirtemberg, a most excellent pattern of piety, justice, and integrity. The Counts of Oldenbourg and of Delmenhorst are totally extinguished by the death of Antony Gunther, who having made his name known amongst all the greatest Princes, and secured his lands by the great number of Horses which he gave away, to save himself from losing 1200. breeding Mares which he had in his grounds, died without children lawfully begotten in the year 1656. at least, if I may believe the Gazette, where I read it, though some men do not agree to it. The King of Denmark, and the Duke of Holstein, inherited his Counties; john Prince of Anhalt, the Lordship of jever; and Antony Count of Oldenbourg his natural son, all the rest of his lands. Those of Erbach find their original in the affection which a daughter of Charlemagnes bore to a Gentleman in her Father's Court, who being recommended by his own merit, as much as he was favoured by the generosity of Charles, had the honour to marry her, after he had had that of being carried upon her back through the Court of the Palace. The Counts of Hanau have as large an estate as a great Prince, and in that a Justice from which their Subjects cannot appeal: And having often both given and taken daughters to and from the best Houses of the Empire, they have been so happy as to see a noble Lady of their family steer the State of Hesse, and bring it successfully into the Port during the most dreadful storm that ever blue upon the Empire for many ages.  P. 
You pass many Houses over in silence.  G. 
Those of which I say nothing, are unknown to me. The Counts of Helfenstein, having flourished above a thousand years, expired some years since. Those of Leininguen judge their Subjects causes without any Appeal. The House of Hohenlohe would be very mighty, if it had not divided its lands into many portions: The Lords thereof are naturally Soldiers, brave, well made both in body and mind, and glorious as well through their own merit, as for that of their Ancestors. The Barons of Limbourg, whom all Writers place amongst the Counts, have a title of Semperfrey, always free, that no body bears but they: They are so ancient, that they know not their own beginning; and so well known in Germany, that their privilege of being Vicars to the King of Bohemia Great Cupbearer of the Empire, is obvious to every one. They of Mansfeld are of different Religions: One of the Catholics is Governor of Raab in Hungary, the other is Master of the Horse to the Emperor: Of the Lutherans, john George is travelling to enable himself to answer the hopes which h●s Country conceives of his virtue. This County is plentiful in Copper and other Minerals, and famous for many things, but especially for Eiseliben where Doctor Luther was born in the year 1484. and died there 63. years after. The Counts of Montfort have nothing common with those in France, but the name; they are certainly very noble, very ancient, and very virtuous.  P. 
If you say nothing of the Counts of Ottinguen and of the Rhingraves, I will tell you what I know of them.  G. 
I speak of the Counts in an Alphabetical method, not always suitable to their merit; otherwise many should have come behind those Houses so abounding in extraordinary personages. That of Ottinguen is divided into two principal Branches: That of Waldenstein is Catholic, that of Ottinguen Lutheran, and both perfectly well allied; but specially jeachim Ernest, who having already had one Countess of Solmes, and another of Hehenlobe, is in the last place married to a Princess Palatine; and had of the two former, besides many sweet children, Sophia Margaret, and Mary Dorothy Sophia, Princesses whose graces and endowments of body and mind have acquired, to the first the chaste love and conjugal bed of Albert Marquis of Brandenbourg of Anspach; to the second, that of Eberhard Duke of Wirtemberg; and to the Father, two Sons-in-law equal in Grandeur, piety, and magnificence. The Rhingraves have furnished matter to so many Histories ancient and modern, that no body is a stranger to their virtue, nobility, and generosity. The Counts of Schwartzbourg are great in riches, virtue and alliances: When I passed through their Country, Clara Duchess of Brunswick, and Sophia Agnes Princess of Anhalt, were widows to two Lords of that House; and Antony Gunther had a Princess Palatine. Many believe the Counts of Solmes are issued out of those of Nassau: They are not rich, but you will meet with few Lords so well allied. Frederick Henry Prince of Orange, the honour of the Captains of our age, had the generous Amelia; Joachim Ernest Marquis of Brandenbourg had the Phoenix of beauty and chastity, Sophia; Frederick Marquis of Dourlach, the incomparable Eleonor; Augustus Prince of Anhalt, the pious Sibyl; ulrick Duke of Wirtemberg, the amiable Sophia Dorothy; Maurice Landgrave of Hesse, the fair Agnes; and Ernest his son hath at this time Mary Eleonor, all Countesses of Solmes. From whence we may conclude, that this House is fruitful in beautiful and virtuous Ladies.  P. 
I would willingly have heard a word of the Counts of Salme and Stolberg; but if you find it difficult, pass on to the consideration of the Barons of the Empire.  G. 
The Counts of Salme were raised to the rank of Princes, though their lands be held of the Duke of Lorraine: They are Rhingraves, and all the Rhingraves bear the name and Arms of Salme. They of Stolberg are inferior to none either in antiquity of Nobility, or greatness of Alliances, or privileges: They coin money both of gold and silver, and bear for their Arms a Stag Sable, because one of the ancient Counts of that House giving an entertainment of hunting to the Emperor Conrade of Franconia, a black Stag was taken, and the Emperor would transmit the memory thereof to posterity by that change of Arms. As to the Barons, you ought to know that they who are Estates of the Empire, do hardly differ from the Counts but in name: In all things else they are equal; they marry their daughters, they are in the same Class at the Diets of the Empire, they give their Suffrages there after the same manner, and enjoy the same immunities; lastly they are both alike styled Illustrious.  P. 
Methinks we have a great many Barons in Germany.  G. 
There are but few Barons of the Empire: To be such an one, it is necessary to be Matriculated, and contribute to the necessities of the State; which belongs not to any one of those whom the Emperor creates upon a new score in his hereditary Countries, how rich and potent soever they be: And for that cause they have neither voice nor place in the Assemblies of the Empire. Many of the ancient Barons have taken the quality of Count; those which remain are Creange, Fleckenstein, Fugger, Hohengeroldseck, Konigseck, Limbourg, Maxelrein, Perlestein, Plaven, Rapolstein, Schombourg, Scheuk of Tautemberg, Wolfenstein, Winemberg, Walbot, and it may be some others that are not come to my knowledge. Part of those of Creange are Counts; but the others are not inferior to them, being allied even to Princes, and very near to the Houses of Nassau and the Rhingraves: They of Fleckenstein have signalised themselves in the last War, where they got honour, and served in the quality of Generals: The Fuggers are not very ancient, but remarkable for virtue, and for their privilege of Sovereign Justice upon their Lands. The Barons or Counts of Rapolstein, who are otherwise called Ribaupierre, were Dukes of Spoleto; and having lived many ages with splendour, and appeared at several Tournaments, are now reduced to John james, to whom I wish issue male, for the preservation of his illustrious House, which will otherwise end in him. All the rest are unknown to me.  P. 
It is something to be Baron of the Empire, in regard of the place they have in the Assemblies; otherwise I think there is but little difference between one Baron and another.  G. 
They that bear the same title, are not always of the same condition: One who hath been declared Doctor in an University where no man is received but he that hath given proof of his learning, is to be preferred before him who hath gotten Letters in another University for a piece of money. And so it is in this matter: They that are Barons by merit, and are allied to great Families for many generations, are and aught to be preferred before those that have not the like advantages. Otherwise, I do not think that for having place in the Diets one is much to be preferred before another that is equal in virtue, merit, and antiquity.  P. 
I am of your opinion: But from whence comes the word Baron?  G. 
I think it was derived from the Latin Virro; for as Baron signifies a personage illustrious for virtue and birth, so also the Latin word Virro signifies a man separate and distinct from the vulgar by his Virtue. Now this title hath been diversely taken according to the diversity of times and places. By the Barons were anciently understood in France all the Subjects that held immediately of the King; and so the word comprehended Dukes, Counts, and other Lords indifferently. This opinion may be verified out of Aymonius, and some other Historians, who sometimes bring in the King speakto the Lords his followers, and when he would exhort them to some generous action, beginning with these words, My Barons. The Spaniards speaking of some illustrious persons, call them Varones' or Barones: And therefore Lewis de Camoes in his description of the Conquest of the Indies by the Portugnese, gins his Poem in this manner, As armas e os Var●nes assinalados. The Italians only do sometimes take the word Baron for a beggarly fellow.  P. 
Have not the Italians Barons also amongst them?  G. 
Yes, more than Baronies; and it may be they are beggars, because there are so many of them. However it be, Barons are every where reckoned above the lowest rate and rank of Nobility, except by abuse some one have been raised to that degree who was not a Gentleman before: In which case, I think the ancient Nobility ought not to give him place, nor he to pretend to it; because the Letters Patent which a Secretary of the Emperor puts into a piece of Parchment, are not of such validity as to make those worthy of that rank, who are obnoxious to such notable defects. And though the Emperor himself should have commanded his Letters to be dispatched, yet were it not to be presumed that he intended to raise an Upstart above him that brought the right of precedence from his mother's womb.  P. 
There is not the meanest Baron, but thinks himself more than the highest Gentleman.  G. 
Usually men flatter themselves, and set a greater value upon themselves than they really deserve. Even Philosophers take their own measures amiss; and the greatest Saints had need to pray earnestly, and say from their heart, Lord, make me to know both myself and Thee; that knowing myself, I may be humble, and knowing Thee, I may magnify thy Name: Grant that we may all know ourselves; banish out of our hearts that common vain pretence to place and precedence; teach us to neglect that honour which shines not but in the smoke of vanity. Certainly it troubles Germany more than any other Country in Europe.  
The end of the Seventh Dialogue.   

Dialogue VIII.  
Of the Knights, the Gentlemen, the Tournaments, and the Cities of the Empire.  P. 
TO see the title of this Dialogue, one would judge that you put a difference between the Knight and the Gentleman; and yet throughout all Germany the Nobility goes under the name of Knighthood, and the Gentlemen writing in Latin style themselves Equites, that is, Knights.  G. 
Though Germane Gentlemen be called Equites in Latin, yet it is certain there is difference between the Knight and the Gentleman: For first, the Knight hath been always more privileged than the Gentleman: 2. The chance of birth makes the Gentleman, without his contributing any thing to it; but worth and valour raises the Knight to that degree of honour. 3. Princes and Lords do not seek for the title of a Gentleman, as they do very earnestly for that of a Knight. And 4. the Gentleman is born so, the Knight comes to be so, that is, a Gentleman begets a Gentleman, but a Knight begets not a Knight.  P. 
I have heard say, that the sons of great Princes are Knights from their cradle; which if it be so, it may be said, that a Knight begets a Knight.  G. 
I know the French say that the sons of their Kings are Knights in the very moment of their birth: Nevertheless Lewis XI. received the Order of Knighthood by the hand of Philip Duke of Burgundy the day of his Inauguration the 16. August 1461. Francis I. before the Bettel of Marignan September 17. 1515. received the same honour from Peter Bayard a Gentleman of Dauphine, who for his valour was surnamed the Knight without reproach. And when William Count of Holland was chosen King of the Romans, he would be created Knight before he received the Crown. Whereby it appears, that some great Princes thought they were not born Knights: And though I should allow that the sons of Kings are so from their Cradle, it is certain that others are not so, seeing Princes themselves do not assume that quality, if they have not solemnly received that honour.  P. 
I know that commonly they that are called Knights, are associated into some Order Regular or Secular; but I do not know the difference between those Orders.  G. 
The Regular Orders have been approved by the Pope under some Rule, and the Secular have been instituted by some other Prince. The former oblige their Knights to the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience; the other, only to endeavour and procure the honour and advantage of the Head of their Order. Now as men are received into the number of Knights for their merit, or for the hope which he that bestows that honour hath, that the person admitted will do worthy actions; so a Knight forfeits and becomes deprived of the same honour for the enormous crimes he commits contrary to the expectation of him that received him into the Fellowship of the Order.  P. 
All Knights are not received after the same manner, nor degraded for the same offence.  G. 
Into the greatest part of Regular Orders they admit Gentlemen that have attained to the age of 18. years, and consequently before they have given any proof of their merit; and they are degraded for murders basely committed by lying in ambush, or other crimes unworthy of such persons: But Kings admit none into their Orders but those that have performed good and considerable services, and for that cause a man is oftentimes well in years before he can obtain that honour; of which also he cannot be deprived but for High Treason Divine or Humane, or for notorious cowardice, as having run away from his Colours, and forsaken his Chief.  P. 
If it be so, there is less honour in being admitted into a Regular then into a Secular Order.  G. 
I do really think so; because for the obtaining of the latter, it is requisite that a man join his own virtue unto that of his Ancestors: And the Order which makes him that is admitted into it Companion of a Sovereign, and familiar with his King, hath doubtless something more eminent in it, then that which only makes him brother and Companion of certain Gentlemen.  P. 
I would willingly know why so many Orders of Knighthood have been instituted.  G. 
Necessity was the first and principal cause of all those Orders. The Regulars began after Godfrey of Boullion had taken jerusalem; when some valiant Gentlemen having voluntarily undertaken the defence of the oppressed, the maintenance of Hospitals, the care of Pilgrims, and the securing of the ways, Popes gave them privileges, and bestowed honours upon them, to draw on others to the same profession: Which is honourable to the Church of Rome, as well for the zeal which Catholics show in visiting the Holy places, as because all the Nobility also that embraces a Rule, becomes subject to the Pope.  P. 
Had Kings the same design?  G. 
Conquerors made Soldiers willing to follow them, by sharing the fruit of their Conquests with them; and when their Successors had not estate enough to reward all the glorious actions and eminent services which Gentlemen did for them, being persuaded that a man of courage values nothing comparably to honours, which distinguish him from other men, they invented those Orders, which without exhausting their Treasure would gain them the Flower of their Subjects, and inflame all others with an extreme desire to make themselves worthy of the same honour. I think it was for that reason, that anciently they created Knights just before the Battle, to make them engage more resolutely; or presently after it, to recompense those that had the greatest hand in the victory.  P. 
I would know whether there be many Knights in Germany.  G. 
There be Knights of four sorts, who ought to be Princes, Lords or Gentlemen. The Emperor dubs some by touching them lightly upon the shoulder with a naked sword, and saying to them, Esto miles Dei & Sancti Stephani, Be a Soldier of God and of St. Stephen; and those wear no Collar, or other mark to distinguish them from other Gentlemen. The Kings of Spain, England, and Denmark, do also send their Order to such Lords as they set most value upon: The first wear the Golden Fleece, the second the Garter, and the third the Elephant enameled with white, and enchased with a Cross of five great Diamonds. All the other Knights are of the Military Orders of Prussia, or Malta: The former have the Black Cross, and are named Teutoniques; the latter wear a white one, and are called Knights Hospitallers of St. john of jerusalem. Heretofore all of the last Order were Catholics, but there are some of them now that are not so, and possess the Commanderies which the Protestant Princes have not incorporated into their Demesnes. But if you happen to see any German, Suisse, or Hollander wearing the Collar of the Order of St. Michael, you may take notice that the most Christian King sometimes confers the honour of that Order upon those that have done him some acceptable service.  P. 
Do all Emperors and Kings of the Romans make Knights?  G. 
If they do not, at least they may all do so: And at the Coronation of Charles V there was such an abuse, that all those that would have that honour, received it, although they were not Gentlemen. In our days it hath not been so abused: For when the last Ferdinand was crowned at Ratisbon, he created 28. Knights, the greatest part of them very illustrious both by their birth and merit.  P. 
Now I see what difference there is between a Knight and a Cavalier: I pray discourse something of the Nobility.  G. 
There are Countries in Europe, where the Nobility is distinguished into Princes, Lords, and Gentlemen; who all together make one part of the State, and are the King's right arm, the support of his Crown, and the prop of his authority. It is not so in Germany; where the Princes, nay the poorest Lords would take it for an affront to be called Gentlemen: Who, as we have seen before, are absolutely separated from the Body of the Nobility, and have their interest apart.  P. 
I know already that the Princes are Estates of the Empire, and have no communion with the Nobility: But I would willingly know whether all the Gentlemen of Germany make one Body, whether they be equal in privileges, and whether they mutually assist one another in their necessities.  G. 
The Nobility of Germany is of two sorts: One Immediate, acknowledging none but the Emperor; the other Mediate, that acknowledges the Emperor as Head of the Empire, yet without being exempt from the jurisdiction of another Prince. This latter hath not so much liberty as the former, but is for all that excellent in its degree, there being never a Gentleman in Germany that doth not prefer a poor Gentlewoman before a rich Burgher's daughter, and wonders at the mixture of different qualities used in other places. But this Body being united only by the ligaments of name and condition, there is little or no help to be expected from one to another.  P. 
Is the Nobility that depends upon Princes equally privileged through all the Empire?  G. 
Nobility being a quality acquired by virtuous actions and eminent services which some Houses have performed to the Prince and State, it is impossible but that there should be some Houses more Noble and better privileged then others: And although fortune should have more influence than merit upon the dispensing of those qualities, yet the same judgement were still to be made; because Soverains are subject to their passions, rewarding more bountifully, and raising higher some of their servants than others. It happens also that one Prince hath occasion to make use of his Nobility more often then another; and receiving more considerable services from them, he doth also recompense them with greater and more signal benefits.  P. 
There is no doubt but merit or favour hath made the difference which is found between those Houses that hold in Fee of a particular Prince: But I am persuaded that all the Nobility immediately subject to the Empire is equal.  G. 
I fear your opinion is not right. Many Houses of the immediate Gentlemen are descended from the first Noble personages that accompanied Henry the Fowler to the War against the Huns, nay that followed Charlemain to the Conquest of Austria, Hungary, and Saxony: And many others coming from other places have been admitted into that Body, being Gentlemen acquainted and habituated in those parts: Lastly, some have been privileged by the Emperors, and by virtue of their Letters are Matriculated amongst the immediate Gentlemen. Those do all enjoy the same privileges in appearance, but not in reality: For although these last have right of Session amongst the other Gentlemen, yet they have it not in the Chapters, out of which the Electors of Mentz, Trier, and Collen are made; no, nor in those from whence Bishops and Prelates are taken: Because to have place in those Chapters, it is necessary to prove two and thirty Coats of Nobility by Father and Mother, against which the most severe Critic can make no exception; which is impossible for newcomers, neither indeed dare they pretend to it, knowing there is such difference between Gentlemen.  P. 
Who are those Immediate Gentlemen, or holding immediately of the Emperor?  G. 
All within the Circles of Swaben, Franconia, the Rhine, and the Lower Alsatia, who are inscribed in the Matriculation-Roll of the Nobility, and oblige their Subjects to contribute towards the maintenance of Officers ordained for the preservation of the privileges, immunities, and franchises of that Body; which being remote from its Head, and exposed to the envy of many for the favours it receives of the Emperors, hath need of a Treasure, prudence, and union to support itself.  P. 
I pray, inform me how the Nobility of those Circles make good the close relation of the Head with the Members, and of the Members amongst themselves.  G. 
That Nobility is cherished under the special favour and protection of the Emperor, not only for the services they do him (being always forward and ready to advance the Majesty of the Empire, the glory of the Emperor, and the honour of his Crown) but also for the considerable presents they make him when his necessities require. The Emperor on his part doth willingly interpose his care to see that no body oppress his Nobility, because he is glad to have a sure and confident party within those Circles, that acknowledges their liberty to depend upon the preservation of his Majesty. As to what concerns that Nobility in general; the desire of freedom, the common interest, the ambition which they observe in some potent men, and experience which teaches all men that united force is the strongest, demonstrate to the Gentlemen that they are better able to defend themselves all together then single; which holds them in unity, and disposes them mutually to lend their hands, their heads, and their purses to one another.  P. 
The Immediate Nobility being thus one Body, doth it choose a Head to take care of all the Members in general, and of every one in particular?  G. 
Those Gentlemen have made among themselves a kind of Aristocratical Commonwealth; and having divided the Circle of Swaben into five parts, that of Franconia into six, and that of the Rhine into three, they have appointed unto every part a Head, whom they call Director in Swaben and the Lower Alsatia, and Captain of the Nobility in Franconia and upon the Rhine. This Head doth nothing alone, but by the advice of two or three other chosen Gentlemen (who are given him for aids, and counsel) and of one Doctor to help them when there is occasion to expound the Laws. He decides differences, prevents Lawsuits, takes up quarrels, and keeps a vigilant eye upon the preservation of the privileges and franchises of all the Body. Now if any Gentleman in particular be wronged, the Director takes his part, and supports him with the forces of all his Quarter; and if he be not strong enough, he calls to his aid all the Nobility of the Circle, nay, of the Three Circles and the Lower Alsatia.  P. 
You represent unto me a Free Nobility, as a most considerable Body whereof the Princes ought to make great account: Do me the favour to tell me more particularly which are those Quarters, and who are the Directors of them.  G. 
The Quarters of Swabeu are, the Danube, the Hegau, Algau, and the Lake of Constance, the Neckar, the Schwartzwald and Orthenau, the Coquet and Cresgau: Whereof the Directors are, of the two first, one of Owe, and one of Holtz; of the three others, one of Gueminguen, and two of the House of Sleim. The Quarters of Franconia are, Odenwald, the Mountains, Rhen, and Verra; Sterguerwald, Altemuhl, and Baunach: The Captains of which are, one of Gueminguen, one of Streitberg, one Schtitz of Marts, one of Valpstal, one of Eyb, and one Truchsez of Vetzhausen. The Quarters of the Rhine are, the Upper and the Lower Rhine, and the Wetteravia; whereof the Captains are, one Kuben of Catzenelleboguen, one of Ley, and one of Karben, who is also Burgrave of Fridberg. The Lower Alsatia being but of small compass, is not cast into several parts. All this Nobility is of one and the same mind, when there is question of defending themselves, and all the Gentlemen strive who shall contribute most to the expenses that are to be made for that end. Here you are to take notice, that the Directors are not always of one and the same Family.  P. 
This Body seems to me to be great and formidable: Do you know how many Houses or Families it comprehends, and how many Gentlemen it might be able to bring into the field?  G. 
I do not know, neither perchance do they know it themselves: For although every part hath a Secretary, who by Letter invites all those that are to meet together, when the Director thinks it fit, for the good of the whole Body, or for the particular affairs of the Quarter; yet they conceal their strength and Revenue as much as they can, not desiring that any one should penetrate into the mystery of their Corporation.  P. 
I would willingly know, whether the Office of Director be worth any great matter to him that possesses it; and whether none but Gentlemen be admitted into that Body.  G. 
The Directors of the Nobility have more honour and pains than profit, by being Heads to so great and generous Bodies; but as honour is preferable before any other advantage, there be few but are willing to take the pains that comes along with it. But no man is admitted to the enjoyment of the privileges of the Nobility, nor taken into the protection of it, unless he be noble or ennobled: And stranger Counts and Barons that have no place in the Assemblies of the Empire, take it for an honour to be enroled in the Matriculation of the Nobility; because all that live within a Prince's Territories, are Subject to his Justice, if they be not immediate subjects of the ●mpire.  P. 
Can the Director and his Council enforce Gentlemen to submit to their Judgement?  G. 
The Quarters of the Nobility do usually meet together once a year; and besides the public affairs which are debated in those Assemblies, they do also judge the differences there that happen between the Gentlemen. And when they have judged a thing reasonable, they entreat the parties to acquiesce therein, and so doing to comply with their duty, and prevent Lawsuits, which nourish misunderstanding and hatred between those that should love one another, and which might give occasion to those that look upon the flourishing Nobility with an evil eye, to contemn and despise it. If one of the parties think himself wronged, he prays the Court of the Nobility that they would be pleased once more to consider his right and his reasons: Wherein they gratify him, and when that is done, the parties are again entreated to agree; but then if they refuse to submit to the Judgement, they are permitted one to convent the other before the Imperial Chamber.  P. 
If it be so, the Directors of those Quarters have not power to oblige the Nobility to the doing of that which they think just and reasonable.  G. 
Equals neither ought nor can pretend to any jurisdiction over their equals: Nevertheless it is very rare to meet with a Gentleman there, who doth not yield to and acquiesce in the Judgement of the Assembly, and who had not rather departed with some of his right, then send or go to Spire, where suits are spun out to a tedious length.  P. 
All honest men hate going to Law; and the Nobility should leave that plague to quarrelsome and litigious persons: And indeed I think a true Gentleman had rather talk of war, and be present at assaults and Battles, than discourse of the Orders and Decrees of a Parliament, and be bound to court and cringe to the Judges to get a favourable sentence. Tell me something of the advantages which that Nobility hath.  G. 
The Franchises and privileges of Gentlemen of the Empire are great, and in so great number, that it would require a volume to lay them all down in writing. Those which I value the most are, that every well-bred Gentleman may pretend to become Elector or Eccle siastical Prince, if his Religion do not stand in his way; for the Electors of Mentz, Trier, and Collen, and the Bishops of Bamberg, Wirsbourg, Spire, Worms, Constance, Augsbourg, and Eichstet, are ordinarily chosen out of this Body. Every Gentleman is as free upon his own lands as the Chiefest Lord in the Empire; no man besides himself can impose upon his Subjects; there are many Chapters and Nunneries, and other Church preferments, which cannot fall but into the hands of the Nobility: And, which surpasses all the rest, he that touches one Gentleman, touches them all; and the Emperors are still ready to favour and support them, thereby to gratify the Prelates, and have them always at their Devotion.  P. 
The Mediate Gentlemen, that is, such as do not only depend upon the Emperor; but are also under the Jurisdiction of some other Prince, have they not right to come into the Chapters you lately mentioned?  G. 
There are very few or no Canons in the last  Cathredral Churches, who are not Members of the Free Nobility of the Empire. Other Gentlemen have their advantages, and Churches whereinto they may and aught to admitted, as Hildesheim, Paderborne, Osuabrug, Munster, etc. And besides, they are not obliged to appear in Judgement, unless the Judge give them a summons in writing; the Judge makes them sit down while he hears them; they are free from paying Toll; they are not put in prison for debt; and if they be accused of any Crime, they are not to be put to the question or rack; nay, if they be convicted, they cannot be condemned to the Galleys. And so in every Country Gentlemen have their advantages.  P. 
Can they that are Subjects to a particular Prince, appear at Tournaments?  G. 
The Ordinances of that exercise do admit thereunto all those that can make proof of their Nobility, not excluding, any that have lived in the fear of God and with reputation in the World. So that any Gentleman may and aught to be received thereunto, who is not debarred or kept off by reason of some Crime.  P. 
Seeing it is necessary to make proof of two and thirty Coats of true Nobility, it is certain that new Gentlemen cannot have entrance: But do you think that Patricians of Cities should be permitted to enjoy that honour, and that great Princes should honour those actions with their persons?  G. 
There is no question, but they that begin the Nobility of their Houses, are excluded from that honour; and that it is allowed to a Patrician of a good and ancient Family to come in, if he renounce all, right of Burgership, and promise to live Nobly for the time to come. But the unfortunate hurt, which was followed by the death of Henry II. King of France, aught to serve for an example to all Princes, not to expose themselves to that danger.  P. 
The misfortune of King Henry II. should oblige Great men to wear their Beaver down, and to look carefully to the safety of their persons, but not to hinder them from coming into the Lists, when they are able of body, and skilful at that exercise; which I think was heretofore in very much use and credit in Germany.  G. 
Those sports which the ancient French called Behours, were brought into Germany by the Emperor Henry the Fowler, who coming from the war of Hungary exceedingly satisfied with the Nobility, would oblige them to exercise themselves continually in handling their arms and managing their horses; to which purpose he instituted those exercises in the year 935. Since that time so many of them have been held, that they who have written expressly of them, do forget some of them in their reckoning: The first was opened at Magdebourg in the foresaid year 935. After that Rottembourg, Constance, Mersbourg, Brunswick, Trier, Hall in Saxony, Augsbourg, Gottinguen, Collen, Nuremberg, Worms twice, Wirsbourg as often, Ratisbon four times, Bamberg twice, Stutgard as often, Swinfort, Ravensbourg, Inguelheim, Eslinguen, Schafausen, Darmstadt, Hailbrun, Landshut, Mentz, Heidelberg, Anspach, and many other places have been honoured with the like Assemblies.  P. 
Being taught by you, that Henry I. was the Introductor of these sports into Germany, I would gladly learn who celebrated the rest.  G. 
The Emperor Henry the Fowler celebrated the first: The three Otho's that succeeded him, had other matters to think on: Conrade II. and Henry III. and iv celebrated each of them one of those that next followed, and gave licence to the Princes, Cities, and Free Nobility, to appoint and celebrate the like: So almost all the Tournaments were opened at the request and charges of particular Princes, the Imperial Cities, and the Nobility.  P. 
How comes it to pass that this Exercise is almost totally abolished?  G. 
Those sports being not always free from emulation and jealousy, because every one desired to make a better appearance there then his fellow, it happened at the three and twentieth Tournament, which was held at Darmstadt in the year 1403. that the Gentlemen of Franconia and those of Hesse drew so much blood upon one another, that there remained dead upon the place seventeen of the former, and nine of the latter. And yet some have been celebrated since; but either that jealousy, or the wars which suffer not men to think on such pastimes, or other causes to me unknown, have absolutely banished those Exercises; by means whereof the Nobility was powerfully attracted to virtue, and obliged to accomplish and perfect themselves in all kind of Chivalry.  P. 
I believe that as none but Illustrious or Noble persons entered into those Tournaments, the number also of the Knights and Squires was limited.  G. 
They confined the number of parties allowed to appear, for fear it might otherwise grow too great; and to avoid the confusion which would arise from too many Masters and Servants: For that cause, and in regard every man's charges were born there, besides that they would admit no new Nobility, no Bastard, no Usurer, none guilty of High Treason, no Oppressor of Widows and Orphans, none born of Parents whereof one was of base extraction and ignoble, no Heretic, Murderer, Traitor, no Coward that had run away from the Battle, nor indiscreet person that had given offence to Ladies by word or deed; they did also refuse to admit more than one of the same Family at a time. Princes came into the Lists with four Squires apiece, Counts and Barons with three, a Knight with two, and a Gentleman with one.  P. 
It may be those Exercises will be set up again in their pristine honour; and in case that should come to pass, I would gladly know what a man should do to be admitted thereunto, and how he ought to behave himself being come into the Lists.  G. 
The place and hour for the Tournament being resolved, they that had a desire to break a Lance there, came thither at the time appointed, and went to the Precedents Lodging to have their names written down; which was done in the presence of three Heralds, to whom the Champion delivered his Helmet and Sword, and after he had been at Confession, he presented himself in the Lists with one, two, three, or four Squires, according to the quality of the persons. The horses of the Combatants were to be without fault or exception, the Caparisons and furniture such as to give no offence, their Saddles without any extraordinary raising before or behind, and all equal. After which, they performed all kind of exercises on horseback; and when the Jousts were ended, every man repaired to the Precedent of his Nation, to wait for the sentence of the Judges: And he that had best deserved the Prize, received it, either from the hand of some Lady, or from the Prince that gave it.  P. 
If the Emperor should ever have a desire to see the skill and sufficiency of his Nobility in that way, I would endeavour to make one there; and though that should never come to pass, I will howsoever take pains to make myself a good Horseman. Now since we have discoursed enough concerning Tournaments, tell me what you know of the Cities of the Empire.  G. 
All the Cities of Germany are either free or subject, or partly free and partly subject: Those of the first sort acknowledge none but the Emperor, are Estates of the Empire, and participate in the right of Sovereignty; the second depend upon Princes, Lords, and Gentlemen, give respect to their Orders, and obedience to their Justice; the last are those which having been subject, have obtained some privileges from the Emperor, from their Princes, or by their swords: And though they be almost Free, yet have they neither voice nor place in the Assemblies, nor do they quietly enjoy their pretended privileges. These Cities being rich and potent, make bad use of their power, endeavouring to shake off the yoke of obedience which they own to their Masters, to whom they give very little respect, but try their uttermost to make themselves Imperial Cities. Such are Brunswick, Erfort, and Embden, which have evermore some matter or other of dispute; the first with the Duke of Brunswick, the second with the Elector of Mentz, and Embden with the Princes of East-Friseland.  P. 
I imagine that the Cities belonging to Princes are neither so wealthy nor so fair as the Imperial.  G. 
That rule doth not always hold: There are some Imperial Cities to he found of no great consequence, as Fridberg, Aalen, Weiler, Gueminde, Biberac, Dunkelspiel, and several others; on the the contrary there are divers Cities subject to Princes, surpassing in beauty, magnificent in buildings, and considerable for riches, as Munchen, Ingolstadt, Dresden, Wirsbourg, Mentz, Magdebourg, Bamberg, Stutgards, and Lunebourg; but they have not the same right which those lesser places we last mentioned enjoy.  P. 
I have often heard say, that the Cities of Germany are neither so ancient, nor of so fair structure as in other countries'.  G. 
Many good Antiquaries assure us, that the Cities on the East-side of the Rhine were built about the time of the Emperor Henry I. but those very Authors say, that the City of Trier is one of the Ancientest in Europe, and that Strasbourg, Worms, and Spire flourished before the time of Julius Caesar. As for the beauty and number of Cities, our Germany yields to no Province in Europe. The Italians who for the most part undervalue all that is on the other side of the Alps from them, cannot deny us that prerogative; anst John Botero confesses, that for that matter we may give them fifteen and a bisque, using these words to that purpose, I Thedeschi avanzano di gran lungai Romani. And I am sure that the Constable of Castille, who to disgrace the greatness and magnificence of Paris told Marshal d'Ornano, that he had left behind him the fairest Cities in Christendom; would have changed his opinion if he had seen Germany, and been forced to acknowledge in his heart (though according to the Spanish vapours he would not have expressed it with his mouth) that there is nothing in Spain equal to Antwerp, Amsterdam, Hambourg, Collen, Nuremberg, Strasbourg, Erfort, and Augsbourg.  P. 
If the Cities of Germany excel all others in beauty, than they are inferior to them in nothing; for Bocalini esteems them without comparison richer than those in other places, when he saith that Laurence de Medicis going about to weigh them, the balance wherein he had already weighed all the Estates of Christendom, broke, not being able to bear so great a burden. But I suppose the houses of Great men are not so embellished in Germany as in Foreign Countries.  G. 
I pray, be of another mind; for when you have seen all Europe, you will confess that the Cities and Castles where the Princes and Prelates of Germany make their residence, are so stately in buildings, so delicious in gardens, so artificial in Grots, so abounding in Fountains, flowers, fruits, and even Orange-trees, that there is nothing comparable to be seen elsewhere. The Elector of Bavaria is lodged at Munchen in the fairest Palace of Europe; the Archbishop of Saltsbourg hath no reason to wish for those at Rome; the Bishop of Bamberg hath seen nothing more recreative than his own Gardens; Heidelberg hath one of the proudest buildings, Stutgardt one of the most commodious, Cassel one of the most regular, Wirsbourg one of the strongest, and Plone one of the most delightful that can be seen. Wolfenbottel is a true seat for a Prince, Berlin for a King, Dresden for an Emperor, and Munchen for a God on earth. Weymar, Gotta, Gottorf, Celestina, Baden, Auspach, Dourlach, and Echinguen, are very little inferior to the fairest in Europe.  P. 
I am glad to hear that our Country hath an advantage of other Provinces in Cities, Castles, and Gardens, as well as in civility. Tell me a word of the Free Cities.  G. 
I do not think you require a Catalogue of the Imperial Cities: Nevertheless if you have such a desire, you shall find them here, of every one whereof I shall say something in an Alphabetical order. Aix, which the Latins call Aquisgranum, from the hot and wholesome Baths that Granus brother to the Emperor Nero found there, is the place where De Serres saith that Charlemain was born, and where all Historians agree that he lies buried. Many say, that Heroical person made this City the Metropolis of the Empire on this side the Alps, and it may be for that reason it is styled the Royal City. The Golden Bull ordains that the Emperor receive the first Crown there; and if he take that honour in another place, they bring the Royal ornaments from thence, with the Persian sword which Great Charles wore by his side, and with which the Emperor creates Knights.  P. 
I believe the Emperor Charlemain indulged that City so much, because it stands in a place from whence he might commodiously look after the Government of both his Kingdoms, France and Germany.  G. 
I think so too. Argentina, so named from the silver or money brought thither from all parts, as to the Custom-house which the Romans settled there, is now called Strasbourg. This City is very populous, strong, and well built: The Church there is one of the wonders of the world, for the bigness thereof, the sumptuousness of its building, the marvellous height of its Steeples all made with through-lights, and its inimitable structure. There are two and twenty Tribes, which have every one an Eschevin or Alderman, out of whom they choose the Consul whom they call Ammeister, who jointly with the Aldermen elects Ten Gentlemen of the City to be Senators, and all together make up the Senat. They take four of those Ten Gentlemen to be Statmeisters' or Praetors, who at debates ask the voices, first of the Consul, and then of the other Senators. The Office of the Consul is annual, and cannot be possessed by any Gentleman; that of the Aldermen is for two years. The Senate consisting of thirteen, and the Council of fifteen, are perpetual. The first treats of Confederations and Military affairs, the latter hath power to exhort the Consul, if he fail in his duty. The Arsenal of this City is provided with so great a quantity of all sorts of Canon, Pikes, Muskets, Halberds, Partisans, Swords, Bucklers, Pistols, Headpieces, Back and-brests, Gauntlets, Vambraces, and other Arms as well offensive as defensive, that there be few of the like to be seen any where else.  P. 
I have read in Limnaeus that this City hath many privileges, and that the Nobility had the administration of it till the year 1332. I would willingly know something of Augsbourg.  G. 
Augsbourg by abbreviation from Augusti Burgum, that is, the City of Augustus, was so called, because Augustus settled a Roman Colony there, after Claudius Drusus Nero Germanicus had brought it in subjection to the Roman Empire. This City was anciently called Drusomagus, and afterwards Augusta Tiberia, but now Augusta Vindelicorum. It is so well built, that it comes not short of any one in Europe; and the Guild or Townhouse is a Palace worthy to lodge the Emperor. In the year 1368. the People took the administration of affairs out of the hands of the Patricians, which Charles V restored to them again 180. years after.  P. 
This City is very famous for its magnificence, and Goldsmith's work; but Aalen and Biberac are not considerable: Therefore let us see Collen.  G. 
As for Aalen, you must know it is but a little hole, where there are not above thirty Burghers, which belonged heretofore to the Counts of Wirtemberg, and was lost during that War which Eberhard the Riotous waged with the Cities of Swaben.  
Collen is the Rome of Germany, and the Capital City of the Vbians: It is called Colonia Agrippina, because Marcus Agrippa subdued it to the Romans, or because Agrippina, daughter to Germanicus and Wife to Claudius, was born there. That Lady was very lascivious, and it is said that the women of this Town use but little modesty when they are in the Baths. It is an Imperial City, and yet does homage to the Archbishop in these terms; We Free Burghers of Collen, to day for to day, and for the days hereafter promise to N. Archbishop of Collen to be faithful and favourable unto him as long as he preserves us in right and honour, and in our ancient privileges, us, our wives, our children, and our City of Collen: So help us God and his Saints. And the Archbishop obliges himself to the said City after this manner; We by the grace of God Archbishop of the holy Church of Collen, Elector and Arch-Chancellor of the Empire throughout Italy, to the end there may be between us and our dear Burghers and the City of Collen an amiable confederation, entire confidence, and sincere peace, and that the same may remain inviolable; do make known by these presents, that we have promised and assured, and do promise and assure, in good faith and without fraud, that we confirm all the rights and franchises, written or unwritten, old or new, within and without the City of Collen, which have been granted unto it by Popes, Emperors, Kings, or by Archbishops of Collen, and will never violate or infringe the same: In witness whereof we have caused the Seal of our Arms to be put unto these presents, the, etc. Now the Senate makes process in criminal causes, and the Elector hath right to condemn or to free offenders.  P. 
If you say so much of all the Imperial Cities, it will be long before we make an end. Do me the favour to pass lightly over the rest.  G. 
Campidunum, which the Germans call Kempten, was the ordinary residence of the ancient Dukes of Swaben, and the native place of Hildegardis daughter to Hildebrand Duke of Swaben and wife to Charlemain. Colmar is a good City of Alsatia, where Berthe mother to Charlemain, and Adelais his daughter, have founded many Monasteries. Donavert was a Free City till the year 1607. at which time the Burghers endeavouring to hinder the Catholics from burying a Corpse with the ceremonies of the Church of Rome, it incurred the Imperial Ban or Proscription, which was executed by the Duke of Bavaria, who brought it into subjection, and holds it still under his Laws. Dunkelspiel hath been so often taken and retaken in the last Wars, that it will carry the marks thereof a great while. Eslinguen is a pretty Town upon the Neckar, within the Duchy and under the protection of the Duke of Wirtemberg; to whom it sends every first day of the year a hundred Florins of gold in a green velvet purse for the honour he doth them in being their Protector.  P. 
If I be not mistaken, this City hath been honoured with the celebration of some Tournament.  G 
Not with a Tournament only, but also with an Imperial Diet: And produces great store of excellent Wine. Francfort, which was anciently called Tentoburgum and Hellenopolis, signifies the passage or Ford of the Franks, and was so termed, because it served them for a retreat, when they went into, and came back from Gaul. This City is renowned for its Fairs, for the Article of the Golden Bull which ordains that the King of the Romans should be chosen there, for its Fortress, and for the river of Mein, which parts it into two Towns, whereof one retains the old name, and the other is called Saxenhausen.  P. 
You have told me elsewhere, that that clause of the Golden Bull is not observed, and that many Kings of the Romans have been elected in other places.  G. 
That is true; but yet the Town is very considerable for all that. The Religion professed there is of two sorts, and the Jews drive a great Trade amongst them. Fridberg, a very small City in Wetteravia, had not above 60. Burgher's when I passed that way; but it hath great privileges. There is a Castle near it, the Lords whereof are called Burgraves. Guemunde, which seems to signify Gaudia Mundi, the joys of the world, in regard of the Tournaments or other pastimes which the Lords of Swaben have heretofore given their friends there, is entirely Catholic, and an Imperial City since the death of Conradine who was beheaded at Naples. Gostar, a City of Hircynia, was fortified in the year 1207. The Castle is called the Imperial Palace, and the Town the Royal City, because the Kings of Germany were wont to make their abode there, and some Emperors have honoured it with their residence. Guelnehausen after the same manner as Fridberg hath City and Castle, and place in the Assemblies, though the Electors Palatine use their utter most endeavour to bring it under their subjection.  P. 
I wonder how these petty places are able to maintain their liberty.  G. 
They are supported by others; and the Emperor would not willingly see Princes make themselves Masters of them. Haguenau, a City of Alsati●, is Head of a Bailywick that comprehends the Imperial Cities of Colmar, Selestad, Weissembourg, Landau, Oberhenheim, Rosherim, Munster in the valley of St. Gregory, Keichersberg, and Turgkeim. This Bailywick was given to the most Christian King, with its appurtenances, and the right which the House of Austria had to it heretofore. This City was very much a favourite to the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, who caused it to be walled about, after he had built a house there for himself, and six for the principal Gentlemen belonging to his Hunting, which the Lords of Flekenstein, Durcheim, and some others do still hold in Fee of the Empire.  P. 
I think the Lords of Durcheim are your kinsmen.  G. 
Margaret of Rottembourg, a Gentlewoman of a very ancient family in Lower Alsatia, was married to John Albert of Anweil, of which marriage came Anne Margaret of Anweil my wife, by whose means I find myself allied to the Houses of Anweil, Rottembourg, Scheling, Welward, Spest, Durcheim, Stursel, Dalbourg, Bernehausen, Flekenstein, Stein, and many others. But this is besides our purpose. Hambourg, situate upon the Elbe, where the reflux of the Sea makes a good Port, is one of the richest Cities in Germany, the greatest in Vandalia, and the best fortified in Europe. It doth ordinarily maintain a thousand Soldiers; and for a time of necessity it hath 15000. Burghers listed in fifty Companies. Trade is exceeding quick there, by reason of the river which joins it to the Sea, and a multitude of Portuguese Jews who have liberty of conscience there. This City hath been subject to several Lords, but at last it is become free, notwithstanding all that the Duke of Holstein could do, or the King of Denmark, who hath built Glugstadt, and a Fort in the river to annoy and incommodate the City of Hambourg.  P. 
The neighbourhood of the Swedes may entrench much upon their liberty.  G. 
The Crown of Sweden hath the possession of Stade, near the river of Elbe; and the King of Denmark hath Glugstadt on the other side of the same river: So that if those two Kings should conspire to ruin Hambourg, it would be in great danger; but it is sheltered under the jealousy that is between those two Crowns. Although this City be indeed so prodigiously rich, that if the Kings should agree together, it is probable the Senate would be able to guard themselves, and preserve their liberty, by the expense of their Treasure. And questionless if Hambourg make good use of its own strength, and the friendship of those that are concerned for its preservation, it hath no cause to fear: For the King of Denmark and the Duke of Holstein apprehending the Swedes, will be always glad to fortify themselves by the good affection and forces of Hambourg and Lubeck, which are as so many Bulwarks to their States.  P. 
Is Lubeck also in the entrance of the Cimbrique Chersonese?  G. 
These Cities are not far distant from one another: They have the same interest; and are powerful, Hambourg upon the Ocean, and Lubeck upon the Balthique Sea, in the entrance of the Cimbrique Chersonese, which contains the Dutchies of Holstein, Schleswick, Stormar, and Dithmarsh, with the Country of Jutland. The City of Lubeck was built by Adolph Count of Holstein in the time of the Emperor Conrade III. and a little after, it was taken by Henry Leo Duke of Bavaria and Saxony, who founded a Bishopric there, as I have read over the Gates of the Castle of Eutin, the place where the Bishop resides. After the death of that Henry, it returned to its first Master, and passed from him into the power of Canute King of Denmark; but the Danes being overcome in the time of the Emperor Frederick II. it became an Imperial City, and enjoys that privilege to this day. When it began, it was of no great consequence; but now it is large, fair, and potent by land, and by water too, the river Drove increasing its Trade, and giving it opportunity to put great store of shipping to Sea.  P. 
If the King of Denmark had the command of these two Cities, it would enable him to attempt upon his neighbours: For I have heard say, that Hambourg hath a vast Revenue, and that these two Cities can set out above 200. Ships.  G. 
No man hath every thing that he desires; and few Countries have all that they stand in need of; one wants Corn, another Wine, a third Salt, or something else. But now we speak of Salt, Hall in Swaben hath three Salt-pits where they make a great quantity. Haïlbrun is an Imperial City, and yet pays the Tenth of its Wine and Grain to the Duke of Wirtemberg. Kaufbegeren was so called, because it bought its liberty for 15000. Liures of the Emperor Conrade II. Landau, seated near the mountain Vogesus on the French side of the Rhine, was mortgaged by the Emperor Lewis of Bavaria, and afterwards redeemed and enfranchised by Maximilian I Lindau was heretofore a Convent, than a Village, and at last a City, subject at first to the Lady Abbess, afterwards to the Duke of Swaben, and finally to the Emperor, who hath given it the privilege of coining money. This City stands upon an Island in the Lake of Constance, and is joined to the firm-land by a bridge 290. paces long.  P. 
This place is exceeding strong, being so remote from land.  G. 
I believe it is; and indeed the Swedes hovered thereabout in vain, watching to have surprised it. Meminguen is very ancient, and at this time well known for the Almanacs of Schoret. Mulhausen is abundant in Gardinage and Mills; become famous also for the folly of Thomas Muncerus, who preached there, exciting the Country people to rebellion, which occasioned the ruin of many: For that Impostor, holding forth that all things ought to be common, had drawn an infinite number of people from their labour and husbandry.  P. 
I have observed in Sleidan, that many false Prophets arose about the time that Doctor Luther undertook the Reformation of the Church, and that this Muncerus was one of the most seditious.  G. 
His folly cost him his head, with the lives of Pfeifer his companion, and a great many poor wretches more. But let us continue to reckon up the Cities; amongst which you may take notice, that Nuremberg is one of the fairest, most privileged, richest, and best governed in Europe. The Patricians are the chiefest men there, and of 42. persons of whom the Senate is composed, there are but eight taken out of the Plebeians. The new chosen Emperor ought to hold his first Diet there. This City keeps many of the ornaments used at the Coronation of the Emperors, and there is to be seen the Royal Crown, about which there is a Mitre enriched with numberless Diamonds, Rubies, Emeralds and Pearls; and on the forepart thereof a Cross of Diamonds of very great value; the Dalmatique Gown of Charlemain embroidered with huge Pearls; the Imperial Cloak set all over with Eagles embroidered, the border whereof is full of great Emeralds, Diamonds, Saphires, and Chrysolites; the Buskins covered with plates of gold; the Gloves embroidered with precious stones; the Ball, golden Sceptre, and Sword which the Electors bear in Ceremony. But there is evermore some jealousy between the Marquess' of Brandenbourg and this City; the Burghers whereof have the power to imprison their children, and to cast them alive into the river.  P. 
That is a strange privilege indeed, and which ought to keep children in the respect they own their parents.  G. 
Nortlinguen is neither so big, nor so wealthy, but it is peopled with inhabitants perfectly martial, and its name is known every where, because of the Battle which the Swedes lost there September 6. 1634. Northausen hath often had Imperial Assemblies held in it, and Henry Landgrave of Thuringia kept a Tournament there. Ratisbon, which the Latins anciently called Augusta Tiberia, is famous for having as many Churches as there are days in a year, and five Estates of the Empire within her walls; but more, because Diets are often held there, and because while the Empire was assembled there, General Bannier went thither to make a Bravado in the year 1632.  P. 
It was an act of great confidence, but he got very little by it.  G. 
General's do some actions now and then that show more gallantry than judgement, and sometimes they meet with a bound and check to their victories before a weak place. In the year 1643. the French lost before Rotwil Marshal Guebriant, whose person was more worth to France then the taking of twenty such Towns. It is the seat of a Presidial Court; and served for a retreat to the Cimbri, after they had been beaten by the Romans. Reutlinguen is not great, but exceedingly privileged: It received Luther's Resormation from the time he began to preach; and as Eslinguen, it is under the protection of the Duke of Wirtemberg. Rottembourg upon the Tauber was put into the number of Imperial Cities after the Reign of Frederick I Selestadt is one of the Cities within the Bailywick of Haguenau. Schweinfort is a fair and strong City, and was in the hands of the Swedes when the Peace was made in the year 1648.  P. 
Methinks you forget Spire.  G. 
I do not forget it, but leave it out in this place, because we shall speak of it when we come to treat of the Justice of the Empire. Vberlinguen was honoured with the residence of the Dukes of Swaben, and is situate upon the Lake of Constance. Vlme belonged formerly to the Abbey of Reichenau, of which it bought its liberty: It is a strong and rich City. Vauguis is a small Town of Swaben, where there grown excellent red Wine. Veissembourg received great privileges from Dagobert King of France. Vecler is a little hole rather than a City, the inbitants whereof are good Soldiers, and the only Catholics in the Duchy of Wirtemberg. Veinshein was founded by Vindegast General to Pharamont King of France A.D. 425. Worms was destroyed by Attila, and re-edified by Clovis King of France. And Winfelan, signifying as much the Germane word Weibspria, because there the Huns committed unheard of cruelties upon that Sex, stands within the Duchy of Wirtemberg upon the Neckar; where April 17. 1622. fortune triumphed over valour, and Magnus' Duke of Wirtemberg died in the Battle; wherein also George Frederick Marquis of Dourlach taught us by his defeat, that forces and resolution are not sufficient to gain the victory, if God do not give a blessing to them.  P. 
Will you not tell me whether there be any difference between the Cities you now mentioned, and the Hanse-towns?  G. 
Bodin writes, that the Hanseatique Cities are Imperial; but the greatest part of them are not so. Those Cities are 64.80. or 83. which for the good of Trade entered into a Consederation in the time of the Emperor Frederick II. and settled one Staple at London in the year 1250. another at Bruges, which a little afterwards was transferred to Antwerp, A.D. 1262. The third was established at Novograd a rich City in Russia, then at Revel in Livonia, and lastly at Nerva; and the fourth at Berg in Norway. Heretofore the Confederates met once a year at Lubeck, to take their measures and resolve their affairs there; but now that Confederation is of little use to the advancement of Trade, since every City doth their own business apart.  
The end of the Eighth Dialogue.   

Dialogue IX.  
Of the Universities, the Justice, and the Diets of the Empire.  P. 
LEarning being one of the principal ornaments of man, and one of the pillars of the Commonwealth, I beseech you tell me whether it be esteemed in Germany as it was heretofore in Greece and Italy.  G. 
There were never so many learned men in the world as at this time; and there is never a Country in Europe where there are more, nor more famous Universities than we have in Germany. All Princes have founded some, and strive who should maintain them the best; because they know them to be the Universal remedies against an infinite number of evils which ignorance and idleness bring into the World. They are not so ancient in this Country as in England, France, and Italy; but they are more magnificent, better ordered, and fitted with Doctors, and furnished with Scholars. We read that Charles iv Emperor, and King of Bohemia, having founded the University of Prague, gave equal privileges to the Bohemians, Polanders, and Germans; and when he would retrench his favours towards strangers, there went out of the Town in a week's time 24000. Scholars, and a little after 16000 more: Whereby you may judge, that there were more Scholars in Prague, than other persons in some great City.  P. 
If I did not know that you flatter no body, but love truth above all things, I should hardly believe there were ever so many Scholars in Germany, as you say there went out of Prague.  G. 
The last War hath so drained our Empire of men and money, that I do not believe all Germany maintains so many Students at this time, as there were at Prague in the year 1409. when they reckoned 44000. Scholars under the Rectorship of John Hus. Neither would it be thought strange that a War of 30. years, during which time the Muses durst not appear any any where, should have exhausted the Empire both of Masters and Scholars: Yet the Chairs of 32. Universities resound every day with the most sacred notions of Divinity, the most equitable of Civil Law, the most salubrious of physic, the most sublime of Metaphysics, the most solid of Natural Philosophy, the most recreative of Mathematics, the most prudential of Politics, the most subtle of Logic, the most persuasive of Rhetoric, and the most pleasing of Poetry.  P. 
Is it possible there should be so many Universities in Germany?  G. 
There are no less: For Princes seeing that riches had infected the Cloisters with laziness, and that the Sciences which heretofore seemed to be wholly confined within them, were banished from them; being desirous to preserve that Treasure which doth marvellously contribute to the glory of God, the honour of the Prince, and the peace of the Provinces, they founded so many of them, that Justus Lipsius saith, there are more Universities in Germany then in all Christendom beside.  P. 
You believe that Learning is useful to keep the people in quiet; and many men think, that the Study of Divinity hath occasioned the growth of Heresies, as that of the Law hath produced multitudes of Controversies and Suits which were unknown in the time of our Ancestors, and that of Physic serves but to shorten our lives.  G. 
As an evil stomach turns the best food into putrefaction, so a corrupt soul changes virtue into vice and light into darkness Divinity is a sacred Science, which fights with and overcomes Heresies; the Civil Law is the rule of Right, which maintains Justice, and banishes quarrels from amongst men; and Physic teaches the virtues of Minerals and vegetables, whereby the sound may preserve the health they enjoy, and the sick recover that which they have lost. If then Divines breed Heresies, Lawyers processes, and Physicians diseases, it is not the fault of the Profession, but of the Professors, who abusing their knowledge do convert the goodness thereof into evil.  P. 
You will confess, there were fewer Heresies, Lawsuits, and diseases, when there were not so many Universities in Europe.  G. 
The world growing old, becomes so much worse and worse, that if the Ancients should live again, they would be astonished to see the corruption of our age. The Heresies and suits in Law which you see, are the fruits of humane malice; and diseases are the effects of Navigations and avarice, which have made men despise and hazard their lives to find out Sugar, Pepper, Cloves, Nutmegs, Cinnamon, and other Spices that were unknown to the ancients; who through that ignorance lived more piously, more healthfully, and longer than we do. Ascribe then (if you please) the Original of Heresies, Lawsuits, and diseases, to man's covetousness which hath discovered the Indies, and not to Universities, which oppose them, and had destroyed them too, if impiety, gluttony, and drunkenness did not entertain and keep them amongst us.  P. 
I suppose you count the Universities of the Low Countries among those of Germany, otherwise there would not be so many; and yet the Germans make scruple to acknowledge them for Doctors who have taken their degree at Leyden, Franeker, Groninguen, and Vtrecht.  G. 
The Low countries' being part of Germany, it is reasonable that I rank their Universities among those of the Empire; and I think they have good title to that honour, because that of Douai was founded by Philip II. King of Spain A. D. 1562. that of Leyden was instituted by the States of Holland and by William Prince of Orange, 1575. That of Franeker was established by the States of Friesland, 1581. That of Groninguen, 1614 and lastly that of Vtrecht, 1636. As for the first, there is no doubt but a King of Spain hath right to found Universities; and the others having been founded in a time when the Sovereignty of the States was still under dispute, some question might jnstly be made whether they had power to give those privileges which accompany the honour of Doctorship: But now that all Europe acknowledges them for Soverains, no man can make any more question of it And indeed the State's General have so great care to procure eminent Professors for their Universities, that Youth cannot but learn all kind of virtues there, and aught to repair thither, though they could not receive the Doctoral Cap in those places.  P. 
The Universities of Switzerland, of Marpurg, Altorf, and Strasbourg, are of no greater antiquity than those of the Low countries': But because those men that administer Justice are commonly taken out of the Universities, I think it not amiss that you tell me something of those in the Empire.  G. 
All the Universities in the Low countries' are not so new. That of Louvain began in the year 926. Afterwards John Duke of Brabant bestowed great privileges upon it; than it was confirmed by Pope Martin V and at this time in the judgement of john Becanus there are none in France, Spain, and Italy, that are so magnificent, and send forth so many excellent personages. As to your question, I shall tell you, that in the Empire every Prince, Count, and Lord hath within his own Lands High, Middle, and Low Justice, which in some Principalities passes a definitive sentence without Appeal, and in others unto a certain sum, above which they may appeal to the Imperial Chamber.  P. 
I know that every Lord administers Justice to his own subjects within his Territories; but I would learn of you, where addresses were made heretofore, and where they are made now, to obtain right against Illustrious persons, as well touching Ecclesiastical as Secular affairs.  G. 
In the time of Charlemain and some of his Successors, the Bishops and Officers of the Crown, jointly with the Emperor, decided all Ecclesiastical causes: The Prelates, Counts, and other persons of quality were convented at the first instance before the Imperial Court; the Secular Princes could not be judged but in the Diets where the Emperor presides. If there were any complaints to be made against the administrations of the Emperors, it was done in the same Assemblies; and when the matter deserved it, they might depose them, but only with the general consent of all those that had right to sit there. So it happened to Lewis the Debonair in the year 838. to Charles the Gross, 887. and some ages after, to Henry IU. Otho IU. and Frederick II.  P. 
I remember you have said somewhere else, that the Electors only have the right of choosing and deposing the Emperors.  G. 
Things here below do never continue in the same state; and the Electors being arrived to a very great power, assumed to themselves alone the authority of Electing and deposing the Emperors, though in the beginning it were not so. But all dignities run in the same strain: Popes heretofore acknowledged they held their greatness of the liberality of Pepin and Charlemain; yet a little after the death of the latter they lifted up their horns; Gregory IU. would have excommunicated Lewis the Debonair; Nicholas I. would have done as much to the Emperor Lotharius, and Adrian to Charles the Bald; and they had done it, if they had not found the Clergy and People resolved to oppose their unjust proceed. But in process of time Gregory VII. surpassed all his Predecessors in resolution, and finding a good game put into his hands by the ill will of the Emperor's Subjects towards their Sovereign, he excommunicated Henry IU. and afterwards by the same presumption Henry V. Frederick I. Philip, Frederick II. and Lewis V were excommunicated by the Popes.  P. 
We have seen elsewhere, that the Counts administered Justice to the People within the Provinces, and that appeals might be made from their sentence to the Count Palatine: So that I have nothing more to inquire after, but when & why the Parliament of the Empire became fixed and sedentary, how many Judges there be, & of what matters they take cognizance.  G. 
Law-shits growing numerous in proportion to the malice of men, the Court of the Empire was always full of Clients: For which cause Maximilian I. having compassion on them, and desiring to spare both their labour and money, settled a sedentary Parliament at Worms or at Francfort in the year 1495. which was soon after removed to Spire, and cannot be withdrawn from thence but by the consent of all the Estates, except in time of Plague or War. The Assessors were but 16. at the first, but the number of them hath been increased to 50, who are nominated by the Head and the principal Members of the Empire. The Emperor names the Judge and four of the principal Officers. The Judge ought to be a Prince or Count, and well skilled in the Civil and Municipal Laws. Every Elector names one Assessor, and all therest are preferred to that employment by the Circles. All these personages ought to be Gentlemen or Doctors; and as they that name them are Catholics or protestants, so are the Assessors of different Religions, and judge of all cases that are in the power of the Emperor.  P. 
Doth all the Empire make application to this Parliament for justice?  G. 
All appeals go thither; but at the first instance none go but privileged persons, and they too as seldom as they can, the greatest part taking Arbitrators to determine their differences, for as much as justice is so very slowly administered there, as well because there is no other place of Judicature in all the Empire but this Parliament and that of the Imperial Court, as also because there is such an infinite number of old suits to dispatch.  P. 
I find in History, that many Controversies of great importance, wherein Princes were the parties, have been judged by the Emperors, without taking the advice of that Parliament, nay, without summoning the parties to the Diets.  G. 
The first of a Family that gets upon the Throne, cannot have so little authority, but he esteems it great; and when Princes of the same House bear the Sceptre for a long time together, the greatest authority seems but little to them. From hence it comes to pass that the present Emperors do no more take or expect the consent of the Estates when they have a mind to act or determine against the Princes. Charles' V did alone proscribe and by his own authority condemn john Frederick Elector of Saxony, and Philip Landgrave of Hesse. The same Emperor did alone decide the controversy between the same Landgrave and the Count of Nassau. Rodolph II. took upon himself alone the cognizance of the difference that happened betwixt the Pretenders to the Dutchies of Juliers, Cleve, and Berg. Mathias rejected the claim and request of the Landgrave M●rice, who at the Diet of Ratisbon in the year 1613. prayed his Majesty to allow him Princes for his Judges in the cause between him and the Landgrave Lewis his Cousin. And Ferdinand II. did alone decide the business between George Frederick Marquis of Baden, and the heirs of Edward Fortunatus. So that matters of great weight are no more decided either at Spire, or in the Imperial Diets; but of right they ought to be decided there.  P. 
Let us see, if you please, to what Justice Churchmen are subject.  G. 
Their Principalities are subject to the Justice of the Emperors, and their persons and Dignities did heretofore acknowledge none but the Pope, but now it is otherwise: For although since the time of Frederick II. till the last age no Emperor durst undertake to depose a Bishop, and many Popes have attempted it, and brought it to pass with ease; yet Charles V and his Successors seem to have resumed their power. When that incomparable Prince had proscribed John Bishop of Hildesheim, the Pope Paul III. expressed his displeasure by protesting against it; but it was answered, that it belonged neither to him nor the See of Rome, to judge of the validity or invalidity of the Imperial Edict or Proclamation called the Ban, and that the Emperor did not care a straw for the sentence which the Pope had given for the re-establishment of the foresaid Bishop. The same Emperor deposed Herman Count of Wieda Archbishop of Collen in the year 1545. without having the Pope's consent for so doing. And Ferdinand II. caused Cardinal Clesel and the Elector of Trier to be arrested, without any fear of incurring the Excommunication wherewith the Bull De Coena Domini threatens those that dare attempt such things.  P. 
I am very glad that the Emperors recover their authority; but what Justice do the Monks and inferior Priests obey?  G. 
The goods of Priests ought to contribute something to the necessities of the Empire. The persons of Monks are immediately subject to their Priors or Guardians, they to the Provincials, the Provincials to the General of the Order, and he to the Pope. The Secular Priests are all under the Jurisdiction of the Bishops, except the Protestants, whose persons are subject to the Consistory of their Princes, and their goods to the same Justice as the Seculars.  P. 
Though you have often made mention of the Assemblies of the Empire, I could not meet with an opportunity till now to desire a summary account and information thereof; which I pray you therefore to give me now.  G. 
All well-governed States have their Assemblies, wherein they resolve matters of importance. The old Romans called theirs Comitia; and because suffrages were given there by Tribes or Wards, Curiae or Parishes, and Centuries, they added to the general word Tributa, Curiata, Centuriata, according as voices were given there. In Germany they have general and particular Assemblies: The latter are of four kinds; some whereof are the Assemblies of the Electors, others are those of Deputation, the third are those of the Visitations of the Chamber, and the last are the particular Assemblies of the Circles.  P. 
Enlarge your discourse more upon the particular Assemblies, before we pass to the general.  G. 
When the Electors meet together to choose a King of the Romans, their Assembly is called The day of Election, and then the King of Bohemia is not present there: And when they meet upon other affairs, that King is not called then neither, though it be so ordained by the Golden Bull; because the Electors seeing that the Emperor for the most part had the Crown of Bohemia in his possession, they thought it fit to exclude him from those meetings, and have done so by the Capitulations drawn up and made with the late Emperors. These Assemblies are called Churfursen Tag, that is, Days of the Electors. The Assemblies of Deputation are held at Francfort, to dispatch that which could not be resolved in the Diets. The third kind of Assembly is for nothing but to visit the Chamber of Spire, that all things may be kept there in good order. The Assemblies of the Circles are made after three manner of ways: 1. When the Directors of all the Circles make a general Congregation, 2. When several Circles appoint a day and place for a meeting, and 3. when the Members of one Circle come together to resolve matters of concernment to the whole Body; for example, the value or other considerations of their coin, the Contributions which the Circle is obliged to pay, the Assessors which it is to present to the Chamber of Spire, the means to preserve peace, and enforce them that refuse to obey their Ordinances.  P. 
Do me the favour to inform me of the Diets, as you have done of the other Assemblies; and instruct me, who, how, when, and where they are convocated, what persons are called thither, after what manner they sit there, how they give their voices, and lastly how they come to resolutions in business.  G. 
The Emperor only can appoint Diets, and that by consent of the Electors, without which the conclusions there taken are null and void, forasmuch as that consent is the essential form that gives life and vigour to all that is concluded there. And the Emperors have obliged themselves to ask it, by the observation which they promise to the Capitulations offered to every emperor since Maximilian I. The causes for which the emperor may convocate these Assemblies are, the necessity, the good, and the safety of the Empire. Now the Emperor, when he hath obtained the consent of the Electors, doth not assemble the Diet by a general Ordinance, but by Letters which his Majesty directs in particular to every one of them that are obliged to be present there. In these Letters, wherein is specified the place, and the occasion of calling the Assembly together, his Majesty doth not use the way of Command, but of exhortation and entreaty, although his Predecessors have made use of these terms, Gebiscen, heissen, befeslen, which signify to command and enjoin. The time of continuance is not prefixed but by the necessity of affairs; and it is always lawful and just to call them when need requires.  P. 
Seeing the consent of the Electors is necessary to the convocation of general Assemblies, the Emperor cannot appoint them alone: But in what place ought they to meet?  G. 
As to the place where the Diets ought to be held, it is to be noted, that according to Goldast, Constantine II. ordained that they should be held every year and perpetually at Arles; Charlemain having translated the Empire into France or Germany, would have them at Mentz; and Frederick II. preferred Francfort upon the Meyn before that place. The Golden Bull decrees, that the first Diet after the Election of the Emperor shall be held at Nuremberg; that none shall ever be called without the bounds of Germany, and that it be always in a convenient place. The Capitulation of Charles V explains and limits that conveniency, saying it ought not to be either higher than Augsbourg, or lower than Collen. And that being observed, all other circumstances are left to the Emperor, who usually pitches upon an Imperial City, where he may be commodiously received and entertained.  P. 
That Article was inserted into the Capitulation with Charles V because he had many Principalities out of the Empire, and they were afraid he might have a mind to convocate the Diets in some place out of Germany. It seems just however that a place be chosen where those that are called thither may not be very ill accommodated. But who are the persons that are called to the Assemblies?  G. 
All the Estates of the Empire whom we have formerly mentioned are by the Emperor called to the Diets. It is only to be observed, that he calls the Ecclesiastical Princes thither after they are once elected, though before they have their Bulls from the Pope; that in place of Princes under age, he calls their Guardians who administer their Estates; and that Princes actually Governing are called thither, though they have not yet received Investiture for what they hold in Fee of the Empire. You shall further observe, that in places where the right of Primogeniture prevails, as in Austria, Bavaria, Lorraine, Brunswick, Holstein, Hesse, Wirtemberg, Baden, and Montbeliard, the Emperor calls none but those that are in possession of the Government; and in places where the Principalities are divided into equal shares, he calls all that have privilege to sit in Diets, as for example, the Dukes of Weimar, Altembourg, and Gotta, who have all voices for their particular Principalities; But if all the divided Estates of Princes have but one voice, as the Principality of Anhalt, all the Lords together appoint one Deputy. The Emperor doth also call thither some persons that have not right of Session; as Count Papenheim, who is always present there to execute the Office of Vice-Marshal: And Charles V caused Doctor Luther to be at the Diet of Worms in the year 1521. And Rodolph II. called the Assessors of Spire to that of Ratisbon, to give an account of their Judgements and Decrees in the year 1608.  P. 
What is the Office of Marshal Papenheim at the Diets?  G. 
The Office of Vice-Marshal is, 1. To choose Lodgings, mark them, and set them out for the Princes the most commodiously that possibly may be; 2. To take care that all things necessary for the Assembly be brought thither, and distributed at a just price, weight, and measure; 3. To survey the Hall or room where the Assembly is to be held, and to see it be adorned and fitted suitable to the Dignity of the persons that are to assist there; 4. To have a special eye and regard to the public safety; 5. To signify unto the Princes and other Estates the day and hour when they are to be present at the propounding of affairs, and at debates and consultations, where he also gathers the voices; and lastly, he hath Jurisdiction over strangers that come to that place to sell and retail any commodity; and the women of pleasure that come thither, are obliged to present themselves before him to have their names registered.  P. 
As far as I perceive, Count Papenheims Office bears a great resemblance with that of Grand Provost of the Household to the King of France: But are all the Estates of the Empire obliged to appear in these Assemblies?  G. 
The Jurisdiction of the Grand Provost of the King of France his Household extends five Leagues compass about the place where the King resides; he puts a price upon all that is sold for the use and entertainment of the Court; and in that, as in many other things, he equals or exceeds the authority of Papenheim: But that wherein he surpasses him indeed is, that it brings him in 20000. Crowns yearly. As to your question, you must know that all the Princes of the House of Austria, and the Duke of Lorraine, are called to the Diets, yet go not but when they please.  P. 
Are all the other Estates to assist there in person?  G. 
All other Lords and Estates, as well Ecclesiastical as Secular, having right of Session, aught to go thither in person, unless they be excused by age, sickness, or other such impediments; in which case they are permitted to send their Ambassadors. Now when I say All, I do not in that generality comprehend the Abbesses, who cannot appear with decency to their Sex; nor the Cities, which cannot be transported: It is sufficient then for the Abbesses and the Cities to send their Deputies to the Diets. The Estates that go thither in person present themselves to the Emperor when he is present, and to his Commissioners when he is absent; and they acquaint the Chancellor of Mentz and the Vice-Marshal with their arrival, that they may receive advertisement of the day and hour when the Council is to be held. The Ambassadors and the Deputies do not present themselves to the Emperor, but to the Elector of Mentz, into whose hands they put the Commission or Power by which they are authorized to come.  P. 
I am sufficiently informed touching the persons that ought to appear at the Diets: Oblige me now to tell me the Order that is observed there.  G. 
The Emperor usually goes thither first, to the end it may be taken notice of that all other Princes repair to him: On the day appointed for opening the Diet, the Electors, Princes, and Ambassadors come to the Emperor's Lodging; and when the Emperor comes forth to go to the place where the Assembly is to be held, all the Ambassadors of absent persons march before in good order two and two, or three and three; after the Princes the Elector of Trier walks alone, and directly after him the Elector of Saxony carrying the Sword naked, with the Electors of Bavaria and Brandenbourg at each side, the first bearing the Imperial Ball, and the other the Golden Sceptre. Those Electors are immediately followed by the Emperor, who hath on his right hand the Elector of Mentz, and on his left him of Collen. After the Emperor the King of Bohemia goes alone, and after him the Empress when she is in place; and her Majesty is followed by all the Ecclesiastical Princes, who observe the same Order that the Seculars did.  P. 
I believe it is a very fine sight: But when they are come to the room which Count Papenheim hath caused to be furnished as richly as can be, how do they sit?  G. 
Being entered thereinto, the Emperor seats himself on a Throne raised upon a scaffold covered with rich Tapestry: The Electors sit a degree lower in this order; the Archbishop of Mentz, followed by him of Collen, and he by the Duke of Bavaria, take place on the right hand; the King of Bohemia, when he is present (which happens very seldom) the Duke of Saxony, the Marquis of Brandenbourg, and the Count Palatine, sit on the left; and the Elector of Trier directly over against the Emperor. Some say, that when there is a King of the Romans, the Elector of Trier sits where I said the King of Bohemia was to take his place, and the King of the Romans in that place which the Golden Bull assigned to the Elector of Trier. Others would have the Elector of Mentz, King of Bohemia, and Count Palatine to sit on the right hand; those of Collen, Saxony, and Brandenbourg on the left; and he of Trier right opposite to the Emperor. The other Princes, Prelates, Counts, and Barons, are a degree lower than the Electors; the Ecclesiastiques taking the right hand, and the Seculars the left.  P. 
There is nothing to be seen so illustrious as those Assemblies; and I fancy that he who hath the honour to speak at the first opening of them, says very handsome things.  G. 
When every one hath taken his place one of the Emperor's Counsellors, or a Prince, on whom that charge is imposed, rises up, salutes the Company, and in an excellent discourse gives thanks to all the Assembly, for that in compliance with the Emperor's order all those Princes and Lords have freely and cheerfully resorted to that place. After which, his Majesty continuing the Speech, desires the Assembly in few words that they would contribute with all their might, so as their Country may receive the fruit expected from them. That being done, a Secretary reads the Proposition; which usually contains no more than the points which the Emperor touched in his summons of calling the Estates together. After that is read, the Electors, Princes, and Ambassadors rise up, and having conferred together a very little while, one of the company answers the Emperor in the name of all the rest, that by the proposition even now made unto them they understand the importance of the affairs which obliged his Majesty to call the Assembly together; that they know he hath always had, and still hath a very particular care of the public good; for which they most humbly thank him, assuring him they will do all that lies in their power for the advantage of the State; and to the end they may more maturely deliberate, they beseech his Majesty to cause a Copy of the Proposition to be delivered to them, and to take their persons and fortunes under the shadow of his protection. The Emperor having heard that discourse, gives command that the Proposition be communicated to them all, exhorts them to give their advice upon every point, and promises them his favour and affection. Which being done, his Majesty goes back again to his Lodging in the same Order as he came.  P. 
They say that in those Diets there is more time spent in regulating of places, then in deliberating upon business; that seldom any thing is resolved there, and that one Diet always begets another.  G. 
In Germany as well as in other places one equal submits not to another but against his will; and the Emperor doth not willingly decide those controversies, where the sentence cannot but the displeasing to one of the parties. Now because the taking of places is not regulated in every respect, nor perchance will ever be, there ariseth always some stop to affairs; which would not happen, if every one were of Vlrick Duke of Wirtemberg his humour, who upon a certain occasion, where much time was lost in those vanities, said that they should put him behind the door, so they concluded that for which they came together. As to the other branch of your objection, they do rarely resolve any business, because it is hard to reduce many heads and different interests unto one and the same opinion.  P. 
It were well that every one should know his place, or be less concerned for it; but since that cannot be, we must let those abuses take their course. Tell me now how they sit when they give their suffrages.  G. 
The Estates of the Empire having had some time to consult among themselves, the Elector of Mentz sends a note to him of Saxony, and he to the Vice-Marshal of the Empire, requiring him to give advertisement unto all whom it may concern to repair the next day unto the place appointed at such an hour in the forenoon: Which order the Vice-Marshal obeys. The Estates having received such notice, meet together every one in their own Class, whereof there are three: The first is that of the Electors; the second, that of the Princes as well Ecclesiastical as Secular, of the Abbots, Counts, and Barons; the third, of the Imperial or Immediate Cities. The Electors being met together, he of Mentz sits at the upper end, those of Trier and Collen on his right and left hand by turns; they of Bavaria and Brandenbourg always on the right, and the Saxon and Palatine always on the left hand.  P. 
As far as I perceive, the Electors know their places; do not other Princes and Lords know theirs as well?  G. 
The Golden Bull assigns a certain place to each Elector; but it is not so with the other Lords, no nor with the Imperial Cities, which have always some protestation to make against the wrong they pretend to be done them. The second Class is distinguished into two Benches: Upon the first sit the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, and Abbesses, the Grand Master of the Teutonique Order, the Archdukes, and the Duke of Burgundy; upon the second are placed all the Secular Princes, Counts, and Barons, that have right to sit in those Assemblies. As to those of the first Bench; the Duke of Burgundy seldom sends thither; the House of Austria take then turns of precedence with the Archbishop of Saltzbourg, who is now the only man left of that quality that sits in the Diets; and the Grand Master of the Teutonick Order precedes all the Bishops: And further than this, I do not know what Order the Bishops and the Abbots observe in their Session. As to the Secular Princes, the younger sons of the Electoral Houses precede the other Princes, whose manner of sitting hath been sufficiently declared already. The third Class is that of the Cities, which are also distinguished into two Branches; the Deputy of Collen holds the first rank amongst the Cities of the Rhine, and he of Rutisbon amongst those of Swaben.  P. 
I can give a near guess of the order observed by the Princes in taking their places; and would now understand how they give their voices.  G. 
In the first Class the Elector of Mentz takes the voices, proceeding after this manner: He first asks the Elector of Trier his opinion, and then him of Collen, in the third place of the Duke of Bavaria, then of Saxony, after of Brandenbourg, and lastly, of the Count Palatine. After all which, the Elector of Saxony asks him of Mentz his suffrage; which is of great importance, because being the last, he can sway the Balance to which side he thinks good.  P. 
The Electors have every one a voice in the deliberations: Have other Princes and Lords the like?  G. 
In the second Class, the Archbishops, Bishops, Abbots, and Abbesses that bear the quality of Princes, the Grand Master of the Teutonick Order, and the Secular Princes, have for every person one or more voices; the other Prelates have two voices amongst them all, and the Counts with the Barons as many. I say there are some Princes that have more than one voice, because it happens that one Prince hath more than one Principality, and then he hath as many voices as Immediate Lordships to which that right is annexed. For example, the King of Sweden hath a voice for Bremen, for Verden, and for Pomerania respectively; as also the Elector of Brandenbourg for the same Pomerania, and for the Principalities of Halberstad and Minden. If there were but one Duke of Brunswick, he would have four voices; and one Duke of Saxony would have above five or six.  P. 
I think I am skilful enough in this point: Let us proceed to the suffrage of the Cities.  G. 
We have seen before, that the third Class is distinguished into two Benches: The first contains all the Free Cities of the Rhine, Alsatia, Landfortey, Haguenau, Wetteravis, Baxony, and Thuringia; the other contains all the other Free Cities of Germany. The City wherein the general Assembly is held, hath the Directory, that is, the Deputy of that City is seated near a Table with some Senators, and a Register or Clerk of each Bench, and gathers the voices, ask the opinion first of the Deputy of Collen, then of him of Ratisbon; afterwards he returns to the Bench of the Rhine, and so to that of Swaben, continuing in that manner till he hath done. By which it is easily seen, that there is not the meanest City, but hath a voice amongst the Cities, if it have right to sit amongst them; but they have but two voices for them all together in the Body of the Empire represented compendiously in the Diets.  P. 
What affairs are treated on in those Assemblies?  G. 
The matters handled in the Diets are all very important, regarding Religion or the Civil Government; as may be seen in the Recess of the Empire, which contains the resolutions taken in the general Assemblies, and the Ordinances therein made. Here you are to take notice, that in the Assemblies plurality of voices is usually followed in all sorts of business; but because the Catholics taken in gross are in greater number and have more voices than the Protestants, it hath been thought necessary for the peace of the Empire, to take an equal number of persons, when they would decide any thing in matter of Religion, and where scruple of Conscience might strain too hard upon Justice. Which is very useful in a Country where two Religions are permitted, and specially where the parties are almost equal.  P. 
Having discoursed of the time, the place, and the order of Diets, as also of the persons that call them, and of those that aught to meet there, and of the matters there treated on; I pray, tell me how the Conclusions are made.  G. 
The Conclusion of the Diets is taken as followeth: The Electors having pitched upon a Conclusion amongst them, send it to the College of the Princes, who approve or reject it, and that either in whole or in part, and send back their opinion to the said Electors. Upon this opinion of the Princes the Electors deliberate again, and return their deliberation to the Princes, desiring them to weigh their reasons: if they rest satisfied therewith, the business is done; but if they persist in a contrary opinion, an Appeal is made to the Deputies of the Cities, who sometimes adhere to the opinion of the Electors, and sometimes to that of the Princes; and when they also descent from both the other Classes (as oftentimes they do) they propose new Conclusions, to which the Electors and the Princes make answer, endeavouring to draw them unto their opinion. These contrarieties are very often longer than were needful, and then the Emperor exhorts them all to agree, and in all things to prefer the public before their own private Interest. Such exhortation doth oftentimes prevail so far, that every one abates a little of his opinion, and comes to an agreement in the whole or in part; and when they conceive that things are brought to as good terms as they can expect, they send them to his Majesty for his approbation. From this difficulty of bringing persons to be of one mind, whose interests and desires are so different, proceeds that ordinary saying, That one Diet is the mother of another, and from thence also come those Assemblies of Deputation which we have briefly touched before.  P. 
You forgot at that time to tell me who they are that use to sit in the Assemblies of Deputation.  G. 
There were anciently called thither all the Electors (except the King of Bohemia) the Archduke of Austria, the Bishops of Wirsbourg and Munster, the Duke of Bavaria, the Abbots of Weingardt and Ochsenhausen, the Count of Furstemberg, and the Cities of Collen and Nuremberg: At this present, besides those above named, there are also called the Directors of the Circles of Swaben and Burgundy, the Dukes of Brunswick and Pomerania, and the Landgrave of Hesse. In these Assemblies the Emperor's Deputy makes the Proposition to the rest, who have every man one voice; but when they are voting upon a Conclusion, all the Electors together have but one voice, and all the other Deputies another.  P. 
I am well satisfied in this point, but your preceding discourse having informed me, that opinions in the Diets are oftentimes stiffly and obstinately held on both sides, hath left me in a doubt which obligeth me to ask you, whether in case the Estates cannot agree, the Emperor should have the power to resolve matters, and decide the controverted difficulties according to his own will.  G. 
You throw me into a field where Writers fence to the right and to the left, all of them bringing probable reasons on their side. Excuse me (if you please) from examining them; for I am of opinion for my own part, that Conclusions ought to proceed by the consent of the Emperor and the Estates together, and that neither the Emperor nor the Estates can conclude any thing alone: Nevertheless in your case, submission should be given to the Emperor's judgement; because the obstinacy of the Estates might occasion dangerous factions, faction Civil Wars, and Civil War the universal ruin of the Empire. And moreover, it is to be thought that the Emperor being as a common Father to the Princes and the Estates, hath as great a care of their good as of his own.  P. 
I do confess, that in that case obedience should be yielded to the Emperor's judgement, and that sober and rational men should always choose rather to quit a little of their privileges and immunities, then to kindle a flame in their native Country. Let us see what is done when the Conclusions are taken.  G. 
When the Assembly is come to an agreement, and the Head hath prevailed upon the Members, or the Members brought the Head to consent unto their opinion, the resolutions are set down in writing, and signed before they be published. Heretofore the Emperor alone signed them, or in his absence the King of the Romans; afterwards there was added thereunto the Sign and Seal of two Electors, two Princes, one Abbot, one Count, and the Deputy of the City where the Assembly was held. At this time the signing is as followeth: The Recess, that is to say, the Act being written in parchment, the Emperor's Seal is applied below upon two small silken cords joined together, which are then parted in two again to the right side and to the left; upon the rightside cord there is impressed the Elector of Mentz his Seal, if he be present, or in his absence one of the Ecclesiastical Electors; below that, the Seal of the first Ecclesiastical Prince there present, and of one of the Prelates in the third place: On the left side of the Imperial Seal the first Secular Elector there present puts his, just over against that of the Elector of Mentz; then the Duke of Bavaria, or in his absence the most eminent Secular Prince then present; and in the third place a Count of Wetteravia or of Swaben by turns: Lastly, the two cords are closed again, and fastened with the Seal of the City where the Assembly is kept. When that is done, the Elector of Mentz reads it openly, and then all the Princes and Lords wait upon the Emperor to his Lodging.  P. 
Are all these formalities absolutely necessary?  G. 
They are all so necessary, that without them the Recess or Act would not have the power of a Law, nor oblige any one to the observation of it. But I should have told you, that two Originals are drawn, Signed and Sealed in the same manner; one of which is laid up in the Chancery of the Empire, whereof the Elector of Mentz hath the custody, and the other in the Chancery of the Emperor: There is also a Copy sent to the Chamber of Spirit. Here you must take notice, that these Acts are framed and written in the Germane Tongue, to the end that all the Subjects of the Empire may understand them; neither can they be in any other Language, by an Edict which the Emperor Rodolph made to that purpose in the year, 1274.  
The end of the Ninth Dialogue.   

Dialogue X.  
In what condition the Empire was when the peace was concluded at Munster, 1648. And of the Golden Bull.  P. 
WHen the unwelcome news of the Emperor Ferdinand III. his deplorable death had sounded in the ears of all Germany, it struck a sensible sorrow upon the hearts of all those that love peace, which he had procured for us, and fear the disorders which usually happen in the time of an Interregnum. I am one of that number; and that fear carrying my thoughts back to the sad and calamitous times of his Reign, I desire you to tell me something of it.  G. 
Ferdinand III. Son to Ferdinand II. Nephew to Charles Archduke of Gratz, and great Nephew to the Emperor Ferdinand I. being born the 13. of July 1608. was placed upon the Throne of Hungary in the year 1625. and two years after, upon that of Bohemia. Then having given proof of his valour, prudence, and piety, he was chosen King of the Romans at Ratisbon in the year 1636. and on the 9 of July 1637. when his Father died, he took the Reins of the Empire into his hand, and was effectually Emperor, though his Enemies refused to give him the title, till the beginning of the Treaty of Peace which was concluded at Munster the 24. of October 1648. That Prince having enjoyed but little health, and less quietness upon earth, entered into the fruition of Eternal rest in Heaven the second of April in the year 1657. which was the 20. of his Reign, and the 49. of his Age.  P. 
The decease of that pious Prince was the innocent cause of the dispute which is at this day between the Electors of Bavaria and Palatine, the first pretending that the Vicarship of the Empire is inseparably annexed to his Electorship, and the other, to the possession of the Lower Palatinate: And I remember I have heard you say, that Frederick V Father of this Palatine accepted the Crown of Bohemia, which Charles Emanuel Duke of Savoy, Bethlelem Gabor Prince of Transylvania, John George Elector of Saxony, and Maximilian Duke of Bavaria, had justly refused, when the Bohemians desirous of novelty rejected their King; out of which temerarious engagement grew that War which hath afflicted Our Country for a long time. Now being I hold it more necessary to know the condition wherein Germany was at the beginning and end of our troubles, then to learn in what state Rome was at the time when Julius Cesar broke and dissolved the Triumvirate; I pray tell me what you know of it.  G. 
It is good to know ancient Histories, but much better not to be ignorant in the modern. I therefore commend your curiosity, and for the satisfaction thereof shall tell you, it is worth your observation, that the peace of many years had filled Germany with riches, debauchery, and evil humours, which could not let Great men be quiet in the enjoyment of their superabundant happiness. I do not know whether it be, that our nature is always longing for new things, or that God usually punishes our excesses, even in this life: But so it was, that the Head and principal Members of the Empire entered into a misunderstanding and distrust of one another; while the first endeavouring to enlarge his authority, found himself in danger to lose it; and the latter desiring to preserve their privileges, filled their states with misery, desolation and infinite mortalities.  P. 
Some think that the House of Austria being arrived to a formidable greatness, projected designs proportioned to its strength, and would have made itself absolute as well in Germany, as in its Estates of Spain and Italy; the apprehension whereof possessing our Nation, made it resolve upon the dangeroufest way of preserving itself, which is, to call in Strangers.  G. 
As in eating, one bit whets the stomach for another, so it is in rule and Government, where every addition creates a desire of enlargement. Yet I do not believe the House of Austria, which is naturally pious and just, had ever a design to enrich itself out of the spoils of another; but the affection it bears to the Religion of Rome doth easily persuade me, that it would willingly have leapt over any other consideration, to see the Protestants under the yoke of the Pope.  P. 
Do you think, that the zeal of Religion which is remarked in those Princes, was the cause of our Civil Wars?  G. 
It is not impossible but that zeal might have carried the pious disposition of Ferdinand II. upon some enterprise which might clash with that liberty of Religion which was tolerated by the Edicts of his Predecessors; and if you add thereunto, with what ease he dissipated the dreadful Forces which Frederick V. Elector Palatine, Bethlehem Gabor, and his other Confederates had drawn together, you will make no further doubt, but that his good success inflamed and heightened that zeal of his; and that the same great Prince, believing his victories to be visible evidences that God called him to humble and bring down every thing that did not acknowledge the See of Rome, would have endeavoured to force consciences, and make Rome to be reverenced in every place where his Sceptre was obeyed.  P. 
Malvezzi pretending to show that the House of Austria took up Arms only in its own defence, says that the greatest part of the world conspired its ruin in the year 1625.  G. 
That Marquis desiring to raise beyond all comparison the merit of Don Gaspar de Gusman, Count of Olivares, and Duke of Saint Lucar, favourite to Philip iv King of Spain, says that by virtue of a League made at Avignon, Europe and Africa laid their heads and joined their hands together against the House of Austria; and that the felicity and prudence of that Favourite was such, that the King his Master remained victorious every where: For, says he, when it was resolved that the Hollanders should set upon Brasile, the Armies of France and Savoy should assault Genoa, the King of England should send a Fleet to Cadiz, the King of Denmark, with the Protestants of Germany should trouble the Empire, Venice should assist the Duke of Savoy with money, and the Grisons with money and ammunition, to enable them to enter into the Valteline; that means should be used to make peace between the Turk and the Persian, to the end the first should invade Germany through Hungary, and Bethlehem Gabor through Transylvania; that the Hollanders should furnish Canon and Cannoneers to the Moors of Africa to besiege Mamora and Larache: Yet that whirlwind was scattered by the breath of God, by the prudence of the Catholic King, and by the counsel of the Conde Duke; for that Lord sent a Fleet to Brasile, which recovered the Bay of Todos los Santos that the Hollanders had taken; Genoa and the Valteline were relieved by two Armies, which rescued the first when it was brought to the last gasp; and preserved the Catholic Religion in the second; the English were forced to let Cadiz be quiet, after they had lost 5000. men there; the Hollanders lost Breda, the Africans were repelled from Mamora and Larache with notable loss; and after the King of Denmark was beaten at the Battle of Lutter, and many other encounters, he was finally shut up into a corner within his Isles.  P. 
It is true, that Christian IV. King of Denmark did his business but ill in Germany; and that after the defeat of Frederick V Elector Palatine, of Charles Count of Mansfeld, of Christian of Brunswick Bishop of Halberstadt, of George Frederick Marquis of Dourlach, and of that King, the Emperor was at a high point of prosperity and power.  G. 
After all those victories the greatest part of the World thought Ferdinand II. unconquerable, as well as he had been unconquered before. Now all Europe looking with an evil eye upon the too flourishing condition of the House of Austria; and the Emperor endeavouring to re-plant the Monks in their Cloisters from which they had been long excluded, and it may be to force all the Members of the Empire to go to Mass; Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden, animated with the desire, or at least with the pretence of maintaining the Protestant Religion; and Lewis XIII. King of France, fearing that the oppression of Germany might bring both the Empire and Europe into slavery; they confederated with the Stairs of Holland and some Germane Princes. So the Emperor had his hands full, on one side with the valiantest Prince that ever wore sword for many years past, and on the other the wisest Cardinal that ever was honoured with the Purple: And then Ferdinand knew that be had not fastened and secured the instability of Fortune's wheel.  P. 
Hercules had not been strong enough to resist so many powerful enemies; than it is no marvel, if both the counsel and courage of the Emperor were shaken.  G. 
The Emperor was not alone to bear that shock: For having honoured Maximilian Duke of Bavaria with the Dignity of Frederick V Elector Palatine, he found him ready to follow his fortune, and serve him with all the strength of his mind, body and estates: Ferdinand Elector of Collen, brother to Maximilian, did the same; and the Duke of Lorraine forgetting his own Interest, embraced that of the House of Austria; the Prelates and some other Princes of the Empire did the like, and entered into a Confederacy for that purpose.  P. 
Those were strong parties indeed; especially being amongst Nations that do not easily take Arms, and when they are once taken, do more hardly lay them down.  G. 
When the Forces of two Enemies are equal, if piety employ them to preserve liberty of Conscience, or vainglory to get more Crowns, they produce sad and dismal effects, and bring destruction upon many Provinces. And so it happened here, where love to Religion having united the Protestants of Germany to the King of Sweden, the current of his prosperities was so great and so sudden, that if death had not put a stop to his victories, without doubt his best friends would have had cause to entertain both jealousy and fear of him. But when that Mars had shot like thunder from the four corners, and through the midst of the Empire, so that neither powerful Armies, deep Rivers, thick Forests, nor impregnable Forts could stop the Torrent of his good success; he was slain at last the sixth of November 1632. That death did somewhat slacken those unparallelled prosperities; but a little after, the Generals that succeeded him, being assisted with the counsel and good instructions of Cardinal Richelieu, and with the Treasure of France, laid the foundations of a longer and bloodier War: Which obliged the Elector of Saxony and some other Princes to change Interest, and endeavour to keep up the greatness of the House of Austria. So the Emperor being supported by the Catholic King, some Electors and other Potentates of Germany and Italy, and the Swedes assisted by the Forces of France, Holland, and some Protestant Princes; the match became so equal, that the War held on, sometimes with gain, sometimes with loss, from the year 1630. till 1648.  P. 
It is said that the last War of Germany continued 30. years without intermission.  G. 
It is true, that the Bohemians being persuaded that the Emperor Mathias derogated from their privileges and the liberty of their Religion, when he gave judgement for the Catholics in the case concerning some Churches which the Protestants had built at Brunaw and Clostergrab, conceived strange designs of revenge, and trusting to their own Forces, and those of their Confederates, they threw the principal Officers of the Realm headlong down from a Tower, created a new King, and took the field so suddenly, that Ferdinand II. their lawful King, and new Emperor, had cause to say, that Crowns have as much sharpness from their thorns, as lustre from their precious stones. But all that the Elector Palatine, the Counts de la Tour and Mansfeld, the Marquis of Dourlach, and the King of Denmark attempted, did but serve to augment and improve the Forces, glory, and confidence of the Emperor. I count here only from the King of sweden entering into Germany till the Peace, in which time there were fought within the Empire seven pitched Battles, fourteen exceeding bloody Fights, and divers others of less note, which have reduced our Country unto so miserable a condition, that one can hardly find a whole unruined house in the Campania, nor one Province throughout all the Empire that hath half so much people in it, as it had before the last troubles.  P. 
Famine and Plague, those usual attendants of War, came also into play, and rifled a world of people. But since the relation of past evils is pleasant to those that have gone through them, it will not be troublesome to you to tell me, at what time, in what place, and by whom those Battles and Combats were fought, and who had the better or the worse in them.  G. 
The first Battle was given at Leipsick in Misnia, between Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden of glorious memory, on the one part, and the Imperialists with their Confederates under the command of Count Tilly on the other, wherein the Swedes got the victory September 7. 1631. The second was fought at Lutzen not far from Leipsick, November 6. 1632. between the Swedes having their King for Generalissimo, and the Imperial Army commanded by Albert Wallestein Duke of Fridland. In that Battle the Swedes had the victory by the resolution of Bernard Duke of Saxony and their other Generals, but it cost them their King, who was the Cesar of our age; and the Emperor on his side lost the flower of his Soldiers, and the Achilles of Germany, I mean the incomparable Godfrey Count of Papenheim.  P. 
That King, whose valour was beyond all example, ought not to die but triumphing; and Papenheim could not fall but in the company of so great a Prince: But it is a thing very extraordinary, that an Army should remain victorious, where the Commander in chief was slain in the very beginning of the Fight; and we hear but of few Princes that have triumphed in their death. Pass we on to the other Battles.  G. 
The third was at Hamelen, July 28. 1663. between the Swedes, Hessians, and Lunebourgers, commanded by George Duke of Lunebourg General of the Circle of Lower Saxony, and the Imperialists under the conduct of the Counts of Merode and Grandsfeld; where the latter were worsted. The fourth, which was the first wherein the Emperor had the victory, and was one of the bloodiest that had been seen in 30. years before, died with generous blood the Plains of Nortlinguen an Imperial City of Swaben, September 6. 1634. Ferdinand King of Hungary, who afterwards was Emperor, commanded his Father's Army; and being seconded by the Troops and person of Ferdinand Infante of Spain, and of Charles Duke of Lorraine, he assaulted and vanquished Bernard Duke of Weymar and Gustavus Horn Marshal of Sweden, who commanded the Swedish Troops. That victory was so great, that the Swedish party had apparently fallen to nothing, if the most Christian King had not contributed his cares and forces to set them up again.  P. 
After that Battle John de Werdt took and stripped above 50. Gentlemen or Gentlewomen at the Castle of Neuberg.  G. 
I have reason to remember that misfortune; for though I were at a great distance from thence, yet I lost very much there. The Fifth made Wistock in the Marquisate of Brandenbourg much spoken of. It was there that John George I. of that name, Elector of Saxony, who had embraced the Imperial Party, and was assisted by General Hatzfeld, was beaten by John Bannier that Heroical Swede, September 24. 1636. The sixth was fought at Leipsick, in the same place where the first was, without any alteration, but that the Imperialists took that ground which the Swedes had before: but though they changed their place, they did not change their fortune; for Torstenson overcame the Archduke Leopold William and Octavio Picolomini Duke of Amalfi, renowned Generals of the Imperial Army.  P. 
The Catholics have hitherto won but one of the six Battles wherein they engaged with their enemies: Who got the last victory?  G. 
The Swedes that were entered into Bohemia under the command of Leonard Torstenson, did there at a place called Jancou set upon Count Hatzfeld General of the Imperial Forces, and utterly routed him, Feb. 24. 1645. These two last Battles, together with many combats and taking of Towns, gained an immortal name to that Swedish General, who was forced to leave the exercise of Soldiery before he was forty years old, the Gout having taken away the use of all his Limbs, except his Tongue, which I have heard him use in accusing of fortune for having too early deprived him of the means of gaining Crowns of Laurel. That great personage having thus made himself illustrious by Military actions, Christina Queen of Sweden gave him the name with the County of Ortila; and History bearing the marks of his eminent virtue, will always give him this testimony, that he was equal to the greatest Captains of ancient times.  P. 
If the gallant men that commanded and died in those Battles, had been employed against the Turk, I am persuaded he had been brought to bow down to the Cross, and yield obedience to the Christians.  G. 
I think so too; and it is a wonder that so much blood being run out of the veins of our Germany, hath not brought her even to her grave. Yet this is not all; she hath lost more valiant persons in the Fights which I am going to relate, then in the pitched Battles. The first was that of the King of Sweden, who set upon the Imperial Army entrenched and commanded by Wallestein at Furts upon the Old Mountain, August 24. 1632. and was forced to retreat with very great loss, giving a remarkable example, that Great men commit great errors, and that the courage of the Lion doth rarely cohabit with the subtlety of the Fox; because in some, that heat of the heart which is requisite to make a man undaunted, dissipates and quickens the coldness of the brain; in others, that predominant temper of the brain communicates such a faint and languishing quality to the heart as obstructs and fetters its activity. The second was fought by the Electors of Saxony and Brandenbourg (when they were confederated with the Swedes) against the Imperialists, who were worsted near Lignitz in Silesia May 3. 1634. The third was that of Rheimfeld, where Bernard Duke of Weymar beat the Duke of Savelli and John de Werdt, who commanded the Imperial and Bavarian Troops, in several encounters from the 18. till the 21. of February, 1638. The fourth was given at Wittenvoyer in Brisgou, where the same Duke of Saxon-Weymar did again beat the Imperialists and Bavarians commanded by the Count of Gotzen and the Duke of Savelli, July 30. 1638. Then that Prince crowned all his former actions, when he sent some General's prisoners to Paris, and obliged all Europe to confess, that few things were impossible for him to do, since, notwithstanding all the power of his Enemies used to the contrary, he forced the Virgin City of Brisac to submit herself unto his will.  P. 
If I be not mistaken, Marquis Virgilio Malvezzi speaking of the Duke Bernard in a little Treatise which he made and entitled, Of the successes of the Monarchy of Spain, which happened in the year 1639. says, that Prince was more often vanquished then victorious; and you say, that he obtained two great victories in one year.  G. 
I never said he was invincible; but I dare confidently affirm, that he was never beaten for want of courage or conduct: And Malvezzi himself acknowledging that he won more than he lost, doth also confess, that the design which he had to keep in a Body by himself, and to exchange the places he held in Burgundy for those of Colmar, Selestadt and Benfeld, thereby to make himself master of Strasbourg, and by the means of that great and wealthy City to maintain a high reputation as long as the War lasted, and to enter upon a Peace with advantage, were great thoughts, but nothing disproportionable to the spirit, fortune, and valour of that excellent Prince. The fifth Combat happened, April 4. 1639. near Kemnitz in Misnia, where Bannier the Swedes General overcame the Imperialists and Saxons commanded by General Salis. The sixth was an action of the Archduke Leopold and Picolomini, more bold than well advised, when they set upon the Swedes, French and Lunebourgers in their Trenches at Wolfenbottel, and were beaten back with the loss of their Foot, and the left wing of their Horse, June 19 1641. The seventh signalised Mareshal Guebriant in the Archbishopric of Collen, where having the conduct of the French Army, he beat and took prisoner Baron Lamboy General of the Emperor's Confederates, January 17. 1642.  P. 
After the taking of Lamboy, Mareshal Guebriant was very seasonably backed by Frederick Henry of Nassau Prince of Orange.  G. 
That Germane Alexander did a special piece of service to his Allies at that time, taking up his Quarters between Rhimberg and Orsoy, to secure the Mareshal in case the Spaniards should draw towards him. The eighth Combat happened near Schweinitz in Silesia, where Torstenson surprised Francis Albert Duke of Saxon-Lawembourg, General of the Imperialists and Saxons, who were so sound beaten there, that their General remained dead upon the place, May 21. 1642. In the ninth there was but little blood shed, but a total rout of the French Army, which after the death of Mareshall Guebriant, being commanded by Count josias de Rantzau, was surprised by the Bavarian Forces under the conduct of Hatzfeld, and john de Werdt at Dutlinguen a little Town in the Duchy of Wirtemberg, and nothing was saved but a part of the Horse led by General Rose.  P. 
The death of the Count de Guebriant occasioned that defeat; and the loss of his person was valued at no less a rate, then that of all his Troops, because of the good services he had, and might still have performed.  G. 
That Mareshal was exceedingly beloved by the Germane Troops, being a man of singular courage and conduct, and so careful of them, that in his time they were always very well paid. The tenth would have strucken the very trees with fear and admiration, if they had had any sense, for Lewis de Bourbon, than Duke of Anguyen and now Prince of Conde, made five assaults upon the Bavarian Army entrenched upon a mountain near Fribourg in Brisgou, where he slew their General Gaspar de Mercy in the year 1644. forced the Enemy's army to quit their Post, and afterwards went to take Philipsbourg and some other places, though he had lost very much brave Nobility. The Fleventh made Merkendal in Franconia to be talked of, where Mareshal Turenne General of the French Forces was surprised by Francis de Mercy General of the Bavarians, November 14. 1645. The loss nevertheless was not so great as some Writers would persuade us, if that be true which I have been told upon the place. The Twelfth was fought by the French and Hessian armies against the Bavarian, wherein the loss was almost equal; but Francis Baron de Mercy was slain there, and the Duke of Anguyen, Mareshal Turenne, and Geis remained masters of the Field, and had the spoil of the dead, May. 5. 1646.  P. 
It seems there is a kind of fatality in things of this world: here were two brethren, both Generals of the Bavarians, and both slain in fight by the Duke of Anguyen. It is further remarkable, that the French got few or no victories, but they cost them very much blood.  G. 
Ordinarily the French would carry all by main force, and think those victories but little honourable that are gotten by surprise: Nevertheless the Generals that are sparing of their Soldier's lives, ahve always been, and are still more esteemed, than they that part with them at so cheap a rate. The thirteenth Fight was a sudden unforeseen engagement, wherein the Armies of Sweden and France commanded by the Mareshals Charles Gustavus Wrangel, & Henry de la Tour Prince of Turenne, both equally resolute and prudent, having accidentally fallen upon the Imperial and Bavarian Forces under the conduct of Melander (otherwise called the Count of Holt zapfel and Gronsfeld) forced them off their ground, and pursued them about two Leagues with great effusion of blood, which yet had been far greater, if ulrick Duke of Wirtemberg had not stopped that Torrent by a resolution worthy of his Courage, withstanding all the Enemy's Forces only with two squadrons of Foot & two Bodies of Horse, and so giving leisure to those of his Party to rally and recover a place of safety after the death of Melander General of the Imperialists; which action in the opinion of both Parties preserved Austria and Bavaria The last Combat was fought june 4. 1648. near Grewembrouck in the Country of juliers, where the Hessian Army under the conduct of General Geis had a great advantage over the Imperial, commanded by Baron Lamboy.  P. 
I have heard it said by persons of credit, who had principal command in that Engagement, that Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg did wonders there.  G. 
I know if it had not been for that Prince, the Hessians had been beaten; for their Horse gave ground; and they had not gotten the day but for that Duke, who commanded the Foot, and both by his example encouraged those that remained in the field, and by his resolution called back those that were fled. But that was not the only place where Duke Frederick of Wirtemberg made his courage to be taken notice of. It was he himself, that with his Regiment, having the Van in the Fight at St. Antony, pulled down the Palissades, and made way for the Horse to pass, when Mareshall Guebriant took Baron Lamboy prisoner: So that it may be said, without flattering him, or wronging the other Officers, it was he that got the victory in those two Combats.  P. 
I imagine that you speak not here of any but the most memorable actions, it being almost impossible there should have been so few engagements of Armies and encounters of Parties in a War wherein all Europe was concerned, and where strangers, French, Spaniards, Swedes, and Lorrainers were mingled with the Germans, & played their parts for many years together.  G. 
You have reason; And I confess, to write that war would make a great Volume, which is not my intention. Nevertheless I shall tell you, that july 31. 1633. Prince Christian Palatine of Birkenfeld, having the sword of josias Count of Rantzau to assist him, and some Swedish Troops under his command, beat the Lorrainers near Pfaffenhoven in the Lower Alsatia, March. 2. 1634. the Rhingrave Otho Lewis, General of some confederate Swedes, defeated the Count of Salme at Wateweil in the upper Alsatia: and October 7. 1638. Count Hatzfeld an Imperialist, scattered the Troops which Charles Lewis Elector Palatine had joined to some Swedes near Blotu in the County of Lip.  P. 
So many Fights and Battles, so many take and desolations of Cities, and so many Mortality's having afflicted and wasted Germany for many years' continuance; at length the two parties being weary as well of beating as of being beaten, a resolution of peace was mutually taken. Tell me, I pray, in what condition affairs were when that was concluded.  G. 
You have already heard, there was never a Province in the Empire, which by fire and sword, by plague and famine, had not lost above half its people, and which was not reduced to extreme misery: yet to recover the Treasure of Peace, Germany was content to lay down another, and pay the Swedes five millions of gold for the charges of the war; one part whereof was employed to satisfy the soldiery, another to recompense the valour of those that had served well, and the rest to be disposed in liberalities by their Queen.  P. 
Did the French lay down arms, without being reimbursed what they spent in that War?  G. 
That Nation did not consent to the Peace without knowing why and wherefore; but it rather gave, or promised money, than received any: And all its recompense consists in a part of Alsatia, and the Fortresses of Brisac and Philipsbourg; from which France reaps more honour than profit, the Province being unable to furnish wherewithal to keep those places, and pay the Civil Officers that should administer Justice there.  P. 
I know the most Christian King obliged himself to pay the Archduke of Inspruck three millions of Livres, in case he could prevail with the Catholic King to quit the pretensions he had or might have upon Alsatia. But had the Crown of Sweden and its Confederates many Troops and places in Germany, when the Peace was made?  G. 
The Crown of Sweden had at that time five Regiments of Swedish and Finland Horse, four and forty of Germane Horse, and five of Dragons, which reckoned with some Troops that were in Garrison, amounted all together to 411. Companies. It had also threescore Regiments of Foot, of the same Nations as the former were, to wit, one and twenty of Swedes and Finlanders, and nine and thirty of Germans; but they were not all of like strength: For the five Regiments of Swedish and Finland Horse had but one and thirty Troops in all; and those of the Foot of the same Nation were of four, five, six, seven, or eight Companies at the most; and of the Germans, that of the King's Guards was of Twenty Companies, and those of the higher Officers, nay the greatest part of the rest, were of twelve Companies apiece.  P. 
By what you said last, I perceive Germany made War upon Germany, and the Swedes made use of us to overcome ourselves: Let us see whether the French did not so too.  G. 
We are blamed for loving money too much, and the honour of our Nation too little. Now it is certain, that although the Swedes have always had Commanders worthy of Empire, and that after their King, Gustavus Horn, John Bannier, Leonard Torstenson, Charles Gustavus Wrangel, Wittenberg, and some others have equalled or surpassed the ancient Heroes, signalizing their valour in our late Wars; yet they had gone out of the Empire with as much shame, and as well beaten as the Danes and Transylvanians, if they had not had Religion for a pretence, our bodies for a buckler, and our courages for the instruments of their glory. The same thing may be said of the French: They have had Generals of their Nation who have always performed the duty of wise Captains and valiant Soldiers, and have no less deserved the name of Gallant men, though they have fought with less success than the Swedes; but as to the rest, the French Troops were oftentimes the least part of their Army. The French that have commanded in Germany, are the Mareshals of La Force, Guebriant, and Grammont, the Cardinal de la Valette, the Dukes of Longueville and Anguyen, and the Prince of Turenne, who had under his command, at the time when the Peace was made, a hundred and nine Cornets of Light Horse, and sixteen Companies of Dragoons, in fourteen Regiments, not reckoning two Companies which were in the Lower Palatinate, two in the Bishopric of Spire, and three in the Duchy of Wirtemberg. Besides that Cavalry, the French had a hundred and threescore Companies in eleven Regiments of Infantry, and ten Companies at Brisac, three and forty in Brisgou, four in the Bishopric of Strasbourg, twenty in several Imperial Cities of the Palatinate and Alsatia, fifteen in the Bishopric of Spire, nine in the Lower Palatinate, thirteen in Lawinguen, eleven in the Duchy of Wirtemberg, six in Swaben, twelve in the Archbishopric of Mentz, and three in the Marquisate of Baden; which make in all three hundred and six Companies as well French as Germans.  P. 
So far as I perceive, the Confederates had prodigious Forces.  G. 
That is not all; the Amazon of Germany, Amelia Elizabeth Landgravess of Hesse, who raised up her Estate when it was beaten as it were down to the ground, and by an unparallelled prudence enlarged the straits she was brought into, and augmented her Forces when she was thought to be overwhelmed with calamities after the death of William V her husband; had at the conclusion of the Peace eight and fifty Cornets of Horse in five Regiments, and 166. Companies of Foot in thirteen, without putting into the account fourteen unregimented Companies.  P. 
I do not wonder that so many Troops conducted by good Heads obliged the Emperor to a disadvantageous Peace: For I cannot think that his Majesty and his Allies had so many Forces, after they had been worsted in several encounters.  G. 
I do not certainly know the number of the Imperial and Bavarian Troops; but doubtless they were very powerful, since their Confederate Adversaries were obliged by the Treaty to restore 210. strong places wherein they had garrison, and out of which it is probable the whole Empire would hardly have been able to drive them by force.  P. 
I know the Swedes had Garrisons in 125. places of Germany, the French in 46. and the Hessians in 39 But some of the best are theirs still.  G. 
It is true, that by the Treaty of Peace the Empire agreed to yield unto the most Christian King, for him and his Successors, Kings of France for ever, the Cities and Bishoprics of Mets, Toul, and Verdun, with Moyenvic, Pignerol, Brisac, the Landgravedom of Alsatia, the Vndgerih, the Bailywick of Haguenau, and the Fortress of Philipsbourg: That by the same Treaty the Empire quitted and granted unto the Queen and Kingdom of Sweden all the Hither Pomerania, with the Island and Principality of Rugia, and the Cities of Stetin, Garts, Dam, Holnau, the Isle of Wollin, the River of Oder, and the Port which it makes by the name of Frischehaff; the Collation of those Ecclesiastical Benefices which the Dukes of Pomerania heretofore had in the Bishopric of Camin, and the expectance or Reversion of that Bishopric, nay, of the rest of Pomerania, and even of the new Marquisate of Brandenbourg, in case the heirs male of that Family should happen to fail.  P. 
The Swedes received five millions of gold for the money they disbursed in that War; and besides such a considerable sum, Pomerania (which is more worth than Alsatia) is left in their hands.  G. 
They have not only received that sum, and Pomerania, but Wismar also a Port of the Baltique Sea, the Fortress of Walfisch, the Bailiwick of Poel and Neucloster, which heretofore belonged to the House of Meklebourg; and which is yet more, the Archbishopric of Bremen and Bishopric of Verden converted into Dutchies, together with the City and Bailywick of Wilshausen. In all which lands and Principalities the Swedes have Sovereign Justice, right to erect an University, and to set Imposts upon all commodities that enter into, go out of, or grow within the Country by them conquered and possessed. So by that Peace the King of Sweden hath gotten the names and titles of Duke of Bremen, Verden, and Pomerania, Prince of Rugia, and Lord of Wismar.  P. 
You told me before, that during the last War the Swedes had more Forces in Germany then the French; and I see now, they have reaped much more profit: make me understand what satisfaction the Heroical Lady of Hesse received.  G. 
That Princess which reigned in the hearts of all those that have had the honour to speak with her, had too well served the victorious Party to remain without satisfaction. It was therefore accorded unto her, for herself, her son William, and their Successors for ever, that besides the general clause of the Article Tandent omnes, they should enjoy the Abbey of Hirchfeld, with all its appurtenances, as well Ecclesiastical as Secular, as well without as within the Territory of the said Abbey; and the right, Lordships, and demesnes of the Cities and Bailywicks of Schaumbourg, Bukembourg, Saxenhaguen and Stathaguen, which heretofore belonged to the Bishopric of Minden, and 600000. Crowns in money payable at Cassel within nine months after the publication of the Peace. And for an accomplishment and full measure of satisfaction, the Assembly of Munster ratified the transaction between the two Branches of Cassel and Darmstadt made by the mediation of Ernest Duke of Saxon-Gotta, April 14. 1649. and the right of Primogeniture in those two Branches.  P. 
Those satisfactions were (without question) of very hard digestion to the contrary party; but a good Peace cannot be bought too dear.  G. 
The Emperor lost nothing; for by giving up his right in Alsatia, he made the Kingdom of Bohemia Hereditary to his House: But the Spaniards will not easily be able to comfort themselves for that loss, because if Alsatia and Lorraine remain in the hands of the French, it will be impossible for them to join their Forces of Italy with those of the Low Countries, unless they transport them by Sea with great expense and greater danger, or through the Territories of others; which cannot be done, without buying the friendship of those that are not willing to see the formidable forces of Spain united: And from hence grows a great advantage to the French by that Treaty.  P. 
Methinks I am now sufficiently instructed in that which concerns our Germany: But having heard nothing hitherto of the Golden Bull, except some words which you have scattered here and there, I would gladly hear you discourse more amply of it.  G. 
That Bull is the Diamond Nail which holds together these remainders of the Empire, and keeps them from dissolution, by the wholesome Ordinances which it contains, touching the time, the place, and the persons which ought to concur to the Election of the Emperor; the number, immunities, and preeminences of the Electors; the integrity, candour, and probity which they ought to use in choosing the first Prince of Christendom; the order they ought to keep in their Assemblies, as well while they accompany the Emperor, as in their seats and places; and to cut off all occasion of dispute between the Princes of the Electoral Houses, the Emperor by that Edict sets down and prescribes the order they are to observe in their successions, who ought to be Tutor and Guardian of their sons during their Minority, and at what age they are to come out of Wardship. Now because Elective Estates have no symptom more dangerous, then while they lie under an Interregnum, the Bull provides a remedy for that inconvenience, ordaining that the Electors Palatine and of Saxony shall be his Majesty's perpetual Vicars, and shall have the same power after his death, or in his absence, that the Emperor had while he was living and present. Lastly that Bull contains the office of every Elector at the Coronations, Processions, and public Feasts of the Emperor.  P. 
Methinks in that Bull the Emperor Charles iv hath had more care of the Electors, then of all the Empire besides.  G. 
The Electors are the principal Pillars of our State; and the Emperor thinking the destruction of the Empire might follow upon their dissension, his special aim was to keep them united together by his Ordinance, and to provide for the time to come that there should be no disorder in the Election of the Emperors, nor in the Succession of the Prince's Electors; that the septenary number should continue for ever, as most proper for an action of so great importance.  P. 
Is that Bull of any bigness?  G. 
It is a little book, the Original whereof b'ing written in parchment, contains 24. leaves, and 30. Chapters, of which the 23. first were published at Nuremberg the 10. of january, 1356. and the other seven at Mets on Christmas day in the same year, by the full power of his Majesty, in the presence and with the consent of the most part of the Princes, Lords, and other Estates of the Empire, the Emperor wearing the Imperial Cloak, and having the Crown upon his head, the Sceptre in one hand, and the Ball of the Empire in the other.  P. 
Why is that little book called The Golden Bull?  G. 
The Letters Patents of Emperors, Popes, and some other great Princes are called Bulls, by reason of the seal which gives them their strength and validity. Those Bulls or Seals are not always of the same matter, nor of the same bigness; but according to the importance of the Letters the Seal is greater or less, and of different wax or metal. The ordinary Letters are sealed with an impression made upon wax, the colour and bigness whereof increaseth either the respect to, or the honour of those persons to whom they are directed; and those that contain Edicts, are sealed with lead, silver or gold, according to the importance of the Laws which the Prince publishes. From hence it was, that this perpetual and irrevocable Edict, containing the fundamental Laws of the Empire, aught to be sealed with his Majesty's great seal, and not upon wax, lead, or silver, but upon gold, to show that as that metal is incorruptible, & the most excellent of all; so the matters contained in that Bull, being the principal Laws of the Empire, should be preserved there without alteration.  P. 
Tell me more particularly of what fashion that Bull is.  G. 
The Bull which hangs at the Parchment book which we last mentioned, is a great round seal of pure gold, fastened unto small cords of yellow and red silk, on one side whereof there is the Portraiture of the Emperor Charles iv seated upon his Throne, with the Crown on his head, the Sceptre in one hand, and the Ball in the other, having at his right hand the Imperial Arms, and those of Bohemia at his left, with this Inscription round about the Bull, Carolus quartus, Divinâ favente clementiâ, Romanorum Imperator, semper Augustus, & Bohemiae Rex. On the other side of the Bull there is a Castle with two Towers, at the bottom and middle whereof there is seen a Gate with these words, Aurea Roma, and these in the Circumference, Roma caput mundi, regit Orbis froena rotundi.  P. 
Those Laws are fortified with a Seal that declares their importance; and I am confident the Emperor will derogate as little from them as he can.  G. 
Usually Laws cannot be abrogated but by those that made them, and for that reason I believe, though the Emperor should be desirous to annul the Golden Bull, he would not be permitted so to do, because it was published by the advice, and with the consent of the Electors, and many other Princes and Estates of the Empire, who are to concur to its abrogation. But the Bull is so advantageous to the Electors, that they have no reason to desire the suppression of it, nor so much as give way that any thing in it should be changed or altered.  P. 
I do not think the Laws contained in the Golden Bull should be totally abolished: yet on the other side I do not doubt but something of them may be changed, if the necessity of the Empire require it.  G. 
It is certain that those Laws will never be wholly abrogated, unless the face of the Empire be changed by becoming Hereditary; in which case they would all fall of themselves. As to particularities, it is as certain that something in those Laws may be changed, since the Legislators have often derogated from them, and even in a matter of great importance, the Septenary number of the Electors having been altered into another less convenient by the last Treaty of Peace: Besides, we have elsewhere seen, that although the Election of the King of the Romans ought to be made at Francfort by virtue of that Bull, yet Ferdinand I. received that honour at Worms, and other Emperors since at other Cities. That Bull doth also ordain, that all the Electors should assist at the Mass of the Holy Ghost, before they begin the Act of the Election; and yet the Protestant Electors are not obliged to be at Church while the Ceremony of the Mass lasts. From whence it may be concluded, that some of the Laws of the Golden Bull may be altered and dispensed with. But I believe I have entertained you long enough upon things that concern the Empire; and therefore I shall proceed no further, but make an end of this Treatise, praying the Almighty that by his grace he would enable you to learn from hence how to serve your Country well, & me to give you as good an account of the other principal parts of Europe as I have done of Germany.   
THE END.   

A Table of the particular matters contained in this Book.  

A.  
AAlen 269.  
Aix, why called Aquisgranum and the Royal City, and why so much indulged by Charlemain 266.  
Dukes of Altembourg, from whom descended 85.  
Alternation what, and the five Houses in Germany that take precedency by turns 147.  
Princes of Anhalt, their origin 161.  
When they lost the Electorship, and why 97.  
Government of the Estate of the Princes of Anhalt 164.  
Religion and titles of the Princes of Anhalt and Lawembourg 166,  
Situation of the principality of Anhalt ibid.  
Marquess' of Anspach, younger brethren of the House of Brandenbourg 102.  
How many Archbishoprics anciently in Germany, and how many now, that have place in the Assemblies of the Empire 174.  
How many Archbishoprics and Bishoprics made Secular by the Peace of Munster ibid.  
Title of Archduke no where but in Aust●ia, and why those Princes took it 214. 215.  
Counts of Aremberg, how advanced, and become Princes of Barbanson 169.170.  
Four sorts of particular Assemblies in Germany 293.  
Assemblies called Days of Election, what ibid.  
Assemblies of Deputation, what. ibid.  
Assemblies of Visitations, what ibid.  
Assemblies of the Circles three manner of ways, and how 294.  
Assemblies of the Diets, what they are, who takes suffrages there, and after what manner 294. & seq.  
Augsbourg, wherein considerable, and for what famous, whence and why so called 268.  
Titles of Augustus and Cesar, found not where but in Germany 30.  
Austregues privileges, what 65.  
House of Austria its origin 70.  
Archdukes of Austria, and Kings of France of the third Race, sprung from the same Root ibid.  
How the House of Austria became great 71. 72.  
The lands & Estates which it got by marriages. ibid.  
How long it hath been in possession of the Empire 73.  
Graces and privileges which the Princes of Austria have received from God, Nature, and Emperors ibid.  
Number of Emperors, Kings, Cardinals, Dukes, and Archdukes come out of that House ibid.  
The losses and advantages the house of Austria received by the peace of Munster 340.  
How the Princes of that House take their place in the Assemblies. 74.  
Daughters of Austria succeed when the Males fail ibid.  
Princes of Austria their privilege in case of Duel. ibid.  
How many Princes of Austria there be at this present ibid.  
The Branch of Austria hath right to succeed that of Burgundy when it fails 75.  
Why the House of Austria bears the Arms of Wirtemberg 129.  
Authority of a Prince the soul of Government 12. 13.   

B.  
Origin of the Marquess' of Baden 141.  
Princes of Baden and Hochberg, both of the same House 142.  
Baden and Dourlach principal Branches of the Marquess' of Baden at this time 143.  
Their alliances, and several Estates 143. 144.  
Bamberg, the first Bishopric of the Empire, and its privileges 178.  
Prince of Barbanson of the House of Aremberg 170.  
Alliances of the Counts of Barby 233.  
What Barons are Estates of the Empire 238.  
Number of the Barons of the Empire ibid.  
Difference of Barons one from another 239.  
Basile, a Bishopric. 190.  
Seven pitched Battles and other bloody engagements in Germany from the King of sweden coming in till the Peace 322.  
Battle of Leipsick ibid.  
another at Leipsick 324.  
Battle of Lutzen 323.  
of Hamelen ibid.  
of No●tling●en 323. 324.  
of Wistock 324.  
of Jancou in Bohemia 325.  
Ba●aria, possessed at this day by the descendants of the Count of Schieren, and by whom before. 110.  
Benefices requiring residence not to be multiplied upon one person 189.  
Biberac 269.  
The Bishops of Mets, Toul, and Verdun take the style of Princes of the Empire 176.  
Catholic Bishops that sit in the Assemblies of the Empire 177.  
Bishops by whom anciently chosen. 198. & seq.  
Bishops & Archbishops deposed by Charles V. 291. 292.  
Kingdom of Bohemia made hereditary to the House of Austria by the Peace of Munster 340.  
Schemia erected into a Kingdom 38.  
King of Bohemia the first secular Elector 46.  
hath neither voice nor place in the general Assemblies of the Empire, and why 51.  
How Sigismond of Luxembourg King of Bohemia named himself to be Emperor 51.  
Why the Bohemians revolted from the Emperor, and chose a new King 321.  
What Books are fit for a Princes reading 24.25.  
Extent of the Elector of Brandenbourgs lands 93.  
Religion of his Subjects 94.  
Origin of the House of Brandenbourg 97.  
How it got title to the inheritance of Pomerania. 98.  
How the Lords of Brandenbourg attained to the honours and Lands they possess. ibid.  
What the House of Brandenbourg hath in lieu of Pomerania, which was taken from it by the Peace of Munster 99  
What disadvantages it receives by the loss of Lower Pomerania ibid.  
In what quality the Elector of Brandenbourg hath voices in the Assemblies of the Empire ibid.  
He alternates with the King of Sweden in the Direction of Lower Saxony 100  
Differences between the Houses of Brandenbourg and Newbourg concerning the Dutchies of Juliers, Cleve, and Berg 101. 102.  
Brandenbourg the last but one of the Electors. 102.  
The number of the present Princes of Brandenbourg, and their children 103.  
Forces and Forts of the Elector of Brandenbourg, and of his Cousins of Culembach and Anspach 104.  
Why the Elector of Brandenbourg is not yet put into possession of the Duchy of Magdebourg 100  
Origin of the Counts of Breda. 228.  
The taking of Brisac. 327.  
Brix, a Bishopric 190.  
Brunswick, a free City 111.  
Estates of the Dukes of Brunswick & Lunebourg, wherein considerable. ibid.  
The Princes, alliances, Origin, and Religion of the Branches of Br●nswick and Limebourg 113:  
Golden Bull, what it contains, when published, and why so called 342.  
The inscription upon the seal of the Golden Bull 344.  
Whether the Golden Bull may be abrogated, and what alterations have been made in it 344. 345.  
Burgrave what, and from whence so called. 210.  
Who bear the title of Burgrave in Germany 214.   

C.  
Calvinist Princes in Germany, who 208.  
Archbishop of Cambray his titles, and whether he have place in the Assemblies of the Empire 175. 176.  
Canonries' of Strasbourg belonging to Protestant Princes 184.  
How Hugh Capet born in France, but originally a Sa●on, came to be King 16.  
Catholic Princes in Germany, who 208.  
The power of the Imperial Chambers depends on the Emperor 68  
How long the Imperial Chamber was ambulatory, when made sedentary, and where 67.  
What the Imperial Chamber takes cognizance of. 68  
No Appeal from the Judgement of that Chamber. 69.  
Charlemain a Germane by extraction. 14.  
When and why proclaimed Emperor by the Pope. ibid.  
Why the Empire and the Kingdom of France continued so short a time in the race of Charlemain. 15.  
How it made room for the Saxons in Germany, and the Capetians in France. ibid.  
Charles' V his voyages by sea and land, his voluntary leaving the Government, and his death. 47. & seq.  
Why Charles Duke of Lorraine Uncle to Lewis V was declared unworthy to succeed unto the Crown of France. 15.  
Circles of Germany, and their several Directors. 182.  
Circles of Sawben, Franconia, and the Rhine, divided into quarters; a kind of Commonwealth. 253.  
Cities of Germany. 263. & seq.  
their beauty and magnificence. 265.  
Classes of Assemblies in the Diets, their division and order 304. 305.  
Elector of Collen, third Ecclesiastical Elector 46.  
Collen, why called Colonia Agrippina. 269.  
Form of Homage which the Burghers of Collen make to their Bishop ibid.  
The Bishop's confirmation of their privileges 270.  
Colmar ibid.  
Peter Colonna, from whom descended 97.  
Mixture of Conditions detested in Germany 249.  
Constance, a City for what remarkable 184.  
What every Elector bears at the Coronation of the Emperor, & what Elector crowns him 60.  
Counts anciently no more than Judges of Cities and Provinces. 210.  
How the Counts Palatine appropriated their several Provinces. 211.  
Counts of Office, & Counts of Dignity 218.  
Whether Counts were greater than Dukes ibid. & seq.  
How Counts became Proprietors of their Lands, and made them hereditary 222.  
The present Counts, what place they have in the Assemblies, and how they give their voices there 223.  
Immediate Counts, and their prerogatives 225.  
Counts of Schwartzbourg, Waldek. Salme and Morange, of what Princes they hold 226.  
Courage and prudence seldom meet 326.  
The Lombard and Roman Crowns not essential to the Imperial Dignity. 14.15.  
Crowns of the Emperor, and where he receives them 60.  
Marquess' of Culembach 103.   

D.  
Landgraves of Darmstadt and Hesse-Cassel, their Religion, differences, and alliances. 132. & seq.  
Counts of Delmenhorst extinguished in Antony Gunther, and who inherited his Lands 233. 234.  
Genealogy of the Kings of Denmark and Dukes of Holstein 151.  
When and how the Kingdom of Denmark was severed from that of Sweden 149.  
Assemblies of Deputation, who have place & voice there 309.  
The Emperor's Diadem what anciently, and what now 60.  
Diets called by the Emperor, but with consent of the Electors 294.  
Time, necessity, and place of Diets 295.  
Not to be appointed out of Germany 296.  
First Diet after the Election of an Emperor where held 295.  
What persons the Emperor calls to the Diets 296.  
The office and power of the Vice-Marshal at the Diets. 297.  
Cities and Abbesses appear in the Diets by their deputies 299.  
Orders observed in the Diets 300. & seq.  
How they proceed upon debates in the Diets 305. & seq.  
What matters are treated on in the Diets 307.  
How conclusions are made in the Diets 308.  
Directors of each Circle 182. 183.  
The Ecclesiastical Discipline of Protestant Lords within their Territories 205. 206.  
Donavert, how it became subject to the Duke of Bavaria 270.  
Lands and alliances of the Marquess' of Dourlach 144, 145.  
Religion of the Branches of Dourlach and Baden, their voices and places in the Assemblies 146.  
Duke of the Grisons the ancientest Duke. 216.  
Why Dukes were sent to the Frontiers ibid.  
German Dukes all Princes, and more considerable than those of France and Spain ibid.  
How Dukes became so great; etymology of the name 217.  
The Princes of Poland, Hungary, and Bohemia, anciently Duke's 219.  
Title of Duke anciently equal to that of King 220.   

E.  
Counts of East-Friseland 170. & seq.  
Ecclesiastical Princes (not Bishops) that sit in the Diets of the Empire 191.  
How the Ecclesiastics grew so rich 196.  
What Ecclesiastical Government among the Protestants in Germany 205.  
Counts of Egmont subject; to the Duke of Burgundy, 226.  
Eichstedt a Bishopric in Franconia, by whom founded 181.  
The Electors, three Ecclesiastiques and five Seculars, with their respective Offices 39  
Electors have right to choose and depose an Emperor 40.  
The number of Electors why seven 50.  
Why they are Eight now 44.  
Dignity of Electors as to precedence 44.  
The Ecclesiastical Electors precede the Seculars 46.  
The Electors Palatine and of Saxony are Vicars of the Empire during the vacancy ibid.  
What every Electors Office is when the Emperor eats in Ceremony; and who are their Deputies, if they be absent 59  
How the Electors lit in the Assemblies. 304.  
What Electors and Bishops are usually chosen out of the Body of the Nobility 256. 257.  
Younger sons of Electoral Houses precede other Princes in the Assemblies. 305.  
Where the Election of an Emperor or King of the Romans ought to be made 49.  
whether it be better that Kingdoms be Elective or Successive 53.54.  
The Emperor is a Monarch 31.  
Confers no Ecclesiastical Benefices 33.  
No Emperor crowned at Rome since Charles V. 34.  
How the Emperors lost the right of choosing Popes 35.  
The Emperor only can create Kings 38.  
The Emperor ought to be of a Germane Family 52.  
Of what age a Prince should be when chosen Emperor 57  
The difference between the Emperor and King of the Romans ibid.  
What Emperors have been excommunicated by Pope's 288.  
Whether the Emperor can determine matters where the Estates of the Empire do not agree 310.  
When the Empire was successive 40.  
When it became Elective, and why ibid.  
The Estates of the Empire, and their privileges 64. 65.  
At first all the Estates of the Empire chose the Emperor 41.  
The House of Este in Italy a branch of that of Brunswick 108.   

F.  
Faith to be kept with Heretics 184. & seq.  
Ferdinand III. his several Elections and death 314.  
Fourteen bloody Fights in Germany from the time of the Swedes entrance till the Peace 322.  
The Fight of Furts 326:  
of Lignitz in Silesia ibid.  
of Rheimfeld ibid.  
of Wittenvayer in Brisgou ibid.  
of Kemnitz in Misnia 328.  
of Wolfenbottel ibid.  
of St. Anthony ibid.  
of Schweinitz in Silesia ibid.  
of Dutlinguen in the Duchy of Wirtemberg 329.  
of Fribourg in Brisgou ibid. 

of Merkendal in Franconia ibid.    
The twelfth & thirteenth Fights 330.  
The Fight of Grawembrouck in the Country of Juliers 331.  
Other Fights lefs bloody 332.  
Barons of Flekenstein 239.  
Francfort why so called, and wherein considerable 271.  
What Forces France had in Germany when the Peace was made 336.  
What recompense the French had by that peace 333.  
French Commanders in the war of Germany 335.  
Fridberg 272.  
Frisinguen, a Bishopric 190.  
The Fructifying Company, its end and progress, and by whom established 164.  
Barons of Fuggers 239.  
The Abbey of Fulda, and its privileges 193.  
Counts of Furstemberg, their origin, etc. 231. &. seq.   

G.  
Difference between a Gentleman and a Knight 242.  
Immediate Gentlemen of Germany, who 251.  
Why the Emperor supports them Ibid.  
The order and government amongst those Gentlemen 252.  
Their privileges and advantages 256. & seq.  
Causes of the War of Germany 315. & seq.  
Gluckstad, and the King of Denmark's Fort there 274.  
Gostar, called the Imperial Palace, and Royal City 272.  
Descent of the Dukes of Gotta. 88  
Death of Mareshal de Guebriant 329.  
Guelnehausen 272.  
House of the Guelphs, their antiquity and Territories 108. & seq.  
The voices, branches, and Fortresses of that House 111   

H.  
Counts of Habspourg a Branch of the Dukes of Zeringuen 70.  
When and how Rodolph of Habspourg became Emperor ibid.  
Haguenau, Bailliage in Alsatia given to the French 273.  
Salt-pits of Hal in Swaben 276.  
Hambourg, its strength and Trade 273. & seq.  
Counts of Hanau 234.  
Hanse-towns, and their Commerce 280. 281.  
Heilbrun 276.  
Helmestadt, an University of the Dukes of Brunswick 113.  
Counts of Henneberg, when they failed 92.  
How the House of Saxony inherited that of Henneberg ibid.  
Origin of the House of Hesse 129.  
Henry of Brabant first Landgrave of Hesse 131.  
Agreement between him and Henry Marquis of Misnia son the Principalities of Hesse and Thuringia ibid.  
Lewis Landgrave of Hesse refused the Empire ibid.  
The virtues and good qualities of the Landgraves of Hesse 132.  
The Religion, and differences between Lewis and Maurce Heads of the two Branches of Hesse-Cassel and Darmstadt 133.139.  
Hesse-Cassel, the elder, the richer, and hath the precedence 134.  
Alliances of both the Houses ibid.  
Frederick Landgrave of Hesse, Grand Prior of Malta in Germany, his Expedition at Carthage 193.  
The excellencies of Amelia Elizabeth Dowager of Hesse 134.136.  
Her Forces when the Peace was concluded 337.  
The advantages she and he● son had by that Peace 339.  
Hildesheim, a Bishopric of miraculous foundation 187.  
The Princes of Hochberg and Baden, of the same House, their agreement and reciprocal Testament 142.  
Lords of Hobenlohe 235.  
Counts of Hohenzolleren 169.  
Origin of the Houses of Holstein and Oldenbourg 148.  
Duchy of Holstein, its extent & Revenues 155.  
Counts of Horn, Subjects to the Dukes of Burgundy, their origin 226.  
The benefits and advantages of Hunting 20.21.   

I.  
Assessors of the Imperial Chamber, how many, and by whom appointed 289.  
Functions of the Intendents and Superintendents over the Lutheran Pastors and Priests 205.206.  
Order of Justice in the time of Charlemain 287.  
Jutland, what quantity of Cattle and horses come yearly out of it 155.   

K.  
Kaufbegeren, why so called 276.  
Kempten, in Latin Campidunum 270.  
King of the Romans, what authority he hath 49.  
The Arms and Titles of the King of the Romans 57  
King's should not make a Subject too great 159.  
Dangerous for Kings to execute their resolutions by halves 162.  
Difference between a Knight and a Gentleman 242.243.  
Knights Marianites, why so called, their progress and difference from the Templars 191.192.  
Example of Kings that have received Knighthood 243.  
The cause and Original of the Orders of Knighthood 245. & seq.  
How the Emperor makes Knights 246.   

L.  
Ladies not unfit to Govern 135. & seq.  
The taking of General Lamboy 420.  
Landau 276.  
Landgrave Judge of an Inland Province 210.  
How Landgraves became powerful 211.  
Landgraves' Generals of Foot ibid.  
What Houses in Germany bear the title of Landgrave 213.  
Landgraveship no where but in Germany ibid.  
Usefulness of Foreign Languages 8.  
where the French Language in best spoken 18.  
What other Countries use it most 26.  
Where the Italian Language is the purest. 17.  
Where it is most currant 26.  
Dukes of Lawembourg and Anhalt, their origin and antiquity 157.  
Religion and titles of the Dukes of Lawembourg 166.  
Laws that oblige all Germany are made in the General Assemblies 62.  
League of the French, Swedes, Hollanders, and Princes of Germany against the House of Austria 319.  
League of the Princes for and with the Emperor ibid.  
Whether a prince ought to be Learned 115.  
Counts of Leinneguen 234.  
The Tragical end of John of Leyden 188.  
Liege a Bishopric ibid.  
Barons or Counts of Limbourg, their titles and antiquity 235.  
Barons of Limbourg Deputies to the King of Bohemia as Great Cupbearer of the Empire ibid.  
Lindau 276.  
Duke of Lorraine considerable for the situation of his Country 112.  
Lubeck, its situation, by whom built 275.  
Princes of Lunebourg and their Alliances 113.  
Who brought the Doctrine of Luther into Denmark 150.  
Lutheran Princes of Germany 208.  
Lutheran Cities ibid.  
Luther was born and died at Eiseliben 235.   

M.  
Counts of Mansfield 235.  
Margraves how they became potent 211.  
Margraves or Marquess' Generals of Horse ibid.  
Marquisates of Germany ancienter than in other Country's 212.  
What Houses still bear the quality of Marquis 213.  
Matriculation-Roll of the Empire in whose custody 36.  
Origin of the House of Meklebourg 117.  
Deprived of their Estates in the last War. 118.  
Restored by the King of Sweden their kinsman 119.  
What they had in exchange for Wismar ibid.  
Children and alliances of the two branches of Meklebourg 119.120.  
Meminguen 277.  
Elector of Mentz Dean of the Electoral College 46.  
His voice of greatest weight in the Electoral Class 305.  
Two Barons the Mercy brethren, both slain in battle by the Duke of Anguyen 330.  
Minden a Bishopric secularised 188.  
Minks and Priests to whom subject 292.  
Princes of Montbeliard their alliances 127.  
When the Principality of Montbeliard came into the House of Wirtemberg 167.  
Counts of Montfort 235.  
Mulhausen in Thuringia 277.  
Thomas Muncerus a seditious false Prophet ibid.  
Munster a Bishopric 188.  
Murbach Abbey by whom founded 194.   

N.  
Origin of the House of Nassau 227.  
Alliances of the House of Nassau 229.  
Neuchastel in Suisserland belongs to the Duke of Longueville 143.  
Nobility in Germany Mediate and Immediate 248.  
Government of the Immediate Nobility 252.  
Northausen 278.  
Nortlinguen, famous for the Battle fought there ibid.  
Nuremberg, its Senate and privileges 277.   

O.  
How the word Obey is to be understood in a Monarchy 32.  
No man is bound to Observe what he cannot reasonably promise 185.  
The House of Oldenbourg 148.  
The Counts of Oldenbourg failing by the death of Antony Gunther, who inherited his lands 234.  
Origin of the Princes of Orange 228.  
Cause and beginning of the Orders of Knighthood 245.246.  
Several Orders of Knighthood 247.  
Counts of Ottinguen, their branches, Religion and alliances 236.   

P.  
Paderborne, a Bishopric of miraculous foundation 187.  
Count Palatine the last secular Elector. 46.  
Elector Palatine first Vicar of the Empire 58.  
Elector Palatine Judge of the Emperor in case of debt 79.  
The Palatine House descended from two Emperors, now divided into two Branches of different Religion 75.  
Emperors and Kings sprung out of the Palatine House 77.  
The power, voices, and alliances of the Palatine House 80.  
Palsgrave, Chief Justice of the Imperial Palace 210.  
The death of Count Papenheim 323.  
Pepin put Childeric the Lazy into a Monastery, and made himself King 12.  
Pepin a Germane by extraction 14.  
Pharamont first King of France, was Duke of Franconia 11.  
How Philip II. got the Kingdom of Portugal 72.  
When Philip the iv lost it 73.  
Philipsbourg to whom it belongs 180.  
Places and provinces left to the Swedes by the peace of Munster 338.  
When Poland was made a Kingdom. 38.  
How the House of Pomerania fell to Brandenbourg 98.  
How Popes have diminished the Imperial Majesty 34.  
When Popes took the title of Universal Bishop ibid.  
How Emperors lost their right of choosing Popes 85  
Popes created or confirmed by Emperors 199  
Prague an Archbishopric, hath no voice in the general Assemblies 178.  
Number of Scholars in the University of Prague 282.  
Precedence amongst the Princes of the House of Saxony determined 88  
Some Prelates have voice in the Assemblies only in Body or by way of Representative 195.  
Prelates in Germany created by Election or Postulation 202.  
Why Priests were forbidden all kind of acquisitions 196.  
Authority of a Prince, his greatest support 12.  
How a Prince may get the reputation of virtuous 13.  
What books are fit for a Prince to read 24.25.  
The Princes of the Empire own a dependence on the Emperor 32.  
What Germane Princes and Lords are not admitted into the Assemblies of the Empire 65.  
What Sciences are necessary for Princes 115.  
Principalities in Germany called Fanslehen, and why 78.  
What the Protestant Princes lost by the Peace at Munster 175.  
The persons of Protestant Priests subject to the Consistory of their Princes 292.  
Prum Abbey 194.   

Q.  
The Quarters of the Circles of Swaben, and their Directors 253.  
The Quarters of the Rhine, and their Directors ibid.  
The maxim of Quaternions ridiculous 221.  
Eminent and renowned Queens 137.   

R  
Barons of Rapolstein or Ribaupierre 239.  
Ratisbon for what observable 278.  
Recess or Acts of the Empire, how signed and sealed 311.  
Two Originals of the Recess, where laid up 312.  
Benefit of the Reformation in Germany and France 96.  
The Reformation of Luther and Calvin makes Churchmen subject to their own Princes 205.  
Difference between Regalities and Sovereignty 66.  
Great and lesser Regalities ibid.  
Three Religions allowed in Germany 207.  
Resolutions of the Diets how signed 311.  
Reutlinguen. 279.  
The Rhinegraves 236.  
Rostoch an University of the Dukes of Meklebourg 120.  
Rottembourg 279.  
Rotweil where Mareshal Guebriant was slain ibid.   

S  
Counts of Salme made Princes 237.  
Saltzbourg, its abundance of Salt 177.  
Archbishop of Saltzbourg his privileges ibid. 

takes place in the Assemblies by turns with the House of Austria 305.    
Duke of Savoy considerable for the situation of his Country 112.  
Duke of Saxony the third Secular Elector 46. 

the second Vicar of the Empire 58.    
The merits of the House of Saxony 82, 83.  
When Frederick the Warlike of Saxony got the Electorship 84.  
Why Eric V of Saxon-Lawembourg lost it ibid.  
How Frederick the Magnanimous lost that Electorship 86.  
How Maurice of Saxony obtained it, whose posterity enjoys it at this day ibid.  
The principal Branches of the Electoral House of Saxony 85.  
Primogeniture not regarded in the House of Saxony 88  
Alliances of the present Princes and Princesses of the House of Saxony 90. & seq.  
Princes of Saxony their voices in the Assemblies. 91.  
Power of the House of Saxony. 92.  
How the Duchy of Saxony fell to the house of Lawembourg. 110.  
Counts of Schwartzbourg, and their Alliances 236.  
Schweinfort 279.  
Selestadt ibid.  
Counts of Solmes, and their Alliances 237.  
Stabel an Abbey in the Bishopric of Liege 194.  
Counts of Stolberg, and their arms 237.238.  
Strasbourg why called Argentina 267.  
Government, armoury, and other remarkables of Strasbourg. 267.268.  
In what Kingdoms Succession takes place, and why 54.  
The inconveniences of Succession 56.  
Counts of Sultz call themselves Landgraves of Klegeu 213.  
Directors of the Circle of Swaben 182  
When and how the Kingdom of Sweden was separated from Denmark 249.  
Progress of the King of Sweden in Germany, and his death. 320.  
What money the Swedes had for their charges in the Germane War 333.  
What Troops the Swedes had in Germany at the end of the War 334.  
Swedish Commanders in the Germane War 335.   

T.  
Dukes of Teck descended from the Dukes of Zeringuen 70.  
Teutonique Order, their possessions in Germany 192.  
The great Master precedes all Bishop's 305  
Leonard Torstenson a Swedish General, his praises 325.  
Whether Translations of books be useful 165.  
The benefits of Travelling 6.7.  
Trent a Bishopric 190.  
Tryer the second Ecclesiastical Elector 46.  
The Elector of Tryer his imprisonment and death 181.  
Tubing an University of the Dukes of Wirtemberg 122. & seq.  
None but Gentlemen admitted there 123.  
Laws and customs of the University of Tubing 124.  
What persons were admitted unto Tournaments 258.  
Who brought the use of Tournaments into Germany 259.  
Principal Tournaments held there ibid.  
What persons excluded from appearing at Tournaments 261.  
Laws and formalities observed at Tournaments 262.   

V  
Vauguin 280.  
Vberlingue 279.  
Vecler 280.  
Verden a Bishopric Secularised 188.  
How many Vicars of the Empire anciently, and how many now 58.  
Who are the Vicars or Deputies of the Electors 59  
Power of the Vicars of the Empire 78.  
Universities of Germany 282. & seq.  
A Prince hath as many Voices in the Assemblies as he holds Immediate Principalities 306.  
The Voices of every Order in the Diets, and how they are taken 305 & seq.  
Plurality of Voices prevails in the Assemblies except in matter of Religion. 307.308.   

W.  
Weinshein 280.  
Weissembourg ibid.  
From whence the Dukes of of Weymar are descended 88  
Duke Bernard Weymar his actions in the war 326. 327.  
Winfelan 280.  
Wirsbourg a Bishopric, and its Castle 179  
Bishop of Wirsbourg styled Duke of Franconia 180.  
Counts of Wirtemberg when made Dukes 121.  
Description of the Duke of Wirtembergs Country ibid.  
His Forces and Fortresses 125.  
Alliances of the house of Wirtemberg 125. & seq.  
Eberhard Count of Wirtemberg his Court and magnificence 128.  
Principality of Wirtemberg divided into six Dioceses 207.  
Worms 280.  
Bishop of Worm's part-Director of the Circle of the Rhine 180.   

Z.  
Dukes of Zeringuen of the same stock with the Marquess' of Baden 70.141.142.    

The most considerable misprintings or mistakes you may be pleased to correct thus;  
Page. Lin.  21. 14. for us read you. 80. 14. for too read two. 93. 11. read, less potent than those. 161 1. for or read Or. 162. 14. read, to the authority of Kings. 207. 12. for Montgarat read Stutgardt. 240. 17. read, speaking. 272. 19 for Germany read Almain. 286. 18. for those read that. 305. 16. for Branches read Benches. 328. 12. read, of Collen, near St. Antony, where  
The rest, it is hoped, are so little, as they may easily escape by your connivance or oversight.   

Books and Sermons written by J. Taylor D. D. Lord Bishop of Down and Connor.  
And sold by R. Royston Bookseller to the Kings most Excellent Majesty.  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, A Course of Sermons for all the Sundays of the year; together with a discourse of the Divine Institution, necessity, Sacredness and Separation of the Office Ministerial, in fol.  
2. The History of the Life and Death of the Ever-blessed Jesus Christ, the third Edition in fol.  
3. The Rule and Exercises of holy Living, in 8.  
4. The Rule and Exercises of holy dying, in 8.  
5. The Golden Grove, or A Manual of daily Prayers, fitted to the days of the week, together with a short Method of Peace and Holiness, in 12.  
6. A Collection of Polemical and Moral discourses in fol. newly reprinted.  
7. A Discourse of the Nature, Offices and Measure of Friendship, in 12. new.  
8. A Collection of Offices or forms of prayer fitred to the needs of all Christians, taken out of the Scriptures and Ancient Liturgies of several Churches, especially the Greek, together with the Psalter or psalms of David after the King's Translation, in a large octavo, newly pub.  
9 Ductor Dubitantium, or the Rule of Conscience, fol. in two volumes.  
10. The Doctrine and practice of Repentance, describing the necessities of a Strict, a Holy and a Christian Life: Serving as a necessary Supplement unto the Rule of Conscience.  
11. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, A Supplement to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or course of Sermons for the whole year. All that have been preached and published (since the Restauration) to which is adjoined, his Advice to the Clergy of his Diocese.  
12. The Worthy Communicant, or a Discourse of the Nature, Effects, and Blessings consequent to the worthy receiving of the Lords Supper printed for J. Martin.  
13. A Discourse of Confirmation in 8. new.  
14. A Dissuasive from popery in 8 new.   

Books lately Printed and Sold by Richard Royston at the Angel in Ivy-lane.  
ΒΑΣΙΛΙΚ'Α: The Works of King Charles I. with his Life and Martyrdom: printed in a large Folio with Figures.  
COENA quasi COINH, or the common Right to the Lords Supper asserted, wherein that Question is fully stated. By Sir William Morice, Knight, one of His Majesty's most Honourable privy Council, and principal Secretary of State, fol  
The Tears, Sighs, Complaints and prayers of the Church of England, setting forth her former constitution, compared with her present condition: Written in the late times of Rebellion and Usurpation, by John Gauden D. D. Bishop of Worcester, fol.  
Dr. Hammonds 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or degrees of Ardency in Christ's prayer defended from the impertinent cavils of Mr Jeanes: by William Creed D. D. Regius professor of Divinity in the University of Oxon.  
Certain Considerations of present Concernment touching the Reformed Church of England; with a Discourse upon the case touching the Division between the English and Romish Churches upon the Reformation: by H. Ferne D. D. late Bishop of Chester.  
A brief Survey of Antiquity for the Trial of the Romish Doctrine; especially in these points. 1. Of the worship of Saints and Angels. 2. Of the Invocation of Saints and Angels. 3. Of the worship of Images. 4. Of Justification by Works. 5. Of the Merit of good Works. 6. of purgatory. 7. Of Real presence. 8. Of Communion under one kind: By the said Lord Bishop of Chester. New.  
The Calvinists Cabinet unlocked: By Tilenus' Junior. New.  
The Syracusan Tyrant, Or the Life of Agathocles, with some Reflections on the practices of Cromwell. New.  
De Confirmatione, sive Benedictione post Battismum sollenni per Imposi ionem Manuum Episcopi celebrata, Authore H. Hammond.  
The Merit of the Old English Clergy asserted, and the Demerit of the New Clergy discovered: By Anonymus. New. 8.  
The Right Rebel: A Treatise written to prevent a new Rebellion by the Fanatic parties of these times. New. 8.  
Memoranda, Touching the Ex Officio, and the alteration of some Old and making some New Laws: Written by Sir Edw. Lake Baronet, Chancellor of Lincoln.  
The Catechism of the Church of England Paraphrased, By R. Sherlock, D. D. Rector of Winwick. The fifth Edition.  
The Refined Courtier, or a Correction of several indecencies crept into Civil Conversation, in 12. New.  
Lex Legum, or the Law of Laws, showing the excellency of the Civil Law above all other Laws whatsoever, by Sir Robert Wiseman Knight, in 4.  
Rex Theologus. The preachers guard and Guide in the Didactical part of his duty, or vindication, showing that the King's Majesty's Letter to the late Lord Archbishop of Canterbury is most conformable to the Judgement and practice of Antiquity.