Julio Mazarin    

THE HISTORY OF THE MANAGEMENTS OF Cardinal JULIO MAZARINE, Chief Minister of State of the CROWN of FRANCE. Written in Italian by Count Galeazzo Gualdo Priorate. And Translated according to the Original. In the which Are Related the Principal Successes Happened from the Beginning of His Management of Affairs till His Death.  
Tom. I. Part I  
LONDON: Printed by H. L. and R. B. in the Year 1671.   

To their most Serene HIGHNESSES the Duke and Duchess Regent of Modena and Regio, etc.  
CArdinal JULIO MAZARINE'S Government of Affairs, hath deserved all the Applauses that Fame can give. The World hath admired him as the Product of a Phoenix. I have writ his History; And as he hath been the Splendour of our times, I think it proper to bring him to the Feet of your Highnesses of Este, who are the most splendid Ornaments of all Italy. In the Heroic Actions of so great a Minister your most Serene Highnesses may behold your own proper Glory; take therefore (as I most humbly supplicate) this testimony of my observance, with that benignity which is proper to the Greatness of your most Serene Family, known for thousands of years to be the true Seminary of Heroes. There is no room for Panegyrics in this short Dedication, neither ought your Modesty to be wronged by my weak Pen, with inferior Praises to your unexpressible Merits; and therefore with a most humble submission, ask Pardon for this my boldness, I rest,  
Your most Serene Highnesses most humble and most obsequious Servant, Galeazzo Gualdo Priorato.   

TO THE Reader.  
THE HISTORY of the Managements of Cardinal Julio Mazarine is a matter most proper and most curious for Posterity. The Rules this man went by will serve for a most profitable Example to whomsoever shall have the Fortune to pass through the degrees of the like Sphere. Histories do mention many Statesmen with Applause and Veneration, and the Managements of the late Cardinal Richlieu are Celebrated with more than humane Attributes, as if Nature had given him the preeminence of all her Graces.  
Without doubt Richlieu was a great Politician, a great Minister of State; and a man may truly say, that for Humane Prudence France never had his equal. He knew, loved, and had in so much esteem the vivacity of Mazarine, that oftentimes he has been heard to say, that this man by his ability and his fortune would surpass not only his Master, but the most sublime Wits that have guided States and Monarchies. Richlieu was not at all deceived, for whoever compares their Actions, shall not find them equal.  
Richlieu was a Frenchman, Minister of State to a King in his Majority, strengthened by Kindred, Friends, and Parties. Mazarine an Italian, Minister to a King in his Minority, and to a Regent of an emulous and suspected Nation, without Relations, and no other friends but his own sprightly Wit.  
Richlieu was at the Helm when France was assisted by the Conjunctions of Swedeland, Holland, the Protestant Princes of Germany, the Royal House of Savoy, and many others; and enjoyed an entire obedience of its subjects: When England naturally emulous of the Greatness of France was embroiled by Intestine troubles, and when there was a perfect Correspondency with Pope Urban VIII.  
Mazarine governed in a time that Holland was reconciled to Spain, that the major part of the Princes of the Empire had deserted the Cause, the Swedes abated in their Power, the English become formidable by their Victories; In the heat of the Revolutions of the Kingdom, Persecuted by the Princes of the blood, by the major part of the Grandees; by the Parliaments and by the People, and under the Pontificate of Innocent X. little affecting his Person.  
Richlieu acted with Rigour, and with too high Pretensions, ending his life in no good opinion with the King his Master, disgusted with his vast Aims, and left the War unquenched.  
Mazarine deported himself with Affability and kindness, and exercised Humanity more than Austerity. He died in complete favour with their Majesties, who lamented his loss with tears, and was he wailed by his very Enemies. He gave his King a great Queen for his Wife, and with her the Peace so longed for by the Kingdom; with so great advantages, and so much Reputation, that the most Christian King Lewis XIV. may rightly be instyled the Great; being that France hath never had greater strength in Forces, nor a greater King for Valour, and all other Eminent Virtues. The Reader will pardon the feebleness of my Pen, if it hath not sufficiently expressed the merits of so great a man for his Actions, having brought forth Effects above the order of Nature, would require a Style Supernatural, not to say Divine, to celebrate them.   

The HISTORY of the Managements of Cardinal MAZARINE. Lib. I.  
HE was born in the Year 1602, at Piscina in Abruzzo the 14th. day of July, son of Peter Mazarine, and Hortensia Buffalini.  
In his Infancy he was instructed in the Rudiments of that tender Age, and by little and little in all those Exercises befitting a Gentleman.  
In the Jesuits College at Rome he so cultivated his Understanding, that the vivacity of his Wit, and the sublimity of his elevated Mind, shined forth even to Admiration.  
He completed his course in Philosophy, at the Age of 17. maintaining Conclusions in the most subtle Points, to the Wonder of all men.  
His courageous heart began to be inflamed with desire of new things, and to see and be informed of the Manners and Qualities of foreign Nations; for that purpose he accompanied Don Girolamo Colonna, (now a Cardinal) into Spain, and together with him studied the Law in the University of Alcalà, and in a short time he became perfect in the Spanish Tongue. While he was intent upon his Studies, it happened that his father, being accused of a certain Homicide, was in some trouble, and having no other sons, (for Alexander the younger brother was become a Dominican) so that he was obliged to return to assist his father in his troubles, where he arrived with all diligence, and bestirred himself in his Defence so efficaciously, that he was cleared from his accusations.  
He had no sooner Accomplished the Age of 20 years, when as his Heroic Genius excited him to the desire of Arms, and being favoured by the House of Colonna, he obtained to be chosen Captain Lieutenant of the Colonel's Company in the Regiment of the Prince of Palestrina; he led his Company to Milan, where he came acquainted with Giovanni Francisco Sacchetti, Commissary General of the Pope's Soldiers, sent to take possession of the Valtoline; and in the management of divers smaller Affairs he made appear so much Ability, that he was soon employed in matters of greater moment, performing them to the entire satisfaction of those who employed him, and of the parties with whom he Negotiated.  
He made a Relation of the Occurrences in the Valtoline, full of such exquisite Observations, that Torquato Conti, General of the Pope's Forces, sent them to his Holiness, that perused them with much satisfaction and commendation of Mazarine, who by his sweet carriage, and by Gaming, in which Fortune was very favourable to him, he increased his acquaintance with great men, and gained the good will and esteem of all that conversed with him.  
The Pope afterwards being desirous to disburden himself of the charge of the War, sent Giovanni Ginetti, brother to the Cardinal of that name, to the aforesaid General Conti, and to Commissary Sacchetti, with order to disband the Soldiers, which being done, Conti returned into Germany, and the two Brothers Sacchetti retired to Fano, where Cardinal Sacchetti was Bishop, Mazarine being their great friend and familiar Acquaintance accompanied them.  
The Cardinal was made Legate of Ferrara, and Superintendent of the Military Forces of that Government; Giovanni Francisco Sacchetti being bred a Soulider, commanded the Militia, and took Mazarine along with him, in whom he confided above all others.  
Giovanni Francisco afterward returning to Rome, Mazarine went also along with him, and endeavoured by all means to enter into the Service of Cardinal Antonio the Pope's Nephew, knowing how generous and obliging he was towards his Servants, but he was hindered by the malice of those that envied his Endowments.  
He strove likewise to put himself into the Court of Cardinal Francisco; but there also he received little encouragement, that Cardinal not being inclined to favour so Aspiring a Wit.  
Perceiving therefore that he had no luck in that Court, and having failed of making his Fortune by his Sword, he returned again to his Studies; declaring that Virtue, although she be suppressed by Envy, yet he is always Master who possesseth her, nor can she be taken away by any thing but Death, which levels all men.  
In a years time he made a great progress in the study of the Laws, improving still his Friendship with the Family of Sachetti.  
In the mean while the war of Mantua broke out by the death of Duke Vincenzo last of that Line; whereupon the Pope resolved to dispatch Giovanni Francisco Sachetti to Milan, with whom likewise went Mazarine, who quickly introduced himself into the management of those weighty public Negotiations, with entire satisfaction of Sachetti, and of all that treated with him, having a Genius so applicable to the humour of all Nations, that when he negotiated with the Ministers of Spain, he knew how to form himself to their garb, and with the Frenchmen according to their mode; but withal he had so pleasing a manner in his Discourse, accompanied with so modest a Civility, that every one was ambitious of his Conversation.  
The occasion being come (which I call Fortune) that Sachetti was to depart for Rome by reason of his Indisposition, and afterwards by the death of one of his Brothers, the Superintendency of all those Affairs was by him (in his absence) left in the hands of Mazarine, by which means he had a large Field to give proof of his Parts and Capacity, advertising continually the Court of Rome of what passed, by Letters so well indicted and relishing, that the Pope greatly delighting in them, resolved to continue him in his Service, omitting to send any other in the place of Sachetti, who was graced by His Holiness with the Government of his House, which Place was vacant by the death of Sachetti his brother lately deceased.  
The rumours of the War afterwards increasing, Urban deliberated to send Cardinal Antonio his Nephew, Apostolical Legate into Piedmont, and gave him Monsignor Panziroli for his Coadjutor, with the Title of Nuntio, who was afterward Cardinal and Secretary of State in the Pontificate of Innocent X.  
Mazarine having notice of this, went in all haste to Bologna, to inform the Cardinal of what had passed, and from thence to Rome, to give His Holiness a distinct Account of all those Negotiations, with due Reflections thereupon.  
The Pope was highly satisfied with his acute Discourse, and judged it necessary to make use of him, as one who besides his being well instructed in all things, had already acquired great credit and esteem amongst them with whom he had negotiated; wherefore he dispatched him back to Cardinal Antonio, ordering him to make use of his Service, having found him capable of all Employment.  
He found the Cardinal still at Bologna, and in a long Discourse together, His Eminency rested so highly satisfied, that immediately he sent him to Count Collalto, the Emperor's General, who quattered at St. Benedetto in the Territories of Mantua. He insinuated himself so far into the favour of the said Count, that having dispatched Piccolomini for some Affair to Cardinal Antonio, gave him to understand, that he was so well satisfied with Mazarine, that he would rather treat with him then with any other, declaring himself not at all content with the austere manner of proceeding of the Nuntio Panzirolo.  
In the mean time Don Gonzales de Cordova, Governor of Milan, was gone with the Spanish Army to besiege Casal in Monferat, but with ill success; for that place being well fortified, and well defended by Monsieur de Toiras, held out so long, till the French Army passing the Alps, it behoved the Spaniards to quit the Siege and retire.  
The Catholic King, much unsatisfied with Don Gonzales, recalled him into Spain, and sent thither Governor and Captain General Marquis Ambrosio Spinola, the famous Soldier in the Wars of Flanders.  
In the mean while the Pope and the Cardinal Legate efficaciously endeavoured to divert the approaching ruin of Italy, by seeking an Accommodation. Mazarine was before all others employed, and knowing how to lay hold on the occasion, laboured to ingratiate himself with all parties, and amongst the rest he captivated the goodwill of Charles Emanuel the potent Duke of Savoy, in such a manner, that that wise Prince finding him capable of the most important Affairs, desired him to make a Voyage into France, to endeavour by his perspicacious Wit to prevail with Cardinal Richlieu to stop the French Army from passing over the Mountains.  
Thereupon he went with leave of the Cardinal Legate and the Nuntio to Lions, where Richlieu was already arrived with the French Army; He had conference with his Eminence, proposed divers Expedients, and used all Art to stop him, but all in vain.  
This was the first time that ever Richlieu saw Mazarine, and although his Proposals were little to his liking, nevertheless he was extremely pleased with his so pertinent manner of discourse, affirming that he had found him far beyond what he expected; so that in those few days Mazarine stayed at Lions, he so well knew how to deport himself with that great Minister of State, that he engrafted himself deeply in his favour. But failing to serve the Duke as he heartily desired, he endeavoured at least to render him another service of no small moment, which was to persuade Prince Thomas his son, who was then at Chambery in Savoy, to return into Piedmont, to avoid an open breach with the Crown of France, which his Presence in those parts might occasion.  
The Duke laboured by all means, with the assistance of the Spaniards and Imperialists, to oppose the designs of the French; Mazarine had his eye continually on the Liberty of Italy, and on the Conservation of Mantua at that time besieged; which was one of his principal Instructions; and seeing the maintaining Duke Charles of Nevers in the possession of his Hereditary Countries in Italy depended on the Protection of the French, he advertised the Ministers of the most Christian King of the powerful Forces of the Confederate enemies, that Cardinal Richlieu might opportunely provide against them, and shun the approaching danger. To this, and to the easier Acquist of Pignerol, Spinola's clashing with the Duke of Savoy, and refusing to assist him in such manner as he desired, did not a little conduce; and was cause that he died afterward with discontent; and that the Imperialists miss of obtaining their designs.  
The Duke sent the Abbot Scaglia into Spain, to represent to the Catholic King, that Spinola giving ear to the Propositions of the Cardinal Legate for an Accommodation, occasioned all the ill success, and that the French through his fault were got on this side the Mountains, for which the King being full of indignation against Spinola (in opposition to whom there wanted not the Suggestions and Arts of those that envied his Employment) resolved to take from him all Authority and Command of the Army, which through so great experience of his worth he had conferred upon him.  
Mazarine continuing a Mediator between each party, demeaned himself with such exquisite Sagacity, and with so sweet a manner Negotiating, sometimes with one, sometimes with another, that he rendered himself equally beloved and confided in by all; and continuing by Play and Familiarity to acquire every one's Friendship, he came at length to penetrate into the most hidden Cabals, and to discover the most secret Designs. He by this means seasonably advised the Duke of Mantua's General of the Surprisal, the imperialists were plotting against that City on the side of the Mincio, not over carefully guarded by the Besieged. Spinola in the mean while had laid siege to Casal with a most flourishing Army, and had begun very much to straighten it. Mazarine brought on new Treaties, and persuaded Spinola to condescend to some honourable and honest Accommodation. He form a Writing to the satisfaction of the Duke of Savoy, of Spinola, and of Colalto, and immediately went to find the King of France at St. John di Moriana, (who stayed there expecting the yielding up of Montmelian attaqu'd by his Forces) and brought back from the King what he desired.  
He returned into Piedmont, but in those few days of his absence the face of Affairs being changed by the surprise of Mantua, as also by the death of the Duke of Savoy; and that Spinola was far advanced in the siege of Casal, his first Projects were confounded, and he was forced to mould new ones, with which he went back to the most Christian King at Paris, by order of his Patron Cardinal Antonio.  
He was received there with great Honour, and demonstrations of high Esteem for his Person, and obtained His Majesty's assent to the Agreement, with which he hastened to find Vittorio Amadeo the new Duke of Savoy and Collalto.  
He demonstrated to them the good inclination of the King to the accord, and left them satisfied and inclined to the Peace. But because Spinola longing to take Casal, seemed likely to withdraw himself from the Treaty; Mazarine went again to find him at the Camp, and with convincing Reasons disposed him to the Agreement. He requested that for the Honour of the King and himself the City and Castle of Casal might be deposited in his hands, the French retaining still the Citadel, promising to resign up the said City and Castle within the term of 15 days; and that Mantua should likewise be delivered up to that Duke: for the performance of which he offered in Hostage his own Son.  
The King of France condescended to the Proposals of Spinola, and gave order to his Lieutenant's Generals to conclude the Treaty; but in the very point of effecting it the King of Spain sent an Express, depriving Spinola of all Authority: At which he was so much cast down and struck with grief, that when Mazarine returned to give him an account of his Negotiation, and how he had accomplished what Spinola had desired and proposed, he could get no other Answer from him then these two words: 
V. S. es hombre da bien pero, jo tambien.  
Your Lordship is an honest man, and I am so too.  And thus walking to and fro, and stamping, he showed himself to be agitated by a most fierce and secret grief. Wherefore temporising with artificial Excuses, he gave no other Answer then the former words often reiterated.  
Finally, Cardinal Antonio resolving to see the end of it, with the approbation of the Duke of Savoy and Collalto, sent back Mazarine to Spinola, who was sick in bed, and prevailed so much, that Spinola in the end not being able to resist the force of the Reasons produced by Mazarine, broke out into a grievous lamentation in defence of his Honour: saying, 
MY hanno levato l' honore.  
They have taken away my Honour.  Then calling one of his Servants, he ordered the King of Spain's Letter to be brought, by which all his Power was taken from him, and showed it to Mazarine, that he might know the true cause of his Irresolution, and said again, 
MY hanno levato l' honore.  
They have taken away my Honour.   
Afterwards turning himself to the other side of the bed (with the Letter in his hand) he aggravated his Misfortune, and the injury done to his Reputation, and the Merit of so many Services performed by him to the Crown of Spain for 40 years together.  
The business being in this posture, Mazarine by order of Cardinal Antonio entered upon new Negotiations, and proposed a Suspension of Arms, but Spinola being dead, and the Marquis di Sante Croce entering upon his Command, who found all things in disorder by the death of the General, underwit the Truce, which was already subscribed to by the Duke of Savoy and Collalto. In the mean while the French Army descended into Piedmont, to relieve Casal, and each Party hoping to win by their Arms, the business was in a ready way to be decided by them.  
To that purpose the French Army advance within sight of the place. The Legate made use of Mazarine also in this occasion, who flying like Lightning, now to one side, now to the other, behaved himself with such dexterity, that in the very instant that both Armies were ranged in Battalia ready to engage, he concluded the Peace, to the general satisfaction of all, and with so great applause for himself, that by this action the way was opened to those Grandeurs which afterwards he arrived at, becoming in a manner absolute Moderator of the greatest Affairs of the World.  
Upon putting the Peace in execution the Spaniards by their slow departure out of the Territories of Monferat, giving some apprehension to the French, they presently conveyed several Troops into the Citadel of Casal, contrary to the Articles of the Stipulation, whereat the Duke of Feria taking Alarm, advanced part of the Army to fall upon the French in their disorderly return into Piedmont. Cardinal Antonio having advice thereof, so ordered the matter, that Mazarine not only gave notice to the chief Commanders of the French Army, but likewise by gentle means delayed Galasso and Piccolomini, who were advancing to fight them; so that the French had time to retreat without any disturbance.  
With new windings and Negotations he finally adjusted every thing, and by his means the Peace was fully concluded at the Treaty at Chirasco, in which Mazarine was the person that by the Pope's order negotiated secretly with the Duke of Savoy, and caused him to deliver up Pignerol to the King of France, whereat the Spaniards took so great distaste, that calling him Traitor made bitter complaints against him to the Pope and Cardinal Barbarine; who ignorant of the private Orders given to Mazarine by His Holiness, and believing that he had gone beyond those of his Patron, began to favour the Spaniards complaints, denied to give him Audience, and solicited the Pope that he would appoint that a Process might be drawn up against him.  
The Pope to please the Cardinal his Nephew gives way to it, but underhand encouraged Mazarine not to fear any thing, who was shunned and murmurred against on all sides by the wicked and hollow-hearted Courtiers; Truth lying hid, and Lies taking place, to please those on whom they had dependence.  
At length, being admitted to the Audience of Cardinal Barbarine, with sweetness of language and much respect he lamented the wrong done him, and the slender Acknowledgements he had received in recompense of all his pains and eminent services, performed to the Holy Church and all Italy; and so efficacious were his Reasons, that the Cardinal was much mollified: but as there was an Antipathy between their Genius and his malignant Enviers never ceasing to torment him, the aversion he had conceived against him could never be eradicated out of his heart.  
Mazarine in the mean time by his courteous carriage and affability made it his business to gain Friends and Acquaintance, declaring that men's Fortunes did depend on their good Friends, who are preserved by means of Services and Civilities, the most proper Instruments to captivate men's Affections.  
And therefore putting in practice this Maxim, he began to gain the good will of many, that were ambitious of his Friendship; by which means having at last overcome all oppositions, and abated the bitterness of Barbarine, That Preferment was offered him both by this Cardinal and his brother Cardinal Antonio, that at other times he had sought after, and could never obtain; and the Election being in his own power, he chose rather to serve Cardinal Antonio then Francisco, their Humours suiting better together, for Antonio was of a magnanimous spirit, and generous in the highest degree.  
The Place he gave him was Vice-Treasurer, with an Assignment of 800 Crowns a year, but His Eminence afterwards having changed the Office of Treasurer to be Legate of Avignon, declared him his Auditor, setting a high value on him for those Affairs. And a little after the Pope willing to give him some sign of his not-forgotten thankfulness, made him his Household Chaplain and Vice-Legat of Avignon, and afterward sent him Nuntio Extraordinary into France, to solicit the most Christian King for the Restitution of Lorraine to that Duke; as also to endeavour to prevent the War which began to break out betwixt the two Crowns, by the surprisal of Philipsbourg, and afterward of Treves, with the imprisonment of that Elector.  
But before he went from Rome he married two of his Sisters, Marguerit the Elder to Count Girolamo Martinozzi of Fano, and Girolama the younger to Lorenzo Mancini, both of them of ancient Families. Monsignor Mazarine taking his Voyage towards France, in the Quality of Apostolical Nuntio Extraordinary, was kindly received, and splendidly treated, by all the Princes through whose Dominions he passed; but especially he found an extraordinary kind Reception in the Royal Court of Savoy.  
No sooner arrived at Paris, but he revived his Friendship with his former Acquaintance, and suddenly gained a Sympathetical correspondence with all the Statesmen and Grandees of that Court, and particularly contracted an intimate Friendship with the Count de Chavigny, principal Secretary of State, Cardinal richelieu's greatest Confident and most employed by him.  
The King, the Queen, and Richlieu himself, esteemed him highly, and the Cardinal was never better pleased then when any occasion offered itself to discourse with the Nuntio, in whom he admired the Acuteness, Eloquence, and handsome way of representing of business. Chancing once to fall sick, the King himself honoured him with a Visit.  
The Pope's Mediation for Peace proving ineffectual by reason of the too high Pretensions of both Parties, at the end of two years His Holiness recalled Mazarine; who notwithstanding in his Nuntiature did not omit to perform many important Services for the Holy See. He went directly to Avignon, where he stayed about six Months, demeaning himself with seemly decorum, and with all affability: He finished and adjusted many things, and did not neglect to cultivate a most intimate correspondence with Cardinal Richlieu, oftentimes presenting him with divers choice things from Italy.  
Finally, having obtained leave to return to Rome, he went by Sea; and having given the Pope and the Cardinal Nephew an account of his Negotiations, he was received by them with all demonstrations of Esteem.  
The Pope, who was a Prince of a deep understanding, taking delight to discourse with a person of so lively a Wit, enriched with the knowledge of the Affairs of the world, admitted him often to Audience, entertaining him for many hours together. Cardinal Barbarine growing jealous of so great esteem and familiarity, and not enduring that any one should insinuate himself so far in his Uncle's favour, rigorously forbid him his so frequent Visits, and cajoling His Holiness with his Discourses, by which he had wrought upon him to be content that Cardinal Antonio might be honoured by the most Christian King with the Protectorship of that Crown, to the great disgust of the Spaniards and their Party, who increasing their disdain against Mazarine, as the Contriver of this blow, they began to study by what means they might lessen him, and avoid those prejudices to their Interests which they did prognosticate by his professed Devotion to France. Though he did not enjoy the good Graces of him that was prevalent in the Pope's affections, yet by his extraordinary ability he still maintained the Reputation he had merited for his good Services towards the Holy See, and continued his Protection under Cardinal Antonio. Some differences happening betwixt the House of Medici and Don Filippo Colonna, by his Mediation they were composed.  
And it was no small matter he did in hindering greater disorders, when that unfortunate accident happened of the Gentleman of the Horse to the Marshal d'Estree the French Ambassador. But as the best qualified and ablest men are most envied, and most liable to Persecution and Malice, so he being watched on every side, could not advance himself to those Honours, which the Malignity and Emulation of others hindered him from. Whence the King of France perceiving that this Person (for being well affectionated to his Crown) was persecuted by the Spaniards, and esteeming it a dishonourable thing to keep idle and depress an Understanding so sublime, took him near himself, with profession of great esteem, and with offers of support, honour, and assistance.  
Many other Princes of Italy proffered him considerable advantages in their Courts. Vittorio Amadeo Duke of Savoy, a very intelligent Prince, particularly invited him with much benignity to his Court. Resolving finally to pass into France, he went thither in the beginning of the year 1639. and arrived just at the time when Father Joseph the Capucine died, one (for his great Parts and Experience in the Affairs of State) employed with great assurance by Cardinal Richlieu in the Intrigues of the Kingdom. The King had nominated him to a Cardinalship, and his Promotion was with all earnestness solicited by Mazarine, whose Fortune it was not to obtain the Scarlet for Father Joseph, seeing that the King named him instead of the other, declaring by this the great esteem he had for him, in preferring him before any other of his Kingdom, qualifying him besides with the Title of his Plenipotentiary at the Treaty of the General Peace, which Mazarine valued more than his Recommendation to the Cardinalship.  
Few days after his Arrival in France His Majesty sent him Extraordinary Ambassador into Piedmont upon business of Importance, and particularly to win to the French fide Prince Thomas, and to reunite those Princes to the chief of their House. He dexterously achieved them both, though that which concerned the first with Prince Thomas had not then its effect, for some impediments which he could not suddenly surmount: but he fixed the second in such manner, that France thereby received many advantages.  
Returned from Piedmont he waited upon Cardinal Richlieu into Languedoc, honoured by that great Politician with an entire Confidence; and his Zele for the King's Service was successful, not only in the Affairs of that Voyage, but also in remoter parts; for at the same time by his Negotiations he reduced the strong Town of Sedan into the King's power, which was a receptacle of Malcontents. He was the man that designed the Attempt of Tortona in the State of Milan, and took upon him to provide all things necessary for the gaining of that City; and it was he likewise that drew the Prince of Monaco to the French Party.  
Finally, on the 16th. of December 1641. with universal Applause, he was promoted to the purple robe, to the particular satisfaction of the King, and of Richlieu, who was pleased to see him his Companion in the Ecclesiastical Function, whom he already presaged his Successor in his Ministry. He prepared for his journey to Rome, to receive the Hat, and to perfect many important Commissions. But Richlieu's indisposition of body increasing, and the machinations of his enemies growing stronger, to justle him out of the King's favour; he thought fit to cause him stop his journey, to make use of his help and council (of which he had so good experience,) very useful in that rugged conjuncture.  
The King perfectly knowing Mazarines' abilities: in the foreseen failing of Richlieu, had oftentimes thoughts to make use of him, in direction of the Affairs of the Crown, and had also discovered this his intent to some of his Confidents, extolling him for the most able he knew to undergo this burden; which gave much trouble to Mazarine, doubting with himself that such manifestation of his Majesty might give Richlieu some jealousy; it being for the most part the humour of Courtiers, to look with a stalling brow on those they deem able to sustain the same charge with themselves; and therefore he urged anew for leave to go to Rome, which was still denied him by the King, and opposed by Richlieu himself, quite contrary to Mazarines' expectation; besides, Richlieu, before his death, assured His Majesty, that he could not better trust the Management of his weighty Affairs to any, then to Mazarine.  
Richlieu dying, the King immediately began to make use of Mazarines' Advice and Council, with open show of the value and confidence he had of his ableness and fidelity, and to qualify him higher, caused him one day to sit in his Presence, an honour that was never bestowed on Cardinal Richlieu in so many years of his Attendance.  
The King desirous he should take notice that the Choice he had made proceeded solely from himself, assured him that of his own proper inclination he had chosen him out from amongst so many excellent men of his Kingdom.  
The Cardinal being very wary in his demeanour, conformed himself so well to the humour of his Majesty, that he did not give him the least doubt of that odious power, that he had abhorred in his Predecessor; from whence it happened that he became in a short time disposer of the Kings Will and Trust.  
By how much the more he saw himself advanced in his Prince's favour, so much the more did he reflect on his tottering Fortune; for while the King lay under a languishing condition, he began to weigh what a difficult passage it would be from a firm to a wavering Government, by the disorders, changes and turbulencies, commonly happening in Minorities, especially the Queen-Mother, being of a Nation so much exposed to the jealousy of that Country.  
The first trial the King made under the direction of Mazarine, was to render his Armies victorious the next Campania; to the intent that the world might not attribute his past Victories totally to the Government of Richlieu. Mazarine in this occasion gave great proof of his dexterous abilities, by obtaining that the Command of the Army in Flanders might be conferred on the Duke d' Anguien, eldest son of the Prince of Conde, notwithstanding his Majesty had some aversion against it.  
The King's sickness increasing with little hope of recovery, calling for Mazarine, he communicated to him his intent of forming a Council without the Princes of the blood; of which he intended to make him Precedent. The Cardinal, though astonished at so great honour, was not at all dazzled with the ambition, but with great reverence demonstrated to his Majesty the disorders such a form might cause; and with convincing reasons framed his answer in favour of the Queen, comprehending also the Princes of the blood, as for what concerned his own person, he beseeched his Majesty that others might share in that honour, which he thought too far exceeding his merit, and too probable to excite envy against him, being a stranger.  
The King, notwithstanding continued resolute, in his purpose, to limit at least the Regency of the Queen, with Restriction of the Council to the plurality of Voices; he was confirmed in this determination by the Prince of Conde, who by the Authority he had above the other Counsellors, imagined to turn and wind all at his pleasure; wherefore the Council of Mazarine for the uncontrolled Authority of the Queen, conformable to the examples of former Regencies remained fruitless.  
That which only remained to settle the King's mind, was to have an assurance that the Cardinal would not return into Italy after his death, wherefore having earnestly besought him never to abandon his sons, importuned him to a direct promise, as likewise the Queen, not to permit him upon any pretext whatsoever to quit the Affairs; and to engage him the more, he was pleased that he should answer for the Dauphine at the Holy Font in Quality of Godfather, together with the Princess of Conde, confessing that he did it more straight to oblige him to his son's service. His Majesty well knowing the need he should have of him in his unripe years.  
The King dead, it seemed not convenient to the Queen, to suffer that Authority to be retrenched in such manner which other Queens had enjoyed freely, wherefore she permitted herself to be persuaded, against the sense and counsel of the Cardinal, to make the Parliament annul the Will of her late husband; which Mazarine foreseeing would prove a mortal blow to the State, and highly prejudicial to the Regent herself, did not only forbear to appear in Parliament, but likewise prepared himself to retire, which was by no means assented to by the Queen, who having the Authority of the Regency confirmed to her, not only assured him of an entire confidence, but engaged him also to remain, minding him of his promise made to the King, never to depart from his children, and notwithstanding the great oppositions made against Mazarine by the enemies of Richlieu, and by the disaffected he carried himself so well, that in a short time he engrossed all Affairs.  
The Bishop of Beauvais, whom the Queen had added to the Council (where, in those few days of his direction all things were fallen into disorder) being excluded.  
On the contrary, Mazarine entered upon the business of the Kingdom with very lucky beginnings, when many important considerations would have been enough to have discomposed the stoutest mind, in so dangerous a condition of so Infantine a Minority.  
The unquiet nature of the French desirous of Novelties, easy to be drawn into sedition, the Court full of turbulent spirits, many prisoners set free, many returned from their exile; others, who before, for their rebellious attempts, durst not so much as show their heads now so arrogant, as to pretend a share in the Government.  
The Parliament depressed and discontented, desirous to recover their lustre, and dilate their power. The Provinces oppressed by the grievances of a long War, more inclined to disloyalty then obedience; the Princes disposed to the most desperate attempts to make their advantage of these Conjunctures, the people animated to shake off so weighty a yoke. The apprehension not ill grounded, that the Confederates of France fearing the unstable Resolution in a woman's Regency, and for their own proper Interests, were ready to relinquish their former Union. And lastly, all the Concerns of the Crown threatening on all hands fear and terror. Yet nothing could dismay the courage of the Cardinal, resolved to despise all danger for the Royal service. He applied himself suddenly to strengthen and conserve the external and internal vigour of the Kingdom. And procured in the first place to confirm the Confederates in their Adherence to the Crown, writing to all with such assuredness of the stability of the Regency in the established mutual Union, and with such motives of honour and profit to themselves, that he easily confirmed them in their Confederations; thus in that beginning was established to the Crown the Amity of the Swedes, of the Duke of Savoy, of the Langrave of Hesse, of the States of Holland, of the Catalonians, and of the Portugals, a League which rendered the Power of France so much the stronger and feared, and which at last did so much cooperate to the Conclusion of the Peace. And secondly, considering that intestine evils are most dangerous, and aptest to destroy the Individual; and foreseeing how much Civil discords do indamage a State, he placed all his care to preserve the Peace of the Kingdom, by uniting the Royal Family, which was easily brought to pass for some years.  
To handsel the Regency with some egregious deed, he propounded, and against the opinion of every one, undertook the Siege of Teonville, a place of great importance, which happily succeeding, he gained great commendation.  
Frieburg afterward being attacked by the Army of the Elector of Baviere, with manifest danger to be lost: he opportunely provided to relieve it, causing the Queen to command the Duke of Anguien to join speedily his Troops to those of Marshal Turenne, and to bring timely succours, which succeeded prosperously, by which means not only the possession of that City was kept, which had already capitulated; but also other considerable Conquests were acquired. The French Armies passing beyond the Rhine, the Danube, and the Lech; and the Duke d' Anguien having gained a singular victory; they overran Spire, Ghermensain, Landau, Bindemo, Cronach, and Magonza.  
By like advantages in those parts the Confederates were got in a condition to lend their helping hand at any time of need, who by making themselves Master of a great part of Franconia and Suevia, they became much stronger than their enemies, but chiefly by the taking of Hoilbrun, yet an Imperial City of very great importance, confirmed to them by the Treaty of the Truce concluded at Ulme, with the Elector of Bavaria.  
He cooperated afterward to the Peace of Munster, and quickly saw it concluded, with notable advantages to the Crown of France, to which he established the possession of both the Alsatia's, and the two very strong places of Brijac and philipsburg near the Rhine, opening a Pass into Germany at their pleasure.  
By this Peace there did accrue to France the three Bishoprics of Metz, Tul and Verdun, and by the creating Metz a Parliament, heretofore found a matter of much difficulty, firmly established the controverted Jurisdiction of them, with an absolute and perpetual possession ratified by the Emperor, and the several Orders of the Empire.  
The cares of the Cardinal were not restrained to these Expeditions only: but at the same time he was likewise intent upon the Cabals of the Cabinet, finding himself compelled by the Court-Intrigues, to apply himself to extinguish in the beginning every spark of Civil trouble, and ofttimes to ward his own life from the treacheries of his enemies.  
By this his care he saved himself from the Conspiracy contrived against him by the Duke of Beaufort, who thinking the Cardinal an obstacle against his high designs, by the occasion of a certain Collation which the Count of Chavigny had prepared for the Queen at the Castle of Vincennes, which was in his Government, whether the Duke came accompanied by many followers, with design to murder him; the Cardinal Advertized of it, forbore to appear to the Treat, saved himself in the Lovure, where the day following he caused Beaufort to be arrested, and sent him with a strong Guard to the said Castle of Vincennes.  
With admirable subtlety he raised a glorious Envy betwixt the Dukes of Orleans and Anguien, enticing the former to the Incommodities of War, as well by the Allurements of Glory, as by the diligent furnishing him with all things necessary, to make it less irksome to him; by this means making use of the Triumphs of the one, to moderate the haughtiness of the other, which was one of his greatest Artifices, to enjoy the benefit of a well-concerted Union.  
Hereupon the Duke of Orleans, marched into Flanders at the head of a most puissant Army, and after the taking of Gravelling, Mardike, and Dunkirk, by all men esteemed impossible; he opened a way into the heart of Flanders, passed the River Colma, and brought in a short time under the French Dominion Lens, Bourbourg, Merville, Bettunes, St. Venant, Armentieres, Bergues, Courtray, Ypres, lafoy Bassee, Dixmude, Landresy, Furnes, and other places.  
He put them upon few Undertake that did not succeed; and though he failed in that of Cambray, attempted by the Count d' Harcourt, yet it cannot be said but that he merited great praise for the most accurate diligence that he showed they ought to use in those Conjunctures, which in all probability would have rendered the defence of that place more difficult, than the taking it, if his Orders had been put in execution, according as he directed.  
He caused to be sent to the Catalonians a considerable assistance, with which they got Tortosa, Roses, and other places, and to give that people a fuller assurance of the firm Protection of France, he made his brother the Cardinal of Sancta Cicilia Governor of that Province.  
In Italy after the King's death many erterprises were begun by his directions and Counsel, and many things done to the great benefit of the Crown. The Town and Citadel of Aste were suddenly recovered; they gained great advantages in the Siege of Turin, in the Enterprise of Pontestura and Vigevano, and many other Expeditions prudently undertaken, although some were unsuccessful, whether for the ill fortune of Prince Thomas of Savoy in the War of Italy, or for the variable Accidents of War.  
Considering moreover how beneficial the friendship of the Princes of Este would be to the French in their Affairs of Italy, and making use of the happy Conjuncture, when by the phlegm of some Ministers of Spain those Prince's thought themselves not treated according to their merit. He bent his thoughts to draw them to the French party, beginning luckily with the Acquisition of Cardinal Rinaldo d' Este, a Prince in earnest very worthy of that high esteem, which he enjoys in the opinion of all the World, causing him to be honoured by the King of France with the Protection of that Crown in the Court of Rome; and afterward obliging Duke Francisco his brother, by giving him the charge of General of the Army of his most Christian Majesty in Lombardy: Both these, by their generous actions have always upheld, (the one in Rome, the other in the Army) the Reputation of the Crown of France, to their eternal glory and merit.  
Mazarine, well knowing, that to attaque the Spaniards in their holds of Italy would touch them to the quick, caused to be set out to Sea a very potent Fleet, and aiming to gain some Post on the Shore of Tuscany, caused Orbitello to be beleaguered by the Army under Prince Thomas of Savoy by Land, and by the Navy commanded by the Duke of Bresé by Sea. But the Duke of Bresé being slain at the very first by a Canonshot, and the Prince probably ill served by his Officers, the Action succeeded not, which otherwise was well designed by the Cardinal, intending by the gaining of this place to facilitate the Enterprise, which he had plotted against Naples, and to hinder the communication betwixt that Kingdom and the State of Milan.  
Likewise, in the other attempts made upon the same Kingdom by the Duke of Guise they found no better fortune, for the sinister correspondencies of those giddy headed Napolitans with the Crown of France, together with the contrariety of their humours that hindered all good operations; yet whether they succeeded or not, Mazarine gave not over to make his advantage of them, as potent diversions for the Erterprises of Flanders, which were of greatest concerns, being nearest to the heart of the Kingdom.  
Mazarine desirous to recover the Glory of the French, which the ill success in Italy had much eclipsed, with an incredible and unexpected resolution; that Navy which was supposed incapable to appear in the Mediterranean for a long time, was seen to return again the year following more formidable than ever, under the Command of the Mareschals de la Milleray, and Plessis Pralin, with which in a few days they possessed themselves of Piombino and Porto Longone in the Isle of Elba, half belonging to the King of Spain, and half to the Duke of Tuscany; by which Victories the Reputation of the French was much recovered, the Applauses and Fame of the Victor's echoing every where, to the great advantage of the Neighbouring Princes, especially of the Cardinals Barbarini, who flying the indignation of Innocent the tenth, had sheltered themselves under the Protection of the King of France; by the efficacious and powerful Offices of Cardinal Mazarine; who by a noble Example of Gratitude upheld that Family, which newly fallen from a potent and long Dominion (a warning to elective Princes) knew not whether to turn themselves for a friendly Sanctuary.  
Thus by the help of Mazarine, they saw themselves honoured with the Protection of the most Christian King; by which means they were in a short time reestablished by the Pope himself, and with a strange Metamorphosis embraced again. The Comedy of their wand'ring ending in a strict Union and Alliance, by the Marriage of one of the Pope's Niece's Daughters to Don Maffeo Barberino, to whom Don Carlo Prince of Pellestrina, renounced his Titles and Honours, himself being promoted to the Scarlet, whereby he had a fair pretence to free himself from the engagement wherein he had promised to wed no other than the Countess Martinozzi, Mazarines' Niece, who finding in this as in all other occasions the usual experiment of working good out of evil, saw afterward his said Niece more highly matched in the Family of Este, and Duchess of Modona.  
It will not be amiss, since we are entered upon the discourse of this Family, to give a touch of what Cardinal Mazarine, being chief Minister of State, did in favour of the Barbarini in the War with the Duke of Parma, with whom most of the Princes of Italy were joined in League, for the aversion that they bore to Cardinal Barbarini, with whom they were generally dissatisfied.  
The War being kindled, the Fire seemed unextinguishable, not only because it chiefly arose, as the common report went, from private passion, and particular envy; and the flames daily increasing from those puffs of anger, the discontents grew still higher, which according to the Contingencies of War administered new matter of rancour. But also on the Pope's Account, that he being the Common Father, should with a constant resentment pretend a just title to disturb the quiet of Italy by arms, when all Christendom, groaning so long time under the weight of innumerable miseries, thought they might expect from his Piety a paternal and serious application, to compose the inveterate motions of War, and not to excite new ones. On the other side the interessed Confederates, longing to abate the temporal power of the Ecclesiastical Princedom; and to give a wholesome Admonishment to those, that being destined by God to enjoy it for a season, are oftentimes unmindful of returning again to their private condition, were resolved to maintain with all perseverance the reputation of their Arms.  
For this cause the mediation or the Spaniards and the Emperor for a pacification proved a long time ineffectual; the King of France not omitting to interpose his his Authority, for the service of her, to whose Assistance his Ancestors had so often passed the Mountains, dispatched, by the Counsel and dictates of Mazarine, the Marquis of Lionne to the Confederate Princes, to whom he delivered his Message with such vigour and reputation, that by his prudent Negotiations he ripened that fruit which Cardinal Bichi (who was ordered by the King to manage the Treaty) afterward had the good fortune to gather, by the Conclusion of the Peace, as acceptable and advantageous to the Barberines', as afterward the memory of that War proved prejudicial to them.  
The Cardinal likewise got no small reputation by composing the differences between the Kings of Swedeland and Denmark, who were entering into a most cruel War.  
He showed himself also very constant in overcoming all the difficulties which happened upon the Marriage of the Princess Maria Gonzago with Uladislao King of Poland, brought to an end by his great Prudence. While the Affairs of France went thus prosperously on, and that all Europe had their eyes fixed on the greatness and power of that Crown, admiring the Ascendant Fortune of the most Christian King, with the same Reflections wherewith heretofore were admired that of the most victorious Emperor Charles the Fifth; on a sudden she saw herself overwhelmed by those Civil broils which have always been the most powerful mischiefs to depress her.  
The first ground from whence these turbulent Revolutions arose was from the Treasurer Emery, who was the Person that disposed the minds of the Parlementarians of Paris to Commotions, by troubling them in their places, hereby to raise money, not without the opinion of many, that he did this with an intent to overthrow the Cardinal, who vigorously opposed such his dangerous Undertake, knowing the nature of the French to be most extremely violent for their particular benefit.  
For this cause therefore the Parliament of Paris having declared against the King's Government, the Queen thought to destroy this growing Hydra, by punishing three of her Heads, giving order for the Imprisonment of the Counsellor Brussel, and the Precedents Blamenil and Charton, though Mazarine did greatly impugn it, well perceiving that it was not yet time to stir the Humours, when there was no likelihood to dissipate them, and it succeeded just so as he foresaw; for the People having taken Arms and chained the streets, compelled the Court to set free the prisoners, and to turn out Emery, to the great prejudice of the Royal Authority, and to the emboldening of the Seditious to undertake new Villainies.  
The Cardinal on this occasion maintained, but it did not help him, that by the rule of good Government they ought constantly to adhere to their resolutions once taken, although they were not assumed with their due precautions, it being always hurtful to Princes to recede from that which they have once pretended to be observed by their Subjects.  
From the like beginnings the Alterations plotted by the restless minds of those who hoped to advance their private Fortunes greatly increased.  
These disorders were fomented by the Coadjutor of Paris, alured by the hopes of Mazarines' ruin, to enter into his place of Chief Minister, being a person of an high spirit, and very intelligent in the Affairs; and by the Count de Chavigny likewise exasperated, seeing himself by the Queen's aversion to him, not in that full Credit and Authority which he had in the Consultations in the time of Richlieu's Government: So that all things being in a confusion, and impossible to provide against the disorders without. That flourishing and potent Kingdom at the height of its greatest glory became a Scene of most lamentable miseries, losing in one Campania the fruits of many others, purchased with so much sweat, with so much blood, and with so great expense of money.  
The Cardinal sought nevertheless to hinder what he could the growth of these disorders, and knowing how dangerous it would be to France if England should declare for Spain, as it was by all Arts endeavoured by the Spanish Agents, he knew so wisely to manage the business, that he frustrated the Enemy's design, and preserved the friendship of the English, though ever emulous and no well-willers to the French.  
The Events that after these commotions rend in pieces the Regency and all France were infinite and deplorable; for although Mazarine with all sweetness and gentleness did endeavour to smooth their minds by temporising till the King's Majority, but the more he endeavoured by these means to appease the Animosities of the Seditious, the more they were hardened in their insolence, and by open violence opposed the Orders of the Regent: whereupon by his advice the Queen resolved to remove from Paris with the King, which she did on Twelveth-night 1649.  
For this cause the City was in a great commotion, and the Court in a state to recover its due regard; but hereupon their Animosities against the Cardinal grew higher, suspecting him to be (as indeed he was) the Author of this Retreat; whence the fury of the People and Parliament breaking out against him, he was by the later ordered to depart within eight days.  
The Court stoutly supporting the Cardinal, resolved to block up Paris with the Army, as it was forthwith done by the Prince of Conde, who, though he had his Brother, his Sister, and his Brother in Law on the Parlements side, yet held himself always united with the Regent and Mazarine, who failed not in the mean while accurately to watch how to compose the differences. In this occasion Cardinal Mazarine made manifest the height of his Intellectuals, the excellency of his Skill, his Wit, and his Craft, joining himself now with the one, now with the other Party, and finally crushing them both, remained Conqueror in the field, and obtained the Laurel of a glorious victory.  
Finding himself amidst these Intrigues, the Prince of Conde aggrieved with the Cardinal for breach of his promise, as he said, in not procuring the Government of Pont de l' Arch for the Duke of Longueville his Brother in Law, declared publicly, that he would not come to Court while the Cardinal was chief Minister; who to take from the Prince all pretence of breach with the Regent, offered his readiness to retire: but Conde afterward revolving in his thoughts, that if the Cardinal absented himself, none could enter into the Ministry but the Coadjutor, or the Marquis of Chasteauneuf, his most bitter enemies, resolved to reconcile himself with Mazarine, obtaining beside the Government of Pont de l' Arch for Longueville, with a promise not to proceed further in the overture of Marriage between one of his Nieces and the Duke de Mercure; and moreover to send his three Nieces out of France, which two years before with a Nephew he had caused to come to Court; in pursuit of which the Cardinal cloistered his Nieces in a Nunnery in the Suburbs of S. German.  
For all that the Duke of Longueville and others gave not over to demonstrate to Conde, that to obtain their ends of Mazarine suitable to the Conjunctures, it would be convenient to necessitate him to procure his own concern. Whence out of these contrarieties there arising nothing but diffidences, suspicions, and jealousies, all their minds were agitated by secret passions, bending only to their own private Interest. The Prince bore still a hidden malice against Mazarine, who likewise being aware of it, behaved himself daily towards him with more refined dissimulation; and Conde having drawn upon himself the public odium of the parisians, for having discovered by his reconciliation with the Cardinal (at least in appearance) that he preferred his private Interest before the Public good, (which was to see the chief Minister of State suppressed) a great many began to wish the ruin of the Prince himself. And the greatest Politicians grew amazed at the shifting of this Scene.  
The Frondeurs seeing in the mean time their hopes of a change in the Government (which they longed for) frustrated, went watching all opportunities to draw the people of Paris to some considerable commotion; and to that purpose they contrived with the Counsellor Joly, that he should cause a Harquebus to be discharged at an appointed time, to provoke the people to an Insurrection, the Marquis de la Bollaye making himself Head of the Faction, who endeavoured (though in vain) in divers parts of the City to stir them up by his Exclamations.  
This Essay becoming frustrate, and it being told at Court, that there were some Horsemen in Arms upon the new Bridge, they made the Prince believe, who at that instant was at Court, that doubtless there was Treachery intended him from the Frondeurs; and to make proof of it, the Queen detaining him in her Lodgings, caused him to send his Coach empty with his Pages and Laquays after the accustomed manner, to observe what those armed men did there: this was done, and the Coach was no sooner on the Bridge, but some came up to it to discover, and not finding the Prince, letting it pass, discharged divers Shot at the Coach of the Count de Duras, which followed it, and killed a Laquay.  
The news of this accident arriving at Court, the Prince was furiously enraged, and filled with desire of revenge against the Frondeurs. And the Cardinal profiting himself of this lucky hit, failed not to instigate Conde, nourishing betwixt him and the Frondeurs a distrust, which afterwards turned into open enmity.  
The Prince complained to the Parliament of the Coadjutor, the Duke of Beaufort, and others, as Authors of this Assassinate; and seeking to extinguish that Faction▪ fond hoped to ruin afterward the Cardinal. But he most vigilant knew to govern himself in such manner, that laying hold on the opportunity, obliged the Court to think of moderating Conde's Authority, which he daily by little and little increased.  
The Prince having in contempt of the Regent concluded the Marriage betwixt the Duke of Richlieu and the Marchioness of Pons, furthered this Application. The Court surmizing that this was done, that he might the easilier afterwards get the Fortress of Haure de Grace out of Richlieu's hands, of which he was Governor, or at least to have it at his devotion on all occurrences.  
The Frondeurs perceiving themselves persecuted by the Prince, offered to piece with the Cardinal, to lessen him, being thereunto solicited by the Duchess of Cheureuse, offended with Conde because of the aforesaid Marriage, in regard she had designed her own daughter to be Duchess of Richlieu, for the love the Duke himself bore him.  
The Coadjutor, chief Head of this Faction, propounded to have the Prince imprisoned; for he being weakened, he reckoned that Mazarine might be the easilier ruined, who still carrying it fairly on with dissimulation, thought of nothing more than to shock one Party against the other, and to sustain intemerate the Authority of the Regent.  
The Duchess of Cheureuse wishing the Prince's ruin in what manner soever, had already obtained to this end, the Duke of Orleans consent, enjoining him not to communicate the secret to the Abbot della Riviera, as one not to be trusted; for the strict correspondence which he held with the Prince of Conty upon the account of his Cardinalship, and by consequence with the Prince himself.  
The Coadjutor, in the same time that he counselled and solicited the imprisonment of the Prince, persisting nevertheless in his desire first to abase the Cardinal, (of whose subtlety he was more apprehensive then of the other) he sought with great diligence to reconcile himself to Conde by means of Friends, Submissions Protestations, and Offers; but all his Attempts proving in vain, by reason of the strong Antipathy that the Prince had against his person, as likewise against Beaufort: they resolved to join with the Cardinal to the prejudice of Conde, with a full intention afterward to destroy him too.  
With these Preparatives for a change began the Year 1650, and all things being already well disposed. The evening before the 18th. of January, that was allotted for securing not only the Prince of Conde, but likewise his Brother and Brother in Law.  
These Princes upon some preceding rumour among the people that they should be imprisoned, agreed among themselves never to appear at the Council all together, and till that time they observed that rule.  
Mazarine this notwithstanding was so much his Crafts master in dissimulation, and so well feigned himself a stranger to any such resolution, that finally with a most subtle artifice he so wrought, that the Prince himself prepared the Guards, under pretext to imprison one Coutures, and became instrumental to his own imprisonment.  
The Prince that very morning had been in the Cardinal's Appartiment, in the instant that Monsieur de Lionne was writing the Warrant for the Arrest of him, his Brother, and Brother in Law.  
The Cardinal showed not the least alteration in his Countenance, received the Prince with all demonstration of affection and sincere friendship: and Conde complaining to him of the bruit spread through the City, that he was not his true friend, and sought his ruin: Mazarine with the greatest protestations of sincerity and friendship assured him of the esteem he had for him, and of his affectionate and loyal correspondence, redoubling still his Asseverations, that he never had the least thought of being against him; and yet at the same time Mons. de Lionne was writing the Order.  
To entice the Duke of Longueville to transgress the Agreement made with his brothers in Law, never to appear all three at the Council they made him believe, that in the evening of the 18th. of January 1650, the Affair concerning the Marquis of Beveron his great Confident would be debated; so that for his care to favour his friend he forgot his own concern, and notwithstanding that Mons. Priolo his familiar Acquaintance advertized him not to go to the Council, yet would he not be persuaded, so that all three came thither one after another, though Conde and Conty were dissuaded by the Princess their Mother that very morning; the Prince not apprehending any thing, as well for the Cardinal's demonstrations of his true friendship, as for his confidence of the Abbot della Riviera, who would have told him all, supposing that the Duke of Orleans without his assent would have taken no such resolution; and though it had been taken, would have communicated it to the Abbot his bosom-friend.  
They went together to wait on the Queen, who feigning herself not very well was lain down to repose herself on her bed; wherefore they suddenly withdrew, and staying awhile in the Antichamber, the Queen being alone with the King, and solicitous for what she knew must happen, prayed the King to shut the door, which he did. The Princes going afterwards into the Gallery where the Council was held, they found every one there but the Cardinal, who was in his own Appartement discoursing with the Abbot della Riviera, ignorant of this business, after which he found himself openly in disgrace, with the Duke of Orleans his Patron, who likewise came not to Council, as they had agreed, for fear of what might happen abroad.  
The Sieur de Cominges Lieutenant of the Queen's Guards entered immediately into the Gallery with the Sieur de Guitault his Uncle, and Croissy, who told the Princes the Orders they had from the King to secure their persons.  
They standing amazed at such news, the Prince of Conde requested to speak a word with the Queen, but being refused, as also to speak with the Cardinal, they were constrained to descend by the Back-stairs that leads to the Garden, without the least noise or suspicion given to any, although the Halls, Chambers, and Courts were full of the Prince's friends and followers.  
They were carried away in a Coach with a Guard of Horse to the Boys de Vincennes. The Partisans of the Princes were exceedingly astonished at this news, which was presently noised in the City, the sign being given by discharging a Cannon, that the prisoners were arrived at Vincennes, whereupon the whole City was immediately in Arms, the people believing that the Duke of Beaufort was likewise secured, as the friends of the prisoners did artificially divulge, to exasperate the people against Mazarine; so that Beaufort was obliged that very night to ride through the City by Torchlight, that he might be seen which pacified and much contented the people, who rejoicing at the imprisonment of the Princes, made Bonfires in several parts of the Town, with such Acclamations as if the Kingdom had been redeemed from all misery and affliction, and all blessed the Cardinal for so pious a resolution.  
But the more reputation he gained by this act, the more did he awaken their envy, and incited the Frondeurs to contrive his destruction, since they had obtained their intent in seeing the Prince of Conde's Party laid low, pursuing still their former design of getting the sole management of Affairs in their own power.  
After this there arose new disturbances in divers parts of the Kingdom, stirred up by the Prince of Conde's Mother the Duchess of Longueville, and many other Princes and Noblemen of their Kindred and Friends in the Provinces under their Government; and in Paris itself the favourers of the imprisoned being assembled in the House of the Princess Palatine, consulted about the properest remedies to draw them out of prison. The Coadjutor and Beaufort concurred with them in this Consultation, on design to ruin also Mazarine, and remain sole Masters.  
The Cardinal finding himself more at liberty to act, began to practise the ways how to arrive at his intent, which was to destroy the Faction of la Fronda, serving himself to that end with his wont dissimulation, excellently by him practised, to make appear his reconciliation with the Duke of Beaufort seem candid and sincere, who at that time was in the highest degree of Esteem and Veneration with the parisians: and with design to make them diffident of him he went publicly to pay him a Visit, unusual for him to do, for which the Frondeurs murmured against the Duke, calling him a Mazarine, which much lessened his credit and esteem with the people and the Faction of la Fronda.  
The Friends and kindered of the Princes ceased not at the same time to raise new commotions in the other parts of France; so that the Tumults of Normandy, Champagne, and Burgundy were scarce appeased, when as those of Guienne and chiefly of Bourdeaux began to break out.  
Mazarine being no less agitated by the commotions of the Kingdom, then by those in Paris, where the people were more and more set on to Seditions, he thought fit to cause the K: to leave the City again, under pretext to oppose the Preparations of the Spaniards, who were united with the Malcontents on the Confines of Flanders. Whereupon the Court went to Compeigne; and because the Spaniards at this time had besieged Guise, a place of great importance, the Cardinal thought it convenient to go in person to the Army, and attempt to relieve it; which successfully he performed, having encourage the Soldiers and Officers with money, and many Presents distributed amongst the principal Commanders, by which kind of dealing he kept the Soldiery always well-affected, and faithful to the King and his own person.  
Upon this good success the Cardinal took courage to go with the King to chastise the Rebels of Bourdeaux, and drew the Duke of Orleans and all the Council to his Opinion.  
This resolution displeased the Frondeurs, for the advantages they foresaw the happy execution of this Enterprise might bring to the Court and to Mazarine, and by consequence the damage and prejudice to their own Party. Whereupon they began to divulge new calumnies against the Cardinal, namely that this Progress was for no other purpose then to establish the Matrimony of his Nieces, who after the imprisonment of the Princes were taken out of the Monastery, and brought to live in the Palace Royal with the Dukes of Mercure, and Candale only son of the Duke of Espernon, so that they plotted all they could to hinder the chastisement of those of Bourdeaux, and to reconcile themselves to the Princes, and to release them, with design to fall altogether upon the Cardinal; and having ruined him to fall upon the Princes, and remain sole in the Government.  
To this end, they flattered the Duchess of Cheureuse with hopes of marrying her daughter to the Prince of Conty; and she being in great credit and esteem with the Duke of Orleans, by her means they gained the goodwill of that Duke, and with various Artifices persuaded him to press the Queen, that the Princes might be brought from Vincennes to the Bastile, of which place the Counsellor Brussel (one of the chief of the Frondeurs) being Governor, they thought by this means to get the Princes into their custody, and to unite themselves with them, to confound the Cardinal; or if they should be able to ruin the Cardinal of themselves, then to detain the Princes still prisoners, and keep the dominion in their own power.  
They joined themselves thereupon in a stricter union, and diligently laboured to hinder the King from going into Guienne, using innumerable devices, to frustrate this intention of the Cardinal, who for all that, mocked at all the tricks of his enemies, and with more discerning and wise Counterplots deluded them.  
Their endeavours to hinder the Voyage into Guienne not succeeding, they found out another pretext to stir up the people, giving out that Mazarine was the only Obstructer of the Peace, and that they ought to consider of the means to force him to conclude it; the the Duke of Beaufort with like pretexts endeavoured to regain his credit with the people, from which he was much fallen, ever since the Cardinal's Visit.  
The Court at this time went into Guienne. The Duke of Orleans remained in Paris in quality of Lieutenant General of the Crown. The Cardinal, though he found himself strong enough in forces to chastise the Bourdelese, yet did not omit according to his wont custom to seek by fair means and by treaty to quiet these differences, knowing the ill consequences that follow the bloody remedies of Arms, against ones own Subjects.  
But the Bourdelese that were backed by the Parliament of Paris, by the Faction of the Princes, by the Frondeurs, and by the very Spaniards, obstinately prepared themselves to a defence.  
The Spaniards, making advantage of this diversion, recovered Piombino and Portolongone in Italy. And in Flanders, joining with Marshal Turenne they took Rhetel, and la Chappelle overrunning the Country within ten Leagues of Paris.  
The Frondeurs rejoicing at this Progress of the enemy, thought of nothing more than of the delivery of the Princes, to counterbalance the Cardinal, hoping that the Obligation, in freeing them from Prison, would cancel the demerit of making them Prisoners.  
None was more zealous to serve the Duchess of Cheureuse then the Coadjutor, who by means of Letters reciprocally conveyed to and from the Princes, had gained a promise from the Prince of Conty to marry her Daughter.  
Hereupon the Duchess pressed the Duke of Orleans that he would likewise set his helping hand to their liberty.  
But the Persuasions of Monsieur Tillier, Secretary of State, (left by the King at Paris to assist the Duke of Orleans) prevailing with the Duke, and knowing the danger, that if the Spaniards should advance as far as the Castle of Vincennes, they might set the Princes at liberty, consented, that they should be remove to the Castle of Marcoussy, to keep them still in the King's Power.  
The Spaniards making use of this favourable conjuncture, for their interests, thought to increase the animosities of the parisians, by sending a Trumpet from the Archduke, with Letters to the Duke of Orleans, inviting him to a Treaty for a General Peace, with a show of sincere intentions.  
The Duke willingly lent an ear to this invitation, hoping thereby to acquire no less glory abroad, then credit and goodwill amongst the French: wherefore dispatching several Courriers to Court, they to please him sent him Power and Authority to Treat; the Cardinal not doubting but that quickly (as it afterwards happened) he should discover the Arts by which this Engine was levelled.  
The Prince's friends in the mean time did not let slip this opportunity to instigate the people so much the more against Mazarine, affixing several papers in divers parts of the City, in the Marshal de Turenne's name, containing in substance that there being in the Cardinal as great a reluctancy to the peace, as in the Archduke and the Spaniards there was a readiness and inclination for it, they ought by no means to lose this opportunity of enjoying again so great a happiness; aggravating withal the miseries and ruin that by the continuation of the war hovered over all France.  
To this effect the Marquis de Bagni Apostolical Nuntio, with the Count d● Avaux went to Soissons to confer with the Archduke about the first Overtures. Where they not only found none on the part of the Catholic King, but also were slightly answered by Don Gabriel di Toledo, that it behoved them to expect Orders from Spain; whilst the Archduke made account he had been Plenipotentiary, having made the invitation with such earnestness and importunity.  
Those of Bourdeaux in the mean while were reduced to great straits by the assault made upon the Town by the King's Army, so that they inclined to an Accommodation; nor did the Court show much aversion thereunto, for the apprehension they had of the commotions of Paris: wherefore the King granted them a general Amnesty, without giving ear to their importunities for the delivery of the Princes; but giving them the satisfaction in the removal of the Duke of Espernon from that Government, the rest remaining in the same state.  
This Peace of Bourdeaux was received with unexpressible bitterness by the Frondeurs, who jealous that the Cardinal would set the Princes at liberty without acquainting them, they united themselves afresh with the Duke of Orleans, and sought by all means to set him at odds with Mazarine, whom they gave to understand that the Court should return Paris, and this with intent to hinder him of those advantages that he might reap by the Voyage of Tholouse and Provence, which was of the Cardinal for many weighty reasons, who preferring the urging desire of the Duke of Orleans for the King's return to Paris, and the necessity of providing for the securing of the Princes (in causing them to be transported to a safer place then Marcousy) before any other consideration, he brought back their Majesties towards Paris, and they remained at Fountainbleau, whither the Queen invited the Duke of Orleans to consult Affairs of great importance; but in effect it was only to win him to the removal of the Princes; a thing dreaded by the Frondeurs, who foreseeing it, had made the Duke promise them never to consent to it: but the easy nature of that Prince submitting after his accustomed manner to the Genius of the Queen, and to her Caresses, he could not deny to give his assent for the transport of the Princess to Haure de Grace, which was done the 15th. of November following, the Count d' Harcourt being their Convoy.  
This blow much confounded the Frondeurs, and therefore they sought anew to possess the Duke's mind with fears and suspicions, and joined themeselves again (with all the Prince's Kindred, Friends, and Partakers) with the Duchess of Cheureuse, the Marquis of Chasteauneuf, the Duchess of Orleans, and Mademoiselle, and employed all their thoughts on the liberty of the Princes.  
But they doubted by what course to attempt it: Some were of opinion that they should gain the Cardinal; for the Prisoners once delivered, and la Fronda uniting himself with them, they might ruin him at pleasure: But the major part concluded, that they ought to make use of la Fronda's power. The first way was tried, but proved in vain, Mazarine opining, that for the safety of the Kingdom they ought not to trust them at liberty till the King's Majority: wherefore they had recourse to the second making the Duke of Orleans Head of the Cabal; who at length having by his entreaty won the Queen to remove to Paris, gained a great step to the designs of the Frondeurs.  
By these intestine distractions France continued to feel in divers parts more and more the effects of the present calamities, losing at the same time Flix, Miravet, and Tortosa in Catalonia, and Mouzon in France.  
The Cardinal to recover these losses, and to clear Champagne from the enemy, who was fortified there, upon the gaining of the Rhetel, resolved to go in person to regain that place, which he accordingly did about the end of November with 12000 Soldiers, and recovered it within the space of five days, to the great glory of the Marshal du Plessis Pralin, who commanded the Army. The Opinions were various, whether they should prosecute the Victory by giving battle to Turenne, who was drawn near to succour it: the Cardinal concluded contrary to the rest, that they ought to fight him, which they did, and gained a remarkable Victory, with the total rout of Turenne, taking prisoner Don Stephano di Gammara, a Cavalier of considerable condition, and General of the Spanish Troops that were united with Turenne.  
The Cardinal's enemies considering, that notwithstanding all their Machinations he had the hap in a few months, and in the heat of the greatest troubles, to imprison the Princes, to secure their Towns, to relieve Guise, to conserve Haure de Grace, to recover the Castle of Dijon, the Towns of Danvillers, Bellegarde, Clermont, St. John de l'Ausne, Verdun, Caen, deep, to confirm Roven in the King's obedience, which had begun to rebel, to quiet Bourdeaux, and put an end to the commotions of Guienne, and lastly driven the Spaniards from Rhetel: Successes able to bring his enemies to the greatest despair; but which (quite contrary) gave occasion to his friends to do him that mischief by their flatteries, which the others could not do by their persecutions; for while he was resolved to continue yet some time with the Army, those that had an affection for him invited him with great importunity to return to triumph in Paris, to the end that (as they said) by the splendour of his glory he might dim the eyes of his Maligners; which so awakened their envy, rancour, and jealousy, that minding nothing else but his ruin, judged there could be no better way to compass it then to free the Princes; so that all uniting themselves with the Duke of Orleans and the Parliament, they caused this last to make a Remonstrance to the Queen for the Prince's liberty.  
Her Majesty very prudently endeavoured to gain time, hoping by these means to effectuate her designs, but the Combiners continued their Assemblies, and after divers Treaties they concluded with the Duke of Orleans; and by engagements of Alliances and other ways took the boldness whatsoever came on't to have the Princes out of prison.  
The Cardinal was not well served in the management of these Treaties, not having those Advertisements that were necessary; for if he had been thoroughly informed of their designs, there is no doubt but he would have found ways to have frustrated them.  
The Coadjutor appeared in Parliament the first of February 1651, and enlarged himself in an eloquent speech in favour of the Princes, giving weight to his discourse by showing that it was wholly conformable to the sentiment of the Duke of Orleans: whereby he more and more disposed the minds of the Parliamentarians in favour of the Prisoners, and confirmed the Duke in his resolution, persuading him openly to avow to the Court, not to appear any more at Council, so long as the Cardinal came there with whom he showed himself extremely offended.  
The Court was much perplexed at the found of so many Alarms, and knowing that the present constitution of Affairs disabled them to shun the blow, they resolved to prevent it, by setting the Prince's free before it came to force of Arms, wherefore the Marshal de Gramont, the Marquis de Lionne, and Secretary Goulas were dispatched away secretly to treat with them.  
The Coadjutor in the meanwhile was much afflicted that the Parliament could not be induced to decree against the Cardinal, whose innocency appeared so much the more clear, that notwithstanding the most diligent Inquisition of his very enemies, they could not find any proofs of the accusations laid to his charge.  
Finally, another invention was found out to incense the Parliament more highly, which was to make them believe that the Cardinal had publicly communicated those Counsels with Fairfax and Cromwell, which so exasperated even those that had yet some kindness for him, that they not only voted the innocency of the Princes, but also the Cardinal's Condemnation; aggravating that he had dissipated the Treasure, hindered the Peace, and aspersed the Parliament with injurious and dishonourable words; propounding in conclusion, to supplicate the Queen to send him away from Court: and accompanied this their deliberation with public cries and clamours against Mazarine.  
The Duke of Orleans went after to the Parliament, to confirm what the Coadjutor had delivered in his name, and solicited for the effectual removal of the Cardinal, and for setting the Princes at liberty, earnestly speaking in their behalf, and with great sharpness against the Cardinal, which emboldened the Parliament to persist in their deliberations against him, although the first Precedent Mollé (a well-meaning man) did seek to allay those too licentious discourses: but he himself was constrained to go to the Queen, to remember Her Majesty of her promise to free the Princes; to whom the Queen answered that she did continue in the mind to set them at liberty; and to that purpose had dispatched Gramont and Lionne to Haure de Grace, to treat with them about it, but that they ought not to pretend nor expect the execution of it, without due precautions for the security of the State; aggravating withal, that all the suppositions brought in against the Cardinal were seditious, lies, and calumnies.  
But the Regent's exaggeration availed nothing: for the delivery of the Princes, and the removal of the Cardinal, were decreed anew by the Parliament  
All the three Factions were at this time united against that of Mazarine, who was upheld by the sole Authority of the King and Queen, and Forces of the Kingdom; and being in this straight, his only Meditation was how to put in practice the laudable Maxim of temporising.  
The Court, by reason of the general uniting of so many Seditious, was necessitated to give way to so many contrivings, in which the Duchess of Cheureuse acted her part to the life, stimulated by interest, and by the ambition of the aforesaid Marriage; for, setting that aside, she was the Cardinal's intimate friend. And feigning herself still so, told him confidently, that if he did withdraw himself for some short time, he should by that means appease these first passions of the Duke of Orleans, who returning to the Council, the Queen would soon win him to her party; and in few days he would be recalled again, knowing the nature of the French, that having obtained their desire, they presently grow weary, and change their minds.  
The Cardinal suffering himself to be lulled asleep by the harmony of this Siren, and not to put to hazard the public Tranquillity, resolved his Departure, and went to impart it to the Queen, advising her to stand firm in her resolution of keeping the Princes fast, while he, securing his own person, should take away all pretext from the Malcontents to proceed further; and leaving her many good Memorials for the service of the King and the State, with a Letter from the Regent to the Sieur de Bar (who had the custody of the Princes) containing a precise Order to obey the Cardinal in every particular, he went in all diligence towards Haure de Grace, with design that if he could not handsomely secure the detaining of the Princes, to cause them at least to acknowledge him the Author of their liberty, and by this act to oblige them to a gratitude, making the Count de Servient and Monsieur le Tillier partakers and actors in this and other secrets.  
The evening before the 6th, of February 1651, he got on Horseback, with only three persons, and passed out by the gate of Richlieu, without which he found divers Gentlemen, to the number of 400 Horse, that expected him; and with these he went to St. Germans, whence he dispatched a Courier to the Marquis de Lionne at Haure de Grace, to understand the issue of his Negotiations, and to Monsieur le Tillier, putting him in mind to give way to the Prince's delivery, till he had adjusted what they had agreed upon amongst themselves; which being come to the knowledge of the Marquis de Chasteauneuf, he making use of it for his own benefit, hoped by rendering himself the principal Author of the Prince's liberty, to delude the designs of the Cardinal; who being advised of the straits to which the Queen was more and more reduced, resolved no longer to defer the Prince's releasement.  
The 12th. of February he hasted away to Haure de Grace, where he was received with all demonstration of Honour, and entering where the Princes were, with much frankness uttered these words, Jo porto per ordine della Regina la liberta a V. V. A. A. senza alcuna conditione; I bring by the Queen's Order your Highness' liberty without any reserve: yet adding, S.M. vi prega però d'amar lo Statto il Re, la di lei persona; Her Majesty prays ye to love the State, the King and her Person; delivering all this in a posture of Respect and Reverence, yet not unbeseeming his Quality and sweet manner of speech.  
The Prince answered in name of them all, with a cheerful but grave countenance, Noi si chiamamo obligati a S. M. della giustitia che ci rend; serviremo sempre il Re, la Regina: We hold ourselves obliged to her Majesty for the justice which she renders us; we shall always serve the King, the Queen; and embracing the Cardinal, ancora voi Signore, and also you Sir.  
The Prince of Conde resolved to dine before he went out, wherefore the Princes, the Cardinal, Gramont, Palleau, Lionne and Goulas sat down to dinner, entertaining one another with mutual familiarity, in which was verified the saying of Caesar, speaking of the French Humour.  
After dinner the Cardinal had private Conference with the Prince, and immediately going out of the Fort they entered into Marshal de Gramonts' Coach, the Prince of Conde, going in last, placed himself in the Boot, and hearing the Cardinal to with him a good Voyage, did not answer him with the least show of courtesy, making the Coach drive on without saying any thing: giving the Cardinal quickly to understand the requital he was to expect, for the kind embracements with which he received him on the day of his imprisonment, with Protestations of a sincere friendship, when at the same instant he made the Marquis of Lionne write the order for his Arrest.  
Upon the News that the Cardinal was gone from Paris, the people were presently up in arms, running tumultuously to the Palace Royal, and suspecting that the King and Queen were also upon departure, they placed 2000 men in Guard: and the diffidence and impudence of the Frondeurs went so far, that they placed Guards even at the King's bed-fide, who ever and anon opening the Curtains observed if he slept, and if he were there.  
The Cardinal being departed, the Queen sent to invite the Duke of Orleans to the Council, who under several pretences refused to come, for fear lest the Queen should gain him, and send for the Cardinal back; who caused his Nieces also to be conducted out of Paris.  
Mazarine's Enemies greatly fearing his return, insisted that Orleans should receive a promise from the Queen, that he should return no more, about which the Parliament framed a most rigorous Decree, by which they enjoined him to depart the Kingdom within 15 days, as likewise his Kindred and familiar Friends, under a great Mulct to any that should receive them; procuring this Order to be confirmed by all the Parlements of France.  
The Cardinal lingered some time at Haure de Grace, consulting with his friends to what part he should retire, upon which occasion they that coveted his Charge reported, that he stayed there to make himself Master of that place. Wherefore to take away all pretexts of their Exclamations, and being daily more convinced of the ill will of the Prince of Condé, who spoke injuriously of his Person, he resolved to depart with many Gentlemen his Friends, who together with several Soldiers made up the number of near 100 Horse, and travelling with great hardship and incommodity by reason of the sharp season, he went to Dorlans a Town in Picardy, under the Government of the Sieur de Bar, who was one of those that followed him, being received with great honour and civility in all those Provinces.  
He stayed there some time to resolve where he might best retire out of the Kingdom. The parisians renewing their clamours to the Queen, constrained her to write to the Cardinal, that for the good of the State he would speedily go out of the Kingdom, inducing her moreover to make a Declaration, that all strangers, though naturalised, should not for the future be capable of being admitted into the Council of State, some insisting that even the French Cardinals should be comprehended; and this chiefly to keep off the Coadjutor from being Chief Minister of State (to which he aspired together with the Cardinalship) who was really more hated than loved, being held to be a man very violent, and hardy in his resolutions, though he was doubtless one of the bravest Persons of France.  
This Declaration was passed in Parliament, but by reason of the contrariety of opinions in the particular of the French Cardinals, according to the inclination of those Counsellors, (thought it passed also in this particular) it was moderated, and had not its full force, and was put in execution, only against Mazarine, who staying still in France, expecting his Passport from the Spaniard, gave new occasion to his adversaries to murmur, who induced the Queen again to solicit his departure out of the Kingdom, to which the Cardinal showed himself most ready, though his friends offered him 10000 fight men to defend him against the persecution of his enemies; and even the Spaniards themselves promised him all vigorous assistance, with a Pension not inferior to what he had in France.  
The Cardinal rejected all most generously, into whose Heart the French (his Enemies) with all their injurious dealings could never introduce the least sense of revenge to the damage of France, since that the sense of gratitude towards their Majesties, and his Cordial affection for those that were Loyal, were too prevalent in his Noble Soul. He departed therefore speedily from Dorlans, from whence he wrote two very handsome Letters, which were seen in Print, on to the Queen, and the other to the Count de Brienne, at that time chief Secretary of State, full of cordial expressions of his constant fidelity to their Majesties, and of prudent counsel for the good of the State; the tenor of which Letters moved a tender compassion in the minds of his Friends, and inwardly convinced and staggered his Enemies. From thence he went to Perone, not without some inconvenience, where he found his Nieces conducted thither in safety by the Abbot Ondedei. He went with them to la Fere, and thence to Rhetel, from whence Generel Rosa with 300 Horse conducted him to Barleduc. Where in sequence of the Honours done him in every place in this his Retirement, by an express Courier he received the most courteous proffers of the Elector of Colen, who sent to invite him, offering him his whole State to be at his service, with all the kind expressions that could possibly be expected from a generous Prince and a true Friend.  
For which having given to that Prince most affectionate thanks, he proceeded on to Clermont, by the assistance of the Marshal de la Ferté Seneterre, who in that Rencounter gave him many authentic proofs of a loyal and faithful friendship, which he made more particularly appear in refusing to put the Town into the hands of two Gentlemen of the Prince of Conde's, who had brought him the King's Order, the Marshal excusing himself by telling them that he had too much cause to believe, that that Order was extorted by violence, and that therefore he would not give credit to it unless he were commanded by him that entrusted it with him, which was as much as to say the Cardinal, who understanding this, notwithstanding the foresaid reflections, to show how much a King's Order ought to be respected, prayed the Marshal to obey it, which immediately he did.  
From Clermont he went to Sedan, where once more by the importunity of his enemies receiving the Queen's Orders to depart quite out of the Kingdom, he went to Boullon in the State of Liege, convoyed by Don Antonio Pimentelli, Major General of the Spanish Army, with 500 Horse; the Spaniards themselves concurring to demonstrate to the world, that they understood the Merits of the Cardinal, and the Honour's due to the Sacred Purple better than the French.  
From Liege he continued his journey towards Aix la Chapelle, and from thence he passed to Brul, a place belonging to the Elector of Colen, who sent immediately to compliment him, offering him all manner of courtesy; and being Royally received in the Electoral Palace, he was first visited by all the Cannons of the Archbishopric of Colen, the principal Gentlemen of the Country, and afterward by the Elector himself, who came expressly from Bona place of his residence. The Cardinal went to return his Visit, where he was received with all the Honours that could be done to the greatest Prince, and came back to Brul infinitely obliged to the Elector for his civilities.  
Here he fixed his abode, and the concourse of all sorts of people that came to see him was such, that that place seemed a great Court. He was complemented here by Expresses from the King and Queen of Poland, from the Queen, of Swedeland, from the Electors of the Empire, and finally from most of the Princes of Europe, who sent to offer him their Dominions; to the great mortification of his enemies, who the more they, sought to abase him by their passionate resolutions, the more they saw him honoured and extolled by all the world.  
The Princes in the interim arriving at Paris, and the Queen with the King remaining in a manner prisoners in the Palace Royal, where they were begirt on all sides by the armed parisians, all the concourse of the Cavaliers was at the Prince of Conde's, and of the Ladies at the Duchess of Longueville's, so that there seemed to be no such thing as a King. But although the Cardinal was absent in person, yet he was virtually present, applying himself continually with the greatest artifice to divide the minds of the Frondeurs from the Union of the Princes: and the Duchess of Cheureuse being the person, that together with the Coadjutor governed the whole Cabal, he applied himself to those means that might draw her from the Prince's party, or indeed make her their enemy; for which he knew no better way then to frustrate the Match betwixt the Prince of Conty and her daughter. Taking this business in hand, he suggested to his Confidents at Paris such items, which being by them punctually observed, they made Conty believe that the Princess of Cheureuse was not of that Quality besitting his birth, and they intimated to the Prince of Conde, that if the Prince his brother should marry, it would much prejudice the Revenue of his Family, by the division of the common Patrimony. Besides, the Prince of Conty being of a bleak complexion and tender, Marriage would shorten his days.  
These discourses did so far prevail with both the Princes, that Conty declared that he would not marry.  
Upon this repenting, and going off from their word, the Duchess of Cheureuse swelled with such disdain against the Princes, that she soon withdrew herself from the Union, together with the Coadjutor, who was likewise much nettled at it. They joined themselves with the Duke of Orleans, and endeavoured (which at length they accomplished) to reunite him to the Court, reconciling themselves to the Cardinal, all things being agreed on as hereafter shall be declared.  
The Duke of Espernon in the mean while foreseeing the disorders inevitable in a Province against which he had shown himself so opposite, and drawn upon himself the general odium of those people, he made a Proposal to the Prince of Conde, to exchange his Government of Guienne for that of Burgundy, where the Prince was Governor, who at first did not show any inclination to it, but afterward understanding that Mazarine having an inkling of it with strong reasons had dissuaded the Queen from it, he was more earnestly bend upon it. And although most of the Statesmen were of Mazarine's Opinion, not to permit such an Exchange, nevertheless the politic Reasons alleged by the Count de Servient prevailed for it, who soon, after perceived his error, in believing to gain the Prince, by satisfying him in this particular, which clean contrary rather proved an incitement to him to pretend to greater things; for he had no sooner obtained the Government of Guienne, but he immediately requested to make an Exchange of Champagne, under the Government of the Prince of Conty, that of Provence; but in this (it being of greater importance than the other) he met with a general opposition of all the other Ministers of State, and of Servient himself.  
The Cardinal (though absent) was nevertheless secretly informed of all the Affairs of the Crown, as if he had been present; he highly aggravated the concession of Guienne, and reproved those that unadvisedly had given ear to the other pretensions for Provence, it being a business too prejudicial to the King's service and the Commonwealth, for the consequences that might follow.  
The King on all occasions experimenting the refined prudence of Mazarine, thought on nothing more than his return, continually giving him notice, and assuring him of this his fixed resolution.  
The Prince of Conde himself cooperated to this desire of the King; who being disgusted with the Duchess of Cheureuse, about the Marriage of her daughter with the Prince of Conty as also with the Princess Palatine, for many dissatisfactions passed betwixt them, by reason that the Princess having interposed for the reconcilement of the Prince with the Court, and having received some promise upon the effecting it, she complained that she had been mocked.  
These two Princesses therefore were united with the Queen for the depression of the Prince, who permitted himself in this occasion to be led away by the Malcontents of this Court, and in particular by the Count de Chavigny, who had been through Mazarine's counsel at his departure out of the Kingdom recalled by the Queen; to oblige him in that manner to depend on her, lest if Conde should have caused his return, it was to be doubted that he would not hearken to the Proposals that were made him on the King's behalf, to alienate him from the Frondeurs, and the other Malcontents.  
These two mettled Princesses thus joining with the Queen and the Cardinal, drew along with them the Coadjutor, promising him a Nomination to a Cardinalship, and to cause the Marquis of Chasteauneuf, a great Confident of the Duchess, and the Prince's Enemy, to be recalled to the Council, upon the gaining of these persons, intimate friends of the Duke of Orleans, the Court resolved what e'er came on't to recall the Cardinal, who was wished for at that time by his very Adversaries for their particular Interests, (men of spirit laying hold on all occasions that seem opportune to them for obtaining that which is not to be had by other means.)  
To which end Bertet (a Confident of Chasteuneuf's) was dispatched with this Negotiation to find the Cardinal: who, the better to establish the business, and to assure himself thoroughly of the Queen's mind, sent the Abbot Ondedei privately to Paris, who having run many dangers in his Voyage, arrived there safe, and without being discovered lying hid in the House of the Marchioness of Ampoux, he negotiated all this Affair successfully: He assured Chasteauneuf, that at the King's Majority he should be made chief Minister of State; that the Chief Precedent of the Parliament Mole should have the Seal; the Marquis of Vieville should be made Superintendant of the Finances; and the Coadjutor nominated to the Cardinalate.  
The Prince having scented these proceedings, began to suspect that the Court was musing to imprison him anew, and these doubts were fomented by those that sought to revive the dissensions; wherefore he resolved without saying any thing to retire to his Seat of S. Maur, whither the Queen dispatched divers Lords, to assure him of her sincerity towards him; but all her diligence proved in vain, the Prince justifying his suspicions to be founded upon good grounds, and that having been once cozened, he durst trust himself no more: nevertheless he might easily have been pacified, being naturally of a good disposition. But all his Kindred and Friends threatening to abandon him if he agreed with the Cardinal; and he considering, that losing these, he should remain too much exposed to the Arbitrement of the Court, he resolved (though against his will) to stand firm, declaring nevertheless openly to his Relations and Friends, that he began a dance that he should not so easily finish, and that all of them afterward would forsake him. He endeavoured then to engage the Parliament of Paris in his behalf, and pretended to have the Count de Servient and the Sieurs de Tellier and Lionne removed from Court, taxing them for being Mazarine's Creatures. To this removal the Coadjutor also underhand assisted, hoping that these being sent away, who were esteemed the wisest Heads of the Cabinet, he should with more ease introduce himself into the management of Affairs.  
The Prince concerting with the Duke of Orleans for the expelling of these three persons, they endeavoured to draw likewise the Parliament to their Party, who refused to interest themselves in this affair. The Sieurs de Servient, Tillier, and Lionne, to take away all pretexts of new disturbances, resolved to ask leave of the Queen to retire, to which Her Majesty consented, though very unwillingly. Hereupon the Prince of Conde returned immediately to Paris, and going first to the Parliament, to give them thanks for their Protection of him, went afterwards to visit their Majesties, who received him somewhat coldly; which moved him to utter these words, That he would return thither no more, complaining publicly of this reception.  
The Duke of Mercoeur in the mean while remaining in Paris after the departure of the Cardinal, was every night with the Queen when all others were retired, conferring with Her Majesty about those Expedients that were most urgent; and seeing his own Affairs but in an ill condition, by reason of the dissatisfaction of those of his Family for his Interest with the Cardinal, he supplicated the Queen for the Government of Auvergne. Her Majesty, before she would gratify him, asked the opinion of one of her Ministers of State, in whom she confided, who represented to her, that the Duke obtaining what he desired, might perhaps take an occasion to withdraw himself from the Marriage with Madamoiselle Mancini, and therefore judged rather to defer it, to gain time, which ripens all things. Which counsel being embraced by the Queen, caused Mercoeur (aware of this artificial delay) to protest with much frankness, that his intent was to consummate the Marriage, and that there was no reason to doubt of his word, showing all readiness to complete every thing agreed upon.  
Upon this they writ to the Cardinal, who though he did not recede from the terms agreed on, yet knowing that this Parentage would give new occasion to his Enemies to foment the disturbances, he resolved by any means to prefer the King's service before his own private Interest; wherefore he answered the Advocate Bluet, that he did not approve that the Duke should stir from Paris, as well to avoid the dangers that might happen in such a journey, and for the alterations that might follow in that City under this pretext; as also by reason there was none else at that time nigh His Majesty, with whom the Queen might discourse freely, and confide in, except himself and the Marshal de Plessis Pralin. But the Duke seeing his Word and Honour engaged, admitted not of this repulse, esteeming that to expose himself in so turbulent a time, and in the greatest heat of the persecutions, to a journey full of danger, would give a more clear testimony of his Fidelity, and more oblige the Cardinal and the Spouse to effectuate the Marriage; so that having represented to the Queen several times his determined resolution, he disposed her at last to grant him leave to depart, receiving besides a thousand Pistols to help to defray his charges. Having thus established his departure, and resolved to take his journey with all secrecy, to shun the Ambushes that might be laid for him on the way, he sent his Gentlemen into the Country of Vendosme, with semblance that he would make a journey thither; and feigning himself a Servant of the Sieur de Siron, a Domestic of the Cardinals, in the beginning of July 1651 issuing out of the Queen's Cabinet, and descending all alone by a private stairs, in the dusk of the Evening he took Post, and with the Sieur de Siron road to Peronne, and from thence with a Spanish Passport passed to Brules', where on the 12th. of the same Month the Marriage was celebrated and solemnised by the Archbishop the Elector of Colen; after which with the same celerity he returned to Paris, where it being understood, that there was an Ambush laid for him on the way, the Marchioness d'Ampoux, by an express Courrier (borrowed of the Venetian Ambassador) advertized him of the danger, whereupon he returned to Paris another way, and remained there hid for some time in the house of the said Marchioness.  
At the news of this Match a great rumour was spread in Paris, arguing probably from this, that Mazarine's return was no more covertly, but publicly endeavoured: but because by their Majesty's Declaration, and by the Decrees of the Parliament, not only the Cardinal, but also his Kindred were condemned, they persuaded themselves that the Marriage ought to be held invalid, since that (as they said) a Prince of France could not marry without the King's consent, and much less with an exiled person, and an enemy of the State; not reflecting that if this Contract was not valid, neither aught the Decrees of Parliament to be esteemed valid which were made without the King's assent, and not ratified by his Authority.  
Upon the account of this Invalidity the Parliament met often, and the business would have run a greater Precipice (notwithstanding the Duke was not wanting in his own concern) if for the change that followed, and that obliged the Parliament to think of something else, this Affair had not been laid aside; for the which Mercoeur being called as Duke and Peer of France went to the Parliament, accompanied with so great a number of Friends, that the Duke of Orleans and the Prince of Conde arrived not till two hours after, retarded by putting their Followers in order to appear full as strong as Mercoeur. He being there very much pressed to clear this Affair, Answered, that he was not obliged to say any thing else, then that he had not in the least transgressed their Ordinances, and justified to their faces, that the Duke of Orleans and the Prince of Conde were the persons that had persuaded him and engaged him in the aforesaid Marriage; and if afterward the consideration of their Interests had made them change their Opinion, he for his part knew what was to be expected from a Cavalier and a Prince born, in maintaining his Faith and Word. This notwithstanding, his Father the Duke of Vendosme was called, who appearing in Parliament, and being demanded if he had given his Assent, could not deny but that he had formerly consented to it; and withal said, that he had done it by the counsel and assistance of the Duke of Orleans, but after the Cardinal's departure there was no more said of it, there being no occasion for it; so that the Affair rested in this manner without passing further.  
For these Controversies Paris being in a great commotion, every one cast their eyes on the proceedings of the Court, and of the Princes; and their curiosity was grown to that pass, that whensoever the Parliament assembled to treat of public Affairs, and against the Cardinal, and infinite number (as well of the People as of the Nobility) ran to the Palace with all sorts of Weapons to assist, some the one, some the other Party; by which the dangers daily increasing for the variety of Interests, which divided and incensed their minds, the Parliament decreed, that every one should retire upon pain of death, and the King's Officers were charged to see the Decree observed.  
The Queen courted the Duke of Orleans at this time to concur with her for the Election of a Council to assist the King: the Duke answered that he would speak with the Prince of Conde, but Her Majesty would not consent that he should communicate any thing to him, holding him for one of her bitterest Enemies.  
The Parliament met again, and went on to treat about the Marriage of the Duke de Mercoeur, to whom it was given in charge, that within the space of three days he should put into the hands of the Secretary of the Parliament the Circumstances of his Espousals, with the Avouchment of them, to be communicated to his Father the Duke of Vendosme: that all the Decrees against the Cardinal, his Domestics, and Kindred should be renewed, and particularly against Mademoiselle Mancini, who especially was prohibited to return into France, and if she were there to depart within 8 days.  
The Declaration that the King was to set forth against the Cardinal was likewise read, and the Duke of Orleans made them add, The damage which ensued upon his hindering the General Peace; as also for undertaking the War against Bourdeaux without his consent. The Prince of Conde obtained to be added, That his imprisonment was for no other cause, but that he would not consent to the Marriage of the Cardinals two Nieces with the Dukes of Mercoeur and Candale.  
Upon the retirement of Servient, Tillier, and Lionne, the Regent saw it necessary to elect a new Council, to which the Duke of Orleans assenting, (counselled thereunto by the Duchess of Cheureuse and the Coadjutor, who had pressed him a great while before they could prevail) it was resolved on to call the Marquis de Chasteauneuf to exercise the charge of Chief Minister, the Marquis of Vieville to be Superintendent of the Finances, and to confirm the Chief Precedent, Keeper of the Seal; and the Coadjutor was nominated to be Cardinal.  
Chasteauneuf taking upon him the Management of Affairs, began immediately to think upon those means that might hinder the Cardinal's return, which were to make the King to go into Berry, and from thence towards Poictu; for the further off he was, the more difficult and impracticable it would be for the Cardinal to return, as well for the Animosities of the Parliament, as for the ill season of the year, being to pass 14 Rivers; and by keeping the King absent he should put the Duke of Orleans into the Government of Affairs, which was his principal end.  
These designs of Chasteauneuf being suspected by the Cardinal's Confidents, who discovering that there were but few in the Council which delivered their mind cordially, (the rest only in appearance, and to gratify the Queen, professed themselves good friends) concluded, that there was no better Expedient for their Majesties, and for the Cardinal himself, then to make use of their power, and to get that by force which they could not obtain by reason and fair means. To this intent the Abbot Ondedei by the King's Order (who with reiterated Letters had recalled the Cardinal to Court) hasted to Brules, to let Mazarine understand the necessity of taking this course, and to inform him really of what past, assuring him of their Majesty's good intentions, for whose service it was absolutely necessary he should return to his Charge, it being manifest that there was no person served them with more readiness and cordiality.  
The Cardinal harkened to what the Abbot delivered; for having found him in all occasions of an ingenious, free, and sincere nature, he much confided in him: but he rested somewhat doubtful in his resolution, for fear of making a greater alteration in Affairs, and of giving new matter to the Malcontents and to his Enemies, to raise pretexts for Seditions and Tumults, to quiet which he thought it best to remain in exile, with the loss of all he had gained hitherto. But in the end the reasons alleged by the Abbot prevailing, who with an equal zeal to his hearty affection laboured to make him comprehend the necessity of his return, he determined with his own money, to make without delay a Levy of four or five thousand Soldiers, giving the command of them to the Mareschals at la Ferté, Seneterre, and d'Hoquincourt, the Counts de Novailles and Broglio, his intimate friends, and persons of great integrity, who took upon them the command, and with all diligence applied themselves to serve him, desiring earnestly to see him readmitted to his former State, to his Enemy's shame and reproach.  
This being resolved on, the Cardinal desired a Passport of the Spaniards to return to Bovillon, which was by them delayed, foreseeing perhaps of what prejudice his return to Court might prove. Wherefore departing suddenly from Brules', instead of going to Juliers (without drawing bit) he road to Duren, a City belonging to the Duke of Newbourg, from thence to Aix la Chapelle, and so to Liege, to Hue, and lastly to Dinan, whither the Counts of Novailles and Iroglio came to him to agree on the Levies, for which he there disbursed the Moneys, and in 40 days time that he stayed there they raised their whole number of Soldiers.  
Upon this news the Parliament renewed the Decree against the Cardinal, laying to his charge that he had infringed their Order, by levying of Soldiers to enter again into France, and did what they could to hinder his return; but he continuing at Dinan, hastened with all diligence the new Levies, that he might accompany them to reinforce the King: and the time of his motion drawing nigh, he renewed his request to the Spaniards for a Passport, but it not appearing, one night unexpectedly in 18 hours riding (without drawing bit) he came to Bovillon, not without danger of being snapped by the Prince of Conde's Troops, who watched diligently to intercept him, skirting ever and anon the adjacent Campagne.  
From hence he sent word to advertise the Spanish Commanders that he was gone, and since they had not favoured him to with the desired Pass for himself, desired that they would at least vouchsafe one for his Nieces, which was immediately granted, and with much Honour they were served, and conveyed to Bovillon by Don Antonio Primentelli; and from hence arose the good correspondence betwixt him and the Cardinal, which afterward so much conduced to the Peace of the two Crowns, to which the Elector of Colen contributed much, by encouraging Mazarine to so pious and holy a work. He went on to Sedan, and determined as soon as might be to advance with his levied Soldiers, and with those the Marshal d' Hoquincourt had gathered, who had Order from the King to join with him, and with one Body to enter into France.  
This novelty made a great noise in Paris, but alarmed most the Frondeurs, the Parliament, and the Dukes of Orleans and Beaufort; who being surprised when they least imagined with clamorous complaints, gave out that it was a thing not to be endured, that the Court should so notoriously infringe their Promise and Word so often given, and that the contempt was too remarkable, to see themselves so palpably deluded.  
The Parliament therefore decreed, that in prosecution of the Judgement concluded four days before against the Cardinal, to depute some with a Message to their Majesties, to complain of what was acting on the Frontiers against their service, by levying of Soldiers, distributing of Money, and bruit of Mazarine's return, all contrary to the King's Declaration and his Royal Word, for the maintaining of which they should beseech him with all earnestness, that the commotions likely suddenly to arise to the destruction of the Peace and the public good, might be avoided: and the Duke of Orleans was entreated to join some of his with the said Deputies, mutually to importune that the Cardinal might be kept at distance.  
By a public command they did prohibit all Cities, Towns, and all those who were in Authority on the Frontiers not to receive him, nor give him any assistance upon pain of High Treason. Though they reaped small benefit from these deliberations, because every one laughed at it, reputing it mere madness and folly, to pretend to control with scribbling and papers, where the King's lawful power was predominant, backed with the strength of Arms; nevertheless they were so intoxicated with a most sottish pretention of Authority, and so instigated by their Passion, that they persuaded themselves that an Order of Parliament was sufficient to bring the whole Kingdom under obedience; and so passing from one absurdity to another, to end this year 1651, the 29th. of December, in virtue of the aforesaid Declarations, of the 7th. and 9th. of February, the 11th. of March, the 2d. and 8th. of August last passed) and of those and some other Parlements against the Cardinal, he was by the Parliament of Paris declared guilty of High Treason for returning to Sedan, contrary to the Prohibition; and for putting himself in a posture to return into France: ordering moreover to finish the selling his Library, and all the Furniture of his House, with the Confiscation of all his Ecclesiastical Emoluments, depositing 50000 Crowns to be given to him that should kill him, or deliver him alive to Justice, petitioning His Majesty in such case to give his Grace to the Assassin, who if by his misfortune in giving the blow should not escape, but be killed himself, that his Heirs should be capable of the reward, making their account that so great a recompense would invite some desperate Villain to take away his Life: a thing never heard of, and unworthy to be decreed, nay not to be proposed in a Catholic Parliament, the bounds of whose Authority extended no further than to judge of Civil and Criminal causes, and not in the least to interest themselves in the Affairs of State. It was therefore looked upon with detestation, that they should proceed to the condemnation of so conspicuous a Statesman, so dear to the King, and by His Majesty's Council known to be so advantageous to the good of France, and adorned with the Dignity of Cardinal.  
All Europe abhorred this Action, and every good Catholic was scandalised, that the Life of a Prince of Holy Church should be exposed to sale, so acceptable to the King, by whose express Order only he acted. And many foresaw, that the Authors of these execrable doings, though Humane Revenge should fail, would find in their season (no less than those English who condemned their King to death) the chastisements of Heaven, for the little respect that they bore not only to the Cardinal, but also to the King and the Holy Church.  
This Decree (as far as could be guessed) passed not without the secret intelligence of the Count de Chavigny, who believed by such means to hinder the Cardinal's return, supposing that if the Order had but issued out a little before, he would not have entered again into the Kingdom. The Count was the first that tasted God's judgement, dying a while after in despair, conscious of betraying the Court, and the Prince of Conde his greatest Confident, in one and the same time.  
All this was represented to the Court of Rome, supposing that the Sacred College would not allow that such an Example should remain in the memory of the present Age, much less be transferred to posterity, without those remedies and punishments which belong to the Pope's Authority. But the Romanists considering that if the success should not answer the attempt, the reputation and dignity of the Apostolical See would be too far engaged; wherefore they passed it over, palliating it with dissimulation: for Mazarine had his back-friends in Rome as well as in France, and the Pope himself was his Enemy,  
These news coming to the Court, they rejoiced at the seditious parisians, and valued little their words and inconsiderable strength, and had frequent Consultations about this business; and although few pressed the return of Mazarine, yet finding the King was resolved to have him near about him, according to the Court custom, where they flatter more the Fortune than the Person, they began with an affected ostentation to show, that they desired as much; some of them persuading the Queen to hasten his return, constraining their own inclination, that they might appear to be his most cordial friends. But Prince Thomas (being a little before come out of Piedmont into France) the Marshal de Plessis Pralin, the Sieurs de la Ferté and Seneterre, the Count de Servient, the Sieur de Lionne, and other Noblemen of a clear Fidelity, ingenuous Disposition, and true Friends, delivered their minds with affection and sincerity; as also the Princess Palatine, the Secretary Tillier recalled to Court by the means of the Marquis de Chasteauneuf, and of the Marshal de Villeroy, which vexed those at heart who persuaded themselves that they might be useful in that charge, and beheld with an evil eye that Mazarine's Affairs proceeded so smoothly on to his re-establishment. They that chiefly opposed his return in the Council were the Marquis de Chasteauneuf, who exercised the charge of first Minister of State, and deliciously relished the Applauses and the Honours, which to it paid Tribute as Rivers to the Sea; but he vailed his thoughts with the pretext, that yet the conjuncture of Affairs was not ripe for his return, because the unseasonableness of it would colour the pretences of the Prince of Conde, and of the other Malcontents, with the face of Justice, and would ferment new grievances and revolutions, not only in Paris, but in other parts of the Kingdom; and said, it would be better counsel to seek first to remove out of the way the Prince and his Party, that he might return with more security.  
The Proposition truly in itself looked well; and if at that time nothing had been innovated about Mazarine's coming back, the Prince had been totally ruined, the whole Kingdom standing firm for the King: but when it was considered, that if while the Cardinal's return was delayed, the business of the Kingdom, and the present state of Affairs should be mitigated, and the Prince destroyed, the reasons for his return as a necessary Minister would not have so much vigour as when it might be averred, that the King had no person about him sufficient to undergo so weighty a Charge. For this reason Chasteauneuf's Opinion did not take place, and their counsel was embraced who supported the Cardinal's Interest; alleging that his presence was of great importance for the better carrying on the Affairs, besides the recruit of a Body, of old Soldiers levied by him, to hasten the depression of Conde; it not seeming decent to the Greatness of the King, who was Master, not to be able to have near him such as he liked best. And albeit any other consideration might require, that the Cardinal should continue out of the Kingdom, the pretensions of the Parliament and the Frondeurs were sufficient, that to confound them the contrary should be done, by which means the Sovereign Authority (independent from all other) might shine with greater lustre, and not to permit so scandalous an Example, that the Servants should impudently give Law to their Master.  
These Reasons were fomented by the first Precedent more than any other, being no friend to Chasteauneuf, and alienated from the Prince, for having no greater passion then that of his service to his King. He had a principal part in this resolve, sufficiently knowing the need that they had in Court of a prime Minister thoroughly informed of all the Affairs of the Kingdom.  
The Precedent was called to Poitiers, with the Marquis of Vieville. The parisians and the Parliament regretted their departure so much the more, by how much they knew it prejudicial to their Party, that a person of so high estimation had totally given himself up to the King's Interest and the Cardinals. Chasteauneuf for this cause not being able to make good his Maxim, he took himself to those Arts, which were suggested to him by his many years experience in the Affairs and Interests of the Court. To disturb then Mazarine's return, he writ to the Sieur de Fremont, Secretary to the Duke of Orleans, to dispose his Master to come to Court, because by his presence, giving countenance and support to them that opposed the Cardinal, he should easily prevail to hinder the designs of those that adhered to him. But the Coadjutor on the contrary foreseeing, that the Duke would be quickly brought about to the Queen, and instead of opposing would condescend to her satisfaction, he opposed the counsel of Chasteauneuf, and with great sagacity diverted the journey of His Royal Highness, who had undertaken it, if instead of writing to Fremont he had writ to the Count of Chavigny and the Secretary Goulas.  
In that interim the Marshal de Hoquincourt had rendezvouzed his Troops about Laon to join with the Cardinal, who was ready with others under his pay to enter into France; wherefore having agreed to meet about Derlans and Espernay upon the Marne in the beginning of January, the Marshal began to move the 18th. of December, and the Cardinal leaving his Nieces at Sedan, advanced likewise toward Espernay with 5000 chosen fight men, and there calling a Council of War it was concluded, that the Marshal with 1000 Horse should secure the Passes on the Rivers Aube and Seine, which he accordingly did, passing luckily without any opposition by l' Anglure and l' Aube, and crossed the Seen at Merry, where the Regiments of Horse and Foot under the command of the Sieur de St. Mor joined with him, and receiving intelligence that the Duke of Orleans had sent out four Companies to Pont sur Son, Hoquincourt charged them, routed some Horse which infested the road to Sens, and compelled the Sieur de Morandiere, Commander of the Duke's men, to quit his Post and retire.  
It was thought that the Princes did not do all their endeavour to hinder this return; for perceiving that their Affairs were in a most desperate condition, (the whole Kingdom concurring in favour of the King) they knew that nothing could keep them from their last tottering, but some new pretext that might give an honest colour to their Cause, and retard the Subjects from the assistance which they contributed to their Sovereign. And it was suspected, that instead of providing to defend the Passes with some competent Forces, which they might sooner have gathered together, they delayed so long till the Cardinal was far advanced into the Kingdom; and it was believed that not only the Princes that were in Paris promoted this design, but that it was also secretly fomented by the Prince of Conde, it being known that he had made Gourville and others to solicit the Cardinal to undertake his return to Court, hoping that this would serve him either for a pretext to justify his proceedings, or for an occasion to piece with him, because he had rather have to do with Mazarine then with Chasteauneuf.  
The thoughts in the mean time of the Coadjutor were to induce the Duke of Orleans to frame a third Party of Malcontents, and Enemies to Mazarine, which perhaps might be seconded by the Courtiers that were averse to him; and therefore he used all industry to make the plot succeed: imagining that the Queen being intimidated by the Duke, more firmly adhering to Conde, she would be necessitated to keep the Cardinal further off; in which case (Orleans uniting himself to the Interest of the Court, and fortifying himself with the Troops of Lorraine) he should totally ruin the Prince.  
But the Count of Chavigny, and the rest of Conde's friends kept Orleans firm, making him understand that he could not sustain himself but by uniting with the Prince; and though they should not fully make sure of him, they hoped at least to prevent him, by closing with the Court, in which case he would hardly be able to uphold himself. In the interim the Duke of Nemours coming to Paris, confirmed in the name of the Prince of Conde the Treaty with Orleans, and the result was for the keeping out of the Cardinal, and to make peace with Spain.  
The news being spread in Paris of Orders given out by the King different to his former Declarations, it is not to be imagined how the contrary Spirits were enraged; yet they could do no more than make a noise, so long as the King's Authority was prevalent in the Kingdom: but however the Cardinal was thwarted by the one side, yet he was animated by the other; for the Parliament of Britain being solicited by that of Paris, to frame a like Ordinance in favour of the Princes against the Cardinal, they ordered quite contrary, that all Proceedings against him should be suspended till the Prince returned to his duty, and the Spanish Troops were departed the Kingdom. The Tumults of the Frondeurs continuing, the Parliament decreed to proceed to the sale of the Cardinal's goods, and not to ratify the King's Declaration against the Prince, till that against the Cardinal had first taken effect; from whence it behoved that he should again quit the Kingdom, if they meant that the Parliament should pass the Declaration. They had many Consultations great in appearance, but weak in substance, and some Overtures to the King succeeded them. The Court talked in ambiguous terms, and amused them still with hopes, because Time (which ripens all things) they hoped would also maturate the bitterness of the turbulent minds. The Queen afterward sent to exhort the Duke of Orleans to retire from Paris, to remove the umbrage that they had of him: but the design succeeded not, and increased the distrust, whereat the others taking Alarm became much more audacious and undertaking.  
The Parliament added to the Instructions given to their Deputies, dispatched to the Court to urge the release of the Counsellor Bitant; and that the Marshal de la Milleray could be advanced to the Dignity of Duke and Peer, if first he did not give the pretended satisfaction to the Parliament of Britain. Moreover, that no Duke, Marshal of France, or other Officer of the Crown, should hence forward be admitted to their Function, if the Cardinal were not first withdrawn out of the Kingdom. It was thought that this was done to lessen the Interest that he had by disposing of the Offices of the Crown; thereby to gain those Officers to their Party. But of this the Gentry and Nobility of the Kingdom made no reckoning; but by how much the more the Parliament showed themselves eager against the Court, so much the more contemptible they rendered themselves, no body regarding their Decrees, so long as the Authority of the King could annul them, and render them invalid; and therefore they who sounded the Affairs to the bottom, found it better counsel to keep the straight way of Obedience, then to walk in rugged paths and praecipices.  
In this manner the Princess Palatine Anna Gonzaga, from being first Conde's Friend became the Queen's greatest Confident, and the Cardinals, to which the King corresponding called her to Court, to foment by her ready and smart Wit the Parties proper to destroy the Cabals of the Malcontents. She arrived there, as likewise divers other Lords did, who openly condemned the Opinion of those, which could not but in the end be losers, yet obstinately followed the Game.  
In the mean while the Cardinal at the Head of the Army departing from Pont sur Saone, came to Chasteaurenart, and from thence advanced to Gien upon the River Loire. The Soldiers of the Marquis of Sordis, who were entered into the Town, upon news of his March, quitted it. The Cardinal passed the River over the Bridge, and was civilly received by those Inhabitants. He went thence to Vierron, where he left the Army under the command of the Count Broglio, to continue their March towards Guienne; and His Eminence, accompanied with Hoquincourt and Grançay Mareschals of France, with a great number of other principal Officers and Persons of Quality, went in diligence towards Poitiers, where the King was, and drawing near was met by His Majesty without the City. The King light out of his Coach, and embraced him with so much affection, that the Honours were greater which the Cardinal received by that benign Reception, than his misusage by so many Decrees of the Parliament. His Majesty took him into his Coach, and conducted him to kiss the Queen's hand, where the joy of the Court was redoubled.  
By how much the more splendent the Applauses and Contentments were in this part, by so much the more the hatred was dismal and cloudy in other parts; and in no City greater threatenings appeared then in Bourdeux, whose Parliament after the example of that of Paris, persevering in their Assembling, and unlawful and seditious Decrees, drove from the City the persons and whole Families of those who were esteemed faithful to the King, and did all that Rebels and Enemies of their lawful Sovereign could do.   

THE HISTORY Of the Managements of Cardinal MAZARINE. Lib. II.  
MAZARINE being entered into France the 16th. of January 1652, the King cancelled and annulled the Decree of the Parliament of Paris, of the 29 September 1651, with express prohibition to put it in execution, and not to attempt any thing against him upon pain of death.  
He forbade also not to proceed to the sale of his Goods, nor Books; the Transgressor's in this case being to lose what they had paid, and ●0000 Liures penalty: declaring ●●at the said Decree was contrary to His Majesty's intention, to the ordinary Forms of Justice, to the Customs of the Kingdom, and injurious to the Sacred College of Cardinals, to the Head of the Church, and to the Holy Apostolic See, towards which he protested, following the example of the Kings his predecessors, always to observe an unalterable devotion and reverence: that the Cardinal was entered into the Kingdom by his express Order, to conduct a good Body of an Army levied at his own proper charges, to serve him in the present Emergencies; and that he being a Sovereign King, and absolute Master of all, he ought to be obeyed by his Subjects without any limitation.  
In Poitiers, after the arrival of the Cardinal, divers Consultations of War were held, which were reduced to the examinations of two points: The one, to go with all the Forces into Guienne, to bring under Bourdeaux, and totally to suppress the Prince of Conde's Party: the Queen and the Cardinal were of the same judgement. The other was, to go towards Paris with the greatest part of the Forces, to disperse those of the Duke of Orleans, encourage the well-affected Citizens, and hinder the passage of the Duke of Nemours Soldiers, who were about to enter into France. Divers Reasons were alleged for both these Opinions, and it was resolved on to pass into Guienne, but the City of Angers being up in Arms by means of the Duke de Rohan Chabot Governor of Anjou, the Cardinal judged it more opportune to direct their course that way: so that unexpectedly on the 6th. of February the Court hasted to Saumeur, to the great resentment of the Marquis de Chasteauneuf; who seeing that in the King's Council it was resolved on to march into Guienne, and afterward, without consulting him, they changed their resolution for Anjou. He thought they made little Account of him, and that the Cardinal was become again the sole Disposer of all Affairs; wherefore he took free leave of the Court, and retired to live privately at Tours, whereby Mazarine remained to direct all as before, without any companion, but not without the envy and jealousy of some of his friends, who could not brook the preeminency of a stranger.  
The Court having finished the Enterprise of Angers, which was reduced to the King's obedience, possessed themselves also of Pont de Cé, and secured the Provinces beyond the Loire; the News coming of the Duke of Nemours Arrival in France, with some Troops out of Flanders; the Cardinal thought fit not to defer time, but to provide carefully for the Affairs of those parts, where all their friends desired the King's Presence. The Court then departed from Saumeur, the 7. of March 1652, and settled at Tours, whether from divers Provinces and Cities came several Persons of Quality, deputed to confirm to the King their fidelity and obedience; and amongst others the Archbishop of Roven Chamvallon Primate of Normandy, deputed by a great Assembly of Prelates met at Paris upon the Decree against the Cardinal, to demonstrate to his Majesty the wrong that was done to the Church of Rome, and the injury she received in the person of one of her Members out-raged. The Archbishop had a favourable Audience. This Deputation was very famous, not only for the quality and importance of the matter, but for the merit and prerogative of the said Prelate, who exaggerated highly the Ptoceeding of the Parliament, in treating with so much rigour, and such unusual courses, a Prince of the Holy Church, without considering, that these were forms prohibited by divine and humane laws; and that which appeared admirable in his discourse, was, that openly praising and yet oblikely touching the Parliament, he obliged the whole Ecclesiastical Order. While the Court was at Tours, the Count de Servient was restored by the King to his Charge of Minister of State, who being a very able and experienced person, it turned too much to the damage of the public interest to keep him at such a distance; but the Sieur de Lionne his Nephew was not recalled, by the prevailing of his particular enemies, to whom the Court was willing at that time to give that satisfaction. From Tours the Court removed to Blois, and made some stay there, which was very prejudicial to it, since those of the contrary party had time to provide for the Conservation of Orleans (into which City Mademoiselle entered) and for the defence of Chartres, proposed and considered by the Cardinal, for the shortest way to approach near Paris.  
Not being able therefore neither to pass to Orleans, nor to go to Chartres, it was determined to take the way of Gergeau, because the Bridge of Beaugency was broken by the swelling of the River, happening a little before, with very great floods: but that of Gergeau being likewise spoiled, the only Pass that remained was that of Gien, whereupon the Court went to Sully, and the Army to Sandilon, a little distant. According as this moved toward Gien, that of the Princes went continually coasting on the other side the river, to dispute their passage, and interrupt their design. They mustered in the Prince's Camp betwixt nine and ten thousand, four thousand chosen and old Soldiers, most part of them Infantry of the Duke of Orleans, under the Command of the Duke of Beaufort, and the rest under the Duke of Nemours; and these were partly French of the Prince of Conde's, and partly high Germans and other Nations levied by the King of Spain. The Dukes of Beaufort and Nemours did not agree together, though they were Kinsmen, and should have fought a Duel near Orleans, if it had not been prevented by Mademoiselle, who by her interposing made them friends; wherefore the Prince of Conde, who was in Guienne thought fit to convey himself to this Army, not only moved thereunto for this cause, but for divers other reasons, amongst which were the following; First, that by making this diversion all the King's Forces would be drawn that way where the Prince was, and by that means Bourdeaux would be out of danger. Secondly, because the condition of Paris stood in need to be strengthened by his Presence, chiefly suspecting that the King would come thither, and to oppose himself to cross the designs of the Coadjutor, who used all his endeavour to disjoin the Duke of Orleans from him. And, what obliged him most to go, was to see, whether it would turn to best Account, to reunite himself to the Court, or to adjust with the Coadjutor; or at least to render his Intrigues with the Duke of Orleans unuseful. With these considerations, and with thoughts of piecing with the Coadjutor, he took a journey the most difficult and most dangerous, that could possibly have come into his thought, being like to have been taken Prisoner by the Sieur de Saint Mor, dispatched from Court with 300 horse to tract him, and seize on his person: nevertheless he came safe thither, and the News of his coming being spread abroad, the Army was as much joyed and pleased, as the Prince confounded and troubled at the dissension of his Generals. From hence he gave advice to the Duke of Orleans, and to the Parliament of his welfare, and had thoughts of passing thither, to resolve what was to be done, to encourage his party, and to settle the people's inconstancy, accustomed to vary, according as the Accidents that nourish it do alter. But having afterwards understood, that by the Arrival of the Duke of Bovillon, and many Cavaliers and Soldiers from divers parts, the Marshal of Turenne was constituted their General by the King, and by this means the Court was recruited no less in courage then in forces. He stayed with the Army, not a little discomposed by the differences amongst the Commanders; wherefore the Court was not a little troubled, seeing that their designs of their Generals upon the ill-ordered Camp of the Princes were vanished. The Discipline being established in the Army by Conde, and their minds reincouraged upon the confidence that every body had of his valour, he caused Montargis to be be attaqued, and took it, by which Post he opened a Passage into Burgundy, and made feasible his designs. The Royalists lodged betwixt the River Loire, and the Canal of Briare. The Quarters of the Marshal d' Hoquincourt were a little distant, and exposed to the enemy. The Prince made semblance to march toward Chasteau-renard, to go into Burgundy; but altering his March he went towards Blenau, Hoquincourts' quarters, and unawares surprised him in the night, in such sort that he routed him, and took all the Baggage.  
At this News, the Marshal de Turenne caused sound to horse throughout all his quarters, and speedily drawing the Troops together, advanced towards the Posts assaulted, to succour them; but having notice of those that fled, of the disorder and disaster, wont always to be increased by Fame, being confirmed to him by divers Officers, with the foresight of a great Captain he thought it not fit to hazard a new Engagement: wherefore he took the way of Osoy on this side the Canal, where was the quarters of Novailles, with design to put himself into a safe Post, they had divers skirmishes, marches, and counter-marches, and all day the Armies faced one another, without engaging otherwise then by the Exchange of many Canonshot.  
The Cardinal being informed of the suceess, gave sudden account to the King how things stood, moderating the vapourings which were cunningly spread abroad. His Majesty with a generous heart, and courage of a great King, leaping out of his bed, said that himself would be at the head of his Army. All mounted on Horseback, and no man that had a sword by his side stayed in Gien. The Cardinal very undauntedly gave all expedient Orders, and dispatched the Duke of Bovillon to the Camp, with a Squadron of Gentlemen Volunteers, and afterward advanced with the King to the Army of Turenne, by whose means not only the dispersed troops of Hoquincourt were rallied, but also the Princes were constrained to retire into Estampes, which afterward was attaqued by the Royalists.  
The Prince of Conde went to Paris, where the number of Malcontents daily increased, heightened by the hopes that they had of the coming of the Duke of Lorain's Army. Every one desired to establish his own interest by diminishing the Royal Authority, supporting themselves with the pretext, that Mazarine was the ruin of the Kingdom; and all Paris was full of seditious Libels, Satirical Verses, lying Stories, and Politic Discourses, which tearing the name of the Cardinal, and other Ministers of State, did redound to the contempt and disgrace of their Royal Majesties; and with such forms those seditious did seek to make sinister impressions in the people, ignorant of the Mysteries of State. On the contrary, all the streets and corners of the City did echo forth the Praises of the Princes, and of the Archduke himself, celebrated in prose and verse by a number of Writers, with the Title of Deliverers of the oppressed people; and many Preachers getting into the Pulpits, wearied themselves with no less liberty, speaking detractingly of the present Affairs; and all this to imprint sinister apprehensions in the people, which redounded more to the blame of the Superiors, which tolerated them, then of those that recited them. The Parliament continuing still in their purpose to reduce Mazarine to the last extremity, dispatched the Precedent Nesmond, with other Counselors, to Sully, to represent to the King what they thought necessary for his removal from Court, in conformity to their first Deliberations and His Majesty's Word: but the Court was not at all moved for any of these instances, judging it a petulancy and too great an impudence of the Parlementarians, in pretending to give Law to their Master.  
In the mean while the Spaniards making use of these favourable conjunctures, which the discord in the Kingdom of France gave them, they possessed themselves of Trino in Italy, taken by the Marquis of Caracena, and in Flanders of Gravelling, gained by the conduct of the Count of Fuensaldagna, who commanded under the Archduke.  
The Cardinal did his utmost to succour Gravelling, a place of great importance: but the remedies are too weak, in a time that the Court was miserably distracted by domestic broils, when the Foreign enemy from many parts assailed her with powerful Forces, and in a conjuncture that the Seditious of the Parliament (to render the Malady more incurable) diverted the King's revenues in such manner, that oftentimes he was reduced to great necessity, not having wherewithal to provide even for the Court itself.  
In Paris the disorders continued more than in any other part. The Prince of Conde being come thither, it is impossible to relate with what Applauses he was received; whereat the King's faithful servants and the Cardinal's friends were so much astonished, that they durst not set their foot out of doors.  
These sent Dispatches to Court, supplicating their Majesties to draw near the City with all speed, otherwise (the Faction of Conde growing stronger) they should be constrained to abandon it, and let all their consultations fall to the ground. The King's Council being moved by these Solicitations, and much more persuaded by reason to preserve by all means that great and potent City, determined to approach nigh it.  
In order hereunto their Majesties came to Auxerre, from thence to Sens, to Montreul, to Melun, and other places near; and in the King's Council it was debated to famish Paris, by taking away the commerce of the River, but this was not assented to by the Cardinal, who knowing well that these Extravagancies of the Citizens proceeded from the Arts of a few Seditious people, more covetous to advance their particular Interests, then desirous (as they gave out) of the public good; and that suddenly they would perceive their error, and put themselves again in their due obedience to their King: adding that it was not good by rigour to exasperate the people of that City further, and precipitate them by despair to declare for the Princes, which was the Card they called for, without which their Party was weak and declining. That the people ofttimes changed their minds, and sometimes for the better, as there was some hopes they would do now, when they continually invited His Majesty to return to his Royal Palace, having to that purpose sent the Sieur de Lerygue. But the Cardinal was not for embracing that counsel, it not behoving to trust the King's Person on the word of the people and la Fronda without good caution; he consented nevertheless to hold the parisians in hand with hopes and fair words, without coming to any particular Declaration. And thus by Mazarines' dexterity Paris was in effect kept Neutral, though in outward appearance it seemed the contrary, by which they gained time to perfectionate those things, which afterward followed to the King's advantage.  
The Court departed from Melun, and came to Corbeil, and thence by the way of Chily to St. Germains, still under covert of the Army.  
Though Paris was not in open breach with the Court, they nevertheless continued to keep a good correspondence with the Princes; the Inhabitants took Arms, and began to keep guard, held consultations and made preparations for War; And among other Assemblies, they held a General one, of the Body of the Citizens, assisted by the Deputies of the Parliament, in which was decreed, that when the Cardinal should be driven out of the Kingdom, with security not to return again, they would presently lay down their arms: but as they made use of this pretext, only to make their actions appear innocent to the people, and that they directed their intentions to no other end, then to the public relief, by sending farther off that Minister, to whom they imputed all their grievance, and continuance of the War: so the Court, admitting they did deprive themselves of the Cardinal by licensing him to depart, knew that they should be at the same pass that they were the last time he left the Kingdom. And by yielding to the pretensions of subjects, they sensibly wounded the Royal Authority, which ought to be kept absolute and independent, wherefore they pretended on the contrary, that it did not belong to any one to give laws, but to receive them from their Sovereign; and that the sole pretention that the King should serve himself of Ministers of their appointing, deserved as much blame and correction, as it was contrary to the Maxims of good Government, to permit that any body of His Majesty's Council should depend on any other then on the King himself; so that they cried Out on't, as too great an impertinency, to require that one should be driven away (of whom his Patron did profess himself well served) to put in another that probably would not please him, and who might perhaps study more the Interest of particular persons than the public good and the Crown's; it manifestly appearing, that to deprive the King of the Cardinal, was to take away from him all satisfaction, and to make him depend on their pleasure. And therefore not to give so pernicious an example (though he had had a mind for other causes to put him away) he ought not to do it; but to uphold him, that the world might know that he was Master.  
The parisians the day following had another general Assembly, and selected some Deputies to desire their Majesties to remove the Cardinal further off, and to return to Paris; but it was to no purpose, the Court standing firm in their resolution not to sully the Royal Authority, endeavouring to gain time, and to keep Paris Neutral, that they might not supply the contrary Party with Men and Money, of which they stood in need enough. The Princes and the Parliament on the other side studying to maintain themselves in the People's favour, did not omit to employ all their industry to stir up the people against the King's Ministers; and because it was necessary (to keep afoot the commerce of Paris) to hinder the King's Army from passing the Seine, they made some Levies, which joined with some other Troops of the Princes to scour the neighbouring Campania. The Army of the Princes possessed themselves of the Country of Estampes, situated betwixt Orleans and Paris, where they found a great quantity of Corn; and here they intended to abide and fortify themselves with hopes, by maintaining this Post to keep Paris and Orleans faithful, which was the main scope of all.  
While the King's Army lay quartered at Chartres and thereabouts, they cast themselves into Estampes, with their Lieutenant's Generals; for the Prince and the Dukes of Nemours and Beaufort were gone to Paris, where they stayed to make sure of the Frondeurs and their Party, a good part of whom desiring the King's return, harkened willingly to the Treaties that thereupon were had about the entry and reception of His Majesty, who if at that instant he had frankly shown himself, he would have been received with all joyfulness and applause, and the Princes and their Party chased away, since the Citizens were at last weary of these hurly-burlies, but nothing was done, the King not daring to venture himself on the people's instability, nor willing to let the Cardinal depart as he often pressed, to take away all pretext from the Malcontents.  
The King's Army besieged that of the Princes in Estampes, where followed divers skirmishes, and amongst the rest a very bloody one in possessing themselves of the Suburbs.  
The Court fixed at St. Germains, and here the first Deputation which was sent was in the name of the Duke of Orleans and the Prince of Conde, who dispatched thither the Count de Chavigny, the Secretary Goulas, and the Duke de Rohan Chabot; Chavigny was for the Prince, Goulas for Orleans, and Chabot for both. At first they declared, that they would not treat with the Cardinal; but this was only a show, for they had secret order to see him, and to seek all ways to come to an Agreement with him, with a firm resolution to gain him to their particular interests, supposing, that he to continue in France, and in his Ministry, would easily condescend to their pretensions. They were secretly in the Cardinal's Cabinet, treated with him, and Chavigny, a person of great worth, propounded to the Cardinal to make an entire Agreement with the Prince, by granting him four Demands. One was to make the Count d' Ognon Duke and Peer; the Count de Marsin a Marshal of France; the Prince of Conty Governor of Provence; and the Prince himself Plenipotentiary for the General Peace. To the two first the Cardinal did comply, because they simply concerned only honourable titles: But the Government of Provence, and the Plenipotentiary of the Peace, he did wholly reject, declaring, he would never consent, that for his particular interest the King's Authority and Service should be prejudiced.  
This Deputation was of huge prejudice to the Princes, because it was made in a time that the Parliament and the parisians were more incensed against the Cardinal, and when all the Sovereign Courts had deliberated to require his removal, and that the Commonalty of Paris were of the same mind; in a time that the Duke of Orleans and the Prince had declared in Parliament, that for a general satisfaction they desired nothing but the banishment of the Cardinal: so that the people seeing them act against such express Declarations, from thence forward they were not a little jealous of their carriage, and many that were very well inclined towards them began to be more wary in their proceedings, which was afterward one of the principal causes of their fall.  
In the neck of this Deputation the Deputies of the Parliament appeared at St. Germains, with their Remonstrances to their Majesties about giving the Cardinal his Congé, against whom the Precedent Nesmond spoke with great liberty. The King heard them with much civility, and afterward told them that he was very well informed of the good intentions of the Parliament, and wished that they were as well persuaded of his. That he would confer with his Privy Council, and in three days they should understand his will; with such words and general terms concluding nothing, the Deputies returned to Paris. The same day those sent from the Chamber of Accounts and Court of Aids had Audience, and the Answer was the same he gave the Parliament; also the Provost of Merchants, the Sheriffs, the Attorney-General, the City-Notary, and others deputed from the Communality, presented themselves before his Majesty, representing to him the unhappy state of his Subjects, and of the necessity of dismissing the Cardinal, the sole cause of all the distastes and differences. The Keeper of the Seals answered, that his Majesty was assured of the good affection of the City of Paris, and to satisfy them he intended to return thither so soon as the Passes should be open; and this he said to give them a wipe, that in the same time they made these Addresses, they endeavoured to hinder his coming, cutting off the Bridges of the Seine and Marne. The King therefore not yielding to condescend to such licentious demands, the Malcontents took occasion to exclaim against his Council, who on the other side complaining of the Subjects Proceedings, every thing went more and more into confusion, and all the faults, which indeed did concern only a few interessed people and Malcontents, were charged upon Mazarine, against whom their hatred and fury not abating, he was commonly called The root of all evil, and The cause of all the miseries of that flourishing Kingdom; which would have been more unhappy (wanting the protection of the Cardinal, and the power of the Princes and of the Parliament increasing) if the King's Authority had been diminished, which the more independent and absolute, the more profitable to Subjects, who are always most miserable where there are most Masters.  
The Parliament Assembled to hear the Answers that the Deputies brought from Court, where were present the Duke of Orleans, and the Prince of Conde, with all the chief of the Faction, when the News came, that the Royalists were assaulting the Bridge of St. Cloud, defended by a little Fort; whereupon the Prince of Condé, mounting suddenly on Horseback, with several Gentlemen, and above eight thousand Parisiens, made them retire, and from thence marching towards St. Denis, where were 200 Swisses of the King's Guards in Garrison, and assailing those old and rotten walls, they made themselves Masters of it, taking those soldier's prisoners, which were led to Paris in triumph. But this City was soon recovered by the King's Forces, commanded by the Sieur de Renville Colonel of Horse, after which a Neutrality was granted to the Town of St. Denis, upon condition that the Princes should also, leave free the Passes of St. Cloud, Neully, Charenton, and St. Maur.  
After these divers successes the Parliament assembled again, and having heard the Relation made by the Precedent Nesmond, they determined to send him back to St. Germains to receive the King's Answer, which he had promised in three days: But it being to the advantage of the Court to gain time, Mazarine with great subtlety prolonged the Resolutions, keeping still the Treaties on foot, not to put the people in despair, and necessitate them (when they should have no more hopes) to declare for the Princes; and for that cause the Duke d' Anvil made divers journeys from Court to Paris on the King's behalf, managing dexterously the Treaty with the Princes, who pressed more and more the Cardinal's departure.  
The Prince of Conde, who by a particular gift of Nature was no less endowed with a most prudent faculty of discerning, then with a marvellous and unparallelled valour in Arms, observing the instability of his Party, grounded on uncertain and wavering designs, he inclined to an agreement in any manner, even without the removal of the Cardinal from the Ministry, considering it better to treat with him who was of a sweet and gentle nature, than others of a violent Genius, as the Cardinal de Retz was reputed to be. But the good intention of the Prince was diverted by his Kindred and Friends, who declared that in such case they would forsake him; and lastly, by the Duke of Orleans, solicited thereunto by the Cardinal de Retz, who was accused that for his private advantage he equally desired the ruin of the Prince and of Mazarine; so that His Royal Highness vigorously opposed it, and was cause that this Overture took no effect.  
From S. german the Court removed to Melun; for this City being upon the Seine, and nearer to Estampes, they might from hence with more ease send Supplies and Recruits to the King's Camp, stopping in the same time the Provisions which are wont to be brought down the River from those fertile Fields to Paris: and here the King gave Order to Marshal Turenne to endeavour what ere came on't to expugn Estampes, and defeat the Army of the Princes, who defending themselves bravely, there followed many hot Skirmishes, with no small slaughter of Soldiers and considerable Captains on either side: wherefore the Princes perceiving that their Army would subsist a long time in Estampes, solicited the Spaniards that the Army of Duke Charles of Lorraine might advance to their succour. The Ministers of Spain cheerfully assenting to uphold the Party of the Princes, and keep afoot the Civil War in France, presently set themselves about it.  
The Duke of Lorraine was wont every year to make a bargain with the Spaniards for the next Campania, by which they obliged him for a certain sum of money to serve them with his Troops. This year therefore 1652 they engaged him to pass into France, to succour the Princes. In pursuance of which accord he marched with his Army of 4000 Foot, and about 5000 Horse, with some Pieces of Artillery, through Champagne towards the Seine, to raise the Siege of Estampes: leaving his Forces at Lagny, he went to Paris, where he was received with all the Honours wont to be given to a Prince of whom they stood in need.  
At this news the Cardinal began to set his Wits at work, and to give necessary Orders for securing the most important places. He sought to gain Duke Charles by the mediation of the Duchess of Cheureuse his Ally, and of the same House.  
She being a Lady of great sense, and full of Intrigues, making use of the natural jealousy wont to be betwixt the Princes of the Blood and the Dukes of Lorraine, and especially betwixt Conde and them, who was much esteemed amongst the Spaniards, she gave the Duke to understand, that it would not turn to his benefit to assist them. The Duke was convinced by her Reasons, and inclined to embrace her counsel, so he could find a sufficient pretext to disengage himself from the Spaniards, to whom he had promised to succour Estampes. Mazarine sent the Marquis de Chasteauneuf to negotiate secretly with the Duke, and they agreed together, that to disengage his word, and to keep himself from the blame he might incur, he should raise the Siege of Estampes; and the morning following that Turenne should retire from thence, the Duke promised to retreat to the Frontier of the Kingdom, (to make a show that it was not by compact, but by reason of the State of the King's Army, that obliged him to take this course) to which purpose they should furnish him with all necessary provisions. The Princes knew him by his Conduct, and by the difficulty he made in passing the Seine, that he had intelligence with the Court; wherefore they went to find him at his Camp, and oblige him to pass the River; but he represented to them, that they ought to rest satisfied if so be he raised the Siege of Estampes; and having some hopes that the Court would take the same resolution, it was not necessary to engage himself further. The Prince of Conde gave him to understand, it was a small matter to cause the Siege to be raised, if he did not give them the opportunity to put their Troops in safety, because they could no longer subsist in a ruinated place, so that after many Discourses the Duke permitted himself to be engaged before he was aware, to give in writing a Declaration to the Princes, by which he obliged himself to stay yet some days in the same Post upon the River Seine, that in the mean while the Princes might withdraw their Troops from Estampes, and come nearer Paris.  
The King's Army being retired from the Siege of Estampes, and the Court seeing he failed in performing the private Treaty concluded with Chasteauneuf; the Marshal de Turenne by advice of Mazarine moved his Camp with expedition toward Corbeil, with design to fight the Lorrainers, before they should pass the River to join with the Prince's Forces, and they faced the Enemy so opportunely, that being surprised and astonished, doubting they should be engaged in fight, they presently retired, taking the advantage of the high Hills of Ville nieufve and S. George, and putting themselves under covert of a little River, that dischargeth itself into the Sene. The King's Party advancing towards Corbeil took several prisoners, which obliged Duke Charles to desire the Sieur de Beaulieu, who was present with him, to procure the fulfilling of the Agreement, and to let him know the reason why they brought the Army against him, while he was in Treaty with the Court. Turenne returned him answer, that he supposed there was no more Treaty with him, he having failed of his word, or at least retarded to perform his promise; yet if he would stand to the Treaty in good earnest, he would advance no further, and granted him four hours to consider on it, which being passed he was acquit of his word. The term expired without any Answer, and without any effect; and therefore without delay the King's Army marched hastily (leaving their baggage behind) against a Castle upon the River held by the Duke, half a League distant from his quarters, and took it upon discretion; and casting a Bridge over the River, passed it with the greatest part of the Foot and Cannon, making the rest of the Troops foard it a little above, and came within Canonshot of the Lorrainers; which the Duke seeing, and being resolved not to fight, and hazard the defeat of his people, which was all he had to trust to, he sent my Lord german, a principal Officer of the King of England's, (who was one that mediated in the said Agreement with the Marshal) to let him understand that he was reayd to fulfil the Treaty concluded. Turenne told him, that this was good the day before; but that then being upon the point of fight, and having drawn back his word, they ought to speak no more of preceding Treaties, matters being now changed; and dispatched the Sieur de Varennes to let him understand, that he would not defer any longer to attaque him, if he did not suddenly yield up the Bridge of Boats which he had upon the Seine, if he did not forbear to fortify himself, and if he did not immediately depart out of France within 15 days by the way he should appoint him, giving responsible Hostages for the performance. The Duke, after he had made some difficulty, and sought to prolong the Affair, being pressed anew with positive threatenings, determined to assent to all that was required him, conditionally though, that Turenne should not make use of the Bridge which he put into his hands, to march against the Army of the Princes; and that the Troops that he had with them of theirs should have Passports to go to Paris; that they should give him Billetings for his March, and 15 days time to get out of the Kingdom. All was concluded. The Duke gave for Hostage the Count de Linville, and the General of the Ordnance. On the King's part were given to the Duke the Chevalier of Marcoussé, and the Sieur de Vaubecourt.  
In this manner the Treaty with Turenne being agreed on, to his great glory, at the head of the Armies, the Lorrainers began without delay to file off towards Brie Comte Robert. The Duke having in this manner deluded the Princes and the Spaniard they were thereat highly disgusted; and this was one of the chief motives that caused the Court of Spain to resolve his imprisonment, as shall be related in its due place.  
The Parliament of Paris believed by the coming of the Lorrainers, that they had won the Game, and therefore raising more and more their pretensions, they deputed again to Court the Precedent Nesmond, to insist upon sending away the Cardinal; who coming with the other Deputies to Melun, they made their Remonstrance on the same subject, adding that it was a small matter for the King to deprive himself of one Statesman, to gain the obedience of all who for that one reason had withdrawn themselves from him.  
The King returned answer in writing, that having divers times heard the Remonstrances made him by his Parliament, he let them understand, that he had always in his thoughts what they represented to him, being assured that as the Parliament were very much concerned for the maintaining of the Royal Authority, so he should have no other thought, then to contribute all his power for the advantage of his service; wherefore perceiving that the wound would prove incurable without present remedy, desired that the Deputies or others that were chosen should join with those of his Royal Council, and together procure to find a remedy for the threatening inconveniences to ward his Subjects, from the evident ruin into which (for the caprice of a few disturbed by their own Ambition) they were ready to cast themselves, His Majesty having nothing nearer his heart then the desire of Peace and Union, and to restore his Kingdom to its pristine splendour. Nesmond having read this Answer, replied, the only means to quiet all was the putting further off the Cardinal. The King instantly interrupted him, and with a serious grave brow told him, You have understood my Will, and so broke off. The Deputies returned to Paris, where they rendered a distinct account to the rest of their Members of what had passed, they differed in their Opinions, whether they should accept of the Conference proposed, and many assented to it: but Brussel with a pretence of Zele for the public good stood firm, that there was no need of other Conference, nor of other Treaties, seeing that all was reduced to this one point, which was, the departure of Mazarine, who being the only occasion of all the distastes, they ought to stand upon that, which being obtained, all the other Controversies would be at an end. And the more they perceived the King averse to deprive himself of that Statesman, the more clamour they made about it; not that they really much desired it, but because they saw it was the way to nourish the distrusts, and keep alive the differences. It being manifest enough, that if the Parliament had believed, that the King by sending away Mazarine would unite the Princes to his service, they would never have wished it, but rather underhand have endeavoured his stay, it not being for their advantage that the Princes joining with the King should so much the more strengthen his Authority, and by consequence weaken their pretensions. Holding therefore to the Opinion of Brussel it was decreed, that without any delay the Deputies should return to declare anew to His Majesty, that they had nothing to add nor to propose, than the effective removal of the Cardinal, conformable to the Decrees and Declarations of His Majesty, and the Protests of the Princes, who replied in full Assembly that they were ready to lay down their Arms so soon as Mazarine should be out of the Kingdom. To the same Deputies were consigned also the Queen of Swedeland's Letters to the Parliament (brought expressly by one of her Gentlemen) to deliver to the King, the Contents of which contained an offer of her Mediation to bring them to an Agreement, as a Friend and Confederate of the Crown of France, whose troubles did much grieve her. The Deputies appeared at Melun (where the Court was) the 12th. of June, they had Audience two days after, and represented the desolation of the State to proceed from the return of Mazarine, who was the sole occasion of all these disturbances. The Affair was remitted to the Council of State; they examined the Answers. The Cardinal renewed his instances divers times made for leave to depart, alleging that it was not convenient, that for him alone the tranquillity of the Kingdom should be discomposed. He was opposed by the King himself, saying that he was Master, and would be served by them that liked him best, nor did he acknowledge any to give him Laws but God. The Sunday following the Deputies returned to the Audience of the King, who plucking out from under his Garment a Writing said, that by that they should know his Will. Monsieur de la Vrilliere Secretary of State read it, and afterwards delivered it to the Precedent Nesmond, who returned with it to Paris.  
It contained that the King did wonder very much, that having in his Parliament so many persons endued with so excellent understanding and acuteness, they did not discern, that the request of removing the Cardinal was only a specious and varnished pretext, since it was manifest, the true cause of the present disturbances was the Interest and Ambition of them that had taken Arms, and kindled the Civil war, when the Cardinal was as far as Germany from the Court and Ministry; which made it clearly appear, that the evils of a State were not to be healed so long as they rested upon pretences, whose roots do produce as much as are lopped off; wherefore the only remedy left was, to pluck up the deepest and most principal. That if His Majesty should resolve to permit the Cardinal to retire upon some employment abroad, and with due reputation to his Honour; what Security should he have, that the waver of the unquietness of the Malcontents should calm, since it was fresh in memory, that his departure in the beginning of the last year had rather augmented than moderated the Troubles; which if they were not allayed by his going then (though it was proposed for the only remedy:) nor ought he less to believe that it would succeed otherwise, if he were sent away a second time, unless at the same instant the occasion was taken away that caused these matters. That the prudence of His Majesty sought a prompt and permanent repose to his Subjects, that they might not fall again into the same inconveniences, of which they had too much felt the sad effects: It being very well known, that in the same time that the Princes declared themselves ready to lay down their Arms if the Cardinal was sent away, they endeavoured to fortify their party by fomenting of strangers, and drawing other of His Majesty's Subjects from their obedience. That the Declaration made a few days before by the Duke of Orleans to the Communality of Paris, showing that he had no Authority over the Forces of the Duke of Lorraine, which he boasted he had drawn into France, was not conformable to that he made in Parliament. That the Treaty concluded by the Prince of Condé with the Spaniards did not speak of laying down their Arms when the Cardinal should be sent away; nor could it be mentioned, for when it was concluded, Mazarine was in Germany. That in the mean while therefore it behoved to have real and positive Security of the Princes for the entire performance of what they offered; and therefore he desired to know if they would renounce all their Leagues and Associations contracted with strangers, and all Treaties concluded in particular with his Subjects against his Royal Service. If they would make no other pretensions after the departure of the Cardinal. If this being done, they would repair to His Majesty to serve him according to their duty. If they would cause the strangers they had brought in to depart the Kingdom, and would promise that the Spanish Troops and the Duke of Lorrains should retire, without giving them that they might pretend to, in prejudice of the King and the State. If the Soldiers, that under their name made war against His Majesty, should be disbanded. If those of the King of Spain's at Stenay, at Bourg in Guienne, and in other places, should retire, and refusing to do it what way should be taken to force them. If the Prince of Conty and the Duchess of Longueville would return to their devoir, and whether the Prince of Conde had power to promise for them. If the Prince of Conty would lay aside all pretensions. If they have jointly the power from the Persons of Quality that have engaged with them, to give Security for their obedience. If the Cities and Fortified places kept in the name of the Pr. of Conde should be put into the same state and being that they were before. If the City of Bourdeaux would return to its duty. If the Establishment made against the King's service since these present troubles should be revoked. And finally, all things settled in their former state, according to the Articles in the King's Declaration of December, 1649. Concerning which Points when His Majesty should receive full assurance of their performance, without cavils and and new pretences, he should be induced to believe, that the Malady which afflicted the Kingdom might be easily remedied.  
This Answer being read in Parliament, with the twelve Questions in reply to that of the Princes, the Duke of Orleans said it was all of the Cardinals dictating, who (ill-informed of the Customs of France) framed Questions to the Princes of the Blood in form of Interrogatories, which was never yet seen practised; and having declared over and over, as they did now again, to lay down their Arms so soon as the Cardinal should be out of France, there was no need of other Security, since all was done with sincerity, and without any doubleness. They disputed a great while upon this subject in the Assembly, in which it was proposed by those on the King's side, that they ought to send again Deputies to His Majesty, with Authority to treat of Peace so necessary to the State. The Counsellor Brussel stood still fixed in his averseness to the Conference, and to hold themselves simply to the Declaration. There followed other Disputes and Contests in words amongst some of the Counselors, and the 21th. of June the Chambers met again, where they made two Propositions, one to seek a way to maintain the poor, and the other to raise 150000 Crowns for the price of the Cardinal's head, having thoughts that there would be some rash enough to offer themselves to kill him; but this was laid aside as then, as an unworthy thing and detestable in Christians: and all that was done was to raise 100000 Crowns for the relief of the poor, every Counsellor taxing himself 100 Livres.  
Many of these poor people were paid expressly to clamour at the Parliament door, and raise some tumult, to oblige the Assembly to a declared Union with the Princes, which was the design of these, to necessitate Paris to provide Moneys and other necessaries for sustaining the War. As the Counselors came out of the Palace People began to cry, Bread and Peace, and no Mazarine. Some of them they shut in, and misused others. The Duke of Beaufort returning into the Palace-hall, spoke in a loud voice to the people, that that was not the right way of proceeding, but that they ought to assemble in some place, and there deliberate of what was fitting to be done to bring the Mazarinists to reason; wherefore he invited them all that evening to the Palace Royal, where he would be himself, and there every one should propound his Opinion.  
There assembled about 5000 people: Beaufort told them it was not handsome to make a noise about the Palace, and pretend with weapons to force Justice, in that manner oppressing the good as well as the bad; but they ought to make a distinction, and 24 of them to frame a Request, whereby to oblige the Counselors to declare whether they were Mazarinists or not; that so being able to distinguish those that were on the contrary party, and taking particular notice of them, they might easily disperse them, attaquing them on all sides. He found the people well disposed to follow his counsel, and every one willingly embracing those resolutions which did square with their humour, he had no trouble to dispose them all unanimously to fury and sedition; which being aware of, he ended briefly his Discourse, saying he expected them the next morning at the Palace.  
The Parliament being advertised of this, the Provost of Merchants gave notice presently to all the Wards, and to the Colonels, with order to have the Chains prepared, and the Inhabitants in a readiness to take Arms upon the first Order they should receive.  
In the mean while they talked up and down the streets of nothing but of falling upon the Parliament, wherein they said there were divers Mazarines that would not declare themselves.  
The same People cried out when the Prince of Condé entered into the Parliament, that they would have Peace; to whom he answered, that he desired it himself, and that he took pains to that purpose, (but without Mazarine.) The Parliament intimidated by the Sedition begun at the Palace Royal, forbore to assemble (as they were wont to do) the 22th. of July.  
The Frondeurs nevertheless met, but the Precedents convened at the House of Bailleul, to consider what to resolve on: which being understood by the Prince, he went himself to desire them in his own and the Duke of Orleans his name, that they would be at the Palace after dinner, but they excused themselves, being informed of the Plot laid for them, for which reason they could not be secure. All the Precedents were of this Opinion, without being a jot affrighted at the threaten of the Princes: but being again entreated by the Duke of Orleans and Conde, with a promise that they should have no wrong, they assembled the 25th. following, and here the Princes declared, that they were willing to lay down their Arms, and ready to fulfil all that the King desired in the Writing brought by the Deputies, so soon as His Majesty should send away Mazarine, according to the Contents in his Declaration of the 6th. of September last passed.  
After this Declaration of the Princes there remained no more difficulty in this Affair, but only in the form that they ought to keep in sending it, whether by those that were for the King, or by the Deputies of the Parliament that had been there already, or by others that they should choose out of every Chamber. To all which the Princes agreed, excluding only the Precedent Nesmond, impeaching him to have been corrupted by the Cardinal. This clause occasioned in the Assembly no little confusion, it seeming strange to the Counselors, that they should be limited in their Deliberations at the pleasure of the Princes, in which they ought to be free, and depend upon none whosoever. The Debate lasted three hours, and the gravest of them considering, that the pretences of the Princes were insupportable, deplored the miseries of the times, clearly seeing, that by flying the Obedience of the King they slipped into the Subjection of the Princes: wherefore they saw it necessary to make use of the same Maxim towards these as the Court practised with them, boldly refusing whatever seemed to depend on the Authority of others; for in such cases (by little and little) Entreaties became Commands, and he that would not be persuaded to obey, ought not to suffer himself to be governed. It was therefore resolved to send again Nesmond with the other Deputies, to remonstrate to the King, that upon sending away the Cardinal according to His Majesty's Declaration of the 6th. of September, the Princes would lay down their Arms, and put in execution the Articles contained in the Writing sent by His Majesty to the Parliament. In this manner ended that Assembly, coming out of which the Counselors were beat back by the people that were gathered together in great number at the Entrance, who cried out, Peace and Union with the Princes; which did evidently show that their design was to have the Parliament and the City publicly engaged on their side, it being known that many of the Prince's Soldiers were shuffled in among the people, who occasioned a dangerous Commotion against the Parliament, the Counselors of which were pursued by the Rabble with great hazard of their Lives into the neighbouring houses, where they saved and absconded themselves, not without marvel that they escaped unhurt from the thick hail of shot that was discharged against them: divers innocent persons were slain outright, besides many others hurt; and amongst these the Precedent Novion saved himself by great good fortune, followed by the people three or four streets. The Lieutenant Civil retired himself into the Chastelet with some Counselors, where he was beset by the Multitude, who determined to set it on fire, not being able to enter (prohibited by the great number of Archers that defended it;) which they would have effected if they had not been opposed by Monsieur de Miton, Colonel of that Quarter, who with his Company made the Multitude retire. Other Precedents and Counselors saved themselves as well as they could, and the Sedition lasted till the shutting in of the Evening, no less to the horror and distraction of the Parliament then of the Civil Inhabitants, fearing what might be the issue of the fury and insolence of the base sort of people, kindled with rage and desire of Innovation. This action was highly complained on, not only in the Parliament, but also in the Townhouse: they detested the enormity of it, and and lamented the public misery, occasioned by the phantasticalness of a few particular persons; and it was resolved on to provide for the public security. The Parliament was convocated, and a Decree made, that Monsieur de Champrond (a Counsellor) should form a Process against the Heads and Authors of the Sedition, as also against those that had printed and published any infamous and abominable Libels against the Court and Parliament, an Ecclesiastical Monitory was likewise exhibited against the Complices of these proceedings. And the Provost of Merchants, the Consuls, the Sheriffs, with the other Heads of the Citizens, being assembled, they ordered that the Colonels and Captains of the several Wards should have their Companies ready, and a Court of Guard placed about the Palace to hinder greater insolences, and conserve the Liberty of the Parliament, whose power was too weak to preserve the Peace, since the number that followed the Party of the Princes was greater than those who adhered to the Parliament and the Common Council of the City. It was concluded on to have a general Meeting of all the Inhabitants the 4th. of July, to resolve on the most convenient Expedients for the Indemnity of Paris, and of the Parliament.  
In the mean while the Duke of Lorraine was discamped from Ville neufue St. George the 17th. of June, and already out of the Kingdom. Which unexpected News greatly surprised the parisians, fearing that the said Duke had abandoned and betrayed the Princes, from which arose great rumours and no ordinary Trepidation in all those that were against the Court-Faction, suspecting that the King's Army apprehending nothing from the Lorrainers, should beleaguer Paris, and the Princes be necessitated to comply with force. Wherefore the Prince of Conde caused his Troops that came out of Estampes to march towards Paris, and encamp betwixt S. Clou and Surenne upon the Seen two Leagues from Paris; and hither also were sent those few Soldiers that the Princes had about them in Paris, with the which they form a Body of about five or six thousand men, and were provided of all necessaries from the City; but all with the Princes own Money, for they never could draw from the Parisiens neither Money nor other sustenance; but only free commerce, popular affection, and shelter in time of need. Wherefore the Prince knowing that he could not long subsist, without an open Declaration of the City and the Parliament in his behalf, he sought all ways to oblige the one and the other to second his designs: but all was thwarted by the address of Mazarine, who in these fastidious Emergencies showed in a more extraordinary manner the refinedness of his Wit.  
And because the Castle of Vincennes in these conjunctures was of no little importance, it was reinforced with 100 Soldiers by the Count de Chavigny, Governor of the said place, who was then in Paris, and in good intelligence with the Prince of Conde, although (as the same went) he held private correspondence with Cardinal Mazarine, and by his dexterous carriage his Enemies were by little and little won over. Divers other provisions were likewise made for maintaining their common Interest: to which end by reiterated Carriers, and by dispatching away several Gentlemen, they solicited the Spaniards in Flanders for their promised assistance, and to enter into France with a powerful Army to drive away the King's Forces from about Paris, who held the Malcontents in continual jealousy and fear, and filled the King's Party with hopes and confidence. But the Count de Fuensaldagna (a sage Politician, and a Cavalier of a very acute understanding) consented not to give any larger help than what might suffice to uphold them in their pretensions; thereby to keep afoot the civil disturbances in France, and be able by such means to advance the Interest of His Catholic Majesty in Flanders, Italy, and Catalogne, where it was more behoveful to employ the Armies then in France, where (by the instability of that Nation) he foresaw that if the Princes by the assistance of Spain should be made more powerful than the King's Party, His Majesty would upon easier terms agree with the Parliament and the Princes themselves; who afterwards would turn with greater zeal against those that had helped them. He continued nevertheless to feed them with hopes, and now and then with some returns of Money; things not seeming to him to be reduced as yet to such straits to require so great aid: and that they should neglect their own business to attend only that of others.  
The Princes and the Frondeurs were not wanting to instigate in Bourdeaux the minds of those who were desirous of novelties; where many of the Citizens being more and more inclined to Sedition: Ambition and Avarice added more fuel to the fire. And here it will not happen amiss to understand how among those of the same Party, by means of Mazarine, many divisions did arise, while in all reason they ought to have been united as well in Affection as Interest.  
It is a common Maxim, that One Absurdity begets another; and he that cannot submit to a lawful Government, much less will he endure an unlawful Usurpation. The Frondeurs of Bourdeaux were divided into two Factions, one was called the little, and the other the great Fronda; each composed of various persons as well of the Parliament as of the Citizens. These divided the Province betwixt them, to levy Contributions: Those of the great Fronda had a strong pretext to accuse them of the losser, for causers of all the disorders. From these two Factions there sprang another, call●d the Ormiere, which in a short space being become more potent than the others, (because followed by the people) there happened divers dangerous Seditions. The Princes endeavoured to weaken the Ormiere by the Authority of the Parliament, but this occasioned greater disorders, and made them more insolent. And the distempers grew so high, that there followed divers fierce Conflicts, and greater would have happened without the pretence of the Prince of Conty, who interposing his Authority many times quieted the fury of the people, and endeavoured to divert those Innovations which were plotted by some of the most insolent and seditious.  
In several Cities of Provence there arose likewise some disorders, but having none of Reputation to head them, nor sufficient means to support themselves, they signified little, and by the vigilance of the Duke of Mercoeur, who acted according as the Cardinal his Uncle (who loved him extremely) advised him; with a few people, and with little ado, they were suppressed, maintaining that Province in its due obedience.  
The Court in the interim did not lay aside the endeavours for adjusting with the Princes, and in particular with Conde, upon whom they bottomed their greatest foundation, as of most repute in respect of his Followers, and the esteem he had gained by his valour. Nor was it difficult to bring him to an Agreement, he being very much inclined, and very willing to it: but by the means of the Cardinal de Retz and others, to whose Interest the Peace did not suit, all the Negotiations were interrupted, the Cardinal of Retz prevailing still with the Duke of Orleans to oppose it; and Conde resolving not to abandon Orleans, having so many times declared always to stand by him, so that all the proposals were obstructed. Cardinal Mazarine trying all means to render these Machinations unuseful, the aptest was found to be to make the people of Paris see their own error, which if he could make them comprehend, he thought it not difficult to disjoin them from the rest; for when the support of Paris should be taken from them, all their fabric would moulder away and be ruined. Upon these considerations the Court departed from Melun towards the end of May, and came to S. Denis, a League or two distant from Paris, to countenance the Managements undertaken by the King's Party in that City, towards which place, by the Cardinal's counsel His Majesty used as great clemency as if it had been Loyal, that they might see it was far from the King's mind to block them up, as the Princes divulged abroad. He caused moreover the commerce to be kept free and ordered, so much as the Bread to be convoyed by his own Guards, which in great abundance is brought thither twice a week. The King's Army led by Turenne followed the Court, and being reinforced with 3000 men of the Marshal de la Ferté Seneterre, who together with Turenne was left to command the Army; they encamped near S. Denis, on the left hand upon the River towards Paris, which was in this manner every where beyond the Seen on the West side environed by the King's Forces, who at their pleasure could shut up the Passes on the River, and reduce the City to greater straits for provisions than it was, though they paid at that time an excessive price for bread and every thing else, not only in Paris, but in S. Denis and the Camp itself.  
This Expedient was thought by Mazarine to be the best, foreseeing that the people not being able to endure the scantness of Victuals, nor the Citizens to see their Trade interrupted, by which they have their subsistence; and lastly wearied out by the desolations which they daily felt in their Territories round about, equally ill-treated by Friends and Foes, they would resolve to deliver themselves from such tedious mischiefs; but notwithstanding they suffered so many miseries and incommodities, yet the obstinacy of the people was such, by reason of the credit of the Princes and the Frondeurs, that feeding themselves with hopes to hear suddenly of the ruin of all the Mazarines, (for so they called those of the King's Party) they did not mind their own destruction, and this served to render their grievous sufferings tolerable, which they experimented very considerably, as well for the continual damages to which they were daily exposed, as for the interruption of their rest, being obliged to keep in that vast City 10000 upon the Guards day and night: the King's Party than not being able to reduce into a straight path that people backed by the Army, and encouraged with hopes given them by the Princes. They endeavoured to destroy as soon as might be their Troops, the attempt not seeming difficult, their Camp being neither fortified nor advantaged by the Situation, and inferior by more than the half to that of the Kings. The Cardinal provided what was necessary for the execution of this Enterprise before the Spaniards should appear with their promised Supplies, and which were continually solicited for by the Princes. The 29th. of June then the Marshal de Turenne drew near to the River to make a Bridge of Boats beneath Espinay, and there passing the Seen to assault the Camp at S. Cloud, which having alarmed the Army of the Princes, the Count of Tavannes sent 150 Foot, and as many Horse, and he with the rest of the Troops followed thither. In the same time advertising the Prince of Conde at Paris, who suddenly issuing forth put himself at the head of them, and hindered the Royalists from framing the Bridge, as likewise their Passage down lower at Poissy; but suspecting that Turenne should pass at Espinay, and come upon their backs, he resolved to raise the Camp from St. Cloud, and pass over to Charenton, as a more safe Post, having the Marne on their backs, and flanked by the Sene. In pursuance of this, rising from S. Cloud the first of July, two hours before Sunset, he passed the Seen over the Stone-bridge, and another of Boats, and marched through the Wood of Bologne and Chaliot directly to Paris. But finding that Order had been given to the Captains that were in Guard with their City-companies at the Gate of the Conference, and all the other Gates, to permit no Soldiers to pass whatsoever, he caused his Army to advance along the Town-ditch towards the Gate of Richlieu, continuing his March towards Charenton.  
About an hour after Midnight Cardinal Mazarine had advice of it by one of his Confidents hid in Paris, who made his Servant pass over the Wall to give notice to Turenne, who without losing time mounted his Cavalry with such diligence, that at 5 a clock the morning following he encountered the Rear of the Prince at the entrance of the Suburbs of St. Denis street. The Count de Novailles charged them so briskly, that the Regiment of Conty was greatly endamaged, and another Squadron which was drawn up in Battalia with him near the Gate of the Temple, was no less ill-handled. The Prince entering into Paris went to confer with the Duke of Orleans, and issued out afresh at S. Martin's Gate, flying like Lightning from the Van to the Rear of his Army, which was marching to the designed Post. All the Royal Camp and Court was got on Horseback, being confident that day to conquer and put an end to the War, not only for the superiority in Number, but also for the length of the Way which the Prince was forced to take in regard of the Baggage. The Cardinal upon this confidence leaving fit Orders with Turenne, conducted the King to the hill of Saronne, that he might be Spectator of so famous an action, in which they discoursed to have the Prince dead or a prisoner, his Army destroyed, and the War ended. Mazarine sent to his party in Paris to be of good courage, and to use all their industry to hinder that the Gates might not be opened to the Enemy's Troops, nor to the succour that might be sent them from the City.  
The King's Army being arrived at Villette, half a League from Paris, and having notice that the Forces of the Princes were already past those places, in which if they could have set upon them they would without doubt have been defeated, Turenne taking to the left hand passed the hills of Saronne, and came into the Plain between the Suburbs of S. Anthony and Charenton, putting his men in order, while the other part of the Army remained on the right hand with the Marshal de la Penté Seneterre; and although the Prince being in the Suburbs, and under the Walls of Paris, had the advantage of the Post; nevertheless the King's Generals knowing that they could not in the end be able to defend themselves against their Attaque, and being assured by the Court that they would not be received into Paris, having been denied the Evening before, they resolved to advance boldly, and fall upon some Squadrons that were entered into the Suburbs itself, which they did, and pursued them into the very houses. Here the Prince, who with an unmatchable valour bore all the brunt of this hot Conflict, though he declared aloud that the danger was great and inevitable, using his Wit where Force failed, galloping from Squadron to Squadron, put his men into very good order. The Royalists pressed on with marvellous courage and fury, assaulting vigorously the Enemy's Posts in two several places, where they were courageously resisted and beat back for some while. But the Regiments of Languedoc, Valois, and Langeron, not being able to resist any longer, and retreating with some loss as far as the Marketplace of the Suburbs, the Prince himself came speedily to their assistance at the head of his Regiment of Horse and that of Anguien; and here the Fight was renewed afresh so hotly, that the Prince gave high proofs of his skill in the art of War, and of his undaunted Courage, never showing greater boldness, nor more hazarding his Life, then in this perilous Rencounter, engaging himself as a common Soldier amongst the Enemy's Ranks, killing many with his own hands, and repelling others; so that to his eternal glory those Regiments assumed new courage, and regained their Posts, from whence they had been chased.  
But in the other Posts commanded by the Count de Tavannes they had not the like fortune; for the Marquis de St. Magrin, a Cavalier of great courage, with divers noble Volunteers, the Light Horse, and Cuirassiers of the King's Guards, sustained by a Battalion of Suissers, fell on with such fury, that the Prince's Troops were much shattered, and near being totally routed, if by the death of St. Magrin the heat of that Onset (which by his boldness was fomented with an extravagant, not to say bizarre temerity) had not been abated; for he being in the Skirmish mortally hurt and unhorsed, was miserably slaughtered by some Freebooters, who were mingled amongst them: so that the King's Troops in this part also were beaten and repulsed by those of the Princes, though with the expense of much blood, for here happened their greatest loss, many of the principal Gentlemen of the Army being slain or wounded.  
In the mean while the Royalists had possessed themselves of the street Rambovillet, with some Houses and Barricadoes, notwithstanding the obstinate defence of the Assailed, to whose succour a Regiment of Germans advancing, they failed not to perform their parts manfully. The Prince kept the street from the Gate of Paris to a large place upon the same street environed about with Houses and Garden-walls; here the Royalists had made holes in the Houses and Walls, and from thence they galled with shot the Prince's people. The Dukes of Nemours and Beaufort joined both at the same instant with the Prince; and although betwixt these two Brothers-in-law there was no good intelligence, they agreed very well in this Emergency, and were cause that the resolution was taken to attempt the recovery of the lost Barricado. The Prince, though he suddenly foresaw the ill success, it being difficult with people weary and worsted to vanquish those who were under shelter and fresh; yet for all this his Generous Heart never refusing the most dangerous and difficult bickering, he submitted to this reason, that though the attempt succeeded not according to their intent, he should by such a bold and extraordinary an action give his Enemy's cause to look about them, and lengthen the Dispute, which would be the only remedy for his safety.  
They were thereupon attaqued by these two Dukes, together with the Duke de Rochefoucaut, and the Prince of Marsillac, followed by a Body of Musquettiers, who refusing to advance further, they dismounted from their Horses, run on without fear of death, with so much courage, not to say rashness, that the Royalists being surprised and amazed, they abandoned the Barricadoes, and those four Princes alone recovered them with admirable Gallantry, and would have maintained them if the Enemies (flanked on both sides the streets, and thundering in continually Volleys of shot against the Assailants) had not made them see it impossible to make a stay in that open place, where the Duke of Nemours received 13 Musket shot in his Cuirace, and two in his right hand.  
The Duke de la Rochefoucaut was wounded in the face betwixt his Eyes, and the Duke of Beaufort and the Prince of Marsillac being obliged to help the wounded, were necessitated to abandon the Post; which being observed by the Royalists, they issued out of the houses in all haste to take them prisoners, which they had done if the Prince of Condé with his wont courage had not pressed forward through the cloud of smoke and fire, with some few Gentlemen that followed him, giving by this means time and opportunity to the wounded Princes to retire. Many were slain and hurt on the Prince's side in this Skirmish, and the rest would have very hardly escaped, if with the same care as the Royalists attaqued this side, they had assailed that part behind the Suburbs, putting themselves betwixt it and the City gate, which was not done, it being not thought fit to put themselves under the mercy of the shot from the Ramparts of Paris, full of armed Inhabitants, doubting lest they might have been persuaded to discharge upon them, or as it was whispered (though upon what grounds is not known) that some persons did not desire the loss of the Prince with so many brave French Gentlemen, against whom the Victory could not be but damageable, it being probable that they finally perceiving their own error, would return to their duty, and serve His Majesty with as much Fidelity, as now they expressed Affection for the Party that opposed Mazarine.  
In the same time that without the Walls they were fight with their weapons, the contest was no less in words within amongst the Citizens; some pretended that they should not only issue out to help the Princes, but that opening the Gates they should give them a favourable reception. Others insisted, that letting the Prince be destroyed (the occasion of all their misfortunes) thereby they should put an end to those miseries, and settle the City in its former tranquillity, and be freed from those sad accidents wont to accompany the confusion of War. Finally, upon these differences that concluded nothing in favour of the Princes, Madamoiselle d'Orleans came into the streets, went to the Townhouse, told the Citizens, that without loss of time the Inhabitants ought to go out to assist the Princes, allowing the Baggage and Troops of their friends to enter the City; which she urged with such efficacy, that adding hereunto the lamentable and horrid spectacle of so many Noblemen of high condition gasping, wounded, and besmeared with blood, they concluded to open their Gates and receive them; and many crying in the streets they ought to help the Prince, who with so much valour put his own Life, and the Lives of so many good Frenchmen, in evident and almost inevitable peril for the public cause; there issued out about 300 Inhabitants, who were placed by the Prince to guard certain Posts. One part of the Baggage entered by the Gate of the Temple, and the other by that of S. Anthony. The Prince gave the Orders for the favouring and securing their retreat, and sent to Monsieur de Louviere, Commander at that time of the Bastile in lieu of his father the Counsellor Brussel, to cause the great Guns to be discharged upon the King's Troops, which being delayed as a thing unbeseeming a Subject, Mademoiselle came into the Bastile, and mounting briskly upon the Wall, with an Amazonian courage, as if she herself had participated of the glory and danger, commanded that in her presence the Artillery should be discharged against the King's Army, which was done accordingly. Thereupon Order being given for the Retreat, the Horse, Foot, and Canon marched forthwith. It was thought at the first discharge of the Bastile, that it was against the Prince's Troops, the Parisiens, having assured the King's Ministers that they would not receive the Prince's People; but afterward perceiving that they shot against the Royalists, and that the Inhabitants failing of their promise, the Baggage was already safe, and the Troops began to enter into the City, those of the King's Party were greatly astonished for the lost hopes of their assured Victory. The King's Generals were no less troubled, as well for some reproofs of their slowness and negligence, as to see themselves at the very point of their Victory defrauded of their Expectations, so that they retreated again to S. Denis. The Cardinal being very sad for the ill success of the Enterprise, and for the mortal Wound his Nephew Mancini received, of which he died in few days; in which time the King with a demonstration of singular affection visited him often, as also the afflicted Lady of S. Magrin.  
The Forces of the Princes encamped themselves in the Fields of Yury, without the Suburbs of St. Marceau, and in two days time sacked all the Villages and Houses for three Leagues about. Madamoiselle in this occasion did another mad prank, which was seconded by all Paris. She stuck a handful of straw upon her head, and passing thorough the streets, cried, that was the sign which they that were not Mazarines, aught to wear; In a moment, not only all the Inhabitants, but the strangers of every Nation, and of all sorts, even to the Religious Men and Ministers of foreign Princes were seen to follow this fashion, to secure themselves from the violence and insolence the people used towards those that had not this distinction about them.  
But this was a forerunning Presage of unhappy events to follow; for straw-fire being the weakest, and the easiest to be extinguished portended that that Party should suddenly be dissolved, like straw-fire into smoke.  
In this manner ended the memorable Fight in the Suburbs of St. Anthony, the second of July 1652, in which the quality of the slain and wounded was more considerable than the number. The Prince of Conde not at all valuing his own life, running now to one place, now to another, where the fight was most bloody, and his men in greatest danger, he performed the Office not only of a General, but of a Common Soldier, and oftentimes was at the Graves Mouth, His Horse was slain under him, he received several shot on his Armour, his clothes pierced through in many places, his Feather and Hair burnt; and yet to the admiration of all he remained unhurt. The Marshal de Turenne behaved himself with no less valour, who pressing on with great celerity on every side, gave worthy proofs of his experience and skill, and he was heard to say, that he had received order to go and fight the Prince of Conde. But wheresoever he charged the Enemy, he always found the Prince at the Head of them. All the other Generals and Captains behaved themselves bravely. And for their extraordinary boldness, and famous and courageous deeds of both Parties, this was accounted amongst the noblest and worthiest Exploits that ever happened in any Age.  
The Prince of Conde being grown more confident upon the increased reputation of his Arms, he tried to make them declare openly in favour of his Party, seeing he wanted money and other necessary assistance to maintain the War. But because till that time his pressing instances made to the Citizens had taken little effect, who by Mazarines' means were daily more and more gained to the King's party, he thought (as it was famed abroad, and the parisians themselves feared) to constrain them by force to do what he desired.  
A General Assembly of the Citizens being to be held in the Town-House at the Greve, the 4th. of July, in the same year 1652; It was resolved by the Princes to make the common people fall upon that Assembly, and by putting them in fear bring them to their will.  
All the Officers of the Communality being come together, which might be about 400 of the chief of the City, the Duke of Orleans sent the Marshal of Estampes to the Marshal de l' Hospital, who presided in the Assembly as Governor of Paris, to assure him, that that morning there should happen no disorder; and that he desired, that laying aside public affairs, they would consult how to put the Parliament in safety, and give time to their Deputies, which were gone to Court, promising to be himself within two hours at the Assembly.  
The Marshal answered, that it was fit that his Royal Highness should have all satisfaction. The Assembly met, the Duke came thither at half an hour past four in the afternoon, at which time the Greve was full of armed seditious people, with straw upon their heads; an evident token of some extravagant disorder, and a Prelude to the funest Tragedy that followed.  
The Duke being entered into the Hall, the Marshal resigned his Chair to him, placing himself upon the Prevost of the merchand's Bench. It is not amiss to observe, that the Marshal having received the Duke at the foot of the stairs, seeing him adorned with his bunch of straw, told him boldly; What your Royal Highness than enters with the mark of sedition into the King's House. The Duke replied, he had indeed received that straw, but did not approve of it; they went up the stairs, and Orleans taking his place, thanked the City for granting a passage to his Troops, ask them if in a like occurrence they would do it again. The Prince appeared there also, and spoke to the same purpose. The Mareschals Answer was, that they should always have the same inclination to their service; and when they pleased to withdraw, they would take it into their consideration; in which Speech the Prevost of merchand's concurred. In the mean time a Trumpet arrived with a Letter with a Seal, in which the King ordered, that the Assembly should be put off till the 8th. of the same month. The Marshal caused it to be read, and then asked the Princes and the rest of the Assembly, if they were in the mind to obey the King's Orders. The Princes without answering any thing retired, judging their Party not strong enough to make them determine on the Union which they desired, and coming out of the Parquet (so is the Tribunal, or place railed in, where the Lords sit, called) to accompany the Duke and the Prince, the Marshal was presented by an impertinent fellow with a posy of straw; with which sauciness being much incensed, turning himself briskly told him, that if it were not for the respect he bore to his Royal Highness, he would cause him presently to be thrown out at the window, and hanged upon a Gibbet.  
The Princes going out said, that place was full of Mazarines, who had a mind to prolong and gain time, which occasioned so great a commotion, that the Soldiers of the Princes and the seditious people fell to discharge against the windows and doors.  
Some Officers of the Princes to give countenance to this business, had appointed several Musquettiers with their Leaders, who having attempted in vain to raise a tumult in some other parts of the City, came at last to this place, mingling themselves with the people.  
One of the people that stood upon the steps of the Cross, in the midst of the place, happened in this time to be killed by a shot, whether by chance or on purpose, which much more increased their rage and fury, every one beginning to cry the Mazarines had made that shot, and therefore they ought to kill them all, menacing those that were within the Townhouse; and in this hurly-burly many were heard to cry, Union, Union, and away with the Mazarines; and all running with the straw in their Hats, like so many possessed with Furies, they began to commit the accustomed insolences, that the indiscretion and bestiality of the rabble are wont to inspire. The City-Companies that guarded the Townhouse fled presently away, which emboldening the seditious more and more they ran to fetch wood from the next boats, and set fire to the great Gate, endeavouring to get in, to commit all the insolences that blind passion could prompt them to. In this danger the Marshal and divers others undauntedly resolved, rather to perish gloriously, then to submit and save their lives weakly and dishonourably; wherefore they prepared for a generous defence. The Marshal ordered them to make a Barricade of great Pieces of Timber above stairs at the entrance of the great Hall that looks into the Court, which was defendde and maintained bravely by the Mareschals Guards. He gave order likewise to spare their powder till night, and in the mean time they should defend themselves with the stones of the pavement; but at the same instant, the great Gate being burnt and fallen down, the seditious assaulted the Barricade, where Blancart Commissary of the Prince's Army received a mortal wound, of which he died, a little after, with him some other Soldiers of the Princes were also slain. While this passed, the Prince of Conde was at the Palace of Orleans, where having notice that the business went contrary to his intention, which was to put them in fear, but not to carry it on to extremity, he intended to transport himself presently upon the place, and making them by his Presence to cease the assault, oblige those within to acknowledge their lives and safety from him: But the Duke, to whom it seemed not perhaps convenient that the Prince should hazard his person amongst that mad rabble, or whether he thought it not expedient he should gain the goodwill of the Citizens, by that generous action, and himself to bear all the hatred, detained him by force, and in no wise would not permit him to go out of his house, so that to his great discontent he was constrained to remain quiet.  
Many in this while seeing the imminent danger, and excited by fear, desiring to get out of the Palace, attempted to make their way thorough the thickest of the people; several of them were killed, but some had the good fortune to save themselves without hurt. The Duke of Beaufort, and the Marquis de la Bollay, who were in a house near by, issuing out, called aloud to some of the Assembly by their names, saying, he came to bring Peace, and free them from the danger they were in. The Marshal believing this to be only a trick to get out those of the Prince's Party, and leave the rest to the discretion of the people's fury, sent to ask him if there was safety; and with a constant and stout mind, declared that they would all have their lives, or all perish together. The Assault lasted from five a Clock in the Evening till ten at night; at which time the Marshal going to the Barricade, found it abandoned, and his Guards retired, upon the false report spread that he had made his escape. The people thereupon entered, sacked every thing, and stripped all they met, who were glad to part with their clothes to save their lives. The Marshal not knowing how to get out, without being discovered, took the opportunity to put himself among the people, and so passed into the next Chamber. He had given the Order of the Holy Ghost to one of his Pages to keep, and changed Hats with him, and having on a Coat of a dark colour, stood in the midst of them, that blaspheming and raging with madness sought him every where; and by the Address of a friend of his that called him by another name he got safe out.  
At last Mademoiselle being moved to pity for so great a Massacre, with her wont generosity (though it was three hours within night) went to the Townhouse, and took along with her the Duke of Beaufort, where she quieted the tumult, and caused those of the Assembly to pass out safe and unhurt, to her great commendation.  
The Confusions and Cruelties committed in this Action served only to put the Prince of Conde in the ill opinion of the parisians, whence as the second of July was the day of Triumph and height of his glory in that City, so the fourth following was the impulsive cause of his fall; being the parisians could never be got to contribute any money, nor to come to an open rupture with the Court, complaining generally of the Princes, who to abate the ill esteem, and to disguise as much as they could the part they had (which was very considerable) in this deliberation, they imprisoned two Complices of the sedition, who were also executed.  
The 6th. of the same month the Assembly was called again to the Townhouse, but few went; and for all the entreaties the Duke of Orleans made, sending thither even his own Swiss Guards, none appeared, but some few dependants of the Princes.  
The Prevost of merchand's sent to declare, that he should come no more to the Councils nor public Assemblies, till the King's Authority was reestablished; wherefore Orleans substituted the Counsellor Brussel in that Charge, making him take his Oath in form: and the Marshal de l' Hospital, being no more to exercise his Command of Governor of Paris, that dignity was conferred on the Duke of Beaufort, and this was the first effect of the foregoing violence, and the first step the Princes mounted to arrive at their intents.  
The Parliament being afterward convened, and although none of the Precedents of the Mortar appeared there, they did not cease to give Counsel; the Dean of the Parliament presiding by way of Supplement. The Duke of Orleans propounded four things, which he said was convenient should speedily be taken care of.  
The first to take order about the-Provisions; and particularly, about bread, which was risen to an exorbitant price. The second, the safety of the City and Parliament, showing great displeasure for the accident happened at the Townhouse. The third, to find means to retain those that left the City, (amongst which were several Officers of the Parliament) in contempt of the Decree, which prohibited them to depart from their Companions; and the fourth, that it being a great while, that the Deputies were kept at Court, without being able to obtain an Answer, they ought to resolve what was to be done upon these Points: It was resolved, that the Decrees of the fourth of the same month, and others heretofore made, concerning the ordering the Provisions, should be punctually observed. That the Officers should be prohibited to depart from Paris, and the Counsellors invited to come and assist in their several Charges. Messieurs de Lesne and de Gilbert, Members of the Parliament, had order to form a Process against the Riot committed by the People at the Townhouse three days before; That no public nor private meetings should be held upon pain of death. And because the disorders of the Prince's Soldiers were insupportable, who sacked all the neighbouring Territory, and rifled all that passed those Highways, it was likewise ordered to prosecute, not only those who cut or sold the corn in the fields, but those also that bought it, or helped to convey it away. Besides these Decrees there followed likewise an Ecclesiastical Monitory against the Authors and Complices of firing the Townhouse, and nothing was forgot to soften the parisians, who were generally offended, there being few Citizens, that in the late disorder were not concerned either by alliance or friendship.  
The Prince seeing the small hopes of subsisting only with his own forces, and that there was need of speedy help, he dispatched in all haste a Courier to the Baron de Batteville at S. Sebastian, with advice of what had happened, and of the urgent necessity of assistance, without which he could not long subsist. Batteville sending the Letters into Spain, they arrived so opportunely, and that it was easy for the Spaniards to supply him with a sum of ready money to finish those erterprises, which without ready coin, they could not bring to pass. This was the Arrival of the Plate Fleet from the Indies the 8. of July in this same year, which delivered Spain from a mischief, which without money could not have been avoided.  
Conde sent also into Flanders, to represent to the Ministers of Spain the state of his Affairs: And they perceiving the Prince's party, after the retreat of the Duke of Lorraine, not a little weakened, and in danger to be suppressed or forced to yield to an Agreement, which would prove very prejudicial to their interest; they filled the Prince with great hopes and large Promises, resolving to strengthen his Faction with a recruit of six thousand men, under the Command of Prince Ulderic of Wirtemberg, General of the Germane Horse in Flanders; to which purpose the Count de Fuensaldagna entering into the Fields, and taking the common Road betwixt the Rivers of Somme and Oyse, came under Chauny, where the Duke of Elboeuf, Governor of Picardy was with many people gathered together out of the Neighbouring Country, to hinder the Spaniards from advancing further into France, but having no Provisions, nor the place defenceable, they yielded upon conditions, that he and his Monsieur de Manicamp his Lieutenant General, with some other of the chiefest Officers, should march out, all the rest remaining prisoners of War, amongst which there were above a hundred Gentlemen Volunteers, and about 500 Soldiers, Officers, and some few Horse, which were all taken. Here the Spaniards stayed several days, as well to enjoy the benefits of that fertile Country, as to expect a better opportunity to advance towards Paris, not judging it prudent Council to give further assistance to the Malcontents while the Treaty was on foot, and nigh being concluded, lest the Court should condescend ro the Pretences of the Princes; wherefore they neglected to answer the hopes given to the Princes and Parliament, levelling their aim, not to fortify them so, that they might by their strength make the Court ply to their demands, the Ministers of the Catholic King considering, that if it should so happen, as there was likelihood, in stead of adding new fuel to these Civil broils, they should at their own charge and ruin quite extinguish them.  
The time thus passing away, without any resolution on this side, was spent likewise on the other without any considerable accident; for from the 2. till the 20. of July, the King's Army about St. Denis, and the Princes without the Suburbs of St. Victor, lay quiet without any stirring, all those days being spent in Treaties of Peace betwixt both parties. The result of which was, that the King finally declared, that although he did ever believe, and still thought, that the instances made unto him to send away the Cardinal were only pretexts to colour other designs: Nevertheless, his Majesty wishing nothing more than the Quiet of the Kingdom, he was content to gratify the Cardinal, granting him the favour oftentimes requested by him to retire from Court; but yet not until all things necessary for re-establishing the Peace in France, should be better settled: to which effect his Majesty ordered the Deputies to advertise the Duke of Orleans, and the Prince of Conde, to send some on their part to discuss the essential points; and they in the mean time remaining at Court to expect the resolution from Paris: and because some doubt might arise, if before or after the Ratification the Cardinal should be effectively withdrawn, His Majesty declared, he should depart immediately upon the Conclusion of the Treaty, and before the Consummation. This Affair was variously debated in Parliament. The Duke of Orleans said, the Answer was ambiguous, and contrived to engage them to a Conference to spin out the business; That if the Cardinal had really an intent to retire, he ought not to have kept the Deputies of the Parliament 15 days for an Answer, and in the Interim betake himself to violent resolutions, as was that of the second of this Month in the Fauxbourgs of St. Anthony, to destroy the Army, and afterwards cut the throats of all the Parisiens. If he intended to retire, there was no need of any other Conference upon this subject; for so soon as he should be out of the Kingdom, according to the King's Declaration, they asked no more; nor would they fail to render immediately all duty and obedience to his Majesty. That to send Deputies in their names was superfluous, since those of the Parliament being there, in whom they reposed all confidence, they did not intend to do any thing without the privity of the Parliament, to which effect they should at all times write their mind to Precedent Nesmond. After which it was concluded, to return thanks to his Majesty for his favourable Answer, for sending away the Cardinal, and to supplicate him anew, that it might be done speedily. That the Princes would be pleased to write to Nesmond, or to some other of the Deputies, to second this their Declaration, that whensoever the Cardinal should be out of the Kingdom, they should perform what they had promised, and order the said Deputy to receive what Commands the King should deem necessary. In this Assembly the Prince was observed to discourse with some sternness, as if he were angry. Monsieur de Bust proposed to choose new Deputies, that might find out the most convenient means to send the Troops farther off, and to do their utmost endeavour to procure the Peace; and although all things should happen to be agreed on, yet nothing to be done till the Cardinal was first departed. Upon this the Parliament thought it expedient, to order their Deputies at Court, to give the King thanks for his Promise of giving Mazarine licence to depart, and to solicit the performance of it: and to desire the Duke of Orleans and the Prince of Conde to write to the Precedent Nesmond, with assurance (as they had declared in the Assembly) to lay down their Arms, and yield entire obedience to his Majesty, so soon as Mazarine should be gone. Orleans therefore writ, that by the desire of the Court, that he and the Prince should send Deputies to the King, they could imagine no other thing, considering with what delays the Audience of the Deputies was retarded) but that it was a device of the Cardinal to elude his Majesty's resolution in banishing him the Kingdom, and making Peace with his subjects: that although the solemn Declarations made and reiterated before the Parliament might suffice, yet to make it more clearly appear, how sincerely and candidly he had behaved himself in all those Transactions, he was resolved to let him know by that Letter, that he might assure and faithfully promise to the King, that he should punctually make good his said Declaration so soon as ever the Cardinal should withdraw in good earnest, and without any other shadow of suspicion; and should send to render him his humble thanks, receive his Orders and Commands, having no other Agreements or Conditions to make with his Majesty, but only to obey him, as he was always ready to do, with all respect and submission, according to the obligation of his birth. The Prince writ also to Nesmond in the same form, and charged him to give all assurance of the reality of their intentions: Hereupon Nesmond being admitted to the King's Presence, spoke in this manner, Sir, The Assurance that it hath pleased your Majesty to give us for the retirement of Cardinal Mazarine, hath filled the hearts of your Vassals with hope, upon the confidence they have, that the words of Kings, as the Word of God, bring their full effect, and can never be but profitable. Your Parliament hath given us in charge to testify to your Majesty with all humbleness and respect their desire; and to request the effecting it, conformable to their Declaration, and to the Decrees that have seconded it; supplicating your Majesty to consider, that the miseries of France augmenting daily, and suffering no delay, it will be an effect of your bounty. Not to defer the remedy, so desired a benefit, any longer, the Duke of Orleans and the Prince of Conde have given us in charge, to confirm to your Majesty their first Declarations, and represent on their behalf, that they have nothing to propound▪ by employing Deputies, submitting themselves to obey your Orders with all obedience, so soon as the Cardinal shall have fulfilled your Majesty's Declaration. It depends now, Sir, on your Authority, to shorten all these ills, yielding to this departure at our supplication. We have no more words to express our grief, the force of which does stop our utterance. The public disorders, the ruin of the State, the Power of the Enemies, the Misery of the People, are sensibly obvious to your Majesty's sight, and will yet more touch your Majesty's heart, to whom we protest that we shall always have an eternal obligation; for the end of so many mischiefs, and for the Peace the Kingdom. The King replied, that he would participate all this to his Council, and they should receive his Answer, which was delivered them the day following in writing, and read by the Count de Brienne in these words:  
That the King had granted the request made him to send away the Cardinal, though he clearly saw it was only a pretext to disturb the State; if the Princes had accepted the Articles that were to be performed on their part sincerely, there would have remained no other stop to the establishment of the quiet of the Realm: That if his Majesty had believed, that his Answer to the Deputies, touching that Affair, should have served as an occasion for a new Decree of Parliament, he would not have given it in any wise, knowng that in the condition the Parliament was then in, (as well for the absence of a great number of the principal Counselors, as for the violent Authority usurped by the Heads of the Rebellion) they were deprived of their freedom, and reduced to obey other men's wills; since by the Decree of the first of July it was resolved, not to treat nor determine any thing concerning the public Affairs, till the Courts of Justice and the City were restored to their freedom; but instead of providing for their safety, when the Assembly was convened in the Townhouse to that effect, the burnings, violences, and slaughters, had reduced the Tribunals and the City to the extremest oppression, so that his Majesty could no longer regard the determinations made in a Company where the Liberty of Voices was not free.  
The King's intention in his Answer to the Deputies was to give them opportunity, that the Princes might send persons of their own, with Authority to receive Orders for putting the Articles by them accepted in execution, and to agree upon the time, the manner, and the security for the performance: so that not without Reason His Majesty was surprised to see Subjects pretend to obtain things of their Sovereign, that were never practised even among Princes that were equal. It was not fit that he should be the first to fulfil on his part what hath been agreed on, till the Conditions which comprehend the true cause of these distractions be solemnly promised, and cleared as they ought to be: It being evident that the principal occasion of the Disturbances of the Kingdom hath been the taking up of Arms, the Union of the Princes with the Spaniards, the introducing them into His Majesty's Fortresses, and the ruins and desolations caused by the Soldiers of the Princes, and by consequence the peace can never be reestablished till the Hostilities be forborn, their Arms laid down, the Spaniards driven out of the Kingdom, and the Leagues made with them entirely broken. It is therefore necessary for all these reasons, that the Princes do agree upon the time, the manner, and the security for performance of the Conditions, that they seem to have accepted. And although His Majesty may in reason insist (as well for the conservation of his Dignity as for Interest of State) to have all the said Conditions performed by the Princes before he advance a step further on his part; yet nevertheless the King persisting in his Declaration, gives his Word again upon their continued instances, to permit the Cardinal to retire so soon as the Duke of Orleans and the Prince shall agree, not in general and obscure Declarations, but clearly and in good form, as is wont to be practised in occurrences of that importance, and in the manner as abovementioned, for putting in execution the Articles included in His Majesty's Answer of the 16th. of June last passed; there being no likelihood that only general Declarations inserted in a Register are of sufficient force to annul the Prince's Treaty concluded and ratified with Spain, for the performance of which he seemed very much concerned, and from which there is no probability he will depart, if the Spaniards continue to make good their promise in sending Soldiers and Money: and when he really should have a mind to break off the said Treaty, he must necessarily give notice of it to the Spaniards, to the end that they forbear to execute their Promise. That which the King desires therefore of the Prince is, that he agree of the time, and manner, how to declare to the Ministers of Spain, that he intends to be no longer engaged with them. And this His Majesty finds himself obliged the more earnestly to insist on, knowing by divers Letters intercepted, which were shown and verified to the Deputies, that the said Prince after the Declaration made in Parliament hath solicited the Spanish Generals, as he still continues to do, that they will enter into France with all their Forces; and it is very hard to believe, that his intention is to establish Peace in the Kingdom, which he gives out to depend on the Cardinal's removal, making use of the Spanish Forces for the obtaining thereof. That nothing can be more for the interest and designs of the Ministers of Spain, then to continue the divisions; wherefore his Majesty's pleasure is, that the said Deputies do give notice of all this to the Duke of Orleans, and the Prince, to the end that they may know the Reasons for which they are obliged to send some one to Court in their name sufficiently impowered, to declare more particularly their will, for the real effecting every thing contained in the Articles: and that in the mean time they remain at Court to expect the Answer, and to be eye-Witnesses of His Majesty's sincerity in condescending to whatever may conduce to settle the Kingdom in quiet; the retarding of which can be imputed to none but the Princes, if they refuse to agree to what hath been delivered, with His Majesty's accustomed Clemency, which shines forth the more brightly, and aught to be the more valued, considering that he hath the absolute power to give Law to whom he please without condition.  
The Court not well satisfied with the Pricks for sending their deputies to receive orders, and adjust businesses which they had declared were agreed upon they used all art and diligence to inform the people, that not the Cardinal, but the pretention of the Princes, was the sole obstacle of the Peace, and the principal cause of all the miseries of the poor subjects, not omitting by the help of their party, and those servants who had stuck to them, to keep Intelligence, and put in practice all fit means for the establishment of the Royal Authority, and for the ruin of the lawless and inconsistent party: seeing moreover the little effect the Kings near approach to Paris had produced in all this time; the great scarcity of Provisions, which more and more incommoded them; the Infection in the Royal Camp, which destroyed many; and the fear lest that the Spanish Army, keeping along the Oyse, should advance towards Pontoise, a very important place at that time. By the Council of the Cardinal His Majesty resolved the 16. of July to dislodge from St. Denis and go to Pontoise, fix leagues distant, the Cardianal continuing still in his Ministry by His Majesty's express Command, though he continually pressed for leave to depart. All the Affairs therefore, being regulated as he saw fit, they were so well ordered, that those good effects ensued which were seen afterwards: but the Princes and their Favourers continually quarrelling at the doings of the Court, taxing them, that they studied only tricks to delude the people, and had very little inclination for the Peace, which depended on the sending away of the Cardinal; they redoubled their detractions with so much heat & malice, that it is not to be imagined the conceits spread in public and in private against the Cardinal and other Officers of Court, continually slandered with opprobrious language. The Court removing from St. Denis, left there the Deputies with orders, to expect what Answer his Majesty should think fit to return them, since they had refused to follow him, upon pretence that they had not their Equipage, and that it was necessary they should return to Paris to exercise their charge. The King lay at Pontoise, and the Army in the adjacent places upon the River, to watch the motion of the Spaniards, who made excursions into those Territories, to the great damage of the Inhabitants. The News of the Kings and Armies departure from St. Denis being spread abroad, it was divulged in Paris (according to the nature of same, which always makes things appear more than they are) that the Deputies were detained prisoners, wherefore the Prince of Conde with 400 Horse posted thither, to inform himself of the business, found there the Deputies at liberty, and offered eo conduct them to Paris. They excused themselves, that they had engaged their word to Monsieur de Saintot to stay at St. Denys till further Order from the King, but the Parliament meeting the day following, and determining to call them back; Oleans, Conde, and Beaufort went out again with above 2000 persons, and bringing them to Paris, conducted them to the Parliament with such universal applause, as if they had returned from some glorious conquest, albeit the King by express Order had called them to Pontoise, for Affairs of great concern that happened unexpectedly after his departure from St. Denis. Yet the Malcontents divulged, that this was an artificial reach of the Court to weary them out by delays, in stead of giving consolation in good earnest; and to protract time, by which Mazarine hoped to be able at last to gain the parisians by force of sufferings, accustomed to enjoy peaceably their rich Traffic, and to make extraordinarily advantage of those commodities that they send to all the parts of the world.  
To take order for all these things, the King with advice of his Council the 18th. of July, after a long rehearsal of all things past, and of the principal causes of those ill events, decreed, that Information should be taken of the horrible and scandalous attempt upon the Townhouse the 14th. of the present month, seeking and finding out the circumstances and dependencies also by way of Monitory, and to proceed against the Authors and Complices of the Massacres and Violences committed, according to the Statutes and rigour of the Laws; and in the mean time annulled and revoked the pretended Election of the Counsellor Brussel into the place of Provost of merchand's, whom His Majesty expressly prohibited to act in that Function upon pain of Death, and he and all his posterity to be accountable for the disorders happened, or that should happen since his pretended administration. He declared moreover all the Resolves made from the first of July, as well in the Parliament as in the Townhouse, touching the public affairs null and invalid, till the Governor, and the Provost of merchand's, and the other Magistrates that were constrained to absent themselves were restored, and that sufficient Provision were made for securing of the due Administration of Justice, and safety of the City, according to the tenure of that Decree. The King expressly prohibited all the other Cities of the Kingdom, and all his Subjects and Servants, not to take any cognizance of any Orders or Decrees from Paris, so long as it remained under the Tyrannical power of Rebels. And to the end that the Money destined for the public Uses of the City should not remain at the Enemy's disposal, to make use of it for the War, and to pay the Spanish troops that they had called in; His Majesty ordered it to be brought to the place where he should establish his abode, to be put into Hands of the Paymasters of the public Rents, who were commanded to repair to Court with all the other Consuls and Sheriffs of the Cities, within the term of three days after the publication of the Decree in the usual manner.  
The Princes, the Parliament, and the Frondeurs, were greatly disturbed at this departure, believing that the Court did but mock at their licentious and extravagant Pretences. The Count de Servient had signified to the Deputies in His Majesty's Name, that if the Duke of Orleans and the Prince of Conde (not willing to nominate Commissioners of their own) should rather desire to make use of the Parlements Deputies, that the King was content, and would adjust the Propositions with them contained in the foresaid Answer, promising to send away the Cardinal, and that before the Articles should be performed on their part, provided they could come to an Agreement with their Deputies, or with those of the Parliament, when they should be impowered. but the Princes, in stead of accepting this offer, and staying the Deputies at St. Denis, to expect there the Kings Answer, or to go and find him at Pontoise, as he had ordered, they were conducted (as hath been said) to Paris, where continuing their Complaints of their being slighted by the Court, they stood firm to have the Cardinal expelled before any thing else was done, flattering themselves in their own opinions, and esteeming every thing easy, arising from an overweening sufficiency.  
The Parliament (ambitious to usurp a greater Authority than what became them) fell at last upon the resolution to choose the Duke of Orleans Lieutenant General of the Crown, and the Prince of Conde General of the Army under Orleans, and supplicated His Royal Highness to take upon him this Quality under pretence of freeing the King from the hands of the Cardinal, who had snatched him from his people and kept him in constraint. But this determination profitted them little, as well because it was not embraced by the other Parlements of the Kingdom, but rather refused and reprehended, as also because Orleans being of a disposition absolutely contrary to violent courses, would not imbroil himself in that attempt: but especially because he and the Cardinal de Retz (the Contriver of all the Plots) promised to themselves, that without their ruining the Court Mazarine would be gone of himself. The Cardinal de Retz put this into the Duke's head for fear that the Court being too much depressed, the Prince of Conde (his irreconcilable Enemy) should rise too high. Retz thus endeavouring to arrive at the Ministry, first with the expulsion of Mazarine, and afterward with the ruin of the Prince, (through the reuniting the Queen with the Duke of Orleans) was supposed the only and true cause of the total downfall of that Party, and afterward of his own imprisonment.  
The Parliament moreover decreed, that should go in the sale of the Movables and other things belonging to the Cardinal. The fond was likewise laid for the 50000 crowns, the price of the Cardinal's Head, upon a years tax on cattle. But whether it was lukewarmness, or the policy of those who endeavoured with like arts to bring to an advantageous conclusion the secret Treaties still managed in the Prince's name by Monsieur de Goucourt, with the assistance of the Duke of Bovillon, (who insisted earnestly for bringing the Prince of Conde and the Cardinal to an Agreement, excluding Orleans) or for what other secret respects, the money was never deposited, and many other things were passed by, by reason of the concerns of the parties that intervened.  
The day following Orleans went to the Parliament, and after many Compliments declared that he would accept the charge of Lieutenant-General of the Crown, so long as the King should be retained by the Cardinal; but desired to have a Council about him established by the Parliament. The Chambers returned Answer, that they referred themselves to what his Royal Highness should determine. He went in the same manner to the Chamber of Accounts, where he declared the same thing, and made the same request to have some of their Members in his Council; and here again he had the like Answer, that all was left to his own choice: in pursuance whereof he took into his new Council of State the major part of the Malcontents, and the first Consultation that was held was the third of August.  
But these Proceedings, so prejudicial to the Crown, were carried on with as much coldness, as they were embraced with eagerness. And although in appearance these Decrees of the Parliament, and Actions of the Princes, looked like some great matter of importance; in reality they were only shadows, which in a short time vanished of themselves; for by the cunning contrivances of Mazarine, by little and little the People's affections throughout the Realm, and even in Paris itself, were won to the King; few being found that would obey the new Lieutenant-General; and the Parliament of Tholouse Metropolis of the Province of Languedoc and Government of the Duke of Orleans, although they acknowledged themselves much devoted to his service, decreed against the Ordinance of the Parliament of Paris, declaring it null and invalid.  
All things falling thus contrary to their expectation, and the Princes seeing their designs begin to fail, the Prince of Conde was in much perplexity; and little caring to gratify other, while he himself was nigh ruin for want of money, he used such means, that finally in an Assembly of the Inhabitants by the assistance of those of his party, he prevailed with them to aid him with a small sum. There were many ways to draw money from the people with little noise, but by the vigilance of Mazarine that way was taken, which seeming most specious and practicable in appearance, but hard and difficult in substance, might prove ineffectual, and increase the distastes of the Citizens against the Authors of these Novelties; and this was a tax upon all the Gates of Houses capable of receiving Cart or Coach, paying twenty five Crowns for the bigger, the Shops ten, and the little doors five, and this in Paris and the Boroughs only. By this Collection, which made a great noise and heartburning, they could not raise above twenty thousand Crowns, by reason of the avarice or straits of the Citizens, or both, disheartened by so many pressures and grievances, but much more for the detestation they had of the War. The Prince foresaw the ill effect of that determination (as he declared to many) before it happened. This design therefore did not hit the mark it was aimed at, which was intended to raise his reputation at Court, and make them believe that he was Master of Paris, (in which consisted the sum of all the Affairs) to necessitate them by these jealousies and threaten to condescend to the Agreement and yield him his demands, which were the same that were propounded heretofore, and refused in the preceding Treaties of the Count de Chavigny and the Secretary Goulas, by reason the Court could not swallow the bitter morsel, to put Provence, so considerable a Province, under the Government of the Prince of Conty, nor to make the Count Marcin (a person so diffident and refractory) Lieutenant General of Guienne; so that this Remedy producing little effect at Court, helped as little among the Parisiens, who in lieu of contributing Money broke out into the greatest Maledictions imaginable, against what was done the 4th. of July, accusing the Prince for the Author of it, and that he alone was the person that disturbed the quiet of the Kingdom. This conceit was so strongly imprinted in the minds of the Citizens, that it much increased their hatred against him and his Adherents, and made way for the change that followed. The Prince and the Duke of Beaufort beginning to decline in their repute with the people, the Parliament fell likewise into their disesteem, because instead of seeking remedies against the mischiefs, they exasperated and abetted them more than the rest.  
The Prince of Conde apprehending no more the King's Forces, they being gone towards Pontoise, he sent his Troops further off to Jovisy, a Village 4 Leagues from Paris; but here provisions and forage failing, he came with part of them to Charenton, and part he sent to Saint Clou.  
In this interim the heartburning and emulation betwixt the Dukes of Nemours and Beaufort his Brother in Law still continuing, it proceeded to a Duel, where the Duke of Nemours being slain, it behoved Beaufort to retire from Paris, those of the Union that opposed the Cardinal remaining in this manner deprived of two Princes, of the most value and esteem with the people.  
There arose likewise a contest and dispute betwixt the Count de Rieux (of the House of Lorraine) and the Prince of Tarante (of the House of Trimoville) about precedency in the new Council established by the Duke of Orleans, whose only Son of about two years old, dying also at this time, those of that Party began to consider, that God when he purposes to chastise men, takes from them their earthly comforts, and raises discords and dissensions amongst the most intimate friends.  
The King remained at Pontoise with all the Court from the 17th. of July till the 19th. of August, during which time what with the incommodities they suffered in so straight a place, & the scarcity of all things necessary, diseases multiplied, and many persons died, amongst whom the loss of the Duke of Bovillon was much lamented for his great capacity, and the entire confidence betwixt him and Mazarine.  
The Spaniards in the mean while taking advantage of the Civil Troubles in France (seasonable for their Interest) laid Siege to Dunkirk, and began very much to straighten it. By Land it was impossible to succour it, because the Royal Army was necessary about the King's Person; wherefore there remaining no way open but that of the Sea, the Duke of Vendosme, High Admiral, was commanded to take care for the relief of it. The French Fleet was gone toward Biscay to fight the Spaniards, who with 17 Men of War were crusing in those Seas. The 9th. of August both Fleet came within fight of each other about the Pertuis d'Antioch: the Fight began with the furious discharge of their Cannon. But each side advancing with a regard not to engage themselves too far where the success might prove hazardous: the night in the mean time drawing on, and the wind blowing hard, they were separated. On the Spanish side the Ship called The Nativity was set on fire, and another Vessel of the Squadron of Naples taken and sunk. Vendosme would have prosecuted this fortunate Encounter, but wanting necessary Provisions and Money, he rested himself satisfied in having driven them out of those Seas. He went ashore at Rochel, and the Fleet returned into Britain, from whence by Order from the King they hoist sail again toward the English Channel, and steered their course to give succour to languishing Dunkirk. The Parliament of England, who were not willing that that place and Haven should remain in the hands of the French, fell upon the King's Fleet in such manner, that taking them unawares in the Road of Calais, without fight took all those Ships except three, which getting by the English saved themselves in Flushing.  
The people that were aboard were set ashour by the English on the Coast of France, and the Vessels retained under the title of Reprisals. Wherefore on the 18th. of September Monsieur d Estrades Governor of Dunkirk, was forced to march out with Honourable Conditions, And in this manner the Spaniards recovered that Town; after which the Prince of Ligne advanced toward the Frontiers of France with 4000 Soldiers, to second the designs of the Princes, who were encamped about Paris.  
The distastes continued still more and more in the minds of the good Frenchmen, for the affronts and abuses offered them by the Seditious, and for the little safety that was for them at that time in Paris, where the burning of the Townhouse had let them see how violent the designs were of the Malcontents: whereupon Cardinal Mazarine, who continually studied all opportunities for the service of the Crown, perceived at last that the surest remedy was to call the Parlements from Paris; of which although he had often thought, and for some doubt of opposition omitted. At this time he found it necessary not to defer it any longer. The Cardinal and Monsieur Fouquet the Attorney General keeping correspondence with each other, and taking the opportunity, Fouquet propounded and maintained, that the Parliament ought to remove to Pontoise, which was done by His Majesty's Decree the 6th. of August, containing first a long discourse upon the Reasons that moved him to it, annulling and abolishing all the Decrees and Arrests made as well in the Parliament as in the Townhouse, and particularly those of the 20th. and 24th. of the same August, prohibiting all persons not to acknowledge the Duke of Orleans of Lieutenant of the Crown, nor the Prince of Conde for General of the Army, who made use of these Attributes for scandalous intents, and of dangerous consequence, forcing the Subjects to execute Orders and Designs tending to the subversion of the Kingdom. He commanded moreover all the Counselors and Officers of the Parliament to appear at Pontoise, under the penalty of losing their Offices, and with express prohibition to all, not to take notice of nor obey other Orders than those of His Majesty's, nor other Decrees then those of the Parliament removed to Pontoise.  
In order to this the major part of the Precedents went thither, five of six Masters of Requests, and about twenty Counselors, to whom divers Counselors of State joined themselves, with the Dukes and Peers that were at Court: these form a Party strong enough to precipitate the whole Faction of the Princes. This new Parliament then beginning to act, that they might acquire Authority, and to let the people understand that they desired the public good, they proposed to the Cardinal that now he would do well to retire himself, since his stay was the only pretext of the Princes, and of the Frondeurs, so that he being gone, they would either lay down their Arms, and return to their duty, (by which means the King would remain absolute Master;) or persevering in their disobedience, the world would plainly perceive their evil intention, the honest people would be a weary of following them, and the Parliament of Pontoise, now acknowledged by the other Parlements for lawful, would give out Decrees against the Princes and the Rebels, and the King having made it clearly appears that the Cardinal served merely for a pretext to the Enemies of the Common wealth, might (the people remaining convinced and satisfied) recall him at his pleasure. The Cardinal declared that he desired nothing more than the service of His Majesty, and with much readiness and zeal resolved to depart against the sentiment of most of his friends, and the King himself, who knew not how to dispose himself to give him leave, which he had so often requested. This the Parliament did, not only for the Reason's abovesaid, but to surprise the Opinions that went about concerning the King's breach of his Word, given heretofore both in Speech and Writing, for the assuring of the Cardinal's departure. Since that, not seeing it accomplished, they branded the Court with falseness, and the Princes set a fair colour, and strengthened their contumacy with that pretext, they added moreover, that this retirement of the Cardinal would greatly facilitate the Negotiation, which was carrying on in Paris for receiving the King and expelling of Condé. In the managing of this Affair Father Forz Bishop of Amiens, and Father Bertaut a Franciscan, and Monsieur Prevost a Counsellor of the great Chamber, with others devoted to the King, did interest themselves with much affection and fidelity, who found the way more open after the departure of the Cardinal. The wisdom of this Council quickly manifested itself, because the People (who pierce not so far) took it for granted he should return no more. With these considerations therefore the King gave the Cardinal leave to be gone, although at that time there was more need of his presence then of his departure. But before we proceed any further, it must not be omitted, that the King's Council, being greatly disturbed at the resolution of the Parliament of Paris, in choosing the Duke of Orleans Lieutenant General of the Crown, and in declaring the King the Cardinal's Prisoner, they proclaimed invalid, not only what the Parliament had done till that time, but all other deliberations for the future, as unlawful, insufficient, and void of all Prerogative, and that no other Parliament ought to be acknowledged, then that which was lawfully called to Pontoise.  
The major part of the Counsellors that remained in Paris (amongst whom were divers of the most seditious) contesting about this matter, several Declarations were passed in opposition to that of His Majesty, that the translating of the Parliament to Pontoise was invalid and unlawful, protesting against it, and maintaining, that the Parliament was never kept out of Paris, though Charles the VII. once removed it for certain Affairs to Montargis. They annulled besides, all that was done in the King's Council about Prohibiting the levy of the imposition upon the gates of Paris, ordering on the contrary, that none should be exempt from paying it. They decreed moreover, that the Farmers of the Salt, should pay the deuce of their Farms to the Deputies of the Parliament; and that the Goods of those Counselors and Precedents that were gone to Pontoise, should be confiscated if they did not suddenly return to Paris, to the exercise of their places, and further would they have proceeded, if force had been coupled to their will, which failing, all those determinations proved vain and ridiculous.  
The Cardinal making haste for his departure, the day before he went, he procured the Kings Grant for a Brevet of Duke and Peer of France to Monsieur de Crequy, first Gentleman of the Chamber to the King, to the Marquesses de Mortmar also first Gentleman of the Chamber, and the Roquelaure Great Master of the Wardrobe. The Cardinal afterward consigned into the King's hands particulars Instructions of all things concerning his Government. Though his Majesty had given express Order to all the Counsellors of the Parliament to assemble at Pontoise, yet many of them refusing to give their Consents, the thing seemed to many to have something of impossibility in it, which proved to be the safety of the King's party▪ since those that remained in Paris, not having means to maintain the War, and to hinder this removal to Pontoise, they were constrained to yield to all the conditions that were prescribed them by the Court.  
The Cardinal left in the exercise of his Charge of chief Minister of State, with the King's good liking, Prince Thomas of Savoy, as one, who besides being his great Confident, was of an incomparable Integrity, in whom the King might wholly confide without any suspicion; he left also the Count de Servient, a Person no less Politic than versed in all the Affairs of the Kingdom, Tillier the Secretary of State, a man of great wit and understanding ready to execute the Court-orders, with faithfulness and zeal, and these three for the Negotiations of the State and the War; he left besides with the Queen, for the directions of the most important and most secret Affairs, the Abbot Ondedei (who was afterwards Bishop of Fregius) Counsellor of State to Her Majesty, of whose known and experienced fidelity and practice in managements, he had full assurance.  
This being done, he took leave of their Majesties with that tenderness, which his ardent affection urged him to, and the 19 of August 1652. departed from Pontoise for Sedan, passing first to the Marshal de Turenne's Camp, to view the Army, which from Lagny was already advancing into Brie to oppose the March that the Duke of Lorain was taking, after the Prince of Wirtemberg had sent back the Count of Fuensaldagna's Spaniards into Flanders; and proceeding in his journey with a good Convoy, he came to Sedan, and from thence went to Bovillon where he stayed, expecting from time, the fruits of his truth and innocency.  
The Prince of Conde understanding that the Cardinal was going, and by consequence the Pretext of the War ceasing. He sent the Marquis de Jersé to the Army of Lorain, (to which were joined the Troops that Wirtemberg conducted to the Princes) with direction to take his time, and set upon the Cardinal in his journey, and take him prisoner. But the Spaniards upon this becoming diffident, he was by their means advertized, and shunned the danger, seeing the Ministry of Spain knew, that it was for their interest that the Cardinal should subsist, for under this colour the civil dissensions in France were kept afoot, from which they drew much profit.  
The same day the King, the Queen, and all the Court went to Compeigne; and the better to dispose the minds of the Parisiens to join themselves to their party, the King so soon as he was arrived at Compeigne, put forth a General Act of Oblivion, the Contents whereof imported, (after a summary Rehearsal of all things past, from the year 1648. till that time) a General Pardon, and abollition of all that had been done against his Royal Service, making void and of no effect, all the Informations, Decrees, Sequestrations, and other Proceedings following thereupon, by occasion of the disorders from the first of February 1651. till this time, as also His Majesty's Declarations of the month of September, and the 8. of October in the same year, upon this Condition, that the Duke of Orleans, the Princes of Conde and Conty, and all others of their party, should lay down their Arms within three days after the Publication of this Act. To this end the Duke of Orleans should send to His Majesty within the term of three days an Act subscribed with his own Hand, by which he renounced all Treaties, Leagues and Confederations made with what Prince soever, without his Majesty's Approbation; the like was enjoined the Prince of Conde and Conty, who were also at the same time to put into the King's Hands necessary Orders, as well to send the Spanish Soldiers out of Stenay and Burg in Guienne, and other places wheresoever; as also to cause the Enemy's Ships to draw off from the Coasts of France. That the said Duke of Orleans and Prince of Conde should cause the foreign Troops that were about Paris, to march directly to the Frontiers of Flanders, and unite their Soldiery to the Army of Turenne, and la Ferté Seneterre, and all those who were further off, within the space of fifteen days: declaring, that those who should fail to perform in the space of three days the Contents of this Amnesty should reap no benefit by it, from which his Majesty only excepted the Crimes committed betwixt particular persons, which were to remain as before without other alteration.  
This Amnesty with such an Exception at the end of it, was esteemed only as an Artifice by those that did not desire it: though for that time it took no effect, for it was published abroad, that, not including those that had fought in duel, and assaulted the Townhouse the 4. of July, it rested in the Will of the King to chastise whom he pleased, under colour of this Delinquency; yet it ceased not to leave an impression in many, who understanding the cavil introduced by the Princes, and the Frondeurs, were much offended, having always believed, that when the Cardinal should be gone, the Princes and the Parliament would have cast themselves at the King's feet. But although those with the Frondeurs had no thought to receive the said Amnesty, though it should be made in the form they desired, nevertheless they feigned themselves zealous for the public good, showing themselves very well pleased at the Cardinal's departure. The Duke of Orleans and the Prince of Conde went afterward to the Parliament, where it was concluded to present the King their thanks for sending away the Cardinal; and the Sovereign Courts, and the body of the City send Deputies to the King to the same effect, and to complete all that was necessary for the welfare and repose of the State.  
A little after, the Parliament resolved to desire the King again to return to Paris, and the Princes declared that they were ready to lay down their Arms, so an Amnesty were granted them in good form, making the same Protests in the Chamber of Accounts, and Court of Aids. The Duke of Orleans dispatched a Courier to the Duke d' Anvil his Friend, and a Minister of State very dear to the King, and most faithful to the Queen, to obtain of his Majesty Passports for the Deputies that were appointed to negotiate the final Peace: But d' Anvil having kept the Courier a while, sent him back empty, because it did not seem decent, for the King to enter into other Treaties, since by the Amnesty he had perfected every thing, and expected that the Princes should suddenly lay down their Arms, as they had formerly declared to do, so soon as the Cardinal was gone from Court. D' Anvil writ withal another Letter to the Duke of Orleans, importing, that he believed the Passports would be granted, if they renewed their requests directly to the King himself, which being done, a Passport was granted to the Marshal d' Estampes to come to Court, not as a Deputy, but as a mere Courtier; and at the same time some secret Negotiations were renewed betwixt the Secretary Goulas, the Marquis de Chasteauneuf, and the Duchess of Aiguillon, the drift of which was to take off the Duke of Orleans from the Union with Conde, they clearly perceiving, that the Declarations that he made to the Parliament and the Court were not sincere, while at the same time that he professed himself ready for the Peace; he protested at Madrid and Brussels that he would always adhere to the Crown of Spain, and hold on the War, negotiating likewise in England to get assistance to carry on his designs; and therefore it concerned them to take away his Helps and Associates in France, without which he would remain only a bare Captain of the King of Spain, and be able to do little against a Kingdom more potent than any other, when united, and obedient to its King.  
In the mean time the Troops of the Princes remained encamped on the other side the River Seine, betwixt Surenne and St. Cloud, expecting the supplies which were sent him from Flanders, but those fruitful hills being full of Vineyards, and the Grapes beginning to ripen, the damage which the Soldiers did to the people, was very grievous, by whose Solicitation they were drawn out, to the end of the Suburbs of St. Victor, where in quartering themselves, they fell to blows with the Citizens, that were upon the Guard at the street end, where four or five inhabitants, ans● fifteen or twenty Soldiers were slain, which helped so much the more to augment the discord amongst them.  
But the Cardinal knowing that the safety of the Royal party consisted in reducing the parisians, to seek their quiet, which began to be wished for by them, The people, the Merchants, and all persons generally being weary of the calamities they sustained, and tired out by the continual Guards, which without pay, and with abandoning their traffic they were constrained to keep, he advised the King to stay at Compiegne, and not to be prevailed on by entreaties to return to Paris without unquestioned security, that he should not be detained again; and this was one of the Maxims especially recommended to the Queen in his absence, and which he particularly gave in charge to the Abbot Ondedei. He added, that the King's Army ought to go to oppose the troops of Flanders, which were marching to assist the Princes, and if they were too weak so that enterprise, they should remove to Ville neufve S. George on the North-side the Seine, four leagues from Paris, and fortifying themselves with good trenches, live upon the provisions, that from Corbeil, Melun, and other neighbouring places, they should get in abundance by means of the River, where making a stay, the Enemy's troops by consequence must lodge themselves thereabouts; so that the Soldiers sacking and pillaging the Country, and robbing and killing all that should pass that way, without coming to a rupture, of showing any such intention, Paris would be involved in a very troublesome siege, and the Princes rendered odious, as being reputed the principal occasion of all those disasters; and thus carrying on their intelligence with their loyal friends in the City, the parisians would be brought with greater facility to take fit resolutions to free them from their miseries, which could not be done so long as they were deprived of the King.  
This was the greatest stroke the Cardinal could give, and it is certain that this Maxim duly observed promoted the ruin of his opposite Party; for Paris could not free itself from the hover ruin, without sending away the Prince of Condé, whose fall was most certain, because staying there with the Army he increased their miseries, which stirred up the people's hatred against him; and by retiring himself he lost the support of so rich and powerful a City, with so much the more prejudice, as that he would be forced to retire to his places upon the Mose, quit the Realm, and throw himself into the arms of the Spaniards.  
Upon the news of the Cardinal's departure out of the Kingdom the Ministers of Spain were not a little troubled, because they perceived by his removal the Malcontents had no more pretext for what they did. Taking their measures therefore to assist (but not to strengthen too much) the Party of the Princes, two things were proposed: One was to advance with their whole Army, and forcing the King's Army from about Paris, keep those Citizens faithful and united to the Princes. The other, to amuse that Party and the people of Paris with great hopes, but little effects, that by their seeming assistance they might hold firm in their pretensions, and redoubling their disobedience and injuries against the Court, be finally necessitated to declare against the King; so that rendering themselves unworthy of favour, and affrighted with the thoughts of chastisement, they would endeavour to preserve their Usurped Authority. To the first Proposition were opposed the imminent dangers that the Court seeing themselves reduced to, should be forced to grant to the Princes those Points, which with much fervency were insisted on by their friends and partakers. Neither did the other seem convenient in that present conjuncture; for when the Princes and the Parliament should perceive themselves deprived of the hopes and promises made them by the Spaniards, knowing they were not able to subsist by Paris alone, (which was wavering even in the beginning of the Union) they would be constrained to regulate themselves as Necessity should counsel them, and accept those conditions that had been already offered them upon the Accommodation: so that by either of these ways they apprehended they should not much help forward their Designs, which they had proposed to themselves upon the continuance of the civil troubles in France. Embracing therefore a third counsel, they resolved to cause their Troops to advance, knowing that if the parisians did not continue firm, they should at least encourage the Martial and haughty thoughts of the Prince of Condé, who making war in France as first Prince of the Blood, and esteemed one of the Valiantest of the Age, he could not but much trouble and annoy the contrary Party. Wherefore the Spanish and Lorein Troops began to move towards the Seine, to the number of 3000 Horse, under Prince Ulderick of Wirtemberg, 6 other Regiments of Horse conducted by the Chevalier de Guise, and 6000 Lorrainers with their Duke, who all together form an Army of about 11000 combatents. These thought to put themselves into the Post of Villeneuf S. George, but were prevented by the Marshal Turenne, who (according to the Instruction of Cardinal Mazarine) had already possessed it, and entrenched himself there with the King's Army, and cast two Bridges over the River.  
The Spaniards, the Lorrainers, and the Troops of the Princes, quartered round about the Country; so that the Soldiers of both Parties scouring the Campania on all sides, Paris remained besieged by their own friends; wherefore the Citizens daily pressed the King to return to Paris; who answered, he was ready so to do, if the Duke of Orleans would cause the Prince of Conde to retire to his Government of Guienne, the Duke of Beaufort to his Castle of Anet, and the strangers out of the Kingdom.  
The Cardinal de Retz took the advantage of these favourable accidents, and with the Duchess of Cheureuse and the Marquis of Chasteauneuf, Condé's Enemies, endeavoured to separate the Duke of Orleans from the Prince, and unite him to the Court, that so remaining together near the King they might hinder the return of Mazarine; and having ruined the Party of Condé, get the management of Affairs into their own hands. And this was the only true cause of all the Cabals of these Lords, for they had no ill will against the King's service; only thought to do it handsomer than Mazarine did, who was hated by many as a stranger, and not beneficial.  
Yet notwithstanding the troubles of the Court, the King's Troops went on with the Siege of Monterond, and took it, obliging the Defendants to yield it up for want of Provisions.  
Brisac was likewise put into the King's hands by the Marshal of Guebriants' Lady through the Address of Mazarine, after strange occurrences happened in that place by the Intrigues of Charlevois, who was taken prisoner, and of the Count d' Harcourt, who under some vain pretences that he was not secure at Court retired into that Fortress, and stayed there some time, till he had spent all the Money he had got in managing the King's Army in Guienne, in which Affair Mazarine had the whole direction, and ordered the matter so dexterously, that the Count d' Harcourt refusing the Offers of the Spaniards and Imperialists, returned at last to his due obedience.  
The Princes in the mean time prosecuted their design, to straighten so the Camp of Turenne, that forcing them to quit the Post they might fight him, and destroy him by the superiority of their Forces.  
Turenne stayed there with much hardship, hoping to weary out the parisians, and reduce them to their duty, obliging them to drive away the strangers from the Town. But all this while there happened no Action of moment, because both Parties proceeded with caution and reserve, lest they should receive any disaster; so that the Country being on all sides, overrun by the Soldiers, Paris chiefly found the trouble and incommodity, none being secure to traffic without the gates, without danger of being robbed and killed. Upon these disorders the Townsmen began to frequent the Assemblies more than ordinary, to devise how to free themselves from these tedious miseries.  
The 5th. of September it was resolved on in the Townhouse to send some of the Body of the City to supplicate the King to come to Paris. For the same effect the Clergy likewise deputed some of theirs, and the Cardinal de Retz was chosen their Head, as Coadjutor of that Archbishopric. He went in a very splendid Equipage, and made a most elegant Oration to their Majesties, exhorting them to return to Paris. The motive of this his going (as the report went) was to gratify the parisians in their desire for the Courts return, to gain the credit as Mediator, of so great a work for the universal good, and drawing advantage by Mazarines' absence, render himself necessary at Court, gain the King's favour, and by means of the Duke of Orleans make his way.  
The King's answer was in general, and like to the others formerly given to those that went upon the same account; which was, that he was ready to grant their request whensoever the Enemies of the public peace should be driven away. And this was the result and drift of the Court (according to the advice of Mazarine) to stir up the City against the Princes, who though they laboured all they could to make them understand, that the Amnesty given at Pontoise was full of Prevarication, they could not so prevail but the major part accepted it, and not only in Paris, but also in Bourdeaux it caused some dispute. 'Tis true, that the Princess of Condé, the Prince of Conty, the Duchess of Longueville, and others, being in this remote City, their Presence and Authority prevailed. The new Council of the Ormiera determined not to permit by any means the Parliament to accept it, without the consent of the Prince of Condé. The Bourdelois were in this point more resolute and constant, because the King's Army in Guienne, wanting a General after the departure of the Count d' Harcourt, they hoped (encouraged thereunto by Count Marcin) to recover the Towns and places possessed by the said Count d' Harcourt; especially the King's Troops being grown lazy and negligent, they let Marsin attempt what he pleased. Wherefore it being necessary to provide another Chief, by the counsel of Mazarine the Government of the Army and the Province was conferred on the Duke of Candale, only Son of the Duke of Espernon, a young Prince sprightly and generous, and valiant above measure, who undertook divers Enterprises, and finally constrained the Bourdolois to return to their obedience.   

THE HISTORY Of the Managements, of Cardinal MAZARINE. LIB. III.  
AT the same time the Duke de Mercoeur was in Provence, with Commissions for Governor of that Province, yet without the dismission of the Duke of Angoulesme, who was the true Governor, but by order of the King was kept Prisoner in Berry; because having promised His Majesty not to go into Provence without his Permission, but to stay at Paris, he notwithstanding, afterwards under colour of going to his estate, went out of the way with design, (as it was discovered by Mazarine,) to foment the sedition begun in the City of Tolon; by this imprisonment, with the diligence of the Duke of Mercoeur, and the direction of Cardinal Mazarine, Tolon was restored to its former obedience, and the gates were opened to the King's Troops, and all the Province thereupon kept in peace, which was otherwise threatened with sedition and troubles. The Duke of Angoulesme remained prisoner three months, but afterwards the King being assured by the promises and good intentions of the Duchess his wife, and by the interposition of the Duke of Joyeuse his son-in-law, he was set free the beginning of October following, and was permitted to stay in Paris, and at Court, keeping all this while the Patents of Governor of Provence; but few months after he passed to another life, and with his death his Family was extinct.  
At the same time that the Cardinal of Retz, with the other Deputies of the Clergy, were completing their business with their Majesties at Compeigne, the Deputation of the Commons of Paris was sent back by the King, with the Answer which followeth.  
That his Majesty always preserving a gracious inclination for his good City of Paris; and having a perfect knowledge of their fidelity, and disposition to his service, and their due obedience did suffer an unspeakable grief of heart, to understand the oppression which it underwent, and particularly since the fourth of July, all seeming to be perverted, which he had endeavoured, to make known his right intentions, in opposition to that malice and violence through which those Conflagrations, Massacres, and other strange effects had taken place, for no other end then to turn away his faithful subjects from their obedience, that the Officers and lawful Magistrates were banished, the Governor, the Prevost of the Merchants, the Deputy and others compelled to fly away, to secure their own lives▪ in whose room the Authors of these attempts, for their recompense, were placed; new Sheriffs were made contrary to the King's Prohibition, Taxes laid upon the goods of the Citizens and people, whilst those of the Villages and Country were sacked and plundered with all temerity and insolence.  
That his Majesty had done all things possible, even to the prejudice of his own honour, to restore them to their former liberty, and to preserve them from the miseries of the War, granting the Princes leave honourably to lay down their Arms, and return to their obedience; but they, instead of resting quiet, had called together an Assembly of the Body of the City, the chief of which were without title or legal character; this to delude the people with a pretence of desiring peace, at the same time that themselves refused it, declaring that they could not accept of the Conditions offered them; whenas there were no others then the very same they had demanded, that far from any thoughts of laying down their Arms, they had caused a part of the Spanish Army to draw near to Paris, to which they had joined their own troops, with design to maintain their usurped Authority, and to share betwixt the enemy and themselves the goods of the poor subject. That they had put a sinister interpretation upon those deliberations which the King had made, and did still make to preserve the lives of his Officers and Magistrates, by getting them out of their hands. That he lived in greatest impatiency, till he saw a possibility of restoring that Noble City to her ancient splendour, to that plenty enjoyed in the first years of his Reign, the Trade there, and the Parliament re-established, and to honour it with His Royal Presence, not only for his own content, but also for the satisfaction of all his obedient subjects. That in the mean time His Majesty would be much satisfied, that a good number of Officers and Inhabitants did come to him, but considering that the Body of the City was overpowered, guided, and composed by the Adherents to the Princes, who came contrary to the ordinary custom into the Assembly, held on the fifth of that month, to hinder that nothing else should be concluded on but what contributed fuel to the War, having by such designs turned away all good resolutions, which might have been taken there, to oblige the Princes to lay down their Arms, and return to their duty; he neither could nor ought to authorise that which was determined in their Presence, particularly in the presence of the Duke of Beaufort and Counsellor Brussell, principal Authors of all these disorders; without offending for ever the public liberty and security. He did therefore declare the aforesaid Assembly null, invalid, and unlawful; and consequently could not grant the Passports which were demanded for them whom they had deputed; but free leave should be given to any particular men, which were disposed to come and see him, whether they were Magistrates lawfully established in their Charges; or other public Officers, Citizens, Companies of Merchants, or Inhabitants of the City, who should be courteously heard upon all matters which they would represent.  
De Pietre, who had been sent by the Assembly, being returned with this Answer to Paris, where the troubles daily more and more increasing, (not only by the Commerce being interrupted, but also by the damage done to the country, round about, which was made a spoil to both Armies; with insupportable licentiousness, especially of the Lorrainers and Germans, who because they were strangers, thought they might do any thing though never so extravigant) the parisians understood how nigh their total and irrecoverable ruin did approach, Especially considering that the time of sowing and the Vintage was very near, wherefore they began more openly and with greater heat (fomented continually by the ingenious Artifices of Mazarine; to renew the Negotiation with the Court, by the means of Cardinal de Retz, of the Marquis de Chasteauneuf, and other persons, who desired no less the fall of Mazarine, than the destruction of Conde.  
The Duke of Orleans showing himself of the same opinion, and wearied with these disorders, being a Prince of a very good disposition, and an enemy to violence, beside the often repeated Promises of his good intention to the Peace, promoted by the endeavours of the Duke d' Anvil and others, he wrote to the Queen the 20. of September in these terms.  
That having understood with great comfort by the Marquis Joyeuse Lambert, the favourable inclination of her Majesty towards the peace, he thought himself obliged to assure her by these lines, that he also, together with the Prince of Conde did passionately desire it; and although the first subject of their Requests which they made to Heaven, aught to be the good of the State; yet he did protest with sincerity, that the inclination which he hath always had to honour her Majesty, which was one of the principal Reasons, and that there could never any thing happen, which should upon any account ever alter that zeal any respect, with which he declared himself her most obedient Servant.  
At the same time the Court of Aids, through the secret management of Mazarine found an expedient to assemble at Pontoise, in conformity to the King's order.  
The King's good subjects in the meanwhile, did not cease to contrive how to draw themselves out of these troublesome disturbances. The Bishop of Amiens, and others having made palpably evident to their friends, and those that knew the state of Affairs; the necessity of some ready and fit resolution to restore to Paris the splendour of the King's Authority, obscured and damaged by the pretensions of the Princes, and the artifices of the Enemies to the public good; the 24th. of September they held an Assembly of between four and five hundred persons in the Palace Royal, where the Counsellor Prevost appeared, who was in perfect intelligence with Cardinal Mazarine, and consequently with the Court: he presented them a Letter of the Kings, in which he declared that His Majesty had a very great desire to come to Paris, but that he ought not to return so long as there were Seditious Governors; he proposed therefore, that all those who were faithful Citizens should take Arms, throw away the Straw, stick Paper in their Hats, go out into the Streets and cry Vivele Roy; and with one accord seize upon the principal places of the City, drive out the disturbers, and fall upon as many as should oppose this design: this being done, the King would then soon return.  
The chief Heads and principal Authors of this Company, after the aforementioned Bishop of Amiens, Father Bertaut, and the Counsellor Prevost, who had all the secret and ordering of this Affair in their hands, were the Sieur Barby Controller of the King's Household, who drew after him many of the people about the Gates of Monmartre and Richlieu; the Sieur de Luynes, Counsellor of the Parliament of Metz, followed by divers Inhabitants of the streets of S. Opportune and S. Innocent; the Sieur Borgon, accompanied by many from place Maubert; the Sieur de Fay, Keeper General of the Artillery, strengthened by a multitude of followers from the Suburbs: of S. Anthony and S. Marcellus, and with a number of Bargemen and Workers of Saltpetre and Gunpowder; the Sieurs de Bidal and de Villais, both principal Silk-merchants in the Street de Fer, who drew after them the Young men and the Silk-workers thereabouts, and being esteemed gallant men and liberal, were seconded by a great number of those of that Profession; le Sieur Brun, a Merchant of Tapestry in S. Denis Street, followed by the greater part of the Neighbourhood; and from the places about the Grand Chastelet, a man of a ready Elocution, the same who was deputed afterwards to make a Speech to their Majesties, and who did it with so general a satisfaction; the Sieur Farin, the King's Secretary, a Confident of the aforementioned Counsellor Prevost, and of esteem amongst the Watermen; the Sieur de Mare, Lieutenant to the Sieur Reghenlt, Perfumer in the Street of S. Honeré, Head of a great Faction of people in those quarters, and who was afterwards Author of those insolences committed in seizing the Prince of Wirtenbergs Baggage, as we shall relate hereafter; the Sieur le Michael, Lieutenant Colonel to Signior Thibul, who caused his Company to take Arms, and raised a great number of people about the Palace Royal.  
All these declared that they met together upon no other design then to search out means most expedient to procure the King's return to his former residence, which place was now upon the brink of its total ruin without His Majesty's Presence. They made therefore jointly a Solemn Protestation to observe perfectly those Resolutions which were taken, and to spend their Lives and Fortunes in maintaining them, to defend all in general, and every one in particular that should be injured by the contrary Party; and concluded this Engagement in protesting, that their assembling together was to no other end but the Glory of God, and the Re-establishment of the King in his Lawful Authority, after the manner of his Predecessors.  
In this Assembly although there met no more than between four and five hundred persons, yet the Adherents were 〈◊〉 ●●●●rous. The ● Companies of Merchants did concur with them, and the greatest part of the Colonels, and almost all The Deputies of the Townhouse. The true and secret end of this was to let the People see, that there was a powerful Party in Paris for the King, and to oblige the Duke of Orleans to grant Passports to those who were deputed by the six Companies of Merchants, and by the Colonels to go to the Court and Negotiate with their Majesties; which was refused by the said Duke as hurtful to the Interest of his Party. This Engagement being taken, some proposed for Head of this new Faction the Cardinal de Retz, a person very fit both in respect of his own Accomplishments, and of the great esteem which every one had of him; but they who considered that this might be done to no other end, but to bring him into favour again at Court, which if it succeeded there would be no further hope of ever seeing Mazarine return, did oppose it with forcible Reasons, demonstrating that it would not be convenient to receive any other Head, but one who was chosen and sent by His Majesty himself, seeing also that for the most part the Actions of those men are suspicious, who solicit with much artifice for those Offices which they desire. At this news the Princes and all their Party were extremely troubled, foreseeing those Events which must needs prove destructive to their designs; they considered therefore of the most proper means to redress these disorders, and stop that torrent which was coming in upon them.  
The Marshal d' Estampes went presently with Orders from the Duke of Orleans to the Palace Royal to endeavour to dissolve the Meeting, but all in vain. Madamoiselle d' Orleans thought also to go thither, to interrupt by her Presence and Authority those undertake, as fortunately as she had formerly done others upon the like occasion; but when upon second thoughts she considered, that she might thereby very much hazard her Reputation, she let it alone, and advisedly, for they had prepared in the Assembly a white Ribbon for her instead of the Straw which the wore.  
The whole morning of the 24th of September was spent in these and the like deliberations, and the Assembly adjourning till the next day, every man was ordered to bring as great a number of his Friends with him as he could. The same day they sent to the Court, to give an account of the good disposition of the Loyal Inhabitants for His Majesty's return to Paris.  
The good effect which this Assembly produced was this; That the Counsellor Brussel knowing that the Office of Provost of the Merchants conferred upon him by the violence and fury of the people was insubsistent, resolved to lay it down voluntarily, to avoid the being constrained to do it by force; but declared that he did it because his keeping it was looked upon as one of the causes which hindered His Majesty's return to Paris. The two Sheriffs Gervas' and Orry, who were put in in the places of the other two turned out by the Duke of Orleans, although they were counselled to follow the example of Brussel, would not consent to it, maintaining that their Election was lawful, being unwilling to lose that Honour; but when they had better thought on't, and considered that they should be in the end constrained to withdraw, they declared themselves ready to submit, so soon as they should know that the Kings will and pleasure was such. So that the Townhouse in this manner was at the Court's devotion, and a great part of the Inhabitants followed them, bewailing the miseries and losses that so many innocent persons had suffered by the extravagancies of some few who were guilty of all these disorders.  
The day following le Sieur de Vieux Upper Sheriff, and le Sieur de Pierre abovementioned, were deputed to Court to keep on the Negotiation, supplicating earnestly in the name of the People for the King's return. To render what they did more authentic, and to encourage them to proceed, the Parliament at Pontoise made an Order in favour of the said Counsellor Prevost, and all those who met or should meet at the Assembly under the Protection of the King and his Parliament; forbidding every one of what degree or condition soever in any wise to acknowledge the Duke of Beaufort for Governor of Paris, Brussel for Provost of the Merchants, or Gervas' and Orry for Sheriffs; commanding these in particular under pain of being declared Rebels not to exercise any longer those Offices. He commanded further that they should not receive or grant passage for Victuals or Ammunition to the Troops that served under the Princes against His Majesty.  
This Decree was read and published throughout Paris the 27. of September: there was also fixed to all the corners of the principal streets a Manifesto of the Assembly made at the Palace-Royal, the Contents of which were, that His Majesty's good Servants and Subjects there met together had no other design then to re-establish Peace in the City, which could not otherwise be effected, then by the Presence of its lawful Prince, and by driving out the Strangers and Disturbers of the public quiet.  
To this Manifesto was annexed an Edict of the Kings made at Compeigne the seventeenth of the same month to this effect, that His Majesty being informed of the Perseverance of the inhabitants of his good City of Paris in their right intentions for his service, and for the public good; and of their readiness to employ all their power to reduce things to their former estate, and to deliver themselves from the oppression they then suffered under, by recovering their liberties under his obedience, he granted leave to all the forementioned inhabitants, and to every one of them in particular, and ordered them in case of necessity to take arms, to join themselves together to seize upon those places which they judged most fit, to fall upon those who should oppose their design, to imprison the seditious, and in general to do whatsoever they should judge necessary and convenient to the re-establishing quietness and perfect obedience towards the King; and to reduce the City to its Government, according to ancient custom, by lawful Magistrates under the Authority of His Majesty, who granted them all ample and full power to this purpose.  
In pursuance of these good intentions of the Citizens it was concluded at the Meeting of the six Companies of the Merchants, to choose ten persons out of every one of these six Companies, and to send them to Court, to attest not only their services and fidelity to the King, but also to supplicate His Majesty to return to Paris, it being so universally desired by all his faithful Subjects. The Assembly met again the 28. at the Palace-Royal, where the aforesaid Resolution of the six Companies of Merchants being proposed, they treated immediately of providing a Guard for the City, that foreign Forces might not be received in, and other Troops that continually passed to and fro; and to hinder the sending out of Victuals and Ammunition to the Camp of the Confederates; and that they should send to the Colonels to put this order punctually in execution. Their meeting at the Palace-Royal was put off till the return of the Deputies of the six Companies of Merchants from Court, at which time they hoped to obtain the so much desired and longed for Peace.  
He that was sent to Court before being returned, brought with him a new peculiar Act of Oblivion granted by the King to the Inhabitants of Paris, excluding the Parliament and the Princes, as those who by perverse Interpretations had abused the former.  
He brought also the King's Letters to the Colonels, containing, after a fair Preamble, express Order to keep strict Guard at the Gates, not to let any of the Spanish, Lorraine, nor Prince's Forces to enter, nor suffer the carrying out of any sort of Provision for the Enemy's Army; to search through all quarters and houses where any Soldiers of the adverse party might be lodged, and drive them presently out of the City; so that by this means every one returning to his due obedience, there might not remain any obstacle to his Majesty's return, assuring them that he would take particular notice of whatsoever they should perform in this juncture of Affairs.  
The Princes and Parliament being advertised of the Assembly, of the Message from the six Companies of the Merchants to the Court, and of the King's Letter to the Colonels, the same day that they met upon the Duke of Beaufort's Affairs, concerning the duel with the Duke of Nemeurs, they were all of them troubled, and so much the more, by reason that they had not received any Answer of the Letter written by the Duke of Orleans to the Queen, although that the Duke d' Anvil had given them notice it was well received, and that they should have suddenly a favourable Answer.  
They debated on the prejudice which might happen to their party, if the public and private Meetings and Assemblies of the Citizens, tending to open sedition, continued as they began, and consulted how to remedy them; but finding so many difficulties not to be surmounted, they resolved to send le Sieur le Talon, Advocate-General, to the Court to renew the Treaty, and decreed to prohibit the Assemblies, the wearing of paper or straw in their Hats; and they nominated le Sieur Meusnier and Lesné Commissaries, to take information concerning those who had been the first Authors of the Meetings at the Palace-Royal; and some were of opinion that they should send for le Sieur Prevost to the grand Chamber, to give an account to the Parliament of his assisting at that Assembly; but this advice was not followed, most being of opinion that this business was too nice to be handled without serious consideration.  
In the mean time the Sieur le Vieux and Pierre met the King at Nantes, where he was then arrived from Compeigne by reason of the inconveniences which the Court began to suffer in that City, and to be nearer Paris, that by his Presence he might give more life to the Negotiations. They produced their Commissions with all respectful and affectionate supplications, testifying to his Majesty the goodwill of the people towards his service, and to the re-establishment of his Authority. They were received graciously, and returned to Paris the 28. of September with this following Answer.  
That his Majesty was very well pleased, that it was the resolution of the Communality, to establish the ancient Orders, and to put every one in their due obedience: and commended the decree made by them in conformity to his Commands, not to suffer any sort of Provision, Arms or Ammunition, to be sent out to the Enemy's Camp, or to permit any Troops of the contrary party to come into the City. That he was also well satisfied, that Brussel had voluntarily laid down the Office of Provost of the Merchants, which he had taken upon him contrary to the Laws, and in prejudice of the lawful Possessor; and as for the pretended Sheriffs, who thought they might lawfully exercise their charge under pretence of leaving it so soon as they should know his Majesty's pleasure, they could not be ignorant that their Election was very much displeasing to him, seeing that he had made it null and void by an Order of Parliament passed in his own Presence, of which they had been sufficiently informed; and therefore he had reason to take it ill, that these pretended Sheriffs, after such Advertisement given them of their error, should still continue audaciously to exercise those Offices, and did therefore again command them to give up their places without delay, under pain of most severe punishments due to Rebels and Disturbers of the public Peace.  
As to his Return to Paris the substance of his answer was, that as soon as his Enemies (and those who by abusing his Name and Authority to keep the people in disobedience, had procured the destruction of the principal Inhabitants in the Townhouse, and did still make use of the Spanish Forces to keep them in sub●ection) should have left the Town, that then he would immediately return, having drawn right to Paris to that intent.  
His Majesty added, that as he was much contented and satisfied, that those who had entered upon offices without a lawful title, and contrary to His Royal Will, were discharged of their places, and from the Assemblies at the Townhouse; so he declared that he could not for the future but disapprove and declare void and unlawful whatsoever should be done at their Meetings in the Presence of the Rebels and their Adherents, if they continued to appear there, or did any thing by their order, or any ways favoured their evil designs; of which he thought fit to advertise the Inhabitants, that they might take care for all things, as they should judge convenient and necessary, assuring himself that upon these occasions they would give good proofs of their fidelity; of which His Majesty would take particular notice, and give proof of his Royal gratitude to all those who should be assisting in so important an occasion, as the Preservation of the State, and the re-establishment of the Metropolis of his Kingdom to its ancient splendour.  
While Affairs passed in this manner at Court, they failed not at Paris to attempt all manner of ways the Accomplishment of these designs; and the Citizens growing daily more and more weary of the Spanish Troops, which lay about Paris, a part of the Duke of Wirtenberg his baggage was plundered by the people of St. Honore's street, near to the Croix du Teroir, whilst those who conducted it were busy at some Taverns in lading of Muscat and Spanish Wines for the Camp of the Confederates.  
After this strict Order was given, that the Gates should be guarded, and none of the Army to be permitted any more to enter the Town, esteeming it a dishonour to the French name, that the enemies of their King and Country should be seen publicly in their red Scarves in the Capital City of the Kingdom; whereat the Parliament and Princes were extraordinarily surprised, perceiving that their Authority became every hour more weak and languishing, being deprived of the support of the people, and the Citizens in Arms; but what astonished them more was, to see the device of the Straw obscured by the splendour of the white Scarves and Ribbons worn by many of the King's faithful Servants.  
The Assembly at Palace-Royal was afterward advertised, that the Guards of the Duke of Beaufort were to go out to Convoy the bread made at Gonesse; a Captain of a Quarter being spoken to, and persuaded to cast away his Straw as a mark of Sedition, and to take a white Scarf, the Colours of those who were Loyal; and threatened withal, that if he did otherwise he should be set upon, seeing that in the Assembly it was resolved to fall upon as many as should be found without Scarves or White paper about them; and that they should begin to execute this design at the gate of St. Martin, where this Captain was to keep Guard, who thereupon (and all his Company) very joyfully accepted of the white Colours, and drank the King's health and the Cardinals; obliging moreover the Captain of the Duke of Beaufort's Guards to do the like, who going out at that Gate were stopped, telling them that none must go out there without Passports from his Majesty on his Generals; and that by the white colours they wore, they might perceive they were the King's Servants. The Captain answered, that he had a Passport from the Duke of Orleans; they replied, that that was not the question, but that they must drink the King's Health and return back again, which he was constrained to do, the Soldiers making use of their Hats in stead of Glasses; all this was done, and not a man of that quarter offered to stir. The Duke of Beaufort having notice, immediately took Coach to remedy this Affair; but having understood the resolution of the Assembly, he stopped at the Curates house of Saint Nicholas Parish, expecting while that Company should come off the Guard.  
After this beginning, there followed many happy occurrences and great advantages to the King's party, many in emulation of one another following this example. The King being very much satisfied with these demonstrations of their loyalty, to encourage them the more, commanded upon the 29. of September, that the Passages should be opened for the conveying of Corn, Wine, Wood, and other necessary Provisions for so numerous a people. The Answer afterwards which he gave to the six Companies of Merchants contained, That His Majesty was very sensible of these new Testimonies of Affection and Fidelity from his beloved City of Paris, and professed himself the more satisfied in that he discovered in their looks the good intentions of their hearts by the tears which accompanied their speeches. As to the new instances they made for his return to Paris, he gave them the same Answer he had signified to the Deputies of the Townhouse upon the same subject; of which he caused a Copy to be delivered into their hands, adding only, That there was no need of applying themselves any further to His Majesty for Peace, since he had already granted it them by the Declaration of the Amnesty given in the Parliament at Pontoise; the form or terms of which ought not at all to be censured by Subjects, seeing that the most guilty and unblamable, with perfect security, might therein find the Pardon and Oblivion of all their Errors; but that they ought withal to oppose them who were the cause of the continuation of the War, and made their advantage by it: and these were the only persons to be complained of, seeing that His Majesty for his part upon these occurrences had out of his incomparable goodness granted (without any exception) whatsoever was pretended to or desired, when the others had so often gone back from their word so solemnly given, making use still of the Royal Authority, to the great prejudice of His Majesty and the State, continuing armed contrary to their Promise, and united with the declared Enemies of the Crown, keeping the Capital City of the Kingdom in awe, by continual seditions and violences, sacking and ruining the French by Foreiners; and to serve Spain, made desolate and destroyed France: and therefore it being the interest of all the Inhabitants, to put an end to these disorders in that City, he hoped that they would apply themselves with all diligence to restore her to her former state, notwithstanding the opposition of those who were enemies to the public good; he ended this Answer with a demand which he made them to try their good intentions, and as a business most necessary, which was, That the Inhabitants would re-establish in their Offices, the Governor, the Prevost of the Merchants, and the Sheriffs who had been turned out. Which being done, his Majesty would presently send Orders to be observed in the Townhouse; assuring the six Companies of Merchants of his entire satisfaction, goodwill, and Protection.  
The Princes, the Parliament, and the whole Faction were very much disturbed at this Message; and as they clearly saw that those of Paris had changed their minds, and most earnestly sought for Peace, which was not a little destructive to their designs, they applied themselves with all industry to find out means to overcome the King's Army by force of Arms, and make themselves Masters of the Field; esteeming this the only way to maintain themselves in Paris, while it remained deprived of that support which on all occasions it might deceive from the King's troops.  
But to return to Mazarine, who arriving at Sedan, and from thence Bovillon out of the Kingdom; there wanted not persons who interposed for the adjusting at least of the Duke of Orleans with the Court.  
The Cardinal de Retz, and the Marquis of Chasteauneuf, promising to themselves, that if once his Royal Highness should return to Court, he might by degrees regain His Majesty's favour, and taking his place again in the Council they should not be left behind: To this end, with the consent of the Duke of Lorraine, the Marquis of Saint Lambert was dispatched to the Court to begin the Negotiation.  
But the Queen and the King's Officers, who were attended upon the return of Mazarine and their own security, could in no wise consent that the Duke of Orleans, a Confident of the Prince of Conde's and a Confederate of the Spaniards, should meddle in the Government, considering that if the Duke of Orleans, with his followers and Adherents, should insinuate themselves into the Affairs of the Kingdom, there would be more danger than ever of diminishing the King's Authority, for the secure support whereof it is requisite, that no Officer of State should depend upon any other than the King himself: for these by diminishing the credit of others would endeavour to dispose of all things after their own fancies, threatening whomsoever should oppose them to turn all things upside down again.  
The Prince of Conde, who was engaged with the Duke of Orleans by the Promise of Marriage between his Royal Highness his Daughter and the Duke of Anguien, and thought he went hand in hand with him; although he was left out of the Treaty, might in time also have made his Peace with those advantages himself desired, and the Duke of Orleans had promised.  
Mazarine therefore making prudent reflections upon considerations so nice, who though far from the Court, yet directed all things, was very sensible how inconsiderate advice this must be, that exposed the Government to the will and discretion of others, which under an absolute Monarch will admit of no Companion.  
These Affairs being thus on foot, the Princes and the Parliament stood much upon the Point, that the Act of Oblivion granted by the King did not contain a full abolition and pardon of what had been done in the last five years past; nor was expressed in those terms which were desired, viz. in general, and without conditions, but served only for the inhabitants of Paris, with design that if they were once satisfied, not to matter much the Princes and Parliament.  
They urged therefore, that the King ought to give full and irrevocable Authority to the Duke of Orleans to form another without any exceptions, to be ratified in the Parliament of Paris, where the Counsellors gone to Pontoise ought to appear, and this to be done in the Presence of the King himself; for this cause the Parliament met often, some Letters were writ by the Duke of Orleans, the Duke d' Anvil and the Marquis of St. Lambert negotiated with the King's Council, and many things were done, the particular relation of which would be too tedious.  
But Cardinal Mazarine knowing how prejudicial this would be to the King's Authority, by his Advice the granting of Passports was absolutely denied to those deputed by the Parliament, already declared invalid, holding firm to their first resolutions; so that Affairs remained in the same posture as at first, each party endeavouring to uphold their own opinions.  
The third of October the Parliament in Paris being assembled to hear what News the Marquis of St. Lambert brought from the Court, two Watermen were laid hold of, who cried aloud, God bless the King and Cardinal Mazarine; and were seconded by many others, they were led to the prison of Conciergery, and Order given to draw up their Indictment, as also against divers others, who cried the same in several streets of Paris, giving out that such kind of Fellows were set on by some that gave them money, on purpose to move the people to sedition.  
This News being brought to Court, and besides that the Parliament continued to proceed against some of those who met at the Assembly in the Palace-Royal; the King with the Advice of His Council passed a Decree upon the fifth of October, by which he cancelled and annulled all the aforesaid pretended proceedings, informations, and orders, published, or to be published, imposing severe penalties upon the Commissioners or Judges that should proceed any further, commanding all the Inhabitants of Paris to execute His Majesty's Orders and Commands.  
In the mean time the King's Army was at Villeneufue St. George, much straightened and pressed hard upon by the Troops of the Princes and their Confederates, who were superior in number, and in danger either to be forced as they lay, or set upon in their retreat; seeing that for want of provisions and forage many both men and horses died. This troubled the Court very much, and above all Mazarine, who was the cause that the Army put themselves in that place, and doubted some sinister event, the winning of the day consisting in keeping the King's Army near Paris, by which means those Practices were fomented, which were managed by the Cardinal's directions in that City in favour of the King.  
The Princes, who understood the importance of this business, and that if the King's Army should preserve themselves all their designs were ruined, omitted nothing, either to overcome them, or reduce them by famine and sufferings to the utmost despair; but the nearness and delights of Paris, together with the sickness which happened to the Prince of Conde, Wirtemberg, and many other of the Principal Commanders, (which may be truly attributed to an effect of the Divine Providence) was the break-neck of their party; but besides the sickness of these Princes, the Dukes of Lorraine and Beaufort, and most of the other Chief Officers, with a considerable number of the best Soldiers, were also in the City, as well for the suspicion they had that the Citizens might rise, as to see what was most expedient to be done in this wavering condition of the inconstant people, and tired out by the long continuance of these disturbances. Marshal Turenne, a no less prudent than valiant Captain, stood always vigilant to observe those moments, which opportunely taken bring great advantage to those who know how to make use of them in War; and being advertised of all that past, after a short Conference with his Colleague the Mareshal de la Ferte Seneterre, he resolved to get out of these straits, and bring his Army into a securer place, and more proper for their subsistence.  
Having caused therefore the Baggage and Artillery to pass over the Seine October 4. in the night, upon the Bridges of Boats which he had there, at break of day he discamped with such order and silence, that the Army was got over before they were discovered by the Enemy's Sentinels.  
There was no other General-Commander left in the other Camp but the Count de Tavannes, who perceiving (though late) the March of Turenne, caused presently to sound to Horse, and put his Army in order to follow him, and fight him. But the Marshal continuing his march under covert of the River quickly arrived at Corbeil, a place held by the King, where passing the Seen over the Stone-bridge, very happily and to his great reputation he withdrew himself from all danger, and encamped upon the River Marne, between Meaux and Lagny, getting provisions for his Army from all the neighbouring Country, and observing the motion of the Enemy with so much advantage to His Majesty's Interest, that this action (becoming a great and experienced Commander) was acknowledged to be the saving of the King's Party, and one of the most celebrated acts of this Prince and true Master of the art of War.  
This blow brought extraordinary confusion and astonishment to the Princes, particularly to the Prince of Condé, who showed himself very much grieved at the negligence of his Officers, reproaching Tavannes as if he had lost his sense of Hearing, saying, If he had been well, so favourable an occasion should never have escaped his hands; but there being no help for things past, and Fortune changing, being weary of staying in the midst of Confusion, and so many different Humours, upon the 7th. following the whole Army of the Princes drew up at the end of the Suburbs of S. Anthony, and encamped near to the Castle of Vincennes, to keep Paris in awe. The King and Court were already come to Nantes to pass the Seen, (the Bridges of Poissy and Meulan being broken down) and so to go forwards to S. german, with intent to enter into Paris when Affairs should be brought to that pass to which they seemed to tend every day more and more. The parisians were resolved to free themselves of these miseries before they were irrecoverable: Wherefore following one another's example, and concurring in the same mind, as Fortune abandoned the Princes, so they inclined more and more to the King's side. The Prince of Conde therefore perceiving that the tempest which threatened him was near at hand, and began to provide for his own safety & his Armies by withdrawing with all speed from Paris. And because by his departure and the Kings return they foresaw the quiet of Paris, and the recalling of Mazarine, many strove to second the rising fortune of that Minister of State; and even among the Princes own friends, upon this turn of Fortune, some changed their inclinations, and in particular the Count de Chavigny.  
Ever since the Cardinals return into France he had thoughts of closing with him, considering that if his Enemies were not able to ruin him at a distance, they would be less able to do it when he should appear at Court, and be Master of all affairs.  
Besides, at this time the Coadjutor was made Cardinal, his capital Enemy; who might (he feared) be made chief Minister if Mazarine was kept out. He resolved therefore to come to an agreement with Mazarine, so as to oblige him; and that his Authority might be limited. He entered therefore upon a secret Treaty for adjusting the Prince with the Cardinal, and replacing of Conde, there seeming an apparent necessity of making use of him; and that he might live quietly at Court, they would find means that he should not only preserve his Fortune, but increase it.  
But as it is not always easy to walk straight between two Praecipices, so in the end he found himself deceived in his Maxims, on the one side while he thought himself secure; on the other, for whether it was that he was resolved to forsake the Prince, as he was accused, that he was not Loyal to his Interests, or whether he would have necessitated him to make peace, by persuading him that the Duke of Orleans would otherwise conclude it without him; or whether indeed he preferred his own and the Courts Interest before the Princes, he made the Abbot Fouquet believe, to whom the Cardinal committed the management of this affair, that if the Prince did not conclude the peace upon those terms which he thought reasonable, he would so order it that the Duke of Orleans should quit his Party. The Letter which Fouquet wrote to the Secretary Tillier, to inform him of this, was taken by one of the Prince's party, and presently delivered into his hands; who perceiving that his confidence was misplaced in Chavigny, complained of it to persons who were not much Chavigny's Friends, and that in terms injurious to his Reputation, yet would not openly fall out with him.  
The noise of this being divulged about Paris, and increased by the malice of those who were engaged in the same disorders, obliged Chavigny to justify himself to the Prince at a Conference held between them, from whence he came out so mortified and concerned, for having dealt with a Prince after this manner, from whom he had received such high Honours, that returning to his house he threw himself in despair upon his bed, and after a Fever of six days, increased by the passions of his mind, he died the 19th. of October.  
This was the end of Lion de Bouttilier, Count de Chavigny, in the 44th. year of his age; a person who for being related to the deceased Cardinal Richlieu was admitted into His Majesty's Council at 19 years old, at 24 he was made Secretary of State, and at 34 Minister of State, had the care of the most important affairs of the Crown, and after the death of Lewis XIII. he was nominated Plenipotentiary for the Treaty of Munster; a person of a quick Wit, a haughty Spirit, of a ready Judgement, and covetous of Glory and Greatness, to procure which he spared no Industry.  
In the mean time the Parliament and the Assemblies at the Townhouse met often upon the occurrent emergencies, where all the wellwishers to the public thought themselves obliged to deliver the poor Country people from the insolences of the Soldiery, and especially of the Lorrainers, who destroyed and wasted every thing. Upon the 9th. of October in the Assembly held at the Townhouse divers were chosen and deputed to go to Court, and to entreat His Majesty again to return to Paris; but because His Majesty did not admit of public Messages from an Assembly where the Duke of Beaufort (pretended Governor of Paris) used to be present, contrary to the King's Prohibition; so that by consequence the Assembly was accounted unlawful: it was proposed in Parliament, and concluded on, that the Duke of Beaufort should be desired to renounce his Charge voluntarily, that he might not hinder the conclusion of the Peace which was so earnestly sought for by all; wherefore Beaufort remitted it into the hands of the Duke of Orleans, who had conferred it upon him.  
The whole Body of the Militia of Paris was also resolved for Peace; and knowing that the presence of the King was necessary for the consummating of it, they made choice at the same time of 250 persons, Colonels, Officers, and other Inhabitants, to go and render their due respects to His Majesty, and to entreat him that he would honour his good City of Paris with his return. These Officers having given notice of this to the Court, and desired the accustomed Passports; they were immediately granted, and the King himself wrote to them, with Orders to come to S. Germane Octob. 14. where he intended to be that night: and besides this Letter to all in general, he sent one in particular to every Colonel, in which he thanked them for the affection and goodwill which they expressed to his service. He wrote also to the Communality, and commanded them to call a general Assembly, and to restore to their Offices the Prevost of the Merchants and the Sheriffs, which had been turned out.  
The Prince of Conde seeing by all these changes that his longer stay at Paris would be to no purpose, and that every thing was in readiness to receive the King, he resolved to hasten his departure. The Duke of Lorraine also took leave of his Brother in Law the Duke of Orleans, upon the 11th. of October, to follow his Army which were on their march not far off; but at his going out of S. Martin's Gate the Guard stopped him for not having a Passport from the Communality, and were very near giving him some affront, for some of them reproaching him for all those evils which had happened to France, proposed to have him imprisoned and detained till his Forces were out of the Kingdom, and he had given satisfaction for the damage they had done to the Country about: but this was not put in execution for the respect they bore to the Duke of Orleans; but they gave him a thousand injurious words, and the next morning they permitted him to depart upon His Royal Highness command. The Prince of Condé went away two days after, together with the Duke of Wirtemberg, the Duke of Rochefocaut, the Prince of Tarante, and many other peesons of Quality, who resolved to take their Fortunes with him. At his going away he said as he passed through the streets, That the parisians hoped for the return of the Court, but that would not end the War. He went afterwards towards Rheims, a great City and Metropolis of Champagne, with intention to lay hold of what he could in that Province, that he might the better winter there, under the Protection of Stenay and Mauson, two places upon the Mose, which held for him.  
At his departure from Paris he left a printed Manifesto, in which he set forth how much he had done for the public, and in particular for the parisians, exhorting them not to trust to the Court, and to believe, that he could by the force of Arms have constrained them to make Peace.  
Conde therefore and all the Officers of the Army, having thus abandoned Paris, upon the fifteenth following, the aforesaid Colonels and Officers went to St. Germains, Accompanied with two hundred Citizens more, who joined with them upon the way.  
They had a favourable audience in which they expressed the general desire of all, to see these mists cleared up by the splendour of his Royal Presence, and assured His Majesty of their inviolable faith, and entire Obedience, engaging faithfully their word, that they would be all in arms upon any occasion ready to spend their lives and fortunes in his Royal service, beseeching him not to refuse them this favour, but to be touched at their sighs and tears, proceeding from their sincere and zealous devotion: protesting to him finally, that he should find nothing from them but due observance, and a perfect propensity to make good the Character which they bore of His most humble and most faithful subjects.  
The King Answered them with his own mouth, that he should be mindful all his life-time, of the service they had done him upon this occasion, and desired them to be always assured of his affection; and that although the disorders, stirr●● up by those who were revolted might oblige him to take some other journey, yet nevertheless seeing they had so great a desire, he was resolved to go with the first occasion to Paris, and would signify to the Prevost of the Merchants and the Sheriffs, what he thought necessary to that effect; the Deputies gave him thanks, and did their obeisance to their Majesties severally, who were pleased to receive them with testimonies of extraordinary satisfaction.  
After this they were treated with a Dinner, and had leave to depart to Paris, with so much joy of the people, that seeing them pass through the streets, and hearing the News of the King's sudden return, they loaded them with benedictions, and deafened them with their continual shoutings of Vive le Roy.  
The same day that the Colonels went to St. Germains, his Majesty before he left Nantes, answered the Letters which the Duke d' Anvil had delivered him from the Duke of Orleans, to desire an Act of Oblivion in better form than the former; the Contents were, that the King did not desire any further Declaration from the said Duke, it being sufficient if he made his word good which he had so often given to lay down his Arms, and send the foreign Troops to the Frontiers thereby to free Paris, his Majesty having nothing more to do, seeing he had already published a General Amnesty, and such an one as the most seditious could not find what more to add to it for their security, and less to pretend that it should be registered at Paris, seeing that it was done publicly in the Parliament at Pontorse, so that his Majesty having anticipated all that the Duke desired of him without any reservation, there remained nothing but that he on his side should perform his Promises. And that therefore his Request for Passports was superfluous, and from the purpose, because it tended to no other end, but to gain time, till the Spanish Troops commanded by the Duke of Wirtenberg, were drawn near Paris to join with those at the Prince of Conde, and to amuse the people, whilst that another Body of the Spanish Army, under the Command of the Prince of Ligne should advance into the Kingdom; which Forces were designed to keep Paris in that servitude, under which it now suffered, and to hinder His Majesty's Return.  
So soon as the Colonel's beforementioned, were departed, it was variously debated at the Counsel, whether the Court, according as they had resolved, should return to Paris or no. They who apprehended some danger of receiving affronts, by reason that there were still divers illaffected persons, said, that there was no trusting to the people, who being always inconstant, are apt to be led away with every Novelty, and to forget all Promises; and therefore they ought to walk cautiously to secure themselves from falling into new inconveniences.  
The greater part of the Counsel was of this opinion, adding that they ought not to trust those who had deceived them so often, or to think to find faith amongst persons, who with such brutish insolence had shown themselves unfaithful; that to forsake the King, and now again to forsake their friends, whom they had so often protested never to leave, was an Argument of an inconstancy, which was as easy to promise, as not to perform. That this City, by its outrages committed against His Majesty and his Officers, had rendered itself unworthy of the Presence of the King and his Court, neither would it be well thus by the easiness of the Pardon to encourage subjects to commit new misdemeanours.  
But Prince Thomas of Savoy, who had the chief Management of Affairs, and who being a Stranger, examined matters with no other passion then that of serving their Majesties discreetly, weighing the prejudice they might receive by letting slip out of their hands such favourable opportunities, proposed and maintained, yet with the Advice of the Cardinal, that they ought to enter into the City without loss of time, and drive from thence, the principal Leaders of the sedition, and as the Princes had made use of the favour of the people to strengthen their party, so the King ought to do the same to overthrow their Faction.  
Marshal Turenne was also of this opinion, who considering that the Country about Paris was wasted, and the King's Army not well provided for, represented to them the necessity of making themselves Masters of Paris, in respect of the abundance of all things there; and that the King might be said to be without his Crown, so long as he was deprived of that potent City.  
The opinion of these Princes, of so great reputation and experience, overcoming all Arguments produced by others to the contrary, was at length unanimously received; and the rather, because both of them assured their Majesties upon their words and lives, that they should be received with all testimonies of affection, and that the Citizens, to wash off that spot they had contracted by what was past, would with so much the more readiness procure the satisfaction of the Court, as they had before acted to its displeasure.  
In order to this, the Marshal of the Hospital, the Prevost of the Merchants, and the Sheriffs, being restored to their places, followed the Colonels to Paris, those of the contrary party endeavoured to hinder their entrance into the City, persuading them that there could be no security for their persons amongst those people, who had their very names in abomination. The Duke of Orleans in particular told them, that not being able to promise them any security, they ought to consider to what danger they exposed themselves; but these threatenings took no effect, for they being informed of the good intention of the people to receive the King, doubted not but to be welcome also, and therefore freely entered.  
The Marshal of the Hospital took presently possession of the Bastille, and the Arsenal, which the Sieur de Louvieres son to Counsellor Brussell quitted, and Orders were given through all the streets and quarters of the City, to keep the people quiet, and in obedience to the King.  
After this His Majesty ordered the Parliament of Pontoise, to be at Paris upon the 22. following in the Palace of the Lovure, where he designed to lodge for his greater security, the King of England who lodged there removing to the Palace-Royal, he wrote also to the Communality to advertise them, that his Entrance should be on the same day, and that therefore they ought to take away the Guards from the Gates, and all the Inhabitants fall to the exercise of their several Professions and traffic, which was presently done. To- Mademoiselle d' Orleans, it was signified, that the King's Brother intending to lodge in her Apartment in the Lovure, was therefore to be left free, which she submitted to, with some displeasure, and removed into the Hostel of the Ambassadors extraordinary, in the suburbs of St. german.  
On Monday morning the Parliament met, where the Precedent Nesmond declared that he had received a Letter with the King's Seal, and that His Majesty had sent the like to each Counsellor in particular, in which they were appointed to meet on the morrow Morning at the Lovure, there to understand His Majesty's pleasure concerning the present Affairs. The Duke of Orleans replied, that he knew nothing of it, and some other Counselors, about twelve in number, said, that they had received no such Letters, with much resentment and paleness of face, perceiving that all their designs were totally ruined, and those of the King's Party being called to give in their opinions, they gave their voices for the adjourning of the Parliament to the Gallery of the Lovure, although those who had received no Letters from His Majesty, as the others had, and that knew themselves not to be in favour, endeavoured to oppose it, representing the prejudice the Privileges of Parliament might receive from this unaccustomed Novelty. The Precedent Nesmond made it appear, that the King was Master to hold it in what part of Paris he pleased, alleging that formerly in the Reign of Henry the second, and Henry the third, it was held in the Tournelle, and in the house of Saint Paul, and that the Chamber of Vacations had ordered the Canopy of the King's Seat of Justice to be removed into the said Gallery, and they ought to obey; to this the major part consenting, they determined to meet the next morning by Sun-rise in their Scarlet, at the place appointed.  
Upon the 22. of October the King departed from St. Germains, dined at Ruel, and from thence sent the Count of Nogent to the Duke of Orleans to give him notice of the King's journey, and to exhort him, as from himself, to come and meet the King, and do his respects to him, assuring him of His Majesty's favour and kind reception. The Duke of Orleans was surprised, not thinking that the King would in earnest come and trust himself in Paris, where the inquietude of those spirits who had so highly out-raged him, was not yet appeased, but the effect confirmed how fallacious those designs are which are founded upon the inconstancy of the multitude, naturally inclined to follow what flies them, and fly from that which follows them. He answered Nogent coldly, and desired eight days time to consider of it, for he could not, nor would not do any thing without the Prince of Conde, with whom he was bound in a strict League of Friendship. The King being come to St. Clou, hearing nothing of the Duke of Orleans his coming to meet him, but rather that there was little appearance of it, he sent the Duke d' Anvil for the same purpose to him, whereat the Duke was much perplexed with two great Considerations; On the one side, he was touched with remorse, that he should deny his Affection and due respect to the King his Nephew; on the other side; his faith & fair dealing with his friend the Prince of Conde, would be called in question by all the world should he proceed, in this perplexity therefore at last he resolved not to stir, and it is thought that he took this resolution by the Counsel of Cardinal de Retz, who promised to himself, that if the Duke were resolved to stay in Paris, he might make his party strong enough against the Court by the great number of people, his dependants and followers; but whether the Duke could not, or would not enter upon this design, the Proposition was rejected, as shall be related.  
A great number of Persons of the better sort, besides all the Officers and Magistrates went out to meet the King, and returned with him the same night to Paris: His Majesty came in late by reason of his staying by the way, expecting the Duke of Orleans his Answer, not thinking it convenient to come into the City, if the Duke did not go out, or promise to do so the next Morning.  
At the Gate of the Lovure the King was received by the Cardinal de Retz, with a great number of Prelates, and other Persons of Quality.  
The Sieur de Sevin was sent the same Evening to the Duke in His majesty's Name, to give him notice that he should retire to his dwelling at Lemours, he made Answer with some resenting words. They consulted again what expedient to take, some insisted not to obey, but that the Duke should defend himself in his Palace in St. Germains suburbs, from whence it was no easy matter for the King's Guards alone to drive him out, for they judged that the People would never take Arms against the King's Uncle, especially seeing that a great number of the parisians were dependent upon him, and on other Lords of his party; amongst these was the Cardinal de Retz, who was in favour with a great part of the people, as well in respect that he was their Pastor, as for his liberality in all things, and chiefly to the poor; He insisted, that if the Inhabitants that were affectionate to their party, were united, with the help that they might receive from those of the Suburbs of Saint german, they should be able to contest with the Court, if in case they should set upon them, and upon occasion they might call the Prince of Conde back again with the Army, by which means it might so happen, that their Majesties to avoid living in the midst of such confusions, upon the confidence of the Inhabitants so much given to change, would return to St Germains, or else the business being brought to a Treaty, and this Cardinal entering as Mediator, he should by this means set himself right again at Court, and perhaps partake in the Management of Affairs of State, which was thought to be the scope of all his Actions.  
The Duke would not embrace this Counsel, but resolved to obey, and give way, retiring the next Morning to Limours, with the Dukes of Beaufort and Rohan, and other Lords of his party. Mademoiselle went to Fargeaux a house of hers near the Loire.  
It was very fortunate for Mazarine, that Orleans refused to agree; for if after the Agreement he had remained at Paris, the people would have thought that all this was brought about by his contriving, whereby he would have increased his reputation with the parisians, and maintained his former Authority, so that Mazarine would not have dared to return to Court, whilst there was a strong party in Paris against him, and especially the Cardinal de Retz, who for his generosity, was more generally beloved then Mazarine, who in his Actions showed somewhat of covetousness, and was more sparing both in his expenses, and in gratifying his friends and servants. The King therefore being absolutely restored to his full Authority, and the Duke deprived of all obedience, and a great way from Paris, with all his Adherents, those happy events which succeeded afterwards were more easily brought to pass.  
The next Morning being the 23. all the Courts of Parliament met in the Gallery of the Lovure, except those persons who had not received particular Letters from the King, as the Precedent le Bailleul, son of the late Chancellor to the Queen, and Surintendant of the Finances, De Thou and Viol; the Counselors Brussell, Genou, Portail, Brisac, Croyssi, Foquet, Machault, and Martineau. At this Meeting they made four Declarations; the first was, for the reuniting of the two Parliaments; the second, the General Amnesty; the third, was a Prohibition to the Parliament, not to meddle in any matters but civil and criminal, according to the Laws; and the fourth, was to nominate those who were by the King's ordet to retire, viz. the forementioned, and Counsellor Bitaut, to whom a Letter had been sent by a mistake.  
The Duke of Beaufort, of Rohan, of Rochefoucaut, Frontailles, le Bollay, Penis, the Domestics of the Prince of Conde, of the Duchess of Longueville, the Wives and Children of all those who were then in the service of the Princes, and in the places which they held, as well in Guienne as elsewhere, had order to be gone from Paris, and not to return upon any pretence soever, without express leave from his Majesty these being the persons accused, who always perverted the Parliament, and made the people discontent and seditious; there were also express orders made against all things contained in the third Declaration.  
The same day the Queen of England, and the Duchess of Cheureuse, went to visit the Duchess of Orleans who remained in Paris, by reason of her being great with Child, and the Duchess of Cheureuse told her from the Queen, that she had liberty to stay in her Palace.  
The Duchess was very much surprised at the Novelty of it, and answered in modest expressions, that she could not leave the Duke her husband, and seeing that she could not take a journey any otherwise in the condition she was in, she would be carried in men's arms, and prepared for it; but she received express Orders from the Duke to stay, and not to hazard her life, being so near her t●●e; which she did, and was brought to bed of a Daughter a few days after.  
Prince Thomas went also to visit her, and assured her that it was never his opinion at the Counsel, that the Duke should withdraw from Court, where if he had appeared; he would have been received by their Majesties with extraordinary testimonies of their cordial affections.  
But because it was not thought good, that so great a Prince should be left under the notion of the King's enemy, the Wednesday following the Duke d' Anvil was sent to Limours to treat with him, where the King desiring that Cardinal Mazarine might be comprehended, they could not agree; the Duke continuing firm in his resolution, never to be friends with him more, nor to come to Court so long▪ as he should have the management of Affairs; but in every thing else he should be ready to give His Majesty all manner of satisfaction.  
The Secretary Tellier, and others of the King's Ministers went some days after to try to gain him: but the Duke, that he might not seem mistaken in his deliberations, would not yield to their reasons; and having at length given notice of this to the Prince of Conde, by the Sieur de Godovin, Field-Mareschal, whom he sent expressly to him, and receiving Answer that the Prince was of the same opinion with the Duke of it was concluded in this manner, that he was contented to live quietly at Blois, that he would call back his Forces from the Prince of Conde's Army, and unite them to the Kings, upon condition that they might not be employed immediately against the said Prince, to whom, by reason of the entire friendship that he professed to him, he could not be wanting in what unfortunate estate soever he might be cast.  
The Affairs of the Duke of Orleans being concluded in this manner, he executed punctually all that was agreed upon, and withdrew himself from the care of all worldly affairs, applying himself to live quietly, and free from all disturbance. The Duke of Beaufort went to live at Vendosme, and the rest of those who were exiled, leaving Paris, retired to their Country-houses, very much grieved; but especially when they saw Mazarine triumphant in their misfortunes.  
The Precedent Maison and Counsellor Vedeau proposed to assemble the Chambers of Inquest to treat upon means how they might protect their Companions fallen into disgrace, and gave out that they would rather renounce their places, then support a grievance so prejudicial to the public dignity. But the greater part being of another opinion, the Chambers met not, and Maison being sent for to the Lovure received a sharp reprehension, with some threatenings, which were afterward put in execution; for he and Vedeau were also banished; some of these were backward to quit Paris, but it helped nothing, being constrained to do it for fear of greater violence. Only Brussel being old, poor, and without any Countryhouse, did not stir from his in Paris, where he remained privately, saying boldly, That he feared nothing, because he was guilty of nothing; that if the Court desired his life they might take it, for he was now old enough and for a year or two more or less he cared very little, seeing that the praises of good men have their birth from the bosom of death. These expressions made deep impression in the hearts of many of the people, whose spirits were not yet quieted, and who had not forgot the goodwill they had had for him, nor their Prejudices against the Court.  
The Court took no notice of this, and made as if they believed he were out of the Town, being out of Commerce and sight of the people; Brussel therefore remained private and retired, in the City, although he was banished by name.  
Afterwards, there was very good order taken for the Government of the City, the security of Paris consisting in winning the affection of the people, which succeeded happily by the help of him who governed in a time, when by the weakness of the Court they might have expected great misfortunes; it was no small marvel, not to say a miracle, to see in so short a time the fury and indignation of a multitude appeased of its own accord, which boasted of nothing more than their firm and immutable resolutions, of maintaining their own frenzies; to see the Meeting of the Fronda broken and dispersed, the Parliament kerbed, the most audacious brought low; and lastly, the King triumphing more by the Power of Justice, of his Innocence and Mildness, then by the force of his Strength and Authority.  
Whilst things pass in this manner at Paris, many new disturbances broke out at Bourdeaux. Those of the Faction called de l' Olmiere dismantled the Palace du Ha, and committed many insolences upon those of the Parliament, so that there was great disorder amongst them. The Parliament sought by all means to keep this Faction under, but in vain, seeing it was backed by the greater part of the common people; Mazarine failed not also to use all industry, to appease these disorders, endeavouring to sow discord amongst them, and to render them diffident of one another; and in the end obtained his intent, as shall be related.  
The Spaniards in the meanwhile engaged in the siege of Barcelona, failed not to do their utmost for the gaining of that most important place.  
The Cardinal, though absent, took care that the King gave necessary Orders for the relief of it: and the Marquis de St. Andre Monbrun was commanded to march from Piedmont into Catalonia, with a good number of Horse and Foot; which he did with all speed, & there ensued divers exploits. The besieged making a Sally by night out of the gate of Trussana upon the 16. of July 1652. with design to drive the enemy further off, assaulted and took the Fort upon the Mountain of Mongirick; but not having furnished it with Provision and Ammunition, it was attacked again, and retaken by the Spaniards giving good quarter.  
St. Andrew Montbrun had relieved the Town, if he had had money enough for Provisions to have put into it, and for the maintaining his Army, for having happily attaqued the line. He entered in, but was afterwards forced to retire for want of Provisions; and the Horse mutinying by reason of the great hardships they endured; the Spaniards took all the places which are beyond upon the Sea-Coast, from Palamos to Barcelona; and so deprived the besieged of that little which used to be brought in to them by night in small barks, so that being reduced to the greatest extremities, upon the eleventh of October the Marshal de la Motte capitulated with Don John of Austria for the surrender, and so that City returned again under the obedience of His Catholic Majesty.  
Upon the 21 of October the same year, neither the French nor the Savoyards being able to relieve Casal in Italy, the Governor thereof Monsieur de St. Angel was constrained to surrender it upon Articles, and to put the Citadel into the hands of the Duke of Mantua's Captains, who put in a Garrison of his own soldiers, laughing at them who imagined, and even after the taking of it, were so confident to maintain, that the Spaniards should have entered the Town, and not the Mantuans. But the Marquis of Caracena kept his word punctually with the Duke in all what he had promised, in so much that his Highness thinking it convenient for the security of that place, to put in a Garrison of Germane Soldiers; he proposed to take in some of those which had served in the Spanish Army, after they should be disbanded by the Spaniards, and had taken an Oath of Allegiance to him, but the Spaniard would not consent to it, left there might be some suspicion of deceit in this, neither would he suffer any of his to enter into the Town, nor would he go himself, but in Company of the Duke of Mantua, who came thither a few days after.  
The Savoyards not being able to relieve Casale, assaulted and took Crescentino, and would have obtained their desired intents, if those of Montferrat had corresponded with them, but they being very faithful to their Prince, were assisting towards the Recovery of the Town.  
The Duke of Mantua declared the French Plenipotentiaries, that whensoever his Territory of Montferrat should be restored to its former estate, and put peaceably into his hands, without trouble or injury to the Treaty of Chirasco, he would presently renounce the three thousand Crowns a month, which the Empress was to give him for the payment of the Garrison, and maintain it at his proper charge, without any one's help, This his Highness did to take away all jealousy or pretence, which the French might have upon this account, though this was not his principal motive; for it is certain that he had not the least imagination of letting this most noble place go out of his hands again, which rendered him conspicuous to all Italy, and made him esteemed by both Crowns, and this was always the opinion of the Marquis de la Val.  
But these Declarations of the Dukes and his Agents availed little; for things being diversely suggested at the Court of France, suspicion had such force, that they judged always sinisterly; nor could the King's Ministers of State rest satisfied, after the loss of so important a place, and which rendered their Authority so considerable to all Italy.  
Most of the other Italian Princes grew jealous also that Casale should at length fall into the hands of the Spaniards, and therefore lamented that the French had not provided against it in time, which they said, they might have done very easily, if they had not busied themselves more in persecuting Cardinal Mazarine, and overthrowing his Counsels, then in taking care for the concerns of the Crown; their Jealousies and Suspicions were also much more increased by the report which went about that the Spaniards after they had driven the French out of Casale, were in a close Treaty with the Court of Savoy, soothing their chief Ministers, with a belief that his Catholic Majesty would restore Vercelli, drive the French from Pignerol, and the Citadel of Turin, make up the differences with Mantua, and perhaps espouse the Infanta to the Duke of Savoy, by which insinuations they went about to gain that house, and keeping the French beyond the Mountains, restore Peace to Italy, and their own Authority to its former splendour.  
These Propositions were harkened to by the Piemontesis, who opened their ears with no little attention, and the more by reason that they were fearful that whilst his Christian Majesty was involved in Civil Wars, and not able to contribute to the defence of Piedmont, the Spaniards might make some considerable Progress, so that if they should defer the remedy to another time, it might so happen that they should find neither time nor remedy.  
These Treaties cast a great cloud upon the Affairs of the Court of France. The Cardinal particularly considering the Prejudices which the King might receive, if the Spaniards after they had settled their Affairs in Italy, should employ all their forces in Flanders and Catalonia; he endeavoured with all industry, by the means of the Ambassador Servient, and the Abbot of Aille, to keep the Savoyards in hopes, of a speedy and certain care of their Affairs, so that Mazarine being in great credit, and strict friendship with the house of Savoy, his word alone prevailed more than all other means to elude the Artifices of the Ministers of the but because the troubles at home permitted not at that time the effecting of those things, which the necessity of affairs required, he sought no further at present, then to keep Piedmont united with the Court, by putting them in hopes of restoring into their hands Verva and Villeneufve d' Astinelle, and of the Honour of treating their Ambassadors for the future, equal to those of Kings.  
Besides these Honours, the Count de Quincé General of the French Forces in Piedmont was sent to them, who arrived at Turin in December, accompanied with a great number of Officers and Persons of Quality.  
Mazarine who amongst these dangerous storms had saved the King's Authority from imminent shipwreck, made himself known to all the World, for one of the most expert and undaunted Pilots, that sails in the Ocean of Policy; so soon as ever he saw the whirlwinds of those commotions which had so furiously agitated the whole Kingdom allayed, by the Presence of the King in Paris. He applied himself with all solicitousness to search out means proper not only to calm the intestine troubles; but to raise up the trampled upon credit and reputation of the Regal Dignity. Wherefore he judged it would be easier to render it esteemed and honoured by pardoning then by punishing. This being the Cardinal's constant Maxim, to win upon the generous humour of the French Nation, rather by gentle usage then by violence of Arms.  
He began therefore to treat with those who were most contumacious. He was of opinion, that the sole love of the King ought to be the Quintessence fit to nourish that Concord amongst subjects, which is interrupted by nothing more than by the apprehensions of hatred and revenge. He revived new Treaties and Propositions of Peace with the Prince of Conty, with the Parliament of Bourdeaux, with the Count d' Harcourt, the Count d' Ognon, and with all the other Princes and great Lords of high spirit. He sent also an Intimate of his to negotiate closely with the Prince of Conde, to pacify him, and remove him from the Spanish service, offering him the Sovereignty of some state out of France: but whether the Prince found himself too far engaged with the Catholic King, or whether the Nobleness of his mind would not suffer him to be worse than his word without cause or apparent reason, or whether he judged the dignity offered him inconsistent, or moved with other reasons or regards, the effect of these Propositions vanished.  
The Prince declared, that he had no ambition of Sovereignty, but was contented with the honour which he had of being first Prince of the blood-Royal, that he knew not how to trust him any more, who under the pretence of friendship had deceived him; nor could he esteem him faithful, who had not shown himself so to him, that these offers might be like those Gifts sent exchangeably between Hector and Ajax. That we ought to give least credit to things which seem most credible, and to consider that the more any one offers and promiseth out of Necessity, the sooner he will fail when his turn is served; that he knew sufficiently the Cardinal to be a person as ready to promise much, as industrious afterwards not to observe more than what he thought convenient for his interest, and protested finally that he would not consent to any Agreement, but wherein the Catholic King should be included, to whom he professed himself highly obliged.  
The Envoy laboured to draw him from these sinister opinions, putting him in mind that he was a Frenchman, and of the Blood-Royal of Bourbon, and that he had too much honour and glory, not to be hereafter made the object of the Envy and Jealousy of a Nation so emulous of the French. That to lay foundations on the Promises of those who built upon the hopes of others, was no sure structure; That friends follow the fortune and not the persons of their friends; That he abandoning France, the French abandoned him; That to a prudent man, his Country ought to be as dear to him as the shell to the Tortoise; and that as he was sincerely his faithful servant, he declared freely, that it was much more honourable for a Peace, as he was, to bear the Title of Cousin to His Christian Majesty, then that of Servant to the King of Spain: He used also many other urgent Reasons, but all in vain, for the hatred and contempt which he had for the Cardinal did at that time turn away the mind of the Prince, so that the Cardinal not being able to prevail with him, he endeavoured to disengage his brother the Prince of Conty from his party, and caused to be proposed to him very advantageous conditions, and such as were worthy his consideration, thinking that if he could gain Conty, he might by that means reduce Bourdeaux and Guienne to their former obedience, seeing that this Prince had a powerful party in that City and Province. The Cardinal thought to draw from hence great advantages to the King's service, by ihe Jealousies which the Spaniards might have of Conde, and by the treatment he might receive from them, which would be slender enough, when they should see him deprived of those supports which rendered him so considerable; but although Conty was no great friend to his brother, and had a mind much more pliable, yet he was fixed, to satisfy his Sister the Duchess of Longueville, that without her he would resolve of nothing: and she not being able to disengage herself from that intimacy she held with Conde, nor from the hopes which were suggested to her by the generosity of his mind, the attempts on this side were also rendered fruitless; and by consequence all those Practices weakened which were made by the well-affected to the King's Party in Bourdeaux, while it was evident that that City was resolved to follow the resolutions of the Prince of Conty, and Duchess of Longueville.  
But the Cardinal had recourse to other Expedients, and because the design of gaining the Princes failed him; he went about by new Stratagems to take away from the Princes, and those of Bourdeaux, the assistance of those people and places which fomented their pretensions. He ordered therefore the Duke of Vaxdosme to carry his Fleet into the Garonne, and sent to the Duke of Candale, (who was already upon his march,) with all the forces that he could gather out of the Neighbouring Provinces. He treated also with the Count d' Ognon, and others, to disengage them from the Union, and to render the King's party more strong in that Province, as it afterwards succeeded.  
In the mean time the Prince of Conde was in Champagne with his Army, where his designs upon Reims, Soissons, and other great Cities (full of Warlike people, and faithful to the King) proving little successful, he went to Veruins, where leaving two Regiments of Foot, and one of Horse, he went with the Body of his Army towards Rhetel, which in a short time was surrendered to him by the Governor; the Sieur de Rale by reason of the weakness of the place, and for want of Necessaries to defend it, he took also Chasteau Porcien, not far distant from it; he attaqued afterwards St. Menhand another walled Town; which was yielded up to him upon the 13 of November by the Sieur de Saint Mor. and because this place was being situated between the Mose and the Marne upon the river Aisne and between Verdun and Chalon was some what considerable, he left there a strong Garrison, under the Command of the Sieur de Montalt, and ordered it to be fortified; hoping by maintaining this place and Rhetel to winter his forces in France.  
From hence having dismissed the Troops of the Duke of Orleans, he went speedily into Bar, where he took Barleduc the Castle of Lagny, and Voet, but not being able to attempt any thing more by reason the season was too far advanced, and his Troops wearied, he sent away the Spanish and Lorain forces, and put his own into Winter-Quarters about the Mose.  
The Cardinal on the other side, indefatigably exercising his mind in intricate and dangerous affairs, considered that it was absolutely necessary before the Army went into Winter Quarters, to dislodge the Princes, forces and drive them out of the places which they held, he therefore reinforced the King's Camp with two thousand Soldiers, which the Duke of Elboeuf had gathered together in Picardy, and with others drawn out of Normandy, and the Neighbouring Provinces, and in stead of coming to Paris he stayed in the Camp, to redress by his Presence the Affairs of the Army, much diminished and weakened; which the Generals would scarce been able to have done without him, he drew after Him many friends and dependants, and confirmed those, who wearied out with long travel and pain, thought rather of retiring home, then of continuing the War at that season of the year; and encouraged every one to continue in the King's service, being in great veneration and high esteem amongst the Soldiery, by whom he was as much loved and respected, as he was abhorred and hated by some seditious and contemptible people of Paris. He was not a jot deceived in the hopes he had to draw profit from these opportune endeavours, for the soldiery, awakened by his gracious aspect, and the military Affairs enlivened by his Counsel, he gained those advantages that made him in a short time return gloriously, and as it were, triumphant into Paris, more than ever in his Majesty's favour, and settled him in the Authority of his Ministry.  
The Marquis of Chasteauneuf in the meanwhile remained in Paris without employ, deprived of his Offices, and not being able to refrain from bewailing his ill fortune and the miserable estate of the Kingdom, he was also banished the City in the month of November; upon the 13. of the same month the King appeared in Parliament, and caused the Decree made in his Counsel of State against the Princes of Conde and Condy, the Duchess of Longueville, the Duke of Rochefoucaut and others, to be ratified and registered.  
The Court continued after this to give out convenient Orders for the good Government of the Kingdom, but always regulating himself by Mazarines' Instructions; but above all, the King's counsel applied themselves to settle the mind of the Cardinal de Retz, who as he was a person of an eminent judgement and deep understanding, so he was considered by Mazarine above all others, as the greatest impediment to his designs. He hated the greatness of Conde, and at the same time the exorbitant Authority of Mazarine; he declared himself a good French man and the King's servant; and thought it no offence to procure the ruin of the one, and the suppression of the other; He solicited therefore the Parliament to meet, to procure the return of their banished Companions, to bring his designs to pass: Mazarine on the contrary, and the other Ministers of State endeavoured to remove him from Paris, where he was in great esteem and veneration; but finding no way to do it, by all the Arts they could use; and Mazarine, not willing to return to Paris, so long as he was there, so powerful in friends and dependants. It was finally concluded to imprison him.  
The difficulty consisted in the manner, for it was not to be done in his own house, and dangerous in the streets of Paris. Besides, this was far from the King's mind, who desired it might be without noise, as well in respect of his dignity of Cardinal, as that his intentions were to do all quietly and without confusion. While therefore the Ministers of State were seeking out means to bring about this Affair, and discovered every day more and more difficulty in the execution of it; there happened a more favourable Conjuncture than they could have wished for.  
His friends represented to him, how that the King would now be Master of all, and therefore he ought to render His Majesty the accustomed Visits, or to abandon Paris, showing him how scandalous it was for him to act in that manner which he did; these Reasons sufficiently persuaded the Cardinal, and therefore the Feast of Christmas being near at hand, he resolved to preach himself in the Church of St. german l' Auxerrois, of which the Queen being advertised, she gave notice to the Parochial, that she did intend to be present there herself.  
The Cardinal took this for a favourable occasion, and thought himself obliged to go render thanks to her Majesty for so great an Honour; and to this intent, upon the 20. of December, most improvidently; and without the least suspicion he went to the Lovure, and entering the Court, he found that the Queen was not fully dressed; wherefore going up the great stairs to visit the King in the mean time, he met His Majesty just upon the middle of the stairs as he was coming down, who received him courteously, and carried him with him into the Queen-mothers' Chamber, while the Cardinal was complementing and discoursing with the Queen; the King whispered le Tellier the Secretary of State in the ear, and ordered the detaining him, which was presently done by the Marquis of Villequier Captain of the Guard, who arrested him as he was going out of the Antichamber.  
The Cardinal was in great confusion, and said, What me? for what reason? Villequier with some Soldiers conducted him into the great Gallery, and from thence to the Duke of Anjou's Apartment, where he stayed about two hours, whilst the Coach and the Guards were made ready, which carried him through the Gate de la Conference to the Castle of Vincennes, without the people's knowing the least of it; and when they afterwards heard the News, they discoursed of it without any concern, praising the King's resolution, and saying, It was well done to imprison the Cardinal de Retz, but to do better, he should likewise imprison Cardinal Mazarine, and give such an example to Ecclesiastical Persons, that for the future they should not meddle any more with secular Affairs.  
Upon this accident not ordinary, and so fortunately succeeding, there were presently various and different discourses. Those of the Court said, that the King began to show himself a King, and That his Majesty had taken this resoluon on the sudden, without any prompting or counsel of his Ministers; That the Order was given of his own proper accord, and from his own mouth, being incensed at the strange proceedings of the Cardinal, and induced hereto by the necessity of the public good and quiet.  
Those of the prisoners party on the contrary gave out, that this blow came from Cardinal Mazarin, who would not, nor could not return and live at Paris, with so considerable an Emulatour, supported by so many friends that opposed his interest, That he on purpose kept himself at some distance from Court, that he might not be known to be the contriver of this fact, and for fear that the people rising in the defence of the imprisoned Cardinal, should vent their inveterat and immortal hatred against him, but however it was, Mazarin declared that he had no hand in it, to confirm which he wrote a letter to the King, which was suddenly published, very much in favour of the imprisoned; wherein he represented to his Majesty, that by the title which he bore of most Christian King, he was obliged to defend the Ecclesiastical immunities; and therefore he humbly beseeched his Majesty that he would in these cases have that regard; which was becoming his Royal Piety, and the title which he bore of eldest Son of Holy Church, recommending to him with all earnestness the concerns of the imprisoned.  
This Letter was diversely censured, some were of one opinion and some of another.  
Many other considerable persons of the Clergy of France, did very good Offices in favour of the Prisoner; But the public good being more prevalent than the satisfying of particular persons. His Majesty openly declared, that he had no other intention in this, than the quiet and happiness of his subjects; and lest the Court of Rome should take occasion to resent this action of the French, in doing what was so contrary to the Ecclesiastical Laws, a Courier was dispatched to the Pope, to inform him fully of this Affair. The friends of the prisoner likewise a few hours after sent another to complain to his Holiness of this violence, and to engage him to protect the imprisoned.  
This News arrived in a few days at Rome, and the Pope was much troubled at it, not only as being obliged to maintain the reputation of the Scarlet Gown, and the indemnity of one of his own Creatures; but because it was thought he was one of not so entire an Affection to the Court of France, nor Mazarine; and if he had had means to testify his resentments, as he had the will, there might perhaps have followed considerable disturbances. His Holiness called divers Congregations of the most learned Cardinals, and in whom he most confided; and although there were not some wanting who were more moderate, to represent to them how circumspectly they ought to proceed in so nice an Affair; yet Monsignor Marini was ordered to go to Paris, and there to form a pleading of what was imputed to the Criminal, and to solicit that the Judgement of it might be left to the Holy See, which was the only Court and Tribunal for the Causes of Cardinals.  
But as they were very certain at Rome, that if they would not receive in France Monsignor Corsini in quality of Legate to that Court, because there was not Advice first given of it to the King, or his Ministers of State, much less would they admit of the Archbishop Marini with the like Commissions; and consequently they determined a thing which could have no effect; so they at Paris did verily apprehend, that this proceeded from the Counsel of them, who desired to arm the Pope with pretences to blame France, for bearing so little respect to the Apostolic See, giving him occasion to join with their enemies, it being certainly believed in Rome, as also in Paris, that the King would never have venture to thwart the Pope in those unhappy Conjunctures; so that by this bold Resolution of sending the Archbishop Marini into France, they should uphold the Pontifical decorum, and make the Ecclesiastical Authority very glorious. The Cardinal Prince Trivultio, who was at that time in Rome, to take care of the Spanish Interest, and supplied the place of Ordinary Ambassador for His Catholic Majesty, wisely foresaw the bad success of this deliberation, which fell out exactly as he had foretold; for those that were concerned, judging presently, that these Maxims of the Court of Rome, had no other foundation than a flattering opinion of their own wishes, they quickly applied themselves to overthrow them.  
Cardinal Mazarine, convinced of the nature of the French, as easy to give way to Novelties, that bring their delight, as inflexible to those things that threaten them, he was constrained to mind nothing else but the maintaining of the King's Authority, and therefore Marini was not permitted to enter into the Kingdom; the French were unsatisfied with the Court of Rome, taxing them of great partiality. For the Affronts and Abuses having been oftentimes represented to them, that were put upon Cardinal Mazarine a year before by the Parliament of Paris, against all Law divine and humane, without drawing up his Indictment, without lawful Authority, and contrary to the King's mind, who defended him, and acknowledged himself faithfully served by him; and what was worse, although the Parliament proceeded so far as to set a Tax of fifty thousand Crowns on his Head, besides the Confiscation of all his estate, yet for all this the Pope never concerned himself for defence of the said Cardinal, who had no other support left him then that of his Holiness, the King's Authority being at that time contemned and trampled on, where on the contrary, for the only detention of Retz (which was done out of mere necessity for the public good, and for maintaining of the Royal Dignity, against which he was accused to have a long time plotted) they made so much noise. They added moreover, that the Pope had the less reason to find himself aggrieved, seeing the most Christian King had no other intent, then to stop the imprisoned Cardinal from going on in his Instigations, and not to bring him to trial, much less to judge him, knowing very well that this did belong to the sole Vicar of Christ, although the Parliament, passing all respects due to the Holy See, and to a Prince of the Holy Church, had arrogated to themselves the Authority to do it against Mazarine.  
These, and the like Reasons were deduced by the French, alleging likewise the example of Lewis the 13. who caused Cardinal Ballua, to be imprisoned and detained many years, for holding correspondence with the King's Brother, and the Duke of Burgundy; and yet the Pope resented it only with fatherly Admonitions, and good Offices for his freedom; and his errors were not to be paralleled with those wherewith the Retz was charged. They said moreover, that the King had caused to be conferred upon him the dignity of the Scarlet Robe to oblige him to serve him with the greater affection, and not to make use on't to the prejudice of the Crown. That to Sovereign Princes all things were permitted for the security of their States. And as the most Christian Kings did justly boast to have always defended and protected the Holy See, and to have also reverently and piously obeyed it, assisting them in all occasions with their forces and power; so His Majesty should glory to follow the footsteps of his Ancestors. But that he ought likewise to take care for the benefit and quiet of his loving subjects, of whom the King was the Common Father.  
The Imprisonment of this Cardinal, who was one of the principal Supports of the Faction of la Fronda, completed their total ruin and destruction: for though there remained in Paris some Relics of this Fire, the Sparks were so weak, that of themselves they were not able to raise the least Flame; and therefore the Royal Authority being more and more settled, the Ministers of State proceeded in those deliberations, which they judged most proper for the re-establishing the Kingdom in its ancient splendour.  
By these troubles the King's Revenues were much diminished, and the necessity of having money was very urgent, great debts being contracted, and the credit of the Court reduced to last extremity, notwithstanding that the King enjoys a yearly Revenue of above eight millions of Pistols; so that to raise money, His Majesty made divers Decrees, which upon the last day of December were ratified and registered in Parliament, in Presence of His Majesty, with all readiness, although they amounted to the number of thirteen; but to please them it was declared, that the money raised should be employed upon the most urgent Affairs of the Kingdom, and particularly in paying the Soldiery. These Edicts were also ratified upon the 7. of January following in the Chamber of Accounts and Court of Aids, in Presence of the Duke of Anjon, who to that purpose was sent thither by the King with these Redresses of the Political Affairs the Military also took vigour in the Managements of the War with good success, in regard of the ruins and losses suffered by the King and the whole Kingdom, not only in those parts towards Flanders, and in Guienne, but also in Italy and Gatalonia; Cardinal Mazarine was resolved to keep the War on foot in this last Country, to divert the Spaniards from employing their forces more powerfully in other parts, and therefore he opportunely relieved Roses with some barks of Provisions which he ordered to be sent out of Provence by the Duke of Mercoeur: The Arrival of this succour occasioned the discovery of a notable Conspiracy in that Fortress, against the Governor of it the Marquis de la far, laid by his own familiar friends.  
The King's forces in Guienne began also to prosper, according as those of Bourdeaux began to grow weak, by the discord which Mazarine had sown among them. The Duke of Candale being sent into this Province, (as hath been said) to command the King's Forces in the place of Count de Harcourt, took the Castle of Poniols, and secured Marmende and Aiguillon, situated between Bourdeaux and Again, on this side the Garonne, set upon and routed some Troops of the Prince, seized upon Bastide and other places; and by the directions of Mazarine, secret Plots were carried on for reducing of Bourdeaux to the King's obedience. But because it was difficult to gain that important and powerful City by force of Arms, therefore they made use of Art and Industry. Father Faur a Franciscan, who was afterwards made Bishop of Glandeves, an understanding person, and zealous for the King's service; and who had been successfully employed in bringing Paris to its duty, proposed the holding of Intelligence in Bourdeaux itself, by means of the Fathers of his Order: to this effect Father Bertaut Guardian of Brode, was sent to consult with Father Itier Superior of the Franciscans Convent in Bourdeaux, who carried with him divers Instructions, for the advancement of this design, according as they should have opportunity. Bertaut being discovered by the Prince of Conty, escaped out of his hands with much dexterity, having under a dissembling confidence told him many lies, to take away from him the true knowledge of their designs, and of the Conspirators: But Father Itier was not at all moved at this, for knowing himself to be greatly esteemed and loved by the Citizens; he hope, that in case his Practices were discovered, he should be protected by them; and the rather, because he was assured, that many of them were weary of groaning under the Tyranny of the Olmiere, which proceeding in precipitous & inconsiderate Progresses, put their Country and Religion upon the point of being ruined by treating with the English to bring them into Guienne; it was concluded therefore, that there was no means more expedient, and more sure, them to gain some of the Heads of the Olmiere. Mother Angelica Abbess of the Carmelite Nuns, gave Father Ityer a fit occasion, and discovered to him how that one of the Mothers of her Convent, Sister to Villars, had communicated to her the good disposition of her Brother to return to his obedience towards the King, out of remorse of Conscience, and the fear of a miserable end, which he had deserved by his great wickedness, and therefore he had desired his Sister, that she, together with the rest of her Companions, would pray to God to give him grace to amend his life. Father Ityer made no difficulty of confiding in the Nun, and procured that she should confirm her Brother in his purpose. Villars engaged to restore the City to its obedience if the King would grant a General Act of Oblivion, and give him the Office of Procurator and Syndick of the Communality, and the sum of forty thousand Crowns for himself, and those who should be employed in this affair. The Court consented to his demands, & being besought by the said Father, they ordered that no injury should be done to the Princes or Princesses.  
This design went forward well, and had easily taken effect, if Villars, unconstant in his resolutions, had not discovered the Conspiracy, which happened by the vain ●rating of the Sieur de Lenet, who making as if he knew, (although ●ndeed he knew nothing of it at all) that there was a new Intrigue carrying on in Bourdeaux, in which were many who professed themselves of the Prince's Party: Villars believing that some of his Companions had revealed the secret to Lenet, was in fear of being ruined, and therefore sought to save himself, by declaring the whole matter to the Prince of Conty, saying, that he had not engaged in this business; but the better to discover it, and then to give a more particular account of it to his Highness, and that this was the reason that he did not disclose it to him before. The Prince answered him, that he was well satisfied touching his fidelity, and charged him to continue his dissimulation, and to observe the whole whole matter, that he might learn the Names of the Complices, and get sufficient proof against Father Ityer; he bound Blerno and Giraut Goldsmiths, under a solemn Oath to go and receive the money promised by the King, of which there were 1500 Pistols consigned, so that upon his examination and deposition Father Ityer was imprisoned and carried before a Counsel where Marsin was Precedent, with many of the Olmiere, and Officers of the Army; and here arose a Contest upon the Point, that Laymen had not power to judge Churchmen, but they did not long demur upon it.  
The Prince of Conde and Duchess of Longueville commanded absolutely that they should not put him to death, but that it was sufficient to keep him in prison. Marsin and Lenet, who sought to enrage people more, caused some of the ●abble to cry out Tolle, Tolle, Cru●ifige, etc. At this rumour some of the Judges were much disordered, and with disdainful countenances said, We are no Jews, and ●f you are not Christians you may go and search out some pilate's, for we do not intend to dip our hands in innocent blood. Marsin was much humbled, and composed the difference, causing him to be adjudged to an open pennace, which Spectacle moved the whole City to Compassion, and loaded the Prince's party with blame and hatred; for the Father being led through the streets, with a thousand reproaches and insolences from the Rascality, was not at the least disturbed either at death, which they threatened him, or at the injuries they did him, but walked along with as great an assurance, as if he had been going to a glorious triumph. This behaviour of his so fearless, and yet full of humility and patience, did so move the Citizens, that they were forced quickly to send him back to the prison, from whence they had taken him; and because they had taken from him the habit of his Order, the Duchess of Longueville, detesting such wicked doing, gave command that it should be restored to him again, and to check the insolence of these people. After this, they imprisoned a Cousin of the said Fathers, a Complice in all his Contrivances, whom they put to a strange torture; but, as if it had been nothing, he endured it with an incredible and marvellous constancy, nor could they ever draw from him the least word concerning this matter. The same morning that Father Ityer was taken, the Precedent Dasis, Counsellor Bort, and Counsellor Castelnaut were also attached and committed to the Castle du Ha, and afterwards released upon their words.  
D' Asis withdrew himself from these Intrigues, and went to his Brother the Bishop of Lombes.  
At the same time another Friar called Land, by the means of a Gentlewoman named Laure, attempted to gain Colonel Marché, who harkened to the solicitations of the Friars brother, and communicated his design to the said Widow, which was to make use of an hundred light horse which he commanded in the City, to deliver up a Gate to the Duke of Candale, desiring this Window to write him the design, and to instruct him the most proper means to execute it; This Plot was also communicated to the Jurate Robert. But in the end Colonel Marché himself discovered it to Marsin; and after a few days Land revealed it to the Prince of Conty; whereupon the Gentlewoman was imprisoned and examined a long while in the Presence of Land, and maintained to his face that he was the Author of all this, accusing him of infidelity and treacherousness, whereupon he was laid hold on, and banished from the Olmiera, and the Widow sent back to her Countryhouse.  
In the meanwhile the City of Monsegur, wherein the Regiment of the Marquis of Monpovillon, lay in Garrison, was surrendered to the Royalists, and the Officers pretending that two thousand Pistols were due to them, put themselves into His Majesty's service, imprisoned the Commissary, and took from him a good sum of money which he had levied on the people thereabouts; but they sent him free afterwards, with some Officers belonging to Marsin, who at the same time with the Prince's Troops besieged St. Farm a small Town near by. This was a Prelude to the fall of the Prince's party, being forsaken by their best Troops, in a time when they had most need of them, not contented to take pains continually for so small profit, the hopes of those rewards daily declining, which the Princes promised them, to soften the labours and sufferances of those of their party.  
Divers other Accidents happened, which rendered this party still more infirm; which having no other foundation than the imagination of becoming more happy by the change of fortune, in stead of meeting with their desired relief, they encountered the most unexpected misfortunes. A certain Engineer called Larsigne was imprisoned, and 3500 Pistols taken from him, set him in the Pillory, and banished under pretence that he wrote to Paris the News of what happened in Bourdeaux. They arrested a vessel also, and confiscated twenty five thousand Crowns, which belonged to Dutch Merchants for corn sold in that City, and were carrying to Rochel, declaring it to be counterband goods, with these and the like proceedings; the foreign Merchants, and the better sort of Citizens themselves were sensibly touched and exasperated, seeing that without shame or conscience, they exempted none from barbarous and unjust punishments.  
The Duke of Vandosme appeared with his Fleet in the Garonne at the beginning of February, and presently began to build a Fort in the Isle of Cazaux, situated in the middle of the River, and therefore of great consequence, and which gave no small trouble to the inhabitants of Bourdeaux; amongst whom there being many that were affected to the King's party, it behoved the rest to be vigilant against surprises and stratagemms, which were easy to be put in practice in such Conjunctures.  
The Curate of St. Peter's, having exhorted his Parishioners in a public Sermon to shake off the yoke of their servitude, and to withdraw themselves from under the Authothority unlawfully usurped by that wicked counsel of the Olmiere, he was taken and put in prison; but the people of that parish, who were very affectionate to him, beginning to rise, they were forced to let him go and escape away, for fear some greater mischief might follow: for those who are admitted to preach the Word of God, have great power over the people when they denounce to them peace and quietness; for the same cause were banished also the Curates of St. Simon and St. Remi, with the Prior and Guardian of the Capucines, and the Dominicans, divers Counsellors of the Parliament, and some Citizens, who were contented rather to undergo any persecution, then to follow a Faction directly contrary to the service of the King, so that the Parliament being at that time by the Advice of Mazarine removed to Again, that at Bourdeaux was so weakened that there remained no more than nine Counsellors, and some of them so confused and fearful, that they knew not what to resolve on.  
The Parliament at Again, beginning to assemble on the third of March, the Sieur de la Lane, Second Precedent, presided at the opening of the Parliament, in the Presence of the Duke of Candale, and the Bishop of Again, the Sieur de Pontac, Precedent of the Treasurers of France, came thither with divers other well-affected persons: But in Bourdeaux the suspicions of some new Conspiracy being revived, all possible diligence was used to interrupt it, and to maintain the Princes Concerns in their vigour, Proclamation was made, that all strangers who were found in the City without employ, should presently depart: All Innkeepers, Taverners, and those who let lodgings, were prohibited to receive any one without express order and billet from the Magistrate appointed for that purpose; Meetings were forbidden, and going about in the night after such an hour, and every where they kept vigilant Guards, to watch all surprises, especially because the Neighbouring Towns and Provinces were every day more and more encumbered with Soldiers and people of the King's party.  
And because that by the taking of Sarlaet, Sallagnac, Terrason, and other walled Towns of Perigord, by the Prince's Troops; the Soldiery overran all the Country, to the great damage of that Province. The Marquis of Pompodor, Lieutenant of the Province of Limosin, gathering together some of the King's Troops, and divers Gentlemen encountered the enemies near to the Village St. Robert, in the County of Again, defeated and destroyed them, and so delivered the Country from the continual molestation of these Soldiers, who were the more licentious by reason they wanted their pay, and were dissatisfied with the Princes themselves whom they served. The Town of Montignac, maintaining itself in its due obedience to the King, did incommodate all they could the Prince's forces, who lost the Castle of Surin and other places, which either rendered voluntarily, or were gained by the force of Arms, whereby those of their party being reduced to straight terms, the greater part of them were persuaded by others example to return to their due obedience.  
To these favourable events in Guienne, seconded by other prosperous successes of the King's party, was added the engagement upon the 28. of February in the Narrow Seas, between the English and Hollanders, each party glorying to have had the advantage; but seeing there was no great difference in the loss of Vessels, the Victory remained undecided, so that the English being busied in this new War, they were not in a posture to embrace those resolutions, which if they had been free, they might have taken, to encourage the seditious in Bourdeaux, and thereby have notably prejudiced the Crown of France, which certainly might have been reduced to great straits if on the one side being assaulted by the powerful forces of the King of Spain, and shaken by intestine troubles, it had been also on the other side set upon by the English; but the propitious fate of France, subordinate to the benign Will of God, who disposeth of all things according to the Rule of his divine Providence, preserved in these disasters that most Christian Kingdom, from the dangerous Erterprises of that Nation, which differing in Religion and manners, would have found a fit opportunity of putting France into a very great disorder; but they governing themselves by violent means, took resolutions very much different from what was suspected; so that confounding themselves they gave occasion to the Royal Authority to recover its strength, letting the disobedient want forces, and those who sought by their Factions and Cabals to disturb and overturn all, This was the War against the Hollanders, to the promoting of which Cardinal Mazarine did so much contribute by his secret Managements and Arts, considering the damages the English might do the French without such a diversion. Not to interrupt by a digression the thread of our discourse: we shall only touch upon the principal motives of this War.  
After the Parliament of England had made themselves Masters of that Kingdom, and with their victorious Arms also overcome the Kingdoms of Scotland and Ireland, they endeavoured to keep themselves armed, and to exercise themselves with foreign wars, now that the Civil were at an end. Having learned this good Maxim of State, to keep open in their own body the necessary Preservative of a Cautery, whereby to purge out the boiling and malignity of the peccant humours.  
It happened then that wanting lawful cause to break with France, and held back by divers Reasons of State, no less then by the Arts of Mazarine, who made appear his marvellous parts in dealing so dexterously with a Nation so ill affected to the French, they betook themselves to a War with Holland, which having a glorious reputation at Sea, seemed not a little to obscure the ancient splendour of the redoubted and irresistible power of the English.  
Besides, the natural emulation of bordering Nations, the secret and artificial encouragement of the Neighbouring Kingdoms, did promote these thoughts, who observing with an ill eye two powerful Republics on each hand, they could not but suspect those sudden Growths of States well furnished with Sea-forces. The English took their pretext from the Herring-Fishing, which the Hollanders used with great gain every year in the Orcadeses in the North of Scotland.  
They pretended that the Hollanders had usurped this Fishing-trade by the negligence of their King, to the great detriment of the public, and therefore not to be tolerated by a Nation, that for so many Ages held the principal dominion of the Ocean. On the contrary, the States of the United Provinces maintained, that by long possession and ancient custom their right was sufficiently lawful, and established with just reason; especially it being never known that the English passed into those seas to fish.  
This was the motive, for which both parties beginning to arm, the one to pretend custom, the other an exemption from paying custom, and to preserve their right, they came at length to an open breach, to the great prejudice of both their interests, for their chiefest subsistence consisting in Trade and Navigation, which being interrupted, they found the War reciprocally destructive and pernicious, but especially to Holland, which being confined to a narrow Compass of ground, with an infinite of people, their greatest wealth depends upon the Sea. To these Reasons derived from State-interest, and particular profit, were added other causes also touching Punctilios of Reputation, the English pretending they had been affronted by the Hollanders in divers occasions, and principally in the Massacre of their Ambassador Doctor Dorislaws at the Hague, killed by the English of the King's party, and by the Adherents of the Prince of Orange. To this they joined other Grievances, concerning the death of several of their Nation slain at Amboina, where they had settled themselves, the Hollanders being jealous of the Commerce of the Indies, from which they drew great emoluments. The Quarrel began upon the meeting of some English Vessels with some Hollanders, about the compliment of striking sale. The Hollanders sent over Adrian Paw Extraordinary Ambassador famous for the Treaty of Munster, managed by him with the Spaniards; but he in stead of bringing things to a good end rather exasperated the minds of the English, so that the business going on to be decided by arms, much against the wishes of those of Amsterdam especially, who desired to withdraw themselves from the dependence on the House of Orange; The States of Holland were much perplexed; but nevertheless, by their fresh and multiplied Victories obtained against the power of Spain, having raised their fame to that height, that they were generally feared and esteemed; and having made so advantageous a Peace with the Catholic King, they resolved not to prejudice their reputation by yielding to the threats and pretensions of England, and therefore made little account of giving satisfaction to that Parliament; but providing for the War, they set out a numerous Fleet, so that every one preparing for Hostility, many Merchants were taken and lost on both sides; and at length the Fleets meeting of above one hundred Ships a piece, there followed divers Battles and Sea-fights, with reciprocal damage, so that each pretending to the Victory, no certain decision could be made on't, the losses and victories consisting in the number of Vessels that were destroyed on either side, which never hindered them from returning to Sea again, ready for a new Engagement. But the Hollanders were very sensible of the loss of their Admiral Trump, a Person of great value, and of great experience in Maritine Affairs, and much troubled that several Vessels had not performed their duty, by reason they had not the Standard of the Prince of Orange, to whom a great part of the Fleet showed themselves much affected, to the particular disgust of those of Amsterdam, jealous and no good friends to that House. The Court of France taking the opportunity of these differences, applied themselves to secure Guienne and Bourdeaux, a City above all others disposed to Rebellion; for the reduction of which, Mazarine made all necessary preparations; and therefore besides the sending of the French Fleet into the Garonne, and the advancing of forces from all parts into that Province: he gave himself to make Overtures of reconciliation with divers persons, to see if it were possible to terminate that War, rather by fair means then by Arms, which being among their own people and subjects, wheresoever the Victory fell it would turn to loss.  
The designs of the Cardinal went on prosperously, as shall be related hereafter, not only in these parts but in others also; in the mean time he did not fail to act vigorously in Champagne, to ease the Country of the enemy's Troops where they lay quartered. He went to the Army which was reinforced with divers troops, took Barleduc, and having passed the River of Aisne, attached Chasteau-Porcien, where the Sieur de Brisson commanded, with a strong Garrison of old soldiers, which rendered the place very considerable, especially it being then the midst of Winter, a season improper far Armies to lie in the field.  
This difficulty was surmounted by the affectionate and accurate assistance of the Cardinal, so that all labour and hardship seemed light to the soldiery, who endured it with as great resolution as they served and followed him with affection. In seven days he took Chasteau-Porcien, & had also taken Rhetel and Saint Menhaut if the season had been less sharp; and if the Prince of Conde had not opportunely reinforced them with a great number of Soldiers, wherefore the Cardinal gave over the thought of them, and having put the army into winter quarter's made towards Paris being often importuned by their Majesties.  
He was met by the King himself and the Duke of Anjou two leagues out of the City; His Majesty received him with extraordinary tenderness and affection; took him into his own Coach, and coming in at St. Denis Gate, conducted him through a great throng of people to the Lovure.  
The Cardinal took up his Lodgings there, to be nearer, as first Minister of State, to His Majesty, he was presently visited by the Body of the Townhouse, and by all the other Orders and Magistrates; who declared their acknowledgement for many singular advantages received through his care, and that all France was obliged to the conduct of so great a Minister, expressing their joy for his happy return. Though many thought that how much the more kind they were in outward appearance, so much the more corrupted they were in reality, there being no greater malice than that which is hid under the mask of dissimulation. Yet I who have procured with much accurateness and long experience, to instruct myself in the knowledge of ●he nature of those persons of whom I write, can say to the glory of France, not to have found any Nation less addicted to dissimulation then this, which being free and frank of speech, thinks little of what is to come; and nothing of what is past. Whosoever shall consider the contempts and abuses done in Paris to the name of the Cardinal in the month of September 1652. and shall compare them with the honours and welcome he received in the month of February 1653. will perceive, that the Fine of fifty thousand Crowns, which was set upon his head, with all the reproaches & ignominies, with which his reputation was wounded, were nothing else but the effect of passion which being prudently dissembled by Mazarine, served him afterwards to fortify his right and good intentions, and rendered him triumphant over his persecutions, making his Ministry still more glorious.  
The same Evening the King caused him to sup with him, in the Apartment of the Marshal de Villeroy; and that night was signalised with a great number of Bonfires in the City the next morning, as he came from Mass he cast a quantity of money amongst the people, as he had done the day before in those places where he passed; and after he had received the Visits of the chief of the Court, and of other persons, of all sorts and conditions, he applied himself to the most important Affairs of the Crown.  
On the 3. of February, being the same day which he entered Paris he brought with him his three Nieces which were met out of the gate of St. Honoré by the Pincesse of Carignan, Lovise her daughter by the marshal de Guebrian's Lady, by the marchioness of Ampous and many other ladies of quality. These Ladies were lodged also in the Lovure in an apartment by themselves, over the Queen's Lodgings.  
The King had not conferred any Office or Charge, either Ecclesiastical or Secular, since his Return, although there were many vacant, and a great number of Pretenders, willing to stay for the Cardinal, and give him the honour of confering them: He was exactly informed of the deservings of each particular person, so that keeping every one in hopes to receive rewards proportionably to their worth, he rendered them more ready and zealous to the King's service.  
The King had passed the Edicts of the new Impositions, and dispatched all other things which might sound less grateful in the ears of the people; lest that doing them after the Cardinal's return, they should seem to be suggested by the Minister of State, against whom they might renew the pretences of those fault, which formerly though wrongfully, they had laid to his change; so that the Cardinal, by His Majesty's special favour, having the disposal of the Benefices of the Church and divers other offices of the Court and Kingdom, he began presently to distribute them to those he judged most deserving, and most fit to be employed in His Majesty's service; detaining a considerable part vacant to keep those that remained at that time, excluded in hopes and obedience, knowing by experience that the French are as ready to serve when they hope to be recompensed, as negligent to perform, when they have obtained their desires.  
He conferred the office of Superintendant of the Finances, vacant by the death of the Marquis of Vieville, upon the a count de Servient Minister of State who had deserved well of the Crown, being very cordial in the King's service, and grown aged in the course of many useful negotiations, to whom he joined the Sieur de Fouquet Procurator General, who was also made Minister of state, a person of great worth for his constant fidelity towards the King, whom in all things, but particularly in the removal of the Parliament to Pontoise he had served with great zeal, so that at this time there was two Superintendants of the Finances in France as also a Chancellor and a Keeper of the Seal, which though it seemed strange yet had been practised at other times, and namely, under the ministry of Cardinal Richelieu.  
To these Superintendants were joined four Intendants of the same Finances, who were the Sieurs de Paget, de Boisleve, de Hausset, and the Brisaciers, besides this, he gave good orders for the payment of the King's revenues, to the relief and satisfaction of the Farmers, and Cardinal Antonio Barberin coming to Paris at this time, the dignity of great Almoner of France was conferred upon him, Vacant by the death of Cardinal Richilieu Archbishop of Lions. This was done by Mazarin to make his gratitude the more conspicuous, and to oblige him he conferred it on, more straight to the Crown, esteeming his assistance in Rome necessary for the Interest of France, since that Cardinal Francisco his brother had given some jealousy of his intentions having lately done some ill offices in his tart Letters to His Majesty touching the direction of the Government.  
It was discoursed at Court, that Barbarin had changed his first inclinations, having been gained by the Pope and the Spaniards, upon the hopes of having the Ecclesiastical Revenues of Naples and Sicily, restored to him, and the money seized upon in Rome by the Chamberlains when the Pope pretended to ruin the family of the Barberines', by forcing them to an account.  
The Pope was inclined to a reconciliation with the Barberines', because having not long to live, he thought it not convenient to leave his Kindred at variance with these great persons, who were still very powerful in Rome; the Spaniards also concurred herein, thereby to disengage this Family from their dependence on France, that they might not oppose them in the Election of a New Pope.  
Cardinal Francisco cherishing himself (as was supposed) with these hopes, complained, having no other pretence, that they made little account of him in France, seeing that Cardinal Mazarine had married his Niece to the Duke of Mercoeur, without concerning himself to find out a Match for the Princess Lucretia Barberini, at which he manifested so much displeasure, that he sent his Nephew the Abbot Don Maffeo to Lions, to bring away, privately, the said Princess, and the Prince Don Carlo Praefect of Rome into the Country of Vicenza in Italy, which was done while Cardinal Antonio was at Paris, without his having the least inkling of it.  
This resolution seemed strange in France, and the more, because the same Cardinal Barbarine had sent his Cousin Colonel Vaini, a Person of great value and esteem, some years before into France, to ratify the Espousals betwixt that Prince and his said Niece.  
After this uniting of Cardinal Barberin with the Pope, to engage that family to him by a straighter Tie, a Marriage was concluded between Don Maffeo Barbarine, at that time Abbot, and a Grand Niece of his Holiness, in consideration of which, the Prince Governor was promoted to the Cardinalship, who renounced his Primogeniture to his Brother Bridegroom, as hereafter shall be said.  
FINIS.   

THE TABLE.  

A.  
Angers in Arms page 155  
Archbishop of Roven deputed to Court. page 157  
Assembly of the Citizens of Paris. page 172  
Army of the Princes at Estampes. page 175  
Encamped betwixt St. Clou and Furenne. page 218  
Assembly at the Palace-Royal. page 349.  
Gives great disturbance to the Prince's page 347   

B.  
Brisac put into the King's hands. page 326  
The Battle in the Surburbs of St. Anthony page 230  
Barcelona rendered to the Spaniards. page 415   

C.  
Cardinal Mazarine his Birth 1 His Voyage into Spain. 2. He betakes himself to the Wars. 3. Makes a Relation of the Affairs of the Valtoline. 5. Endeavours to put himself in the Barberins' service, ib. Returns to his Studies, 6. Goes to Milan with Sacchetti, ib. Returns to Rome, 8. is sent back to Cardinal Antonio, 9 treats with the Count de Collalto, ib. He captivates the affection of the Duke of Savoy 11. Chasteauneuf banished Paris 433 Chavigny endeavours to make his Peace with Mazarine 380 his death 383 Counsellor Brussel lays down his office of Prevost of Merchants 346. Cardinal de Retz deputed to the King 328 The City begins to treat with the Court 338 Casal delivered to the Duke of Mantua 416 Cardinal Mazarine his Advice to the King 318 His return to Paris. 477 His Artifices to render the Prince's odious to the parisians 292 his Plots to to reduce Bourdeaux 451 Contrives the Imprisonment of Cardinal de Retz 435 He goes to the Camp 432 Endeavours to gain those of the contrary party 423 Cardinal Antonio Barbarin Legate à Latere for the Peace 8 Protector of France 27 Sends Mazarine to Spinola 16 Cardinal Francisco Barberine complains of Mazarine 21 Grows jealous of him 27 Cardinal Richlieu takes an affection to Mazarine 12 Conspiracy of the Duke of Beaufort against Mazarine 45 Cardinal de Sancta Cicilia, Viceroy of Catalonia 48 The Coadjutor of Paris, and the Count de Chavigny envy Mazarins' fortune 60 Commotions at Bourdeaux quieted 87 Cardinal Mazarine sent to the Court of France 11 treats with Cardinal Richlieu ib. He begins to render good Offices to the French, treats with Spinola ib. passes into Savoy to the King of France 14 after the death of Spinola he propounds a Suspension of Arms 18 Concludes the Peace 19 treats secretly with the Duke of Savoy to deliver Pignerol to the French 20 Enters into the service of Cardinal Antonio 23 is made his Auditor ib. is sent Nuntio Extraordinary into France, ib. gains the Affections of the French Ministers of State 24 is recalled to Rome 25 the King of France recalls him to Paris 28 Nominates him to the Cardinalship 29 Flempotentiary for France at the Treaty of Munster 30 Extraordinary Ambassador into Savoy ib. is made Cardinal 32 Extraordinary Honour conferred on him, he causes the Command of the Army to be conferred to the Dukeed Anguien 35 Godfather to the Dolphin 38 He endeavours to confirm the Alliance with the foreign Princes 40 He draws the Princes of Este to the French Faction 49 His good Offices to the Barberins 52 Endeavours to preserve the friendship of England 61 His dissimulation with Conde 72 His Art to draw the three Princess together ib. He endeavours to quiet Bourdeux 78 He leaves Paris 103 Arrives at Haure de Grace 102 Departs the Kingdom 105 He is complemented by several Princes 112 endeavours to divide the Princes and the Frondeurs 113 Recalled by the King 126 Returns into France with an Army 142 is kindly received by the King 151 Endeavours to gain the Duke of Lorain 187 Raises discord among those at Bourdeaux 414 He encourageth the Court of Savoy to persist in their Union with France 421 Great commotions in Paris 130 Chafteauneuf chief Minister 132 retires from Court 156 The Count de Servient recalled to Court 158 the Count de Chavigny and others dispatched to Court 177 consternation of the parisians upon the retreat of the Duke of Lorain 217 The Cardinal de Retz hinders the Peace 242 The Court resolves to destroy the Army of the Princes 228 The Court of Aids assemble at Pontoise 338 The Colonels of Paris go to the King. page 386   

D.  
The Duke of Angoulesm imprisoned 311 Duke of Orleans Lieutenant General of the Crown 286 The death of the Duke of Bovillon 226 Designs of the Cardinal the Retz 324 The Duke of Nemours slain by the Duke de Beaufort 295 Duke of Beaufort invites the people to assemble at the Place-Royal 208 Made Governor of Paris 258 renounces his Government 385 The Duke of Savoy complains of Spinola 14 the Duke of Lorain stopped going out of Paris 387 Duchess of Cheureuse disgusted with the Prince of Conde 68 Divers Lords banished Paris 406 Disturbances in divers parts of the Kingdom 76 Duke of Wittenbergs baggage plundered 359 Duchess of Cheureuse undertakes to free the Princes 81 Duke de Mercoeur marries the Cardinal's Niece 126 His Marriage questioned in Parliament 127 Decrees of the Parliament against the Cardinal 132 Death of the Count of Chavigny 135 Designs of the Coadjutor 145 Difference betwixt the Duke of Beaufort and Nemours 160 The Duke of Lorain marches into France 187 Dunkirk taken by the Spaniards 299 A dispute betwixt the Citizens and Soldiers 317   

E.  
Exceptions against the Amnesty page 313  
Endeavours to take off the Duke of Orleans from Conde page 316   

F.  
The Frondeurs of Bourdeux divided into two Factions 222 French Fleet in the Garonne page 462   

G.  
A General Pardon granted by the King 311 the Guards of the Duke of Beaufort stopped the Gates of Paris page 363   

H.  
Hoquincourt routed page 164   

K  
King of Spain takes away Spinola's command 15 The King draws near Paris 170 His Army at St. Denys 226 His Answer to Nesmond 272 Gives the Cardinal leave to depart 304 His Letters to the Colonels of Paris 354 His Answer to the Deputies of the City 357 His Answer to the Duke of Orleans his Letter 390 He comes to Paris 398 His Answer to the Deputies from the City. page 233   

L.  
Losses of the French in Catalonia. page 90   

M.  
Metz, Tul and Verdun confirmed to France 44 Marshal de Turenne advances against the Duke of Lorain 185 Mazarine studies to quiet the people 242 The Marshal de l' Hospital his words to the Duke of Orleans 248 threatens the fellow that presented him the straw 250 Mademoiselle quiets the people 256 Manifesto of the Assembly at the Palace-Royal 351 Mazarine foments the War betwixt England and Holland 470 his Progress in Champagne page 476   

N.  
New disturbances at Bourdeux page 413   

O.  
Orbitello besieged by the French page 50   

P.  
The Princes conducted to Haure de de Grace 89 The Pope disbands his Troops in the Valtoline 4 Satisfied with Mazarines' Relation 8 Progress of the French in Flander 46 in Italy 48 Plombino and Porto Longone taken by the French 52 Three of the Parliament of Paris imprisoned 58 Paris besieged by the Kings 60 Prince of Conde dissatisfied with Mazarine 64 displeased with the Frondeurs 67 The three Princes imprisoned 74 Prince of Conty promiseth to marry the Princess of Cheureuse 84 Princes freed from Prison 102 Paris alarmed upon the Cardinals March 130 The Prince's Army endeavours to hinder the King's Passage 159 Prince of Conde comes to the Army 161 parisians exclaim, against the Cardinal 166 Prince of Conde received with joy at Paris 169 The Parliament of Paris send Deputies to the King 180 The Princes desire Aid of the Spaniards 186 The Precedent Nesmond deputed to the King 195 the people incensed against the Parliament 213 The four Proposals of the Duke of Orleans to the Parliament 259 Parliament of Tholouse declare against that of Paris 291 The parisians complain of the Prince 294 The Parliament removed to Pontoise 300 That at Paris declared unlawful 305 Prince Thomas of Savoy chief Minister in Mazarines' absence 308 Prince of Conde sends to take the Cardinal Prisoners 310 The Perisiens weary of the War 327 The Prince of Conde leaves Paris 388 Prince Thomas advises the King to go to Paris 393 Precedent Brussel stays privately in Paris 411 Progress of the Prince of Conde's Army in Champagne 430 The Parliament at Pontoise return to Paris 396 The Preachers in Bourdeaux persuade the people to Loyalty 463 Parliament of Bourdeaux removed to Again 464 Progress of the Royalists in Guienne page 466   

Q.  
The Queen of France anualls the Kings Will 38 Queen of England visits the Duchess of Orleans page 407   

R.  
Roses in Catalonia relieved by the French 490 Royalists assault St. Clou page 183   

S.  
The Spaniards retire from the Siege of Casal page 10  
Spinola made Governor of Milan. ibid.  
Surprise of Mantua page 14  
The Spaniards complain of the French for putting forces into Casal 19 open enemies to Mazarine 20 They invited the Parifiens to a Treaty of Peace 85 Servient, Tellier and Lionne retire from Court 122 The Spaniards take Gravelling and Irino 168 The sedition begun at the Townhouse 250 Succours out of Flanders to the Prices 262 A Sea-fight betwixt the French and Spaniards 297 The Spanish Army marches to Paris 323 Several imprisoned at Bourdeux page 458   

T.  
Tumults in Guienne 78 Tumults in Provence quieted by the Duke of Mercoeur 223 Turenne discamps from Villeneufve St. George page 377   

W.  
War betwixt England and Holland. page 467   
FINIS.   

ERRATA.  
PAGE 2. line 21. deal so that p. 44. l. 2. deal yet. l. 17. did p. 46. l. 1. at the treat. ib and saved. p 70. l. 19 deal that. p. 91. l. 5. deal the p 100 l. 25. not to give. p. ●02. l. 1 lo●●ate. p. 116. l. 4. gain. p. 117. l. 1. pretensions. p. 118. l. 6, the Court p. 129. l. 15. skirting. p 113. l. 3. of some p. 136. l. 17. laughed at. p. 137. l. 15. disposition. l. 18 could not be. p. 183. l. 25. made. p. 189 l. 10. deal him. p. 192 l. 24 said, p. 193, l 1. ready. p. 208. l. 1 (,) l. 14. place. p. 210. l. 15. Place. p. 223. l 5. presence. p. 229 l. 18. Passed. ib. l. 18. Parifiens. p. 252. l. 23. defended. p. 261 l, 14. deal and, p. 263. l. 3. deal his. p. 271. l. 4. of so. p. 310 l. 13. Ministers. p 317. l 22. and. p. 320. l. 21. Mose, quit. p. 338. l. 5. deal which. p. 343. l. 25. Reghenet p. 358. l. 2 nigh to Paris. p 380. l. 9 deal and. p. 409. l. 18. deal of. p. 427. l. 2. Prince. p. 430. l. 21. deal was. p. 433. l. 15. Conty. p. 434, l. 7, itself. l. 25. not. p. 338. l. 23. not p. 444. l. 21. them. p 461. l. 23. deal him. p. 44. l, 16. Merchantmen. p 476. l. 22. at.   

THE HISTORY OF THE MANAGEMENTS OF Cardinal JULIO MAZARINE Chief MINISTER of STATE of the Crown of FRANCE. Written in Italian by Count Galeazzo Gualdi Priorato. And Translated according to the Original. In the which Are Related the Principal Successes Happened from the Beginning of his Management of Affairs till his Death.  
Tom. I. Part II.  
LONDON, Printed by H. Lloyd for George Calvert and Sam Sprint at the Ball in Duck-lane, and Christopher Wilkinson at the black Boy, over against St. Dunstan's Church in Fleetstreet. 1672.   

THE HISTORY of Cardinal JULIO MAZARINE. Part II. Lib. I.  
THE YEAR 1652. concluding with worse Fortune and Success to the Crown of France, than it had begun; Cardinal Mazarine being triumphantly returned to Paris with the universal Applause (either true or pretended) of the People and Parliament itself, which had treated him so ignominiously not long before; and wounded his reputation with so many extravigant injuries, applied himself with great diligence to the continuation of the Government, as well in its Politic, as Military Authority, endeavouring both by his Negotiations and his Arms, not only to reduce the disobedient and seditious Towns that were in rebellion at home, but to purge the Kingdom of all Foreign Armies, and restore it to its primitive Potency and Grandeur.  
Proceeding therefore in his Preparations for War, the Cardinal in the first place caused several sums of money to be paid to the Colonels and Captains of the old Troops for their Recruits, and Commissions to be given out for new Levies; he thought it necessary likewise to entertain a Squadron of Germane Horse, as Persons very proper for his Incampments, and constant to the Party in which they engage, to that end he dispatched the Count de Nantueil, Monsieur Milet, Monsieur Gontier, Monsieur Gravelle and others into Germany with ready money, as likewise the Counts de Grandprè, and Beaujeu, into the Country of Liege.  
And because of the loss of Casal, and the Preparations for War which the Spaniards made in the State of Milan, (where great Recruits were expected, as well from Naples as Germany) Piedmont was so dangerously threatened, that the Duke of Savoy by his rieterated solicitations, pressed hard for considerable supplies, or else to be permitted to enter into a Neutrality with Spain; the Court of France dispatched into Piedmont 4500 Foot, and 1500 Horse, which arrived happily in the Month of May at Anon, as an insorcement to the French Troops already in those parts under the Command of Count de Quincy, till the Arrival of a Marshal of France, who was expected every day.  
And because the Spaniard continued the Negotiations which were begun long before with the Duke of Savoy, to gain him to their party, or at least reduce him to a Neutrality, by their advantageous Exhibitions, to which a Minister of that Court appeared to be inclined; The King sent Monsieur de Plessis Besanzon his Lieutenant General, with the Title of one of his Gentlemen, to all the Princes of Italy, to Negotiate about the present Affairs of those parts.  
In execution therefore of his Orders, Besanzon advanced with great diligence to Turin, from whence, Having assured the Duke that his Majesty would maintain the Treaty of Chirasco, that he would defend Piedmont, always protect that State, and cause an Army with considerable Commanders to march immediately thither; to that purpose he proceeded to Casal, where he found the Duke of Mantua at that time, and being received with the honours usually exhibited to the King's Ambassador, he contracted his business into two Points. One was, that His Majesty should be satisfied about the interest of Casal, and that that place should be put into a condition, not to be surprised, exchanged, or fall any other way into the hands of the Spaniard. The other was, about the pretences the Ministers of Spain might make under the name of the said Duke of Mantua to Montferrat, which was then in possession of Savoy, forasmuch as His most Christian Majesty wa● ready to deposit the sum contained in the Treaty of Chirasco, for th● discharge of the House of Savo  
To these two Propositions the Duke reply●d, That he esteemed the coming of the said Monsieur du Plessis as a particular favour, not doubting but he (as a prudent person) would apprehend the necessity which obliged him to possess himself of those places, and be persuaded, that by no accident whatever, he should be alienated from that devotion, which upon so many reasons and obligations his Highness professed to His most Christian Majesty; so he hoped also on the Other side, he would show himself so courteous, as to convince His said Majesty, that he was resolved to hazard his own life and estate, and the lives and estates of all his subjects, before he would suffer the Spaniards or any other to make themselves Master of the said places. That it might possibly be, the money for the payment of the Garrison might come out of the Coffers of the King of Spain, which yet was more than he knew; but however, he protested he received it as coming from the Empress his Aunt, and her Sister, under whose Authority that Treaty was concluded.  
That whenever he should be repossessed of that part of the estate, which the House of Savoy, with manifest injustice detained from him, and might freely make use of those Rents, as he had formerly done: and as he had often protested against the Treaties, which were never consented to by the House of Mantua, as being too much to its prejudice, he would maintain that Garrison himself without the assistance of any one, and therefore he conceived in that respect it would have been more proper for him to have been sent to the Court of Savoy, to have interposed his Majesty's Authority there, and caused them without further expostulation, to have restored what so unjustly they detained, then to address himself to his Highness, who would be more ready to embrace ways of Amity and Peace, then of Violence and War, which he knew would disturb the quiet of all Italy, so much desired and endeavoured by the House of Mantua, which would clearly appear to whoever would impartially look back, and consider who they were which did really interrupt it; and at length he told him that he could not in reason accept of the sum he was offered, seeing he had not only not consented to, but opposed the aforesaid Treaties; and besides, the said sums would fall much short of what was due, by reason of the advantages had been made of the rents of it, since the House of Savoy had it in their hands.  
Du Plessis had declared before, both to the Duke, and the Marquis de la Val, his Highness' prime Minister, that they could not satisfy France any other way, but by putting the affairs of Casal and Monferrat in the same condition they were in, before his Highness made use of the Spaniards to cause the French to march out. But perceiving by their Answers, both by word of mouth and in writing, that that instance was in vain, and believing it would be sufficient for His Majesty (considering the importance of the place) if it were well fortified and provided with a Garrison independent on the Spaniards, and able to keep them out upon any pretence whatsoever; he proposed, that to satisfy those ends if it were possible, That half the Garrison should consist of the subjects of the said Duke, and the other half of Swisses, raised in the Catholic Cantons, That all of them should remain under the Command and Authority of his Highness. That one half of them should be paid by His most Christian Majesty, and the other half by the Princes and Potentates of Italy, his Allies, and such as were most interested in that Affair: He considered this Expedient would be a great ease to the Duke's Treasures, till a General Peace could be concluded betwixt the two Crowns; upon such conditions as should be proper to draw his Highness out of the necessity (in which he was at that time) of taking money of the Spaniards, which was a thing much to the dishonour of those who had so often defended that place against them, and might at length produce inconveniences absolutely repugnant to the quiet and security of the said Duke and his subjects.  
John Coexens, Secretary to the Empress Leonora, whom she had sent Post with all possible diligence, to the end he might in her behalf, and in the name of the Empress Regnant, superintend the said Treaty, was arrived, and at that time present in the Court.  
Whereupon the Duke, having communicated the aforesaid Propositions with him, he replied, That his Highness' Aunt and her Sister, would have no small reason to complain, if, after his Catholic Majesty had passed his Royal word, that all things should always be maintained in the free disposition of his Highness, and they received that Promise as a great Obligation, he should have recourse to other persons for the subsistence of his Troops, and demonstrate so little faith and confidence in his Majesty, whose interest it was to conserve his Family and his Estate: To this Coexens added, That it would be taken ill from his Highness, if while he received Investiture for Montferrat from his Imperial Majesty, he should receive into the places depending upon it, either Garrison or money from any other Prince, without the Privity and Consent of the said Emperor, and the rather, because the aforesaid Empresses, his Aunt and her Sister were his Sureties in that Affair.  
At length all the Duke's Answers were reduced to one Point, which was this, That if the Estates which were taken from him, and possessed by the House of Savoy were restored, and all the rents which belonged to them, he should be able without assistance from any person to secure and preserve those places himself. But Monsieur du Plessis, who foresaw that would be the most ready and the most proper Answer could be given, was not however satisfied with his Answer, though, as the Duke told him, he doubted not but upon a prudent and serious reflection he would approve it, and according to his accustomed courtesy represent it to the King, adding a thousand Professions of the Obsequiousness and Devotion he intended always to preserve for his Majesty.  
Du Plessis was not at all satisfied with his Answers, and therefore finding his Propositions desperate, having received many honours, and demonstration of esteem as to his person, but refused the Presents which the Duke out of his Generosity designed for him, departing from Casal, he returned to Turin, from whence he gave the King an account of his Negotiation; From Turin he was conducted to Genoa, here he transacted with that state to their mutual satisfaction; from thence he went to Parma, and Modena, and having managed his Affairs there with the same good success, he arrived at Venice the 24. of July.  
The substance of his Negotiation was, to let the Princes of Italy know of what importance it was to them to have Pignerol conserved in the hands of the French; That the Treaty of Chirasco should be observed, and that satisfaction should be given to His most Christian Majesty, by the Duke of Mantua, in reference to the Affair of Casal, to prevent those disorders which would be pernicious to the quiet and liberty of Italy, if his most Christian Majesty, should be constrained to transport his Arms into the very heart of Lombardy, as without their compliance he would be necessitated to do.  
The Marshal Turenne was confirmed in the Command of his Army against the Spaniards in Flanders; for his Lieutenant-Generals he had deputed the Marquis de Uxelles, the Count de Beaujeu, the Sieurs de Castelneau, and the Saint Maur, all brave persons, of great experience and renown. There were designed likewise 7500 Horse and Foot for Rossiglion and Catalonia, under the Command of Marshal Hoqiuncourt; and at last, after several Negotiations, by the intercession of the Bishop of Xaintes, he prevailed upon the Count de Ognon, to resign the Governments of the Country of Aunis, the Isles of Oleron and the, and the strong Town of Brovages, which he held as the Queen's Lieutenant-General, upon the paying him 3000 Francs, and delivering a Patent to be Duke, Pair and Marshal of France.  
The Reasons upon which this person was brought to this resignation was this, That not being able to stand upon his own legs, he must have been constrained to have thrown himself under the Protection of Spain, or of England, or return to his obedience to his Majesty; so that foreseeing discreetly, he should at last become a prey to those who had undertaken his defence, and considering that it is the property of a wise man to prevent other people, and not attend till they be circumvented themselves, and to return with security to his own Country, and obedience to his natural Sovereign, rather than plunge his Name and Family in perpetual Infamy, he resolved to surrender all into His Majesty's hands.  
The Lieutenancy of all these Governments was confirmed upon Monsiëur d' Estrades, a Person of tried integrity and experience.  
The Lieutenancy of Brovage was given to Monsieur Champfleury; that of Oleron to Monsieur de St. Leonard; the Fort of Preda in the Isle of the to the Sieur de Louches, and the Towers of Rochel to Sieur de Aunais, all four the Cardinal's Confidents, with whose contrivances Fortune very courteously corresponding, by his success, and his wisdom together, he managed things so well, the effects still rendered his Actions most commendable and glorious.  
Mazarine was in the mean time contriving all ways most probable to reduce the minds of the discontented, by gentle rather than by violent means; he heaped up great Treasures of money for the payment of the Soldiers, and for the carrying on of the War. The Recruits of the old Troops, and the Levies of new, were not small, nor difficult, in respect that the reputation of the Cardinal among the Soldiers prevailed over any interest whatever, they applying themselves with effectual diligence to such ways as might render them grateful, and enable them to merit his favour, which was so exceedingly desired by them all: and this was the cause, that by their fidelity and assistance he undertook such Erterprises, and succeeded contrary to the opinions of those who were emulous of his honour.  
The principal design of the Cardinal, was to calm all intestine Agitations, and reunite the distracted minds of the French; and considering, that restoring France to its former Amity and Obsequiousness to its King, there would be no further apprehension of any Foreign Power, he addressed himself therefore with the utmost of his industry and his Arms, to reduce Guienne to its duty, not omitting what correspondences he could make with the inhabitants of the Town of Bourdeaux, with several of which he treated to that purpose: In the mean time, he gave peremptory Orders, that the River called the Garonne, which passes by that City, should be stopped up, to the end, that perceiving all succour excluded, all Commerce intercepted, and the King's Army encompassing the Town, they might be terrified into a surrender, without the hazard of fight.  
The Duke of Vendosme with his Fleet, possessed himself of the Passes upon the River, and by building of Forts in places of most importance, and with his Forces by land, had already beaten off the Prince's Troops from several Posts; upon which it was resolved in His Majesty's Council, to transmit a new Amnesty to the Citizens of that Town, to let them understand, that notwithstanding the advantages the King had, which rendered affairs almost secure and infallible, yet such was his gracious clemency, that he stood always with his Arms open to receive them again into his favour, who had so ungratefully offended him.  
This Amnesty was published and registered in the Parliament, transferred to Again, upon which divers Assemblies were held in Bourdeaux, in which the most moderate declared themselves very sensibly for their Country, making it plain and palpable, in what damages and dangers those subjects would find themselves involved, who established the Fabric of their contumacy and disobedience upon the foundation of foreign assistance; but the incentives o● ambition, and the temerity of th● multitude were too potent to be capable of Reason, so that they immerged themselves over head and ears in their former presumption, and more particularly those of the Olmiera, who perverting the Counsels of the good Citizens, and calling them unfaithful, who with more fidelity and reason prosecuted the advantage of the Public, they rejected all their Counsels and Advice, threatening those who spoke any thing to the contrary, insulting the more, by how much they would have them persuaded that the said Propositions were rather an effect of the weakness of the King's Power, then of the sincerity of his heart.  
They believed their best support was that which was promised ●hem by the Spaniard, who with their money and their insinuations, gained daily upon the Principals of ●hat Counsel and Faction. They presumed likewise, that the English would not neglect so favourable an occasion of improving their interests in the divisions of France, and assisting that City, which was upon the point of establishing itself into a Commonwealth, like another Rochel. They hoped the Prince of Condy, with his Flanders Army would be able to force his way to the very gates of Paris, and give them so strong a diversion in those parts, that the King's forces would not be strong enough to do any thing there, where the Princess, the Prince of Conty, and the Duchess of Longueville with their presence, gave so great lustre to the darkness which overspread the Town.  
These Considerations were very plausible; and their fair Show had a great power to effacinate the eyes, even of Prudence itself, so that the spirits of the people were become so obstinately perverse, that the reestablishment of the King's Authority in those parts, was esteemed a very difficult if not an impossible thing, so strangely were they possessed of the irresistible assistance of the Spaniard, who with a vast Profusion of money, omitted no provision that might quicken that party, which was so likely to contribute to his Grandeur. But, as private interest for the most part prevails over the public, and hopes that are only grounded upon appearance, produce the least fruit, so the Bourdelots' in time found it true to their Costs. For though they dispatched their Deputies to London, to that Parliament and Cromwell, to represent of what importance it was to England to assist them at that time, and to foment the divisions in France; and though the English understood their interest well enough, and were likewise inclined to their assistance, yet those inclinations were overweighed by other reflections, relating more to their future then to their present advantage.  
The English at that time were at Wars with the Hollander, and their new Government stood upon too tottering a foundation, to embark in such mighty designs. The consideration, that the ruin of France would be the aggrandishment of Spain, (which was always a more implacable enemy to their Religion) made them recollect that a rupture with France at that time would not suit with their present affairs, in respect that the French accommodating (as probably in that case they would do) with the Crown of Spain, they would be able by a Conjunction afterwards with Holland, and by the intelligence they had with the English, who for the most part submitted to that new Government, for want of power to dispute it any longer) they might bring King Charles once more into that Kingdom, and pull that slautry and confusion upon their own backs, which they designed upon their Neighbours: whereupon their resolution being to foment the differences betwixt the two Crowns equally, and with such Artifice, that should harrase and weaken one another, and not engage themselves wholly with one, which would be the way to drive them to a Peace, the people of Bourdeaux had but small hopes of expectation of assistance from England.  
Besides these, there was another reason more secret and intrinsic than the rest; and that was a private design which Cromwell had to reform that Government, which he knew well enough, (not suiting with his designs) to be of no long duration; so that it was not convenient for him to engage in any foreign troubles, whilst the discontents and emulations at home gave him such employment both for his Counsels and Arms. Yet though Precedent Bourdeaux the French Ambassador at London assured his Master, that the English would conserve the Peace, and continue their intelligence with that Crown; nevertheless, the people of Bourdeaux did not absolutely despair, but that at length some resolution would be taken for their relief, flattering themselves, that when the peace with the Hollander (at that time in Agitation) should be concluded, and those differences composed, they would apply themselves to their interests and support.  
In the mean time the Spaniard used all possible Art to propagate their troubles, and make his advantage thereby. But his Indian Fleet being insufficient, and his Treasure at home too small to satisfy all solicitations, and maintain War in so many places; besides, the Kingdoms and States under the dominion of that Monarchy, being almost depopulate with long Wars, and by consequence unable to afford them sufficient supplies of men, they were forced to address themselves to the English for a certain number out of Ireland, which were immediately raised and transported, to evacuate that Country of such persons as were Catholics, and illaffected to the new Commonwealth. In Germany and other parts they could make no levies at all; insomuch than being uncapable of making any benefit of so benign a Conjuncture, it made the weakness of the Spaniard more than ordinarily conspicuous.  
To the reinforcement of the Prince's party 2000 Irish were sent at several times into Guienne. The Marquis of Santa Croce had Orders to refit the Navy in the Bay of Biscay, the Baron Batteville to beat up his drums for men, and to provide Ammunition and all Accommodation for their speedy return into the Garonne; besides which, large Promises, and a considerable sum of ready money was sent to Bourdeaux, and into Flanders to hasten new Levies, and reinforce those Armies, that by the assistance of the Prince of Condy and his party, they might be able to make a vigorous Inroad upon the French on that side, whilst the forces of Bourdeaux gave them strong and considerable diversion on the other.  
The money which was remitted was very welcome to those that had the good fortune to receive it; who, for the most part, misapplied it, and converted to their own, what was intended for the public use; by which means the designs and deliberations of the Catholic Court, were not only retarded, but oftimes precipitated; for being so remote from those Provinces in which the War was carried on, it could not contribute nor proportion its Recruits, according to the suddenness and variety of the Accidents which happened; an inconvenience of great importance to that Crown, by which the wisest and most prudent of their resolutions have been many times enervated and lost.  
To these Reasons another may be added, and that is that the Royal Council of Spain was from time to time deluded by the successive relations they received from the French in their service, who (magnifying the power and interest of their party, and vilifying that of the Kings) filled the heads even of the gravest of them, with vain and impertinent hopes, and they taking their measures accordingly, found themselves at last not only mistaken, but involved in greater difficulties than before.  
On the other side, the French being an united and entire body, able to derive Orders immediately to its several members; and being animated and directed in their affairs by Cardinal Mazarin, a Person of miraculous knowledge in the nature and interest of all Nations; no wonder, if he knew how to make his advantages, and apply remedies to the maladies of that Country, which without his Judgement and diligence, would by degrees have grown incurable.  
In the mean time then, whilst in the Court of Spain they were contriving expedients to foment the troubles in France; and in France the Cardinal was as busy to re-invigorate the declining Grandeur of that Kingdom: the Generals of the Armies on both sides, omitted no opportunities that might advance the interest of their several Princes. The Count Marcin, General for the Prince of Conde in Guienne, desirous to enlarge his Quarters, by the taking in of such places as were most easy to be attaqu'd, he commanded out Colonel Baltassar with 800 Irish, to fall upon Grenada on the Garonne in the County of Grave, as a place which would facilitate his passage into the County's of Armaniack and d' Auches: The Sieur Baz endeavoured to possess himself of a Pass upon the River called La douxand, hoping to force the Chevalier de Aubeterre to abandon those places, that he might enter with great profit and advantage to himself and his Party: Bat Monsieur de Aubeterre, having intelligence of his design, with a Party of 300 Horse, and some commanded Musquetiers, fell so furiously upon his Forlorn (which consisted of some select Horse and Foot drawn out of their Gross) that without so much as drawing a sword, they betook themselves to their heels, part of them being drowned in the River, and part taken Prisoners by the enemy.  
The inhabitants of Sarlat, being much infested by the Garrisons belonging to the Princes, took heart at this good success, and signified to the Marquis of Sovebeuf, that if he pleased to advance at a certain time with his Troops, they would receive him into the Town by a private Watercourse which ran under the Town-wall: but that design miscarrying, the Townsmen attempted to corrupt some of the Officers of the Garrison, whom they perceived discontented with their General; and having concluded an intelligence with them: they gave notice thereof to the Duke of Candale, who sending them a party of four hundred men under the Command of the Count Marin: On the 23. of May, an hour before-day, they were received by the Sieur Boreel, Advocate and Counsellor for the City, where having joined with what forces could be made in the Town, they marched immediately to the Bishop's Palace, where Chavagnac was quartered at that time. Chavagnac being awaked with the noise, leaped out of his bed, and endeavoured to escape in his shirt; but he was pursued by the Citizens and taken Prisoner. The main Guard in the Marketplace made some little defence, till the Sieur Boismale, their Lieutenant Colonel, three Captains, and other inferior Officers were slain. Chambelloy their Campmaster, della Roche their Field-Marshal, and the rest of the Officers who had barricadoed themselves up in the houses, surrendered, and voluntarily took up Arms for the King.  
This fortunate Acquisition was seconded by the taking in of several other places and walled Towns, in which the Prince's forces were quartered: so that the King's Army advancing towards Bourdeaux on all sides, and the City every day straightened more than other, the sober and more provident part of them, were in no little distraction to consider the consequences which were too likely to follow, they foresaw, that without a sudden and a vigorous supply (the King's Army increasing daily as it did) all would in a short time be reduced to the utmost extremity.  
The City of Bourdeaux was at this time capable of relief but two ways, either from England or Spain. To which end the Sieur de Couppes, and Count Marsin's Secretary were dispatched to Saint Sebastian, and from thence to the Court of Spain to solicit the performance of their Promises made for the support of those Parts, which being the most exposed of all the Provinces and Cities in France, brought Bourdeaux into a dilemma of becoming a prey to those that fought against it, or those which defended it.  
In the mean time, the Sieur de Saint Agolin had not been wanting in his solicitations in Spain, to press the dispatch of their Fleet, and the supplies of money which had been promised, and at last practised in the name of his Master the Prince of Condy, that unless a considerable sum was sent before the last of that month (which was February) he should be constrained to depart. They had already disbursed 100000 Crowns, which they had sent to Bourdeaux; but upon the Arrival of the Chouppes, who was immediately followed by a Deputy from the Counsel of Olmiera: the Court of Spain being fully informed of the danger all Guienne was in, by the vigilancy of Cardinal Mazarin, they immediately dispatched 30000 Pistols to Priscay, with peremptory Orders to put forth six of their most considerable Ships, and four Fireships, with all possible diligence, that they might force their way into the Garonne, and oppose themselves against the French.  
The said Persons were likewise immediately returned with 150000 Crowns more for the Prince of Conde; and because it was conceived, that the Sieur Lenet had not observed the respect which was due to the Prince of Conty, by reason of his particular intimacy and correspondence which he held with Conte Marsin, who had no great veneration for the said Prince; there were Instructions given by the Spanish Ministers, which way they should conduct themselves for the future, in the maintenance and support of the Condean Party. But the Count d' Ognon's Accommodation with the King of France, did not a little startle Don Lewis de Haro, and the rest of the Grandees of the Council; the foundation they had laid upon the fidelity of this Cavalier, (who had frankly undertaken the defence of Guienne) being taken away, and no grounds left for any future resolution, by reason of the inconstancy of the French, who would promise the highest fidelity one day, and the next day leave them in the lurch. So that the King's party increasing hourly in those parts, and the Princes growing every day weaker, their apprehensions could not but be very great; nevertheless, in this very Exigence, the Court of Spain failed not to send their Orders, to suggest their Counsels, to transmit Men and Money, as far as the utmost of their power and ability would extend.  
Not long after, the Baron Batteville represented to the Court the difficulty of getting in to the Garonne, unless he were reinforced with a much stronger Squadron of Ships. Twenty thousand Crowns were immediately dispatched to him with new Orders to ship himself upon the aforesaid six Men of war and to put 500 Irish into Bourdeaux: But affairs changing daily their face, it was necessary to change Counsels as often, and Batteville being unable to execute them without further supplies, their Commands were received oftener than put in execution.  
After this, the Marquis of Lusignan was dispatched in great haste from Bourdeaux to Madrid, where he Arrived in May. The pretence of this Embassy was to compliment his Catholic Majesty, upon the recovery of the Queen, who had had the small Pox, with great danger of her life, besides the King himself had been ill five or six days of a Fever: But the intrinsic reason was the soliciting for fresh forces in respect the French had made themselves Masters of the Garonne, and fortified it so, that it would be no easy matter to remove them; and by consequence the King's Army increasing without interruption, as it did, it must needs follow that Bourdeaux must be lost.  
Lusignan had many fair Promises, 200000 Crowns were delivered to him, and the Dispatches for the Ships from Port de Passage consigned to him: Not long after, that design being looked upon as impossible, Battiville had new Instructions, if it were possible, to get into Bourdeaux by the Lake of Arcazon, with all imaginable diligence, to keep that people in their fidelity, and support as much as in him lay, the drooping spirits of the Prince of Conty, and the rest of the Officers in his Party. He had Orders moreover to propose three things to them, viz. Whether they would have the Spanish Fleet force its way up the River Garonne, and fight them; Whether they would have them clap before the Mouth of the River, and lie there; Or whether they thought it not more convenient for them to cruse along the Coasts of Britain and Normandy; and by alarming them in those parts, give them a diversion in Guienne.  
Nine hundred more Irish were dispatched into Guienne, and Letters sent Post to the Archduke, and the Ministers in Flanders, that they should take the Field with all Expedition, that they should supply the Prince of Condy with 200000 Crowns mere for the reinforcement of his Troops, to put him into a Condition to march immediately for France.  
The Spaniard considering, that Mazarine being in all likelihood thereby constrained, to draw down what force he could make against that Invasion, would not be able to pursue his Erterprises against Guienne, but by consequence give them opportunity to make Provisions for the defence of that Province. But neither in this could the Spaniard compass his design; for the Ship which carried the 300000 Crowns into Flanders, to hasten that Affair, falling unluckily into the hands of the English, they made no scruple to to seize upon it, (though the King of Spain was at that time in Amity with that Nation) and to stop the Ship likewise for some time, it being a Dutch bottom.  
Nor was this Miscarriage to be imputed to the negligence of the Ministers, but to the uncertainty of humane accidents, which many times run counter, though managed and contrived by the best Counsels in the World.  
Besides these sums, 30000 Pistols more were sent to the Fleet, with express Orders to Batteville, to try all ways of introducing himself into the Garonne, and open a Passage into the Town; to which end, and no other, that sum was intended.  
At the same time, the Count de Fiesco and several other persons went also into Spain, to represent the necessities of those parts, and to solicit for relief. But some are of opinion, the chief end of these journeys, was to receive Presents and Gratuities, which the King of Spain distributed very liberally to all Frenchmen that came to his Court; so that many pretended to join with him, more to be nibbling at his money, than out of any true service they intended him; and it is believed, that if the money he in this manner distributed among the Frenchmen, were fairly computed, it would appear sufficient to have conquered a whole Kingdom; and yet either by their treachery or inexperience, all these vast sums were utterly lost, and these great preparations become entirely ineffectual.  
In the mean time the Duke of Vandosme, was employed in hastening the building of Caesar's Fort upon the Garonne, as likewise another in the Country betwixt the two Seas, beginning above Vallier, before the house of Alinet, who considering of what importance it would be, to interrupt the Communication betwixt the several Posts belonging to the Prince, and the Town of Bourdeaux, if he could possess himself of Lermont, which was situate exactly upon the mouth of the River, and Garrisoned by 500 Irish, under the Command of Colonel Dillon; On the 26. of May he caused the Tertia's of Moasieur Milleray and Normandy, to be drawn out and shipped in such Galleys and Brigantines as he had ready, under the Command of the Chevalier d' Albret his Campmaster, who with others being embarked, they sallied forth by the favour of the Tide, against the Galliots which lay under that place.  
Being arrived, there disbarqued the Count of Comminges, the Lieutenant General, the two Brothers, the Count and Baron of Montesson, the Baron of Croix Campmaster, and Sir George Carteret, who (as they say) persuaded the Governor of the place, to take up Arms with his whole Party for the King of France. They agreed upon the payment of 7500 Franks to deliver up the Town, and it was done accordingly, for the Irish Soldiers being much discontented, and looking upon themselves as sold to the Spaniards like so many slaves, did not hold themselves obliged to them by any faith or duty in the world. The rest indeed had followed their Example, out of a temple they had taken up, that they could not in conscience serve the Spaniard, because of the League and Amity at that time betwixt them and the English, to whom they were professed enemies. But Marsin foreseeing the danger, had provided very politicly against it, by confirming the Officers of their Tertia's to put Hostages into his hands.  
The loss of Lermont was a cooling Card to the Bordelots', it being of such importance, that by the taking of it, the King's Army intercepted the benefit of the River, in the dominion of which their loss of security consisted.  
Notwithstanding all these advantages, the King desisted not from his Overtures of Peace, with the milder sort of his Rebels, and that in such manner as gave them more assurance of his Pardon, than suspicion of his revenge; so that in the Month of May he published another General Amnesty, in such terms as demonstrated his inclination to be less vindicative than merciful. Upon this Proclamation the Bonrdelots' called a General Assembly in the Town-Hall, where it was consulted, Whether it was better to accept of this Act of Oblivion, and put an end to their miseries, or persist in their Contumacy. The sober part was of opinion, it was more expedient for subjects to live in obedience to their natural Prince, then in the shadow of liberty under a stranger. The fear of the Olmiera made every body startle, yet in private, things were largely debated by some of the Olmiesti; but the obstinacy of the Populacy, could not be overruled by any politic considerations. As if they had been all bewitched by the Spaniards, they were possessed with an opinion that they should be set at liberty immediately; they persuaded themselves they should have whatever they desired: they believed nothing but what agreed with their own imaginations; and concluding they had that sure in their own hands, which was but the false reflection of the Artifice of the Princes; they resolved, That no Amnesty should be proposed or accepted, but such in which the consent and satisfaction of the Prince of Condy should concur, for whose sake they had taken Arms, and brought the War home to their own doors; and if any should be so audacious to deliver his opinion to the contrary, as a Traitor to his Country, he was to be thrown headlong into the River. They argued, that the Offers made them by the Court, was but the effect of their weakness, and the product of necessity, rather than any Compassion to them; and in that mind they supposed themselves able to justify their disobedience to the King; especially if by their solicitations in England, they could prevail with Cromwell to undertake their defence, they doubted not in that case, but under his protection they should be able to vindicate their liberty, and shake off their Dependence upon their natural Prince. But these being the dictates of fury and passion, rather than rational deductions, it was not long before they found themselves deceived by the vanity of their imaginations.  
The Court of France perceiving therefore all the ways they had taken, to sweeten the obstinacy and fierceness of the people, to be absolutely ineffectual, they gave themselves over to a resolution of acting with all severity and vigour against that Rebellious City.  
Orders were sent to that end, that by straightening it on all sides, it should be necessitated to return to its duty, seeing no other way was like to succeed. Above all, they were to secure the River, against whatever attempt should be made by the Spaniard, for if they could cut off the benefit of that from them, the City would be desperate in a short time; especially if they could keep things in that posture till the Vintage was over, for that being in the power of the King's Army, and to be destroyed or intercepted by them as they pleased, there could be no greater loss nor punishment befall them, the Estates of the chiefest Citizens in the Town consisting principally in the plenty and excellence of their Wines, which they selling yearly to the English, Hollander, and other Northern Nations, afforded them very considerable profit.  
But because it was necessary likewise, to provide for the Frontiers towards Flanders, where the Prince of Condy (joined with the Spaniards) made Extraordinary preparations, boasting of what he would do that Campagne, by means of the places he held in the Province of Champania, and the intelligence he had settled with his friends in Paris, towards which City he gave out he would march directly. The Cardinal with no less diligence provided to prevent him; making all provisions to oppose him; he considered that all consisted in the unity of the forces of that Kingdom; That his greatest difficulty would be to preserve himself against his enemies at home; That if he could not reduce the Prince of Condy to his Allegiance, (whose mind was elated with high hopes and advantages, he expected from Spain) it would be his best way by all possible means to lessen his party and reputation in France, so as he might be left as it were a bare Commander of Spaniards, who being to recompense him for the losses he received in France, and to maintain him in the Quality of first Prince of the blood, would be weary of him by degrees, and he become a greater burden to that Crown, than a Complete and entire Army.  
Two things therefore were more especially under the Cardinal's consideration; one, to reduce what places he had in his possession in France; the other, was to debauch his friends away from him: in pursuance of this design, a General Pardon was published to all such as should before a prefixed time return to their obedience. The Count the Tavanes, who had been very zealously engaged with the said Prince, upon some particular dissatisfaction returned to his house, upon whose example several others of the Prince's Adherents fell off likewise.  
In the mean time the Prince of Condy seemed to be unconcerned at what past, though, to speak truth, he wanted wherewithal to recompense, or repair the losses his friends received in their own Country, the supplies he had from Spain being too small for his own private expenses, much less to remunerate those who had served him. He would have complied notwithstanding, if the King's Council could have been brought to condescend to his terms, which in that case it is possible he would have moderated; but, as when he had a numerous train of discontented persons attending him; it was then of importance to reconcile him; so now when he was as it were alone, and abandoned by all of them, it was not thought necessary to continue their applications; forasmuch as in that condition he would be rather a trouble and expense to the Spaniards, then of any use and advantage: so that according to the Cardinal's Judgement, there was less danger in remaining abroad then in his return; for being a Prince ambitious of honour and reputation, he supposed he could hardly comport with the Spaniards, who were no less ambitious than himself; and that the frankness and liberty of the French, would not accommodate with their gravity and reservedness. The Prince was of an humour so haughty and disdainful, it could not but become odious to the Grandees of Spain, who stood much upon the Ceremony and Punctilio; besides the natural antipathy betwixt the Nations; and his ignorance in their Language must of necessity produce some inconveniences, seeing he could not speak so as to make himself understood or obeyed by the several Nations in the Spanish Army. And if it should so happen, that by his extraordinary valour he should achieve any thing extraordinary, it would but make them jealous and emulous of his glory, and let his Actions be what they would, he should be always looked upon in Spain, not only as a Foreigner, but as a Conspicuous Prince of an Enemy's Country, who might every moment find out some way or other to regain him if they pleased.  
But if his fortune should be adverse, his loss would be accompanied with disdain and regret, for having consumed as much gold for the support of one person, as would have sufficed to have maintained a whole Army. So that when ever the Prince came to any difference or rupture with the Spaniard, it must needs redound to the advantage of France, because in that case it would fall out, either the Spaniards would destroy him, or he ruin the Spaniard; so that the leaving the Prince still in their hands would be so great a burden to them, that in stead of giving them the assistance they expected, he would be an impediment and obstruction to all their deliberations.  
Again, if the Prince should be restored, and the affairs of France succeed to advantage, the honour would be attributed wholly to his conduct; and adding new lustre to his former reputation, he would be able to eclipse the glory of other people; so that reassuming his old sentiments of giving, not receiving Laws, the good Government would become confused and distracted, which under a Monarchy ought to acknowledge but one Master: besides which, they should want occasion to evince, that in France there were other Captains as considerable as he, contrary to what the Royal Council of Spain had given out. The King of France, out of his inexpressible clemency would have condescended to have received the Prince again into his favour, if without concerning himself in the affairs of that Kingdom, he could have resolved to have retired out of France into some unsuspected State, and quietly enjoy the profits of his Revenue, till the War were ended. But being in the flower of his Age, and accustomed to command, he was too passionately addicted to honour (which is acquired by labour and pains) to make himself a slave to his own quiet and repose.  
Upon these Maxims the French interest being managed, and the Cardinal proceeding with all courtesy and demonstration of kindness, his Ministry being full of sweetness and Moderation, (pretending to revenge himself no further of his enemies, then by making himself known to be a good man and a virtuous, the acrimony and disgust at his Administration (which had been infused into the fancies of the people, by a few seditious persons,) began to clear up and dispel. The first effects of this alteration was seen in Paris, where his Reputation having been more wounded then in any other part of the Kingdom; the Citizens touched with Remorse for what they had done, thought themselves obliged to make some public manifestation of their Repentance, which they performed by inviting him on the 29, of March 1653. to a most sumptuous Dinner in the Town-Hall, an honour seldom shown in France, but to some great Prince.  
The Cardinal went thither, accompanied by several Grandees of the Court, and the Principals of the Counsel of the Communality of Paris) where he received a Dinner so pompously prepared, and served up with so great demonstration of affection from the people, (with whom the great Piazza called the Greve, was full) that I myself being there in curiosity among the rest, heard his name very frequent among their Acclamations, heard them applaud his management, and curse those who had misrepresented him, with an astonishment equal to the facility wherewith those animals pass from one extreme of contempt, to the other of honour and esteem.  
The Cardinal appeared to them several times at the window, and caused several sorts of money to be thrown out among them, who returned their thanks in extraordinary Applauses: The Citizens drank his health very often, and did him all the Honours could be expressed to a chief Minister. Whilst he was at Dinner, the Rooms, and Hall were as full of the Citizen's Wives as they could hold, who were come thither as fine as they could make themselves, to behold a man, who (as they called him) was the Miracle of Nature, The Cardinal treated them with all imaginable Civility, distributing Sweetmeats and other Junkets amongst them in abundance: When he went down the stairs he stopped very often, discoursing sometimes with one, and sometimes with another; and though he was then in the sight of the whole Piazza, there was not one of the unruly and insolent multitude which gave him the least ill word, but all saluted him with benedictions and well-wishes for his health; with the same noise and acclamation they followed him to his Coach, only one of them was observed to cry, Per mia fe voi non seat Mazarino ma un honorato huomo, In my conscience you are not Mazarine, but an honest Gentleman. Every one strove to see him, and to be seen by him; Their Augury was good, and the event was suitable, their happy Annunciations corresponding in their effects, for the Prince of Condy's Troops under the Command of the Count de Coligny, being drawn out to fall upon Couvin, a little Town upon the River Noirau, they were catched in an Ambuscade by the Count de Beaujeu, cut to pieces; and Coligny and others of the principal Officers taken Prisoners, which the Court looking upon as a good Omen, concluded the Duke of Espernon Governor-general of Burgundy should commence the Enterprise against Bellegard.  
After the Surrender of the Castle of Dijon, Burgundy was in no small distraction, by the continual excursions of that Garrison that continually infested the Country: to restrain their Extravagancies, the aforesaid Duke clapped a Garrison into the Castle of Pagny, which was not far off, but wanting strength sufficient to reduce it, he harkened to certain Propositions made him by the Creatures of the Prince of Condy, who had some thoughts of putting it into his hands, as being very hard to be kept in respect of its situation, which was in the midst of the King's Provinces. But that treaty being interrupted by the high remands of the Governor thereof the Marquis de Batteville, the Duke of Espernon made Preparations to besiege it; and being advised, that those of the Franche County, (though at that time in Neutrality) might break with them, and relieve it, he dispatched a Messenger to the Marquis de Saint Martino, and the Sieur de Cea, the principal Directors of his Catholic Majesties Affairs in that Province, and was assured from them, they had no intention not thought of breaking their Neutrality: Being encouraged likewise by the Burgundians, who to draw the thorn out of their own foot, had undertaken to provide them money, and all necessary Provisions for that Enterprise: the Duke past the Soan at Saint Jo. de Losne: the Marquis of Uxelles marched from Challons to Verdun with what soldiers he could draw out of the adjacent Garrisons, which being rendezvouzed, amounted in all to about 4000 men, under the Command of the said Uxelles and Roncelleres, both of them Lieutenant-Generals. On the 19 of May, the Duke of Espernon, possessed himself of the Posts of Chamblanc and Pavy, whilst the other took their stations at Caselles and Saint George, and beginning their intrenchments, they approached with their Artillery, battering it in two several places: and a while after, on the other side of the River, where the Sieur de St. Quintin placed himself with 400 Musquetiers. The Besieged defended themselves courageously, and by frequent Sallies endeavoured to interrupt the advancement of the Royalists towards the Foss: But Roncelleres' having got as far as the Counterscarp, diverted the water, and filled up the Ditch with Bavins and Timber, he began a Mine under the Bulwark towards the River: Batteville despairing of relief; and in no condition to defend himself long, signified to the Duke, that amongst Christians it was never the Custom to proceed to an assault before Summons was given; and therefore he desired to know, upon what grounds he was so severely dealt with. The Duke of Espernon replied, that that indeed was the Practice against lawful enemies, but not against Rebels; and that he was resolved not to defer the assault, seeing his Troops were then ready to fall on; but being persuaded from that asperity by the Officers of his Army, as a thing which many times precipitate men into despair, he complied; more for the preservation of his own, than any Compassion for the enemy; so that upon the 8. of June, the Articles being signed, Batteville marched out of the Town with 700 men, upon very honourable Conditions, and was conducted to Stenay. The Burgundians were very much consolated with the reducement of this Town: for by that they acquired the peace and tranquillity of their whole Province: the Duke of Espernon according to his Promise, caused it to be dismantled, whereby the passage of the Sona was left open, and the people excused from the great Contributions they would have been necessitated to pay the Garrison, to keep them from plundering, and the ill treatment of the Soldiers.  
The Army which took in this Town, was divided afterwards, and part of it sent to the Marceschal Turenne, who was then preparing with all speed, and almost ready to take the field; the rest were commanded to the Marshal della Ferte Seneterra, who was at that time upon the Frontiers of Lorain; and had taken several Castles from the Enemy in the Territories of Verdun.  
These good Beginnings were followed by an Exploit (as bold as unexpected) performed by the Count Broglia, Governor of la Bassee, a Captain of great fame and experience. He had Intelligence, that the Troops which were quartered at Esterro, de la Goruge, and the Posts adjacent, (intended to be employed, in the Army of the Prince of Condy) were most of them drawn away to a General Rendezvouz, and that there remained in their quarters not above 700 Irish Foot under the Command of Colonel Morphi, and about 70 Horse under the Baron of Lambech: upon this Intelligence he marched out of la Bassee, with 400 Firelocks, and a hundred Horse, and by a Bridge of Boats passed the River Lis, betwixt E'sterre and Armentiers, and fell into the quarters of Morphi's Regiment; he commanded the Sieur de Avogadre Campmaster to the Regiment of Piedmont, to pass the River with some Firelocks, whilst he kept his Post with his Horse, and the remainder of his Foot on the other side, to relieve them as a reserve upon any occasion. On the 13. of June about midnight, the Sieur de la Treoy Serjeant-Major of the Town of la Bassee, advanced with a hundred Firelocks, and charge them so briskly, that though their opposition was very good, he beat them into the Church, where they defended themselves afterwards for above two hours; but at last the Royalists having secured the door, the Irish which were 300 soldiers, 7 Captains with other inferior Officers) were glad to surrender and become prisoners of War, Colonel Morphi saved himself by the benefit of the night. From thence the Count advanced to the Fort, but he found if forsaken, and having marched up and down the Neighbouring Villages, he returned to la Bassee with considerable booty.  
These Rumours awakened the Prince of Condy, and doubtless he would without delay have taken the Field, had not the taking of the 300000 Royals by the English (as abovesaid) retarded the provisions of Horse, which were with that money to have been bought, both for the remounting his Cavalry, for his Train of Artillery, which were supplied afterwards in Holland, but with great difficulty.  
Cardinal Mazarin, taking the advantage of this Conjuncture, he caused the Marshal Turenne, (after he had commanded his Troops into the Country about Reims) to depart out of Paris the 14. of June; and there in a certain place, not far from Chillery in Champagnia, having consulted what course he was to take with the Marshal de la Ferte Seneterra, who at the same time had drawn down his forces about Verdun, it was resolved they should fall upon Rhetel, and endeavour by the taking of that place, to cut off the Princes advance into Champagnia, which being an open Country, and very plentiful in corn, it was too probable he would otherwise have done to his great advantage. Turenne advanced to Chasteau Porcien, and clapped himself in betwixt Rhetel and Chaumont; This is a Castle in which the Spaniards had a Party of Foot, and some 60 Horse, who at the very first fight of the King's forces, rendered themselves up Prisoners of War, without further Conditions. The Marshal de la Ferte came on the other side the River Aisne, thorough the Valle di Bourg, and having drawn up their men in the fields of Chaumont, they advanced against the Town, on two sides, and that very night the Regiments of Picardy, Turenne and Palvan, possessed themselves of all the outworks, and raised two Batteries, one against the Gate towards Rocroy, (on which side Turenne was quartered) the other at the Gate by the River, within the quarters of la Ferte.  
In the Town there were 600 men Commanded by the Marquis de Persan, who ran great hazard of being taken prisoner in the night, at the taking of the outworks. Within two days time they made two breaches so large, that they prepared to give the assault, but in the mean time the Town capitulated, surrendered, and were Convoyed with two Pieces of Cannon to Stenay.  
Marshal Turenne left the Sieur Boda Governor of the Town, with his Tertia of French Foot, and marched himself to observe the motions of the Prince of Condy and the Spaniard, who during this Leaguer were joined at Hayes d' Auvenes, having been retarded in their Campagne, both by their want of Horses, as abovesaid, and also by a Negotiation they had with a Citizen of Arras for the surprise of that City. But the same Person held Intelligence likewise with the Cardinal, as he had done with the Prince, to gain money on both sides.  
This Correspondence was began the Year before, and continued till the Prince found himself deluded and cheated at several times of about 2000 Pistols. The French having notice, that the Spaniard had not yet their Forces united to engage the French Army (which was then numerous and flourishing) till they were reinforced, which they most solicitously endeavoured: by express Order from the Cardinal, they advanced against the Prince, with full resolution to attaque him; But he had drawn up his Army betwixt two Woods behind a straight Pass, by which means he prevented being fallen upon in a disadvantageous place; as it might have happened, had it been but one half hour longer, before he had had the News of the French Army. The Mareschals him in so good a posture returned to their Posts, and afterwards marched towards Veruins, passing through certain Villages not far from the Abbey of Tougny, they drew near to Vervens about Proussy, and thence coasting by Guise, they encamped at Riblemont, to observe the motion of the enemy, who, being reinforced with the Lorraine Troops, and other supplies from Flanders, did principally design to make an Inroad into France, upon presumption that at their first appearance many would declare for them: The French Generals, being inferior in number, were obliged for that reason to be more wary and circumspect, and to have a care how they ran the risk of a Battle, which if it went cross, would be more dangerous in the consequences, then in their present loss.  
The Cardinal's design was to protract time, and to set the Affairs of the Kingdom to rights, by the reduction of Bourdeaux; to incapacitate the Prince to raise new troubles by the assistance or intelligence of his friends, and to let the Spaniards at length see they were mistaken in the opinion they had conceived of that Juncture to ruin France, and the confidence they had reposed in the reputation and interest of the Prince in his own Country, th●t being the principal mark to which all their Councils were directed, it seeming unlikely to the Court of Spain, that that Crown of itself, with its States and Kingdoms, so distant and depopulated, should act any thing with advantage against France, whilst it was entire and unanimous; for this cause they spared no money, but were many times lavish and profuse in their distributions to the discontented French, (who always deceived them with vain hopes and pretences) endeavouring still to draw more of them into rebellion, that by that means they might be able, as it were, to compel the French to a solid Peace, to which his Catholic Majesty was seriously inclined, but could not hope to obtain any other way.  
But the effects did not answer Expectation, for placing their hopes upon particular persons more solicitous of their own then of other people's advantage, who proposed only such things as might render themselves necessary to the Spanish affairs; founding their principles upon this Maxim, That to draw benefit from Princes, they ought to make them expect more than they intended to perform, forasmuch as their custom is, when they are once delivered, to regard them no longer who brought them out of their exigence. Things being acted in this manner, and hastened by the Spaniard, in order to the approaching Campagne, the Princes and Generals of the Armies held many Counsels what way they were to proceed. The chief of of the Spanish Officers, and particularly the Count de Fuensaldagna (a person of great judgement) proposed to fall upon some of the most considerable of the King of France's. Towns, by the benefit of which they might be enabled to pass on, and upon a solid foundation maintain the War afterward in the Enemy's Country. Some propounded to ship 5 or 6000 men, under the Command of the most expert Officers could be chosen, and to send them into Guienne, to reinforce the Prince's Troops in that Province, and support the courage of the Bourdelots', thereby to sustain the War in those parts, which was the strongest diversion could be given to the French Arms. To that end it was proposed, they should sit down before Bayon, and the Princes repair thither with their Troops, which would be more feasible in respect that Colonel Baltasser had made himself Master of Tarsas. But the hopes that the Relief from Spain would be sufficient; and having no Orders for dividing their Army in Flanders, confuted all those Propositions. The Count of Fuenseldagne was of opinion, that laying all other things aside, they should sit down before Arras, whilst their Army was fresh, and the Alarms so hot in other parts of the Kingdom, for which reason he looked upon the Enterprise not so difficult as other people might imagine, and that the Prince of Condy might consent, he offered to give him Mouson.  
But the Prince insisting upon his Intelligence in Paris, pressed hard, and upon very good reason, that drawing all their forces together, they should pass the Soma, march up to Paris, and give their party in that City opportunity to rise, while the Court growing jealous of them, would be easily persuaded to quit the Town, and that in these confusions, their Army advancing to Nantes, might possess themselves of all the Country about Pontoise, Saint Lis, and other adjacent Towns, where recruiting themselves with the discontented party, which in probability would throng to him daily, they should reap extraordinary advantage, and foment the Civil War in France.  
This Proposition was in appearance plausible, and so well represented by the Prince, that the Council were of the same mind, and esteemed that his opinion ought really to be followed, as was seemingly desired by those who applauded his Actions with their tongue, more than by their deeds.  
But there were two considerable difficulties objected. The first was that by the loss of Bellegard and Rhetel, the minds of many people were much dejected, so that there were but few of the opinion, but the King of France would be stronger that Campagne then the Prince of Condy, who had lost two such considerable places, as it were under his Nose, to the great diminution of his credit. The other was, that the French Army being come into the Field much stronger than was imagined, it was dangerous to pass so many Rivers, and put themselves into the Enemy's Country, without any place of Retreat in case of disaster, whilst also the Spanish Army was attended by another, though less numerous, yet superior in courage, being all French, bold and experienced, besides 4000 Germane Horse, the remainder of the famous Waymers forces, and supported by several strong Towns and Fortresses, all firmly devoted to their King. Nevertheless, as there is nothing deludes the imagination more than a man's esteem of himself; the Prince of Condy was so transported with an opinion of his Reputation in France, he thought that sufficient to do his business, without being troubled to fight for't. This opinion therefore was embraced, contrary to the judgement of Fuensaldagne, who for two secret reasons, was really averse. The first was, that he believed the Prince's designs were not upon good foundation, and if they were, it did not consist with the interest of Spain to advance them, forasmuch as it was most certain, if he reduced the Cardinal to any straight, he would find some way or other to accommodate with him, and then the Spaniard would run great hazard of having him engaged against them, and the troubles in France would cease of themselves. The other was, that it was not convenient for him to expose the whole Forces of Spain, without a certainty of gaining some considerable place, and with the hazard of some dangerous disgrace, not daring to be too confident in the Prince, who was a Frenchman, or in the Duke of Lorraine, who the Count of Fuensaldagne knew, had his ears always open to any Proposition of advantage, and might easily be gained by the Artifice of the Cardinal. These two Reasons reflecting so nearly upon the Prince of Condy, and the Duke of Lorraine, could not be publicly urged in the Council; and therefore the other opinion prevailing, the Spanish Army marched towards Cambray, from thence to Crevecoeur, and came to Chastelet without interruption, and so to Fonsomme, where the River Somma arises, which was but two Leagues distant from the French Camp,  
The Spanish Army comprehending the Prince of Condy's, and the Duke of Lorrain's forces, consisted of 30000 effective men: it was composed of Spaniards, Italians, Walloons, Dutch, Burgundians, Flemins, Irish, and other Nations, who by the diversity of their Languages and customs were the cause of great confusion in that Camp; Their Train was very great, both for Cannon, Ammunition and Baggage: Here the Prince of Condy made a halt for several days in the face of the French Camp, passing the time in frequent, but inconsiderable skirmishes with their Horse, which with most exact diligence were kept scouting upon the Roads.  
The Prince's hopes were impregnated with strong conceit of his Party in Paris, by whose assistance he thought his success would be in infallible; but he reckoned without his Host, for the King being there, and the Cardinal very watchful against the least insurrection, there was not one person durst appear in the City, nor one Officer of those which were banished, who durst venture to come into Paris, and head the Malcontents, who wished the Prince well in their hearts, though they durst not show it, his design vanishing in fumo, He lost his Reputation among the Spanish Commanders, who discovered him to be without that interest and dependence which he was supposed to have in France, and which his friends had promised upon their Parols. Perplexed therefore, and in confusion about the resolution they were to take, the Armies confronted one another for several days. The Prince of Condy being stronger in number, desired by all means to come to a general Engagement, but the French, unwilling to hazard themselves on so great a disadvantage, endeavoured by the benefit of their Incampments, and the convenience of the Fortresses they had thereabouts, to give impediment to their Progress, and make them lose time.  
This posture of affairs gave occasion to the discovery of the valour and conduct of two Captains, Competitors at that time in point of Glory and Renown; the disadvantage under which the Marshal Turenne then lay, in respect of the disparity of his Numbers, making his Prudence in that Juncture more remarkable than his courage.  
But the Cardinal's designs proceeded at another rate, his principal Object was to reduce Bourdeaux to its obedience; he knew very well, that to secure this part of the Kingdom, would be the safety of the other; His judgement was approved by the whole Council, and resolution was taken to amuse the Prince on the Frontiers of Picardy, or Champagnia, till the Affairs in Guienne were dispatched, where all things tended to a fortunate Conclusion, though the means used in the management were not entirely successful.  
The Marquis de Theubon, who had defended with great courage and better fortune the Town of Villeneuf de Agenois against Count Harcourt, disdaining that Count Marsin should arrogate to himself the glory of preserving that City, for that (during an inundation of waters, which had forced the King's Army further off) he had put into it 200 Horse, as also because by his Order, the Houses of some of his Relations were plundered, amongst which was that of Colonges, and of the Marquis Dowager of Villefranca, which said houses he had taken into protection, he came to Bourdeaux to make his Complaint to the Prince of Conty, who entreated him to lay aside his animosity at that time, and not to think of revenging himself upon Marsin, as he had publicly threatened; but neiher that, nor the giving him 500 Crowns by way of Reparation, prevailing, he dispatched a Messenger to Blaye, to negotiate his Accommodation with the Duke of Saint Simon and Vandosme, the last of which was newly arrived at that place, the Dukes giving the Cardinal Advice thereof, were required by all means to bring him off, if it were possible, and what other of that Party they could; This business was of importance, and in a fair way to succeed; but the Advocate Literie, being banished in the interim, upon some suspicions, though nothing was perfectly discovered, that design was for the present laid by. Theubon was advised by his friends, and by those that were true servants to the King, to remain in Bourdeaux, to make himself Head of that Party in the Town, and never to reconcile himself to Marsin, but to study a revenge; for if he could be so happy as to kill him, he would not only satisfy his private resentment, but put a Conclusion to the War, and perform an Action extremely meritorious to the public. Nevertheless, being too much taken notice of, he departed the Town, having first settled there a good correspondence, and communicating his thoughts to the Duke of Candale, they agreed, that advancing the Fleet to Lermont, he should endeavour to introduce the Army into the City, by the assistance of the Sieurs Mousnier and du Sault, (both highly disgusted at the Prince's Government) and by the help of the Counsellor de Boards exceedingly incensed, for having been imprisoned by the Prince's Order, though he was presently released, and received with great courtesy. These three persons were of the chief of the Frondeurs, and of great Authority in the Town, and therefore with their directions it was no hard matter to compass their design, especially considering several of the Olmiera were joined with them; and particularly one Cot, a Ringleader of the seditious, and another called Chevalier, a son of one of the Attorneys of the Palace, carried all the Letters which passed betwixt the Conspirators and the Commanders in chief for the King.  
The Fleet appeared at Lermont, ready for the Enterprise, but the Messenger was taken with his Letters about him, hanged as a Spy before the Town-Hall, and the whole Plot interrupted. At the same time the Sieur de Chambon (who was sent by the Prince of Condy into Guienne, to hinder the Count d' Ognon from reconciling himself to the Court, by offering him 300000 Crowns in ready money, and one of his Manors, with the Title of a Duke) ran the same hazard, for after he had found all his Negotiations with the Count, absolutely ineffectual, desiring to pass into Bourdeaux (though they had no good opinion of him, for having delivered up Xantes to the enemy the year before) He was arrested by the people drawn to the Gallows, and had doubtless been hanged, if in the time granted him to make his Confession, the Prince of Conty had not sent to deliver him, and luckily rescued him from that infamous death.  
Yet all this could not discourage Theubon to set on foot new Machinations for the compassing his designs, and entering into a correspondence with the Count de Marin Campmaster under the King, he held frequent Intelligence with all such as he thought serviceable upon that occasion, in which number having judged one of the Treasurers of France, called Filiot, a proper person, in respect of the liberty he had of entering the Town daily, and going out at his pleasure, he committed the improvement of the correspondence to him which Count Marin held with the two Brothers of Chastein, and the Counsellor du Sault, Son of the Advocate-General, who being offended to see the Authority of that Parliament, prostituted to the impertinencies of the Olmiera, engaged himself in that Plot, and resolved to put himself at the Head of a Party of Citizens, and open one of the Gates to let in the King's Army.  
This Scene was very well laid, and the success not improbable, because all was managed by Persons in whom the people had very great confidence. But young Heads (especially of the French Nation, who are a communicative people, keeping their secrets as Water in a Sieve.) One of the Chasteins', having imparted the whole business to the Count de Autevil, the Duke d' Enguins' Governor, by the means of a Citizen's daughter (with whom the said Count was in love) Filiot, and the Counsellor de Sault, were both taken and clapped into prison. The other Chastein, not knowing the treachery of his Brother, was gone out to persuade the Duke of Candale to advance with his Troops towards Bourdeaux, as believing all sure. The Duke's forces marched with that diligence and secrecy: That though the Plot was discovered, and the assistance expected within, totally interrupted; yet had not the Prince of Conty been in person at the Gate, to encourage his men, the Duke of Candale had questionless (without any Complices) entered the Town in that confusion.  
This advance of the Duke of Candale was so strong a confirmation of the truth of the Conspiracy, and filled the Olmeistis so full of disdain, that like mad men they ran up and down the streets with their swords in their hands, crying out, That it was better to die a thousand deaths, fight valiantly for their liberty, then to suffer themselves to be so basely and villainously betrayed.  
They immediately ordered a solemn Procession to be made, to give God thanks for their delivery, and caused a Franciscan Friar to preach a Sermon to exhort them to unity and fidelity to their Country: The Friar got up into the Pulpit, and though in his affections he had been a Frondeur, nevertheless, being at that time illuminated by the Divine Wisdom, he delivered himself in such a manner, before the Prince, the Princess, the Frondeurs, the Olmeistis and the rest, and persuaded them so efficaciously to Peace, that all of them were touched, and the people extremely edified with his extraordinary eloquence and doctrine, so that hence we may see that God's Providence is as active in the confirmation and establishment, as in the destruction of Kingdoms. Here the innocence and goodness of the King was protected, and the wickedness and ingratitude of his subjects chastised by the Justice of Heaven.  
After this, a Process was formed against Filiot, and the Evidence being short, he was most inhumanely put upon the Rack in the Presence of Duratesta (the chief of the Olmeistis) and the Advocate Pontelier, who took his examination: Filiot swooned at first, but having implored the divine assistance, he found himself so strangely encouraged, (as he reported afterwards himself) that he kept firm to his resolution of confessing nothing, nor did he discover one man of all his Accomplices. For du Sault, they proceeded not so violently against him, by reason the tears of the father, and the former services of the son, outweighed the resentment of a Treason (which had it succeeded) would have left the Princes exposed to the fury of the Soldiers, without any capitulation.  
The Negotiations and Conspiracies for reducing Bourdeaux to its obedience to the King, not having the expected success, and the Forces under the Dukes of Vandosme and Candale, being too weak to reduce so potent and obstinate a City by force, the Cardinal dispatched his Orders to the Count d' Estrades, Lieutenant-General in Rochel, to draw what strength he could out of the Neighbouring Towns, and lead them with all speed to the Duke of Vendosme. Estrades used all imaginable diligence, and being a good soldier, and well-affected to his Majesty's service, he suddenly appeared with a considerable body of men before Bourg, the Conquest of which Town being judged conducive to the reduction of Bourdeaux, it was undertaken by his advice. And to proceed the more vigorously it was necessary to attaque it in three several places, but they having foot enough but for two, the Duke of Candale was desired that he would furnish them with men for the third. The Duke granted their desire very readily, and going immediately to Caesar's Fort, to discourse the business with the Duke of Vandosme, and l' Estrades, he caused his own Tertia, and some other Companies to march, and he himself (having agreed with the Duke of Vendosme about the Command) would needs be of the Party.  
Bourg was beleaguered, and on the 29. of June their Trenches were opened in three places; The first was commanded by the Duke of Vendosme, the second by the Duke of Candale, and the third by l' Estrades. The last Approach was managed so vigorously, that the fourth day, the Sieur Delos, Camp-Mareschal, lodged himself upon the brow of the ditch, cut down a strong Palisado in the middle of it, notwithstanding several showers of small shot made against him, and the Granades and other Fireworks poured upon them from the walls, so that in spite of all the impediment they gave them, l' Estrades mwn made this Progress without any assistance from their Battery, which by the negligence of the Cannoneers, and quality of the Guns, they were shot off but twice.  
The besieged was so amazed at this so extraordinary boldness of the French, and so dazzled with the lustre of their Arms, and the Gallantry of their clothes, (which were most gloriously trimmed according to the new Mode at that time) that they could not but admire, and pay a respect to the very splendour of their Apparel Whereupon Don Joseph Osorio, without further Consultation (than for his own security) capitulated on the third of June, and on the 5th. marched out with 800 men, with bag and baggage, and two Pieces of Cannon, but with the imputation of a base fellow and a Coward; for by express Order of the King of Spain he was clapped up afterward at Saint Sebastian, though he insisted very much upon his want of Victuals and Ammunition.  
This important Town being in five days time lost in this manner, (for the keeping of which the Spaniard had parted with great sums of money, and fortified, and walled it about very strongly; the Spanish Generals and Commanders were not only dismayed at this misfortune, but the whole Prince's party were sorely afflicted, as knowing the loss of that Town was, as it were, the Prologue to their future ruin. On the other side, the King's Army encouraged by their fortune and success, were excited to greater attempts, and resolved without any delay to fall upon Libourn, so that while the Duke of Vendosm continued at Bourg, to give out Orders there, and dispatch the Artillery; and such provisions as were necessary for so considerable an Enterprise. Monsieur d' Estrades after two days repose, advanced that way with 2200 Foot and four hundred Horse, by the way he took the Castles of Chavignac and Laubardemont; and on the 9th. of July passed the River List, his Foot at Guistres in Boats, and his Horse a League higher fording the River at Goustres, a Village belonging to the Princess of Conde.  
The next day he took a view of Libourne, and having settled his Quarters. On the 11th. at night the Duke of Vendosm arrived with the Cannon and Ammunition, having got happily up the River Dordogne, and passed all the Enemy's fire, (which was not above Pistol-shot from them,) by the assistance of the Guns from the Galleys which Convoyed them, under the Command of the Sieur de la Monnery, Commissary-General at Sea: upon Arrival of the Cannon, the Trenches were opened near the said River, where the Duke took up his quarters. The care of that Post was committed to the Count of Montesson, Marshal de Camp, with the Regiment of Britain, and a Battery of two Pieces of Cannon: d' Estrades commanded the Approaches on the other side of the River List, by the assistance of the Sieur de Saint Romein, with the Regiment of Douglas, and another Battery: The besieged made a stout Sally on this side; but being repulsed as courageously, they thought it not convenient to sally any more; The two Approaches were so vigorously carried on, that on the second day the French possessed themselves of two Halfmoons, in one of which they took 17 prisoners: not long after a breach being opened on the Duke's side, and the Mines ready to spring on Monsieur d' Estrades; the 17. of July in the Morning the Town beat a Parley, and desired the same Conditions, had been given to Bourg; but the French not thinking fit that Libourne should be equalled with Bourg refused their Proposals; at length it was concluded, the French and Irish Soldiers should be Prisoners of War, the Officers should have liberty to return to their own Houses, and that twelve of them only should be allowed to march away with their Baggage. The Town being surrendered, the Soldiers, both Horse and Foot, to the number of about 800, took up Arms voluntarily, and listed themselves in the King's service.  
The Justice of the King's Cause was most remarkably visible in the facility, wherewith these two strong places were reduced by his Majesty's forces. Where the diligence and Conduct of his Officers; were no less conspicuous, especially in the taking of Libourne, which (though there were 800 select men in the Town) was attaqu'd and taken by 2200 Foot and four hundred Horse; The rest of the Troops being employed, part about the Posts of Castillon, and Montreal, and part in Parties sent out by the General's Order, upon advice received, in a Letter of Marsins, intercepted and deciphered, importing that supplies were sending from Perigort and Quercy, under the Command of his Lieutenants; for that Place, which being of great importance for the supporting of Bourdeaux, was fortified and provided with all things necessary for a long Siege.  
This second loss, succeeding as it were, upon the Neck of the former, put the inhabitants of Bourdeaux into great apprehensions. The Prince's party began to lose much of their former reputation, the people perceiving, that instead of the promised relief, they were to expect nothing now but misery and destruction.  
The Townsmen had several Assemblies; and having examined Affairs, they found clearly, that without present supplies, there would be no possibility of holding out long; and forasmuch as these supplies could not be expected any way, but from Spain or England, they dispatched their solicitations to the Court of Spain for their promised and seasonable relief; nor did they forget their Addresses to Cromwell, to implore his assistance to open a Passage into the River, and preserve that City, which might recompense his Compassion with so many advantages to the English Nation: But the Spaniards, (who were willing enough to have gratified their desires) wanted forces to give them any vigorous assistance in so many several places. The English who were better able were not so well inclined: for Cromwell being to establish the Authority he had usurped, thought it not suitable to his interest to engage in any quarrel against France; and besides, the Cardinal ceased not in the mean time, to puff him up with other thoughts of more advantage to his Person.  
The Cardinal well-knowing, that Expedition is the Mother of success; and foreseeing, that in time either the Spaniard might be strong enough, or the English willing enough to attempt its relief, sent Directions to the Generals to apply themselves with all imaginable industry to the reducing of Bourdeaux; and therefore having taken Libourne, the Royalists took up their Quarters as near the Town as they could, to cut off all Communication with the Country,  
The Duke of Vendosme kept the Castle of Lermont, commanded all the Country betwixt the two Seas, and with the Fleet blocked up the River. The Duke of Candale with his Troops, disposed into the principal Passes, was Master of all the Avenues, backed by Caesar's Fort, the Town of Blanqufort, and a strong quarter at Begle, by which means he cut off all supplies on that side, from whence they had been formerly relieved. The Count Marin was sent to possess himself of the Forts of Testa and Certes.  
But though the Cardinal was not insensible, that force was the most secure way of reducing that Town to obedience, yet considering very prudently it was like to be the longest, he began to think of some other way to bring them to a voluntary submission, to which end he sent particular instructions; The House of Espernon by a long residence in those parts, having made many creatures, and gained much upon the affections of the people, contributed exceedingly to the Duke of Candale renewing his Practices with the well-affected Citizens in the Town.  
By the help therefore of their Friends and Confidents (there being several others disposed also to peace) they esteemed it convenient to take such measures as were most likely to succeed. The throng of Countrypeople, which were retired into the Town, increased their scarcities very much, the corn was concealed very dexterously in particular houses, the building or repairing of their Mills neglected, and the other Machine's laid (as on purpose) out of the way, so that their meal failing, and the Baker's unable to furnish Bread for such a number of people, that coming in great multitudes to receive their distributions, began to believe that their necessities would be great, and that it was therefore time to think rather of the public safety, then of their private interest. Besides this, the care and Government of the Hospitals was utterly left off, and the poor people sent to their doors, who were supposed to be the most concerned in the Continuation of the War, and this was done, that by their miserable clamours and importunities they might be brought to consider, that not being longer able to contend with those calamities, their best way would be to moderate the Obstinacy which caused them.  
The sight of these Troops of poor creatures, sighing, and begging at their gates who where esteemed the authors of the War had a wonderful influence to dispose them to peace, whilst they began to fear least those very poor people of whom they had made use for raising those desturbances, should fall upon them and pillage their houses. It was also proposed to the Religious orders to expose the Holy Sacrament in all the Churches of the Town, veiled with black, to signify that God Almighty was displeased with, and detested that Rebellion; But the Counsellors of Parliament and the Princes suffered it to be exposed in the great Church only, to imply that they desired of God a General peace, which was the pretence they made use of to fool, and delude the poor people.  
In this kind of distraction they continued till Wednesday the 9th of July 1653. Upon which day, after divers private conferences, several Merchants met publicly upon the Exchange, and declared it was high time for them to shut up their Shops, seeing they were not like to have any more Trading during the Wars.  
The Prince of Conty, having private intelligence of these Murmurs, made a public Cavalcade thorough the City, but went no further. The next day, a certain person called the Bas, being by his Order apprehended for crying out Peace, Peace, before the Palace of Judicature, all the Neighbouring quarter took up arms, and demanded to have him released. This de Bas had private Consultations with a conventual Minim, called Friar Romein, who holding correspondence with the Count d' Autenil, showed a certain writing to several Citizens, which he said was from the Prince of Conty, wherein he gave them liberty to meet, to give him advice of what passed relating to his party, but this Affair had another intent; for the Friar's design was to discover by this means, which were the King's good and bad subjects; and the good Citizens perceiving it, they proceeded reservedly in communicating things of importance to the Friar.  
The reputation therefore this de Bas had in the common opinion, was the cause the Citizens were so obstreperous for his enlargement, as to threaten a Commotion, without immediate satisfaction. The Prince of Conty and Marsin, with the greatest part of the Nobility and Officers in the Town got on Horseback forthwith; the City-Companies, whose Captains for the most part were of the Faction of the Olmiere, were commanded to their Arms: but the Butchers, led up by one Gilbert, and Master Isaac armed with Musquetoons, and other weapons, cried out for Peace, and that if any one had any particular disgust, he should revenge himself with his own hands as he could, and not endanger the Lives of the whole City. A Hollander, that had House and Family in the City, told Marsin to his face, that they knew how to die, but not unrevenged, and that their deaths would not trouble them, so they died freemen. At this, being all amazed, it was concluded that all the Olmeisti should meet in the Townhouse after dinner, where several things were proposed, and the plurality of Voices concurred in this, to assault the Citizens inhabiting the Quarter towards Rochel, and the New-street, and to bring down the great Guns against them. The Prince of Conty was of a contrary opinion, and thought it better to expect the judges and Consuls of the City, who were coming to beg of him with great submission, that he would not suffer the good Citizens of the Town to be abused and ruined in compliance with the Olmieri, who were about him, and had threatened to plunder their houses.  
The Merchants appeared before him, and entreated for Peace, as the only probable way to prevent greater disorders. The Prince replied, That he would not subject any body by compulsion, though it was easy for him to do it; but if they would remain constant to the service of his Brother the Prince of Condy and himself, he would protect them and their interest; and by their unanimity all the difficulties would easily be overcome, which their dissensions increased, and rendered past Remedy: and that he would advise with his Counsel what was best to be done in this Affair.  
During these tumults at Bourdeaux, the Count de Fiesco had his Dispatch at the Court of Spain, and embarking in a Frigate at St. Sebastian, he arrived at the Port Testa di Bus, where at his landing he found all the Citizens in Arms for the Kings, and had much ado to escape; but his Ship remained at the discretion of those Boars; who took it and all that was in it, making use of their Artillery against the Forts of la Teste de Bus, and Sertes, which were Garrisoned by the Prince's Soldiers; to keep open the passage for those that went and came from Spain. To these Countrymen the Count Marin, joined with 600 Foot, with which recruit in five or six days both those Posts were taken.  
The Count de Fiesco arriving at Bourdeaux the twelfth of July, went immediately to the Townhouse with the Prince of Conty, where with great Rhetoric he magnified the power and greatness of the King of Spain, and assured the Olmiera of a speedy and effectual supply of Men, Money, Ships and all other provisions: Affirming he had seen so great, and so forward preparations in the Porto di Passage, that it could not be long before it would appear. Upon this News there was a solemn Assembly appointed by the several Companies in the City, where the said Count made the same relation, and with so much the more Zeal, by how much it was farther from the truth.  
These promises and representations were received by the honest party with horror, but some Counsellors of the Parliament, blinded with their own vanity, said, that the King of Spain's Courtesy was not to be abused, under whose Protection all things would be happily concluded, with absolute quiet and liberty. But notwithstanding all this, the next day the Presidial Court (which is a Magistracy consisting of about 30 persons, to whom belongs the administration of ordinary Justice) deputed some persons to the Prince of Conty, and requested of him in express terms, that they might have Peace; representing, that they ought not so easily to believe the relation of Fiesco, who was biased by the passion he had for the service of his King, by which he drew profit to himself, receiving Gifts and Presents from his Catholic Majesty, to whom he told as many falsities as he had done there. After which, all the Religious Orders, one after another, presented their Addresses for Peace, and their public safety, which consisted in their obedience to their natural and lawful King, and not in running vainly after foreign Protectors.  
The same instance was made by the Chapter of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew; But their Deputies were threatened by a Goldsmith, called Geraut, who was a principal man among the seditious: The Ministers of the Huguenots (who in all their troubles had showed themselves zealous and faithful to the King's service) were likewise checked by Duratesta. The Prince returned this Answer to them all, That he himself was also for Peace, provided it might be permanent and safe, and when he could be assured of obtaining such an one, he could be more ready to embrace it then any of them all.  
In the mean time he dispatched an Express to the Marquis de Santa Croce, General of the Spanish Fleet, remonstrating their necessity of of present supplies, that the least delay would reduce them to extremities, beyond all possible recovery: and that he was resolved (if any thing happened adverse in attempting their relief) to send Baltasser before to scour the ways with a Party of Horse, and to follow himself with his Nephew the Duke de Enguien to Tartas, and from thence to pass by land to the Frontiers of Spain.  
This was a bold and desperate resolution, and as such, was opposed not only by the Princess, but by Marsin and Lenet.  
In the mean time, the Citizens being grown weary of the indiscretion and tyranny of the Rascality of the Olmiera, resolved to make themselves Masters of the Gates of the City, by surprising them upon the relieving the Guards, which were most of them of the Olmeistis, they listed themselves therefore as the common people did, to serve in the same manner and form as the ordinary soldiers; Whereupon some of the very Captains of the Olmiera, offered to join with them in their Petition for Peace.  
Some of the Citizens seeing themselves Masters of the Gates, were of opinion, their best course would be to bring in the King's Army, and shake off their yoke at a blow; But the rest, who desired no less preservation of the Prince of Conty and his Family, than the liberty of their Country, opposed such violent resolutions, and endeavoured to obtain peace by honourable means, and not by treachery: undertaking the service of his most Christian Majesty with zeal and vigour enough: but accompanied with good Order and Decorum, retaining still a a duty and respect for the Princes according to the dignity of their Royal Birth; designing to reduce all to the King's obedience, by gentle means, and upon such terms as might produce most advantage to their Country, and glory to themselves.  
Whilst these things were in Agitation, Marsin and Fiesco had agreed to bring some Troops into the Town, to reduce the Citizens to their Will by force of Arms: and (to vent their whole fury at once, they designed to seize upon the Prince of Conty himself, and to kill Saracin, and the Abbot of Cognac his two principal Confidents.  
The Prince had Intelligence of this Plot, from the Jesuits, and was desired for his better security, to take up his lodging a nights at the Townhouse, or at their College hard by.  
Virlade also having Advice to the same purpose, put his Company immediately in Arms, and possessed himself of the Gate next the Red Chapel, by which the aforesaid Troops were to enter: They treated also with the Irish, who were to have effected the design, telling them, that Marsin intended to deliver them up to the English, their mortal Enemies and Persecutors; and that the business was negotiating in England, by the means of Francars and de Blaru, two Commissioners of the Olmiera.  
The disgusts betwixt the Prince of Conty and Marsin were grounded upon Marsin's presumption, and arrogance, assuming all the Authority to himself, and using the Prince as he had been but an inanimate Statue, so that the Prince not being able, nor the Princess of Longueville his Sister, to endure such insolence, they writ to their Brother the Prince of Condy with great resentment, desiring, that (if he intended to preserve the good correspondence which had been hitherto betwixt them) that he would contrive some way of giving them satisfaction, otherwise they should be forced to withdraw.  
The Prince of Condy was two months in returning his Answer; and when he did, it was different from what they expected, being only a general recommendation of unity among them, declaring withal, that he intended Marsin should have the principal Management of the Military Affairs, and Lenet of the Finances, and because the Chouppes had writ likewise against Marsin and Lenet, he sent them the Original of all the Letters.  
This kind of usage was sufficient to have added new fuel to the generous resentments of the Prince of Conty, and the Duchess of Longueville; and to have divided them from the Union of their Brother, who treated, them with so little confidence: But those Princes were too moderate and wise, dissembling all, and continuing firm to the utmost extremity. Having besides the Chouppes, and the Marquis of Lusignan, sent Brequigny to the Court of Spain, and Fay, to the Marquis of Santa-Croce at that time at Saint Sabastian, where the Baron Batteville, not at all pleased that others should reap the fruit and honour of his labour, hindered all he could, the deliberations of the Court of Spain, who with their accustomed delays kept the Princes and their Party in perpetual hopes without any considerable relief.  
By virtue of these differences and Emulations betwixt the Prince of Conty, and the Ministers of the Prince of Condy, the Assemblies of the Merchants were upon the Exchange as a place most commodious, more frequent then formerly, in respect the Townhouse was taken up by the Counsel of the Olmiera, and the Palace where they keep the Court of Justice, by the Frondeurs: Lenet went twice to speak with them to sow division amongst them, insinuating that he himself approved of what they did, so it were without the intervention of the Advocates, and other persons of the Courts of Justice, who being always for their own interest, would ascribe all the honour to themselves, and leave only the trouble for them. To others he inculcated their own interest, the strength of the Prince of Condy, and his affection to the City, so that partly by terror, partly by diffidence, and partly with hopes, he endeavoured to gain them all: But all this artifice could not prevent the meeting and concourse of the honest party in this Assembly, by which he perceiving all things to run counter to his intention, and that the hearts of the Cititizens were set immovably upon peace, instead of confiding in the Prince of Conty (who continued still constant to his Brother and his family) he suggested certain jealousies of him, to the Princess, his Sister, and with the most pernicous counsel which could be given at that time, to make him universally odious, he exhibited several charges and accusations against the said Prince, to weaken the only support he had left, sowing discord in his family and among those of his party, and endeavouring with crafty plots to delude them.  
Fiesco took his Lodgings in the New-street among the Merchants, to be more ready at hand to persuade them; that to establish a secure peace, their best way would be to follow the Counsel of Marsin, a person of long experience, and not be led by the Nose by Conty, an unexperienced Youth.  
They contrived likewise, that certain of the Frondeurs (in whom they had greatest confidence) should be present at these Assemblies at the Burse, among which there were also the Counsellors of the Parliament which remained in Bourdeaux, and these to raise differences and distractions amongst them to gain time, in which they placed all their hopes. They contrived moreover, that one Ramont (standing Sentinel at that time in the Townhouse) should deny Admission to one Orial (though of the Olmira) because he did not second their designs, as was expected; which was resented by their Companions, and the whole Olmiera, Who commanded him to depart the City. Having after this discovered, that Marsin gained upon the people every day; by common consent, they called a General Assembly on the 19th. of July, 1653. on the Exchange, in which Assembly there met the Deputies from all the Companies in the City. Whilst they were sitting here together, the Chevalier Todias a Jurate, appeared unexpectedly amongst them, whereupon laying hold on the occasion, That the Presence of a Magistrate of the City rendered the Assembly lawful, they constrained him to accept the deputation they made to the Prince of Conty, to signify to him the resolutions of the good Citizens of the Town, and to entreat him to approve of the design they were upon, to make an Overture of peace, and to consent, That the Faction of the Olmiera, which was the only obstacle, might be abolished, That the Captains and Officers of the City might be cashiered; it being not reasonable, that so many Persons of good quality and birth, as went personally to the Guard for the safety of the Public, should be commanded by the seditious and Plebeians; and that therefore they might be changed, and other sober and deserving persons of condition and worth employed in their dead. It was concluded in like manner, that such as were present should be deputed as from the several Fraternities, and meet daily as the principal Counsel of the City. These to the number of about thirty, with several Heads of the Artisans, went together towards the house of the Duchess of Longueville, where the Prince then was, part of their number remaining behind on the Exchange; some thought it necessary to do something extraordinary, so that whilst their Deputies were attending the Prince, they caused all they met in the streets, to cry, Viva il Re, e la Pace, Long live the King, and the Peace, distributing a white Favour to every one of them. Upon this noise the Deputies took heart, and the Sieur Todias, encouraged by them, represented with great franckness to the Prince of Conty, the miseries occasioned both by the King's forces, and the Princes which were quartered under the Walls, but especially by the tumultuous and insolent Olmeisti, who in one year had occasioned more mischief than many ages would be able to repair: That the good Citizens could no longer endure the licentiousness of the Soldiers. Wherefore, in the Name of the whole Corporation, he most humbly besought him to take some speedy course for the Consolation of all parties, assuring him of the affection and constancy of the Citizens towards his Highness, the Prince of Condy, the Duke d' Anguien his Nephew, and his Sister the Duchess of Longueville, the Prince told them, that they should meet him the next day at the Archbishops Palace, to agree about the means of procuring a durable Peace. The Deputies coming out of the Duchess of Longueville's house, and meeting the people that were crying Peace, they took each of them a white Signal, and joining with them in a moment, the Cry went thorough the whole Town, Viva il Re, e la pace, e muoia l' Olmiera, Long live the King, and the Peace, and let the Olmiera perish. The women, the children, every body put on white colours, and they which had no other, made use of their Handkerchiefs or white paper: On the other side, the Olmeistis and others of the Prince's party distinguished themselves by Isabel and blue.  
The next Lord's day, by order of the Prince of Conty, there were present at the Council the Counts of Marsin, de Mora, Fiesco, de Mata, de Antel, the Marquis of Lusignan, Coll. Baltasser, the Counsellors Ramont, Du Duc and Spagnet, who had been at the Exchange to desire Peace; the Precedent Fresne was also called to the Council, who had concealed himself for two years together, under pretence of a fit of sickness real or feigned. They argued and discussed this Affair with variety of opinions; some of the Frondeurs, to hinder them from coming to a Conclusion, endeavoured to divert the Resolutions of the Assembly, and delay time; But this being discovered by some who were well enough acquainted with the intention of the Frondeurs, and understood how much it imported them not to lose time, they remained behind in the Exchange with some other of their friends; and besides those they had with them the day before, getting some other active Persons, they heartened their Deputies, who at that instant were at the Archbishops Palace, and startled Marsin, their number being increased to above 2000 persons, they assaulted the house of Bleru, who was at that time an Agent in England, that by this means the tumult, (which they noised abroad to be much increased) might dispose the Prince and the Assembly to satisfy the Petition of the City; but the unstable Rout soon gave a proof of their inconstancy, deserting their Leaders in the very height of the Action: who did what they could to keep them together, but to no purpose; and in the mean time, night coming on, and nothing done, Virlada resolved to give some money to his Kinsman Cabanieux, if with other of his Companions he would go and take down a red Standard, which had been set up by the Olmeisti upon Saint Michael's Steeple, and in stead of that funest and bloody colours, put up a white one (the King's colours) in its place; which being done, and another of the fame, in like manner advanced on the Steeples of St. Remy and St. Peter's, by the well-affected of those parishes; as also on the Gate next the Exchange, the appearance of these colours had so great an influence, that Marsin himself who did all he could to divert the Propositions for Peace, condescended to all, the Deputies of the Merchants desired, upon a suspicion of some unavoidable surprise; Twelve Deputies therefore were chosen, to consult with the Prince's Counsel upon such terms and expedients as should be most proper for the Conclusion of the Peace; but Marsin perceiving that their fear was without any foundation: the same night coming to the Townhouse (where the Prince of Conty lodged,) with all the Officers of the Army, and the chief of the Olmiera, they consulted how to disturb and prevent the designs of the well-affected to the King.  
The Olmeistis proposed to fall upon those that were assembled in the Burse. Marsin and Fiesco were for standing upon their defence, and (bringing in their Troops) to place them in the street before the Townhouse, as far as the quarter of Santa Eulalia towards the Archbishop's Palace; and the Castle of Ha, where the inhabitants had not declared against them: it was resolved also to make use of an Arrest of Parliament offered by the Frondeurs, which under pretence of Remonstrating for Peace; forbade all Assemblies, as unlawful and seditious, to the end that the Olimiera might unite with the remainder of the Parliament against the other Citizens: The Prince of Canty did not approve of bringing in the Troops, as a thing which would make the Citizens desperate and and force them to open a Gate to the Dukes of Vandosm and Candal, which would prove the utter desolation and ruin of the whole City: so that the result was, that they should only make use of the Ordinances of Parliament. The next day the Counsellors of Parliament going to meet, were hindered by a party of Citizens, telling them the Parliament was at Again, and not at Bourdeaux: Virlade clapped a Court of Guard before the Palace of Judicature, to hinder the Entrance of the Counsellors; and upon the Exchange ordered the Sieur de Lovergnac, one of the Advocates, to read a Letter publicly from the Duke of Candale, in which he offered the Citizens his Mediation, and a General Amnesty: The people, though they did not accept thereof, yet they desired Virlade and Baccalan, that they would be present as their Tribunes, at the Counsels held for public business in the Archbishop's Palace. This being the posture of Affairs in Bourdeaux, and the greater part of the Citizens disposed for Peace, the King's Generals thought it not amiss to encourage these Proceedings, and to hinder the seditious spirits of the Olmiera from interrupting them,) to cause their Troops to advance from their Quarters about Begle, towards the Gate of Saint Julian, and at the same time to bring the Fleet above Lormont.  
This Council was immediately put in execution, the Duke of Candale's Troops marching forward by Land, to the number of about 4000 Foot and 200 Horse. The Clouds of dust, which the trampling of the Horses raised in the Air, and the noise of the Artillery from the Ships against the Post of Bacalan, was seen and heard with so much confusion and terror, that the Frondeurs, and some Counselors of the Parliament, who were met in the Burse, or Exchange, dissolved the Assembly suddenly in great fear, upbraiding the others that under the colour of Peace they had plotted the surprise and desolation of the Town. Virlada did his utmost endeavour to change the Officers that had the Command of the Gates (which were all of them Olmiesti) but being yet all alone with the Advocate Dalon, advising what was to be done, their design being discovered, and seeing the people incensed against them, he resolved to repair to the Townhouse, and there with the help of some of his friends, attempt the nomination of new Captains. Here he found the Prince of Conty, and represented to him, that in respect of the confusions within the City, and the approach of the enemy without, the Citizens also being refractory, and unwilling to follow their old Officers, not so much as their Serjeant-Major Periera; it was better (as he did most humbly entreat) for his own proper security, to accept of those few Captains, which in the name of the Citizens he tendered to him, insinuating withal a jealousy, of the pretention of the Jurates of the City against his Authority, if it should happen into their power to choose them, as they desired. The Prince to rid himself of him quickly, fearing to be surprised, having taken their Oaths, they took possession of their places in the Council held in the Arch-Bishops Palace, and fell into debate immediately about the most probable Expedients to obtain a Peace; to which end Virlade offered himself to go forthwith and negotiate with the Duke of Candale, without expecting a Passport, not to lose time.  
Marsin thought to elude him, appointing him for his Companion Baz, a Marshal de Camp, and his very great Confident. But Virlade departed at Midnight with the single Permission of the Prince, without the said Baz: Bacalan was nominated also to go to Vandosme with Calapian, (another Marshal de Camp, Brother to the Marquis de Lasignan, and strictly engaged in Marsin's interest;) Virlade represented to the Duke of Candale the intention the City had to submit themselves to the obedience of the King, and showed him the full power they had given him to treat, as also a Letter of credit from the Prince of Conty, who to prevent the fatal effects of a Conspiracy contrived against his life, by certain persons which had been banished, and were returned again into the Town, condescended to treat with the said Duke, his particular friend, in the behalf, and for the security of his Nephew the Duke de Enguien, the Princesses, and the rest of his Party, and he entreated him most earnestly to interpose his Authority, that the good Citizens might receive the effects of the King's Clemency, rather than of his justice.  
The Duke received these Overtures with great civility, and declaring himself a friend to the Prince of Conty, he expressed all the demonstrations of esteem that could be expected from an entire Correspondence, it being necessary for the better carrying on of the Treaty, first to make a Truce, which Viralda earnestly pressed, the Duke replied, he would conclude nothing of himself, till he had advised with the Duke of Vendosm, with whom he went hand in hand in carrying on the King's Interest; yet they proceeded so far, that the Duke prohibited his soldiers under severe penalty to go out of their Quarters, or to commit any Acts of Hostility, either against the Goods or Lives of the Bourdelots'. The Duke in the mean time sent the Chevalier de Muns, Captain of his Guards, to compliment the Prince, and to assure the inhabitants of his good affection, and sincere mediation to his Majesty in their behalf; from thence the said Captain repaired to the Duke of Vendosme, to give him an Account of what had passed. Bacalan made the same submissions to the Duke of Vendosm, who received him with extraordinary Courtesy, answerable to the sweetness and affability of his humour.  
That very same day Gourville arrived from the Court, at the Duke of Vendosmes quarters, and desiring to pass likewise into the Duke of Candales, the next way being thorough the Town; he sent thither for a Passport, which (every one being curious to understand how Affairs went since their separation from the Prince of Condy,) they presently granted. He arrived late in Town, and Lenets' house being near the Posthouse, where he alighted; he made his first Visit to him, and stayed with him all night, which gave some jealousy to the Prince of Conty, and the Duchess of Longueville, who imagined, that coming from the Court he had had private Instructions to treat with Marsin and Lenet, who were then in no good correspondence with the Prince and the Duchess.  
The next day he went to pay his Visits to them, who were very importunate with him, to know what Orders he had brought along with him from the Court, and because he assured them, that he would not meddle with any thing, without communicating with them, and desired them that they would look upon him as a Person wholly devoted to the service of the King, they looked upon him with more suspicion than before.  
The Curiosity of the Princes entertained him in long Discourse of several things, so that the same effect his Conference with Lenet had wrought in the Prince, the same did his discourse with the Prince produce in Marsin and Lenet, and the rather because not having negotiated any thing with them, they concluded his Orders were to treat only with the Prince, so that they were all of them equally in the dark. Gourville pursued his Voyage in the Company of Baz, (who was sent by Marsin to the Camp at Begle, to have an eye upon Virlade's Proceedings) and coming to the Duke of Candale, who received him with great kindness, he communicated to the Duke all that was to be done for his Majesty's service in Bourdeaux, according to the Instructions he had received from Cardinal Mazarine. Joining with Viralde, they together obtained a suspension of Arms for three days, in which time the Duke of Candale promised to speak with the Duke of Vendosme, to adjust the Articles of the Truce, not only for the City, but for the whole Province of Guienne.  
In the mean time the Prince of Conty went to the Exchange, and put on a white Scarf, to the great joy of the people. But the inconveniences which might arise from the frequent resort of the King's Officers and Soldiers to the town, being represented to him, he prohibited the admitting any of them for the future, without a Passport.  
Whilst things were thus in Agitation, Virlada returned to Bourdeaux, and informed both the Prince and the Citizens of his Negotiations with the Duke of Candale.  
Marsin, being enraged to see the Conclusion of the Treaty so near, which he sought with all Art and Industry to protract and interrupt, he would not consent that any Answer should be returned from the Archbishops Palace. Whereupon Viralda, (to animate the people the more, and to excite them to Peace) produced another Letter from the Duke of Candale, by which he permitted the Citizens to go to their Country-houses if they pleased, to get in their Harvest, and distributed Passport to those that desired them, who came in great throngs.  
The Duke of Vandosm likewise sent Butin his Secretary into Bourdeaux, to assure the Citizens of his inclinations to favour them, but that he would not admit of any Treaty without the consent and participation of the Duke of Candale, and that the Propositions might be the better discussed and examined, they would meet together, and not separate, till the Treaty was concluded or broke off.  
Butin was received with extraordinary Acclamation; but the Chevalier Todias represented, that it was contrary to the Rules of War, and against their proper interest to show such partiality. The Secretary was sent back, and Vandosmes Letter delivered to the Prince of Conty: Marsin came into the Council assembled in the Archbishops Palace, and sharply reproved Virlade, for that in his Presence he had suffered Feran (a Huguenot Minister) to inveigh against the Prince's party before the Duke of Candale, adding, that this was a clear demonstration, that the Huguenots hated the Spaniards, which was repugnant to the common interest, by reason they could hope for relief from no other Country but Spain, and that he and Feran both, would have but little thanks from the Citizens.  
Marsin hearing the relation of these transactions was not a little disturbed, who foreseeing that all would be lost, the greatest part of the inhabitants being disposed to return to the obedience of their King.  
A Passport was here demanded for the Duke of Vandosm's Galleys to go and receive the Duke of Candale at Begle. Marsin opposed it, saying, it might be a Treachery, and proposed that the Duke might be conveyed in the Vessels belonging to the Town, whereupon a Contest arose betwixt him and others, who maintained, that it was not decent for the King's General to appear in any Ships, but what belonged to His Majesty; Marsin insisted that the Deputies might be changed; but these being in good esteem with the people that were well-affected, they were confirmed, and the Articles of the Truce enlarged. The Contents of them were, that all Hostilities should cease till the Consummation or Rupture of the Treaty; That there should be no communication betwixt the soldiers and inhabitants, without passports from the King's Generals. That when the King's Troops should be removed further off, quarters should be granted to the Prince's Forces, four leagues from Bourdeaux. That during the Treaty, there should be free entrance for all kind of Provisions into the Town; That Passes should be given to certain persons, to be sent into Flanders, to give advice of what passed to the Prince of Condy, and into Spain, to his Catholic Majesty, That Baltasser with his Troops might retire to Tartas. The Article concerning the Passport into Spain was disputed, and at length altered by the Prince of Conty, it being agreed on, that only notice should be given to the Generals of the Spanish Fleet; But with order not to come near Bourdeaux, for if they did they should neither be received nor assisted. All these Transactions being highly displeasing to Marsin, and all such as were enemies to the peace, they raised new murmurs and divisions in the City, and plotted all ways to break or disturb the Treaty; They assured the people that there was Corn enough in the Magazines for three Months; That the want of provisions, and sickness increasing daily in the King's Army, they could not long subsist, nor be able to make the least opposition against the Spanish Fleet, which was expected every moment, with ample supplies, both of Victuals, Money and men, so that holding out but a few days longer they should obtain a Peace much more advantageous. That the Prince of Condy was in Flanders with a powerful Army, able to march to Paris without any obstruction, by reason of the weakness of the King's Forces, and the people's disaffection to the Cardinal. Marsin continued to declaim against the Propositions of the peace, as dishonourable to the name of their Union, and to their Promises, and oaths so often reiterated, not to abandon the Prince of Condy, That it was nothing but the effect of a Conspiracy of a few persons corrupted by the flatteries of Mazarine, and inveigled with the thoughts of bettering their own fortune by the ruin of the public interest. That their Offers were to be shunned as the singing of a Siren, That having offended a Prince to the quick, the best Counsel was to see him no more except in a Picture: But on the contrary, those who understood the Artifices and machinations of seditious persons, were of another judgement, and declared,  
That things were reduced now to such an extremity, they must fall inevitably into the hands of the Spaniard, and live under their yoke and dominion, or become miserable sacrifices to the arms and vengeance of their own King. That the State could never fall under greater Tyranny, than what they then suffered under the Officers of the Princes, who had no other aim then to satisfy their insatiable desire of robbing them both of their honour and estates, leaving them in a miserable and languishing condition. That the City, not being to be brought to a worse plight, aught to embrace so happy an opportunity of redeeming itself from such imminent dangers, whilst the Generals, with unexpected Courtesy, distributed every where his Majesty's grace and favours, full of clemency and pity, and thought it greater honour to be the instruments of his mercy then revenge. That now was the time to wipe off all the unworthy stains of rebellion, by making it appear, they were rather the effects of a few people's violence, than any universal disgust. That Marsin (as a stranger) was manifestly more solicitous for his own private interest for the Princes, and therefore he ran things to Extremity, with false and pretended promises of relief, which if soberly considered, was rather to be abhorred then received, seeing by prolonging the War, all the people must of necessity be precipitated into an eternal, and inextricable confusion, and their revenues brought to nothing, consisting principally in trade with strangers, and in the fruits of the field, the one absolutely precluded and interrupted, and the other like to be destroyed, by the spoiling of their Vintage.  
They further added, that the Princes professing the ease of the people, to whom they had so many Obligations, it was to be supposed, they would not consent, that for the advantage of a few of their party, so many innocents' should be ruined; and that themselves, being of so high a birth, by returning to their obedience, they might restore themselves to their pristine Authority and Grandeur in the Kingdom of France, where no true Frenchman, by reason of their natural antipathy could willingly brook the Spaniards, who sought to advantage themselves by these troubles, alluring the uncautious by the lustre of their Gold, and deluding the people more with false hopes then really assisting them with any formidable and effectual force. Finally, they concluded, that having for their own Sovereign, a King given them by God, they ought not to doubt of his being endowed with so Noble and Generous a mind as to forget injuries, and pardon Offences.  
These Reasons, with the Engagement, into which most of the Citizens had publicly entered, and the fear of falling again under the outrages of the Olmeira, in case they should recover their former Authority by the means of foreign force, was the cause that the Assembly of the Olmeistis, was expressly forbidden, and the Captains of the quarters renewed with all diligence, and strict Guards placed at the Gates to hinder the entrance of foreign Soldiers. They treated also privately with Colonel Baltasser, to gain him to their side, as a valiant and generous person, and one that was capable of doing much mischief, were he united with Marsin, with whom (by reason of several disgusts passed betwixt them) he held no very good correspondence.  
Virlade, being in the mean time returned to Begle, to accompany the Duke of Candale to Lormont, and assist at the General Truce, received an express from the Duke of Vandosme at Midnight, that 33 Sail of Spanish Ships were arrived within sight of Blay; Whereupon the three days Truce being expired, the Duke of Candale thought it expedient to give them another indefinite, till the conclusion of the peace, and the publication of the Amnesty, which he did to engage the Citizens in a Treaty, before the news of the approach of the Spanish Armada, lest they should change their resolutions, and concur with the contrary party.  
It being concluded therefore, and established as firm as was possible, Virlade was dispatched back to Bourdeux, to draw the Prince of Conty to a peremptory resolution to declare puplickly for the service of the King; where being arrived, he found the City much altered by the Artifices of Marsin, who (having been at the Burse, to clear himself and Lenet of the machinations wherewith they were charged) he had in some measure mollified the hearts of those who had been exasperated against him, and by the distribution of Money amongst the Plebeians, captivated a good part of them, particularly those of the Fraternity of Saint John, (which are so numerous they seldom appear less than 1500 in their procession upon that Saint's day) so that he caused them to fasten pieces of Red Ribbon to their Procession-staffs, and to cry up and down the streets, and in their very Procession, Viva i Principi, Long live the Princes.  
Virlada, astonished at this change, rid amongst them with a Trumpet of the Duke of Candales before him, snatching from some of them their Red Ribbons, giving them white, and casting some Moneys amongst them, he caused them quickly to change their note, and cry out as fast, Viva il Re, e la Pace, Long live the King and the Peace, and from thence passing to the Townhouse, where the Prince of Conty then was, he pressed him to declare himself either for Peace or War, telling him, that as his servant, he could not but advise him of the evident danger he was in, seeing the design was to make themselves Masters of the Town, though with the destruction and ruin of his Highness. That therefore he did earnesly desire him to continue the suspension of Arms, which during till the conclusion of the peace, would secure him, and take away all occasion from the King's Generals to attempt any thing against the City, which in the confusions they were then in, would be no hard matter for them to do, to the endangering of his person, and his friends, or at least to his dishonour.  
These Propositions sunk very deep into the heart of the Prince, full of generosity, and therefore the more disposed to receive such counsels as were grounded on reason and honour; Besides, Gourville, being in private Treaty with him at that time, who took great pains to remove him from all contrary sentiments; he finally resolved to subscribe the suspension of Arms; which was solemnly published, and went to the Exchange to declare openly, that he renounced all leagues and confederacies with Spain.  
Here were likewise read the Articles of peace, which were to be proposed, as also a renunciation of the Citizens, of all Treaties with the English, and the Ministers of Spain, and this was also done in public by the Prince, with much frankness, which drew after him all the acclamations of the people.  
The Arrival of the Spanish Fleet was not yet known in Bourdeaux, and those that understood the inconstancy of the people always desirous of novelties, endeavoured to conceal it as much as was possible.  
The Duke of Candale went to Lormond to the Duke Vandosme, and the articles of the Truce were agreed on in the same form they were presented, except the granting of quarters to the Prince's Troops, a passport to Baltasser, or liberty for bringing in victuals or Ammunition into the Town. They agreed afterwards, on the hour to meet the Deputies, to treat about the peace. The designs of the seditious and the Spaniards being in this manner defeated; The King's Generals were much rejoiced, and the rather because they had reason to fear, that if the Spanish Navy had appeared before the Treaty had been concluded, they would easily have made themselves Masters of Bourdeaux, and all the King's Affairs in Guienne, been utterly ruined, besides the prejudice they would have received in the other parts of the Kingdom by so potent, and so considerable a diversion.  
The Spanish Fleet came to an Anchor at the mouth of the Garonne, and the Generals (having notice of the resolution of the Bourdelois whilst they lay there, attending the opportunity of the Tide, to attempt the relieving of the Town) were in great confusion, and at a stand what to do, fearing to engage themselves in vain, further in the River, with so much hazard, not being assured to be received by the City, but rather treated as Enemies; They concluded at length to continue where they were upon their Guard, and to dispatch away a Messenger with all speed to the Spanish Court, to give notice of the alteration of Affairs, that they might deliberate what was best to be done in this exigence. They sent likewise advice into Flanders, to the Spanish Ministers and the Prince of Condy, who at the receipt of this News saw his expectations quite vanished, while with a secure confidence he had cherished himself, that the Spanish Fleet would have got easily to Bourdeaux, and have had the better of the day, if they came to an engagement; which the Spaniards themselves, gave evident tokens they were not willing to undertake upon a slight account.  
On the 27. of July, the Deputies, being twelve in number (whereof Chevalier Todias was the chief) to whom was joined the aforesaid Virtade, they propounded the Articles of the Peace. By the permission of the Prince of Conty, Bartau a Citizen of Bourdeux, was sent to the Spanish Navy, to let them know, that the City renounced all leagues and confedederacies concluded with his Catholic Majesty, and disowned all succours that came from him.  
The Generals having perused the Propositions of Peace, they found some things too prejudicial to his majesty's honour, so that they had like to have sent back the Deputies; But apprehending, by rendering the Bourdelots' desperate, they might throw themselves into the Arms of the Spaniards already advanced too far, they found out a medium very proper to compose all, which was to shorten the Trea-and come to a Conference, in which those Articles that could not be granted, should be remitted to the King, rather than to send away the Deputies. It being more than probable, that Marsin would take new courage by the discontents of the people, and the well-affected themselves, seeing their hopes frustrated, would easily be persuaded to admit the Spanish supplies.  
For these Reasons the Deputies were recalled, and after having offered them the favour of the General Amnesty for the inhabitants of the Town, in the same form as it was granted to the parisians, and as it was Registered in the Parliament, transferred to Again, To the Princes and Princesses, and all others of their party, as ample passports as they could desire; to the Generals and French Officers, leave to retire to their own houses, and to the Foreign Troops to depart out of the Kingdom. They promised to examine the Articles in a Conference the day following; All which being tendered to the Prince of Conty and the assembly of the Citizens in the Burse, in two Sessions, they resolved them in this manner following.  
Upon the 1. and 2. (after the King's Declaration of 1650. was read,) it was agreed, That a general Amnesty should be granted to the Citizens of Bourdeaux, with confirmation of their prviledges.  
The 3. (which respected the Person of the Prince of Condy, and his indemnity) was referred to the King: but it was proposed, that they might have a months' time to give him notice of their Treaty, by a Messenger express, to whom the King's Generals were to give a Passport to the Court, and from thence he was to have the King's safe conduct into Flanders. That the Prince of Conty, and the Duchess of Longueville were to be comprehended, if they pleased in the Amnesty of Bourdeaux, or if they desired one separately, it should be granted them, in the best form, and verified for them and their dependants in the Parliament of Paris, as that for the Bourdelots' was to be in the Parliament of Guienne. That the Duke d' Enguien, and the Princess his Mother should have Passports given them for their security and residence, in case they were inclined to abide in any part of the Kingdom; That Marsin should have liberty to go to Liege by Sea or by Land, as he pleased, it being his native Country; and the same to the Count de Mora, the Marquis of Lusignan, Lenet, and the rest, if they refused the benefit of the Amnesty.  
Some difficulties arose about the Gens d'armes, the Prince's Guards, and the Regiment of Enguien, the General's pretending that those Troops belonging to the King, they ought either to be disbanded, or entered again into his Majesty's service, but the Example of the Capitulation at Bellegard prevailing; They consented that they should have ticketts given them for quarters, till they came to the Frontiers of the Kingdom. The Regiments of Marque, and Marqueses, with the rest of the Prince's party, were all of them disbanded. The Irish had leave to retire into Spain, having secretly treated with the French Generals.  
The Castles were surrendered, the Prisoners released, but the dismantling of Fort- Caesar, Bourg, and Libourne, and other places upon the River, was referred to the pleasure of the King.  
There was a long debate likewise upon the restitution of the Parliament in Bourdeaux, as also upon the Article about the taking off the Imposts established at Blay, of two Crowns upon every Tun of Wine, the reimbursement of the debts contracted during the War, upon the Merchandizes and Rents, as also the revocation of the subsistence of the discharge of Taxes, and Tenths for ten years, and the suppression of the Court of Aids, all which Articles being of more than ordinary importance, were left to the decision of his Majesty.  
Moreover, the Generals refused to comprehend Villeneuf d' Agenois, and the other Towns of the Prince's side in this Treaty, alleging they were free to accep of the Amnesty, and return to their obedience without it if they pleased.  
After this Conference the Duke of Vandosme demanded of the Deputies what the sentiment of the City of Bourdeaux would be. these Articles being granted, the King's General Pardon passed in the form and manner requested, and the Soldiers drawn off: This was a long time under debate the 29. of July in the Burse, where in the presence of the Prince of Conty, the Duke d' Enguien, and Lenet, the Propositions of the Generals were read.  
Which contained this, That the Articles being signed, they were to rely upon the word of the Generals as Persons of honour, seeing it would require time to procure the King's confirmation, That the said Generals would enter into the City, allow Provisions to be brought in, and give security to the Princes and their Troops to retire; if otherwise they chose rather to expect the King's Declaration before they suffered them to enter, in that case no Provisions were to be brought in, nor liberty for any to come out but the Deputies themselves.  
The Counsellors of the Parliament, who were then in Bourdeaux, and who were all of them Frondeurs, especially Spagnet and Saux, declared their opinions, That in that case War was to be preferred before a doubtful and uncertain Peace; That they ought not to consent that the King's Declaration should be registered any where, but in the Parliament sitting in Bourdeaux: Nor the Generals permitted to enter into the City: But the Prince of Conty and Lenet were of another mind, and declared that they ought to treat with their Sovereign in terms of obedience and respect.  
In this Intrigue they took this expedient, To cause the peace to be published, To attend the King's ratification, with mutual Hostages on both sides without admitting the Generals into the Town. To this was to added, That (the people beginning to tumult and cry out for an end of the Treaty, and their miseries) the Troops should be sent away, and only some few days granted to the Princes, to adjust their Affairs; But the Generals would not condescend to these demands, replying, that if the peace was not absolutely concluded, they could not draw off the King's Troops from the Town, and that whilst the Prince, Princesses, Marsin, Lenet, and others remained in the City, they must only expect the benefit of the bare suspension of Arms agreed on by the Truce of the 30th. of July.  
The Prince of Conty (who for himself and his whole family, had subscribed a Treaty with Courville, declared in the Assembly at the Burse; that for his part he relied upon the General's Parole, nor should his interest or his families hinder the Citizens from obtaining a speedy remedy for their miseries, by the withdrawing off the Troops, That as for his part he was resolved to leave the Town forthwith, and retire to Cadillac.  
It was declared likewise by the Chevalier Todias, That the Princess of Condy would retire to L' Esparre, and the Duchess of Longveville to Plassac, there to expect either their passports, or the Amnesty. The Duchess of Longueville as soon as hers was arrived, by the consent of the Duke her husband, retired out of the noise and clamours of the world, into a Monastery of Nuns in the Suburbs of Moulins in Bourbonnois.  
The Deputies being returned the same day, it was concluded that the Dukes might enter the Town, when they pleased, according to their condition and quality, and the honour due to His Majesty's Arms, and that the Prince's troops should withdraw as was desired.  
The Passports were brought to the Princess of Condy, the Duke d' Enguien, Marsin, Lenet, & the same day were dispatched to Court, the Count of Montesson from the Duke of Vandosm, and the Conte de Marinville from the Duke of Candale, for the ratification of the Treaty; The 3d. of August the Dukes were received into the Town, with great Ceremony, and the universal applause of the people who but few days before were of a clear contrary mind. The Dukes, to demonstrate the entire confidence they had in them, dismissed their own Guards, and caused their houses and persons to be guarded by the inhabitants. They elected new Jurats, and the Assemblies which were held in the Burse, were removed to the Townhouse. The Princess with the Duke d' Enguien her Son, went to Chastillon de Medoc, Marsin into Spain by Sea; The Count de Fiesco took Post thither by land, the Prince of Conty retired to Cadillac, where he found Langlade, Cardinal Mazarine's Secretary sent thither to assist at the Treaties of Bourdeaux, but falling sick he could not be present at the Conclusion.  
Colonel Baltasser entered himself into the King's service with 600 Foot, and 400 Horse. Monsieur de la Rocque, who was at that time with some Horse and Foot, at the City of Perigueux, followed the example of Baltasser, and took up Arms for the King, the said la Rocque conceiving a jealousy, that the Marquis de Chanlo, Governor of that Town, had a design to take him Prisoner, went out himself with some of his friends, and repairing to the Commanders of the King's forces, was an occasion of a Treaty with the Inhabitants of that place, in order to their return to their Obedience. Father Ythier a Jesuit, by directions from Cardinal Mazarine, led the Dance, and not only disposed the minds of the Inhabitants, but observing what passed, gave intelligence to Father Bertaut, who followed the business whilst Ythier was sick.  
Besides this, another private Treaty was set on Foot with the Irish of that Garrison; But the Governor, (not fully confiding in that Nation, disgusted with those that had ordered them thither, and not satisfied with those that had received them) kept so vigilant an eye over them, that having a suspicion of some design, he caused their Officers to be secured, and dispersed the Soldiers amongst his own companies he most trusted.  
The Duke of Candale (who was too Generous to approve of a victory obtained by Circumvention or treachery) could not endure any such dishonourable ways, but resolved to besiege that City, and reduce it with his Sword in his hand according to the more Glorious methods of War.  
He had already caused the Artillery to be embarked, and dispatched the Marquis de Sovebeuf, with part of his Troops, (commanded by the Marquis de Cavillac, and the Count de St. german) to invest it; But the Citizens, knowing how prejudicial it would be to expect a formal Siege, resolved after the example of the Bourdelots', to betake themselves to their Arms, and force the Guard of the Gates out of the hands of the Garrison. The Governor having notice of their design, and being at that time in Treaty about leaving the Country, upon condition he might be permitted to march with his Troops to the Prince of Condy, his Master; he drew up all his men immediately in the great Marketplace, and his head being a little hot with wine, (having been at a Wedding-dinner) he went haftily (accompanied only with his Page, and one of the Consuls of the City) to the house of Budan the King's Attorney, to demand the reason, how they cursed hold such private Assemblies without his cognizance and permission; when he came there, they repulsed him very rudely, and told him there was no such Assembly; but he pressing on to enter by force, some of the Attorneys friends discharged their Firelocks upon him, so that he fell down dead in the place, upon which the Inhabitants taking heart, they issued into the streets armed, crying out, Viva il Ré e la Pace, Long live the King and the Peace, and dragging his body about in a most barbarous manner. The Soldiers were in no small confusion upon this accident, the Officers could not keep them together, nor oppose them against the fury of the people: they running from their colours, some one way, some another, insomuch that the City remained entirely in the Citizen's hands, without further obstacle, who immediately dispatched a Messenger to the Marquis de la Douze, to desire a Passport for their Deputies to wait upon the Duke of Candale, from whom they desired the benefit of the Amnesty, and to return to their obedience to his Majesty, as they accordingly did, one of the most seditious amongst them being hanged up, several others banished, and the Officers and Captains of the Quarters changed.  
Villeneuf d' Agenois, proud that they had resisted the Count de Harcourt, and defeated his attempts; emulating the fury of the Olmiera of Bourdeaux; and in imitation of those inhabitants they listed several Companies, boasting to defend their liberty, To suppress their insolence, the King's forces under the Command of the Marquis d' Aubeterre approached the Town, at the time when their grain being ripe, (with which that place does exceedingly abound) the Inhabitants were preparing for Harvest; so that the Citizens foreseeing the loss of their Revenues, and that they could not live happily, being deprived of their estates, they preferred the fear of misery before the ambition of liberty, and sent Deputies to the Prince of Conty, supplicating him to send them succour, or make their Peace. But Bourdeaux, having already capitulated, and the Prince of Conty laid down his Arms, and retired to Cadillac, they began to treat with the Conte de Vaillac, and afterwards with the Duke of Candale, who sent thither lafoy Ribere a Counsellor of State, and Commissary of his Army, with whom their Amnesty was concluded, upon condition that their walls should be pulled down, their fortifications demolished, and the Citizens who had been too busy and pragmatical, to pay 4000 Pistols; besides, to deliver 20 persons prisoners, to be disposed of as the Duke pleased, two of which were hanged presently, Dureteste also arrested by Order from the Count d' Estrade, was executed at the same time.  
Whilst the Duke of Vandosme and Candale, were proceeding with great sweetness and Moderation, towards the settlement of Affairs in Bourdeaux, they omitted not to watch over the Actions of some perfidious persons, who became more savage and brutal, by how much the Generals (replete with all virtue) used them with more than ordinary kindness and courtesy.  
Sir George Cartret an Englishman had intelligence, that one Edward's, sent by the Parliament of England, lay privately in a certain place in the Town, blowing up the coals of Rebellion, which were not quite extinct, but lay still glowing in the hearts of some seditious people. About the same time a small Felucca was taken casually, with Letters from Lenet to the said Edward's, inviting him to a Counsel which was to be held aboard the Spanish Admiral. Two Citizens of Bourdeaux were apprehended likewise with Letters from the said Lenet, to several persons in the Town, and particularly to certain Ladies.  
By all these Discoveries, it being sufficiently clear their design was to reunite with the Spaniards, and to revive the hopes of the Frondeurs, which were not yet quite extinguished, the Dukes were more vigilant than before, and applied themselves with all imagineable diligence, to find out fit remedies for these wounds, which were not yet well closed.  
After the Procession of the 15. of August, Espagnet was imprisoned, and sent with a good Guard to the Castle of Angoulesme. Passports were given to several persons suspected to contrive new troubles, to remove elsewhere, among which were the Counsellors du Duke, de Manvesin, and la Cheese: Some Troops were commanded towards Merau, to be embarked, if need were, in the King's Ships, in order to the engaging of the Spanish Fleet, which was then at Anchor within sight of Royan, a small Town, but of great strength, and importance, having Xaintonge, on its right hand, and the Country of Medoc on its left. Other Soldiers were sent into Xaintonge, where the whole Country was in Arms apprehending the landing of the Spaniards in those parts. And all Inconveniences were with such diligence prevented, by the order of Mazarine, that the Rebellion could by no ways take Footing again, nor disturb the peace and tranquillity of the Bourdelots'. Who being grown wise at their own cost had found that the worth and excellency of good Orders is not to be discerned, without a sense and experience of disorders.   

The HISTORY of the Managements of CARDINAL MAZARINE. Part II. Lib. II.  
AFfairs going on in this manner in Guienne, with such advantage to the King, and glory of the Cardinal, whose fortune appeared more and more favourable to him in all his Erterprises. In the other parts, on the Frontiers of Flanders, the Armies encamped themselves with different designs. The Spaniards with the Prince of Condy, trusting in the greatness of their force, which consisted of 30000 fight men, extended their quarters and lay at large, seeking to allure the French Army to a Battle, because if they obtained the victory, they hoped to advance to the very Gates of Paris, to encourage those as were disposed to sedition, to create new troubles before the Affairs in Guienne were composed to the advantage of the King, and by forcing their way into the heart of the Country, to fill the whole Kingdom with horror and confusion. The number of their Counsellors being great, the opinions were various what course they were to steer to bring their designs to a happy issue: For though the Prince of Condy stood firm in his opinion of marching— to the Seine, without engaging in any tedious Leaguer; yet the Spanish Captains were backward in concurring with the undaunted thoughts of this warlike Prince, as being fearful to engage their Army in some desperate Affair, or puff up the Prince with too much glory, of whose instability, as a Frenchman, (though their experience since has convinced them of his constancy) it appeared, they were not a little jealous: after various consultations upon the best and most seasonable expedient, it was resolved all ways should be tried to force the Enemy to a battle, and according to the event of that, they might proceed afterwards to other resolutions. With these designs the Army advanced, facing the French for several days, and parted only by the River Oyse.  
The Mareshal de Turenne, though in number inferior to the Spanish Army, out of the greatness of his courage, would with all his heart have accepted of the Combat, but his generous Spirit was restrained by the mature experience he had gained, to his great glory, in 22 Campaigne's, in which, though young, he had always the Principal Command; besides, he was withheld by express orders from the Cardinal, who considering very wisely, that the fortune of the whole Kingdom, depending upon that Army, they ought not to expose their past labours, their present condition, and their future hopes, to the hazard and uncertainty of a Battle, with so much disadvantage; wherefore in this case, following the example of that politic Roman, who by his cunctation and delays destroyed the Army of the Carthaginians; He contented himself to Alarm the Enemy's Camp, now in the slanck, now in the Front, now in the Rear, and by forcing them, sometimes to keep close, sometimes to hasten, sometimes to retard their March, reduce them to a scarcity of provisions, and finally to frustrate all the designs they had contrived against France. But their being in the Marshal Turenne no less, then in the Prince of Condy an ardent and immense desire of glory, he could not satisfy the fervour of his mind, if in so conspicuous an occasion he gave not some proof or testimony of his valour. He passed the River therefore one day with 7 or 800 Horse, and joining with his main Guard, which was kept on the other side, he fell upon the Enemies Guards at the head of the Fens of Fonsomme, and charged them so briskly, that he beat them into their main Body, took several Prisoners, and returned with great honour to his quarters.  
In the mean time the King, the Cardinal, and the whole Court arrived at the Army the 24. of July, where he was received with extraordinary applause, there being drawn up in excellent Order an hundred Squadrons of Horse, and 18 Battalions of Foot, in all about 16000 old Soldiers, well enured to the Wars, with a great Number of experienced Officers, and Reformadoes. The Marshal de Turenne being willing to entertain the King with the sight of a Skirmish, very much desired by his Majesty, who is naturally Martial: He forded the Oyse with his light Horse, Gens d' arms, and about a Thousand other select Horse, and fell again upon the same Guards of the enemy and beat them back: The Prince of Condy, being confident, that upon the arrival of the King, the French Generals would dispose themselves for a Battle, he put his Troops in Order, and stood firm, observing their motion, till the King was retreated, and understanding afterward it was but a party of Horse, he was much troubled he had not advanced, and tried his fortune in a charge.  
The King remained all that day in the Camp, animating every body with the Majesty of his presence, and filling them with an impatient desire of signalizing themselves in his service.  
He dined at the Marshal Turenne's, with a great number of his principal Officers, who had the honour to be called by his Majesty to his own Table. He supped with the Marshal de la Ferte Seneterre in the same order, and returned to lodge in the Marshal de Turenne's Quarters, in the midst of the Army. The Cardinal having given the General's Orders and Instructions how they should regulate themselves that Campagne, returned with the King to Paris.  
Two or three days after the King's departure, the Spanish Army quitted their Posts, and took their March directly towards San Simon and at Serocourt passed over the Somme. The French Army followed them by the way of lafoy Fere, and quartered at Cherry, and Maiau, and passed the Oyse, at the place where it forms itself into a little Island, and a little above Verduel, and Travessy, they drew into Battalia, from whence they march-to Fargny, where they encamped; observing always the enemy, that they might not have time to sit down before any place, and entrench themselves, which was their design, after they found how difficult it was to draw the French to an engagement.  
The Prince of Condy, suspecting that Turenne would fall upon his Rear as he was passing St. Simon, he marched through with all speed, and lodged within a league of Ham, doubting he would attaque that most important place, situate upon the Somme, betwixt St. Quintin and Peron.  
This sudden motion obliged the French Generals to advance to Chauny, a Town upon the Oyse, and from thence to Noyon, the chief City of a County upon the same River, with a strong wall about it, and well-peopled, where they made a halt for some days, while the Spaniards facing them, the Prince of Condy passed with six thousand men at Magny, and marched from thence to Roye, and approaching it in three several places, he forced it to surrender: Turenne hearing what had passed, and suspecting he might surprise some of the Towns upon the Somme, he advanced to Magny. Condy designing against Corbie, pretended to march with part of his Army towards Beauvais, to draw the French Army from their Post, and at the same time to invest Corbie.  
Turenne, who by long experience understood the Arts of the Prince, and knew very well he would not engage himself far in France, with so many strong Towns at his back, and an Army in his flank, in stead of following him, as seemed requisite by the Rules of War; On the 9 of August he marched to Magny, where they made Bonfires and rejoicings in the Camp, for the happy news of the reduction of Bourdeaux, which much encouraged the Army, so that speedily passing the River, he dispatched the Comte de Schomberg, with 400 Horse and 200 Foot, to reinforce the Garrison of Corbie, and prevent the Prince's design.  
At the same time the whole French Army marched towards Ham, passed the River in the night, and lodged on the other side, where Turenne, having intelligence that the Count de Maille, with a large Convoy of Ammunition, and 4000 Pioners was departed from Cambray, to reinforce the Spanish Army, in case they should invest any place; Incontinently with the greatest part of his Horse, and a commanded party of Foot, the the next morning at break of day he clapped himself in the way that the Convoy was to pass, with resolution to set upon them: But the Prince having smelled his design, (as being no less acquainted with the Practices of Turenne, and the greatest part of his Commanders, most of them having served under him) and that there was nothing to be done at that time, turning head with his light Horse, and marching with all diligence towards the Somme, sent advice by Polenet (Groom of his Chamber,) to the Count de Maille, to return again with his Convoy to Cambray.  
Polinet, returning back the same day was taken Prisoner by a Party of the Royalists, who understanding by him, and afterwards by the Scouts (which had been at the very Gates of Cambray) that Maille was retreated, and that the Prince having cast two Bridges of Boats over the Somme, had passed it, and lodged himself upon the bank of it, betwixt Corbie and Bre, Turenne returned with great dexterity towards his Camp, which was already advancing towards him; and having joined with the Marshal la Ferte, they secured their Baggage under the walls of Peronne, and encamped at a Village not far from that Town, and at no great distance from the Spanish Army, taking possession of a convenient place to sustain a battle, if occasion offered it.  
The Prince in the mean time believed he should catch Turenne unprovided, and constrain him to fight; and in this confidence he marched all night long, and with so much expedition, that the next morning, in sight of Peronne, he found the enemy's baggage with its Guards, who having no Alarm, thought his coming impossible: But his men being very weary with the tediousness of their March, he forbore falling upon them, Turenne in the mean time having drawn his Army to Mont St. Quintin, which is an Abbey upon a Hill. The Prince found him in so good Order, he had no mind to provoke him at such a disadvantage. However Condy made as if he was come on purpose to attaque him, thereby to hold him in suspense, till he could receive the Convoy from Cambray, without which there was no probability of being able to lay Siege to any place. But in the meantime, while he endeavoured by small skirmishes to amuse them with the expectation of a Battle: he caused his Vanguard to march directly towards Saint Quintin, leaving the King's Camp on the right hand, and a great Wood betwixt both Armies: Turenne, having his eyes open upon all occasions, and not willing the enemy should march directly before him, as the Prince of Condy did design, he advanced with equal diligence, and prevented him at a Post which the Prince thought to have possessed: Condy was hereupon obliged to make a halt, by which means the Armies were once again brought to face one another, there being nothing betwixt them but a little valley, and that very easy and accessible, above which the French placed a strong Guard over against a Wood which ran up almost to the Enemy's Camp, not above a Musquet-shot distant, Here both Armies stood their ground, facing one another three or four days; with great wariness, the Prince and the Spanish Generals, being unwilling to come to an Engagement, in a place the Mareschals had chosen so much to their advantage.  
On the 14. of August, there happened a smart skirmish, in which the two Counts, brothers of Russy engaged themselves too far, and Turenne's lieutenant-colonel was slain: The same day the Prince of Taranto, the Marquis de Bouteville and the Count de Duraz, being upon the Prince of Condy's outguards, and curious of seeing and saluting the Marshal Turenne, who at the same time was by accident at his, they sent a Trumpet to desire they might have the honour to kiss his hands, which being granted, they were received by Turenne with his usual kindness and affability, and discoursed together with reciprocal Compliments. Some Gentlemen also ftom the King's Camp, went to pay their respects to the Prince of Condy, who drew near within 200 Paces of Turenne, and possibly with a desire to speak with him; but Turenne being aware of it, pretending some business, he departed from that place without staying for the Invitation, which as was supposed, the Prince was about to send him by one of his Gentlemen.  
Two hours before day, upon the 25. of August, the Prince raised his Camp, and marched towards St. Quintin, of which Turenne having advertisement, and suspecting the attaque of some of those places, he caused the Count de Beaujen to repass the Somme with 1200 Horse, and 600 Foot, with Orders to keep nigh Ham and Saint Quintin, to be ready to succour which of those places he should fall upon: The French Generals repassed the River at Peronne, marching all Night, and the next day directing their way towards Ham. Beaujeu, being arrived at Saint Quintin, he had news that the Count de Duraz was with 2000 Horse commanded out of the Enemy's Army, and advanced to invest Guise; whereupon with all diligence crossing the Fere, he put a good supply of men very seasonably into that place, of which the Prince of Condy having notice, he commanded the said Count back to the Army, after he had faced the Town 12 hours together.  
The Prince perceiving his designs hitherto ineffectual, and much troubled to find so much Conduct and Courage in the King's Captains, he resolved to try another way, advancing his Army within a League of Ham, distending it along a little River (which there dischargeth itself into the Somme,) with a resolution to attaque that place, or if the King's Army appeared to relieve it, to fall desperately upon them, and with his sword in his hand, in that field, to determine all differences and emulations. He was no sooner arrived at his appointed Post, but he saw the French Army on the other side ready to flank him, and at his back the Count de Beaujeu, who having repassed the Oyse, had placed himself at Fargny, to take such resolutions as the accidents of Affairs should direct.  
Three weeks together the Armies lay facing one another in this posture, without any Action: at length the Prince of Condy and Spanish Generals, despairing of their designed Inroad into France, or of giving them battle, or surprising any Town upon the Somme, by reason of the great vigilancy and precaution of the French Generals, they grew very confused and variable in their Counsels. Condy had insinuated into the Spanish Ministers and Captains, that upon his entrance into France, he should meet with so much welcome and assistance, that they should make their way more by the goodwill of the people, then by the sword: But not managing his Interest dexterously, and wanting the means the Cardinal had, to inveigle and cajole by recompenses, those who were of a contrary judgement, he found himself deluded, and those persons who had promised him their fidelity, in lieu of proving constant to his party, let themselves be corrupted by the said Cardinal, and served more to endamage and prejudice him, then to assist and profit him.  
The generous mind of the Prince being nettled in point of reputation, (which being lessened already by his daily misfortunes, would be absolutely lost, if with so much preparation, and so great forces, he should consume unprofitably a whole Campagne, which at first did seem to promise so much advantage and glory to Spain, and threaten so much ruin and destruction to the Kingdom of France) in a full Counsel of War he proposed the Enterprise of Rocroy, making good his opinion both with martial and politic Arguments.  
He acquainted them, that he was informed the Garrison was very weak, by reason the Chevalier Montague, Governor of the place, upon confidence that he could not be attaqued, had sent away the Regiment of the Crown to Rhetel: That therefore in 12 day's time it might be taken, That there would be no great difficulty to invest it, in respect there were no great Rivers to pass, and the Siege would be very easy, since the Town lying betwixt thick woods, whosoever were first to gain the Passes, might be able to maintain them & defend their lines with a very few men. That Rocroy would be of very great importance being a Key of the Frontiers of Picardy; and though indeed the loss of it would be no great detriment to France, yet it was very considerable to the Spaniards; for by this place the French made all the adjacent Country pay Contribution, and a great part of the Province of Luxenbourg.  
These Considerations of the Prince of Condy were excellently good, and his opinion credited and received as an Oracle by all the Commanders: But the Spaniards who seldom put their foot into the water, till they have first sounded the bottom, and who hold Prudence as an inseparable Companion of all their Actions, though in appearance, they inclined to the Propositions of the Prince, by way of Complaisance, yet in reality they did not assent in their hearts, for it being formerly by agreement betwixt them and the said Prince, declared, that all such Towns as should be taken within the distance of three Leagues from the Frontiers of Flanders, should belong absolutely to the Prince, they considered, that they should expose and consume their Army in the acquisition of a place that would add nothing to the advantage of their Crown, and would be rather instrumental towards the reconciliation of the said Prince with the Court of France, than any furtherance towards the General peace, of Spain: To this they added, that if the Siege should happen to prove longer than was proposed, they ran a great hazard of consuming their Men, their Money, and their patence; So that at length their Soldiers failing, they should no longer be Masters of the Field, in which consisted the hopes of those, who relying upon their assistance, were contriving new Cabals in France. The Count de Fuensaldagne's judgement was to lay siege to Arras, seeing they had an Army big enough to undertake it, and maintain a line of Circumvallation about it.  
Others were of opinion, that encamping still with their Army in the Enemy's Country, they should not only put them to a great burden of the War, but might with money and promises encourage and propagate their Intelligence, whereby to obtain an advantageous victory, which could never be complete unless they advanced into the very bowels of France, and divided that powerful and opulent City of Paris from their Union with the King; But as this had been endeavoured, even from the beginning without any effect, so was there less hopes now, especially since by the pacification of Guienne, the interest of the Princes was in a declining condition, and the credit of the Cardinal much increased. At last the Enterprise of Rocroy was resolved on, To which effect the Count de Ligneville advanced with 3000 Horse with all speed, to block up the Town the 5th. of September by break of day, and was followed by the whole Army, which was so unexpected, and not foreseen by the Governor, that 100 of his best Soldiers were shut out of the Garrison, being gone a scouting according to custom. The French Generals did their utmost to put in supplies, but the ways being narrow and difficult, they could by no means effect it.  
The Spaniards having possessed themselves of all the Passes, the Prince of Condy took up his quarters at a place called l' Vnghero. The Count de Fuensadagne in the Champion Country, extending his quarters from the Main body, to the watch above: The space from thence to the Prince of Condy's Post was possessed by the Lorainers, Their Army being Lodged in this posture, they began immediately their line of Circumvallation, which in 4 days was completed, and on the 11th of September they opened their Trenches, directing their approaches to the Bulwarks of Chene, and del Perdu, and to the Halfmoon or Ravelin betwixt them.  
The Commanders in chief of the Spaniards in this Leaguer, were the Count de Fuensaldagne General, the Count de Garzias Lieutenant-General, and the Prince of Ligny in the third place. Prince Uldric of Wittembourg was Captain-General of the Germane Horse.  
The Lorraine Troops were Commanded by the Count de Ligneville. The Prince of Condy's, by the Marquis de Bouteville, the Count de Briole, the Count de Duraz, and the Prince de Tarante, who a while after left the Camp, disgusted with the Spaniards, because they would not admit him to the Command conferred upon him by the Prince.  
Rocroy was well-provided with Victuals, Ammunition, Cannon, Forts, and a good wall. Their chief want was of men, there being in the whole Garrison not above 450 Foot, 50 Horse, 30 Inhabitants in Arms, and about 90 Peasants that had fled thither; The foss was full of water, and the Plain without the Works spongy and morish, but 4 or 5 Foot deep, chalky and firm.  
The French Generals, at the first motion of the Enemy's Army, perceived immediately they could nave no other design but upon Rocroy; and because they judged it impossible, either to disturb them in their Siege, or put relief into the Town, they marched without delay to la Fere, passed the River, and by the way of Heppe, Auchenne and Pollieux, they came to Armilly, from whence they dispatched away a strong party to join with the Count de Grand Pre, who was already advanced from la Fere to invest Mouson. The Prince of Condy foresaw, that Turenne, to recompense the loss of Rocroy, would endeavour to get Mouson, and there fore had very opportunely commanded the Count de Briole to convey himself to Stenay, with 400 Horse and 1200 Foot, to join with the Marquis of Persan's Troops, who upon the surrender of Rhetel were retired into that Town, and with them to have a special eye upon the conservation of the adjacent places, which were under his command; accordingly the Count de Briole, understanding the motion of the French Army, marched immediately to Beaumond, a Village within a league of Mouson, from whence he put into the town some Companies of Foot, returning with the rest to Stenay, to be ready upon occasion to succour the Garrisons of Clermont and St. Menhaud, if the French finding the Garrison of Mouson too strong, should turnback upon some of these places. But notwithstanding these supplies, the French late down before Mouson, dividing their Army into four quarters, one at Ablemont, where Turenne lay; the second at Vaux where la Ferte lodged, the third, by the River, commanded by the Marquis de Uxelles, Lieutenant-General; and the fourth in the Suburbs on the other side the Mose, where the Count de Plessis, son of the Marshal of that name, entered with his Regiment of Foot and some Dragoons. And because it was necessary to secure their quarters in the said Fauxbourg, from any prejudice they might receive from the besieged, by reason of a Fort or Tenaglia they had at the very point of the Bridge; Turenne past the River himself, and caused it to be assaulted in his Presence, which was performed with so much courage and good Order, that they presently presently made themselves Master of it; the Defenders retreating into the Town; The taking of this Fort rendered the Bridge unserviceable to the enemy, and secured their quarters in the suburbs. The Count de Beaujeu, who lay with a Body of Horse at Lobe, 4. Leagues from Rocroy, to observe the motion of the Spaniards, came likewise to Mouson, and quartered with his Horse in the Fauxbourg.  
Mouson lies upon the river Mose, one branch of which runs thorough the Town, the other washes it on the right side; it hath a fair Bridge, and at the end of it was the said Fort or Tenaglia, which commanded the suburbs, which lie at a little distance: The Town is encompassed with a strong wall, and Towers of an ancient Fabric, filled in many places with earth, and flanked with halfmoons and Ravelins. On one side, the ditches are watered with the River, which runs very pleasantly thorough them: besides which, it has very strong outworks which encompass it from one side of the River to the other with Bulwarks and Halfmoons. There were in the Town about 1500 Foot, and 200 Horse, under the Command of Colonel Wolf a German, with sufficient provision of all sorts, and 18 Pieces of Cannon.  
The Tenaglia at the Foot of the bridge being taken, and the Fauxbourg secured, the French opened their Trenches, and in 4 or 5 days possessed themselves of the outworks, lodging themselves upon the brow of the Ditch in two places, where they planted three batteries. The Marquis de Castelneau, Lieutenant-General lodged himself upon the bank on that side next the River, and possessing himself of a halfmoon, which the besieged had deserted, and attempted to place himself at the Foot of the wall, to spring a Mine, but he was beaten off by the Defendants, with Granades and other Fireworks: upon which the besiegers were obliged to break the Counterscarp, which was lined with stone, and throw themselves into the Ditch to advance under Covert with their Galleries, even to their very Pallisadoes and in this attempt the Vidame of Laon (son to the Count de Boussy, Nephew of the Marshal Turenne, a brave youth of 18 years of age) was slain.  
The French made their approaches over against a great Tower, and passing the Ditch without the help of a Gallery, they began their Mines at the Foot of it, and springing one of them, which taking effect, they lodged themselves in the said Tower, continuing their work in the Mine, that they might utterly demolish it, as they did on the other side, which more then ordinary diligence, pressing hard upon the Town to take it, before the Spaniards should make themselves Masters of Rocroy, so that their Mines being ready to spring, the besieged fearing they should not be able to resist an assault, resolved to capitulate, which they did upon the 26. of September, 18 days after they were attaqued▪ the Governor marching out with 1400 choice men.  
While the French were intent upon the taking of this Town, the Spaniard was no less busy about the reduction of Rocroy, hoping to compel that Garrison to surrender, before they lost Mouson, and so come in time enough to its relief, which if it succeeded, they should easily obtain their intent: having finished their trenches, their approaches and their batteries, (in five of which they had disposed 23 whole Cannons, two upon the brow of the Ditch, and 3 in the field) The 16. of September the Prince of Condy caused 400 of his men to attaque their covert way, and Lodge themselves upon the Counterscarp, falling furiously upon the Halfmoon, betwixt the two Bulwarks, which was with great courage defended by the besieged. The Governor wanting neither experience nor valour, by frequent and well-managed Sallies, rendered the Enterprise much more difficult than was imagined; and because the Count de Fuensaldagne had always opposed this Siege, from whence nothing could be expected but the consuming of their soldiers, the loss of one of the King's Towns, and a Conquest without profit, it falling to the Prince of Condy's share; upon which score, some sharp expressions falling out betwixt him and the said Prince, the Archduke thought fit to come himself to the Camp, to compose by his prudence and dexterity, all differences betwixt them. But if his coming did one way appease the mind of the Prince, another way it discontented him as much, he being very sensible, that the Archduke's presence would diminish the Glory which in the taking of that Town he conceived did belong solely to himself, of this disgust he gave a clear proof, refusing to receive the word from the Archduke, which he highly resenting, Commanded the Prince of wirtenbourg (who was lodged in the same quarter with the Prince of Condy) not to obey his orders any more. But this Affair likewise was accommodated by the Duke of Lorraine, who arrived at that time at the Spanish Camp, the Medium he found out was this; That the word should be given neither by the Archduke nor by the Prince, but by a third person Chosen to that purpose by them both.  
The Duke of Lorraine pretending that by the ill Air of that place, his Troops were grown sickly, and died daily: on a sudden without the least intimation to the Archduke, he Marched off with his Forces, to the great wonder and astonishment of the other Generals, for without his forces which made up the third part of the Army, if the French should attempt the relief of the Town, they might easily effect it, and force them to raise the Siege, not without great danger of a further disaster: wherefore the Count de Fuensaldagne followed the said Duke, who was already some leagues off: and overtaking him at Mariambourg, with much ado persuaded him back to the Leaguer.  
The first Salley the besieged made, was upon those that were lodged on the Countrescarp, towards the point of the Half-Moon, by 60 choice men, armed all of them with a kind of Syths upon strong staves, with which having entered the work, they cut all in pieces that were advanced the most forward: after this Salley, another Captain issued out with 45 men, and two Granadeer; and entering into another work, advanced by the enemy against the Bulwark of Chene, under the Palisado, to facilitate their passage into the ditch; they put all they found within it to the sword.  
Yet notwithstanding, such brave opposition, the Besiegers ceased not to double their strength advancing to the Wall of the Bulwarks to open a breach with their Mines, & come to an assault: In the mean time the besieged made another Sally upon the Spanish quarter, doing them great mischief, and taking Prisoners a Lieutenant Colonel with a Spanish Captain. The besiegers some few days after, opening a way into the Foss, they passed it by the help of two Bridges of Bavins, and gave fire to their Mines under the aforesaid Bulwarks, one of which proved ineffectual, by the diligence of those that were within: the other took effect at the Bulwark of Chene, where the Governor received a wound in the Head by a Musquet-shot, who notwithstanding caused himself to be carried up and down in a Chair, where his Presence was most requisite. Two breaches in the mean time were made in the front of these bulwarks, and furiously assaulted by the Spaniards, and as stoutly defended by the Garrison. The same night the besiegers were repulsed in another assault upon the halfmoon, yet not so, but that they lodged themselves at the point of it, & carried it afterward, for they within not being able to defend it any longer, thought best to abandon it, especially there being no Port of Communication, which made them doubt, that if it happened to be forced, all those men would be lost: of which they stood in need. The Governor having taken a review of the remainder of his men fit for service, and finding they amounted not to 300, and seeing the breaches open in the bulwarks, and another Battery began upon the Courtin, which had no defence without, nor water in the Ditch, That same night the enemy was ready for the assault, he resolved to capitulate, which was concluded on the 30th. of September, and on the first of October, he marched out with 220 Soldiers, with honourable conditions, and was convoyed to Charleville  
This Town was delivered into the hands of the Prince of Condy, garrisoned by his soldiers, and the Government of it given to the Duke d' Anguien his son, which gave some resentment to such as were truly for the interest of his Majesty of Spain, who discoursing politicly among themselves, said, that they had lost Mouson, and not gained Rocroy, for it remaining in the Prince's hands, would serve rather to foment his pretensions, and facilitate his reconcilement with the Court of France, then to augment his affection to the service of Spain.  
Rocroy being taken, the Spanish Army remained there for some days, to demolish their lines of Circumvallation, and make up the breaches, and finding themselves much weakened and harassed with that siege, they retired into the country, about Avennes, to refresh themselves, the Prince remaining at Rocroy, being fallen ill of a quartane Ague.  
The Marshal de Turenne having taken Mouson, as hath been related, left in it a Garrison of 600 Foot, with the Regiment of the Count de Grand Pre, giving him the Command of it: and passing the Mose, marched directly towards Meziers, and whilst he lay there, he had News of the Surrender of Rocroy. At the same time the Count de Novalles advanced to Veruins, with 1500 men, and having taken it, Marshal Turenne, Marched to Aubigny, to observe more narrowly the motion of the Enemy, and obstruct their attempting of any other place, and here he rested for some days: Whilst he was at Meziers, he sent the Marquis d' Uxelles, with 1200 men towards the Castle of Bousancy, which not being capable of relief from the Garrisons of Stenay, and the adjacent Towns, (by reason they were watched with a Party of Horse under the Count de St. Maur) it surrendered before the Cannon came up.  
The King was come from Paris the first day of September, and after a short stay at Amiens, removed to Soissons the 30. of the said month) and thence to Laon, in order to the relieving of Rocroy, which he had a design to have attempted, and to that purpose the Duke of Elbeuf was called out of Picardy, who with 3000 men lay quartered in those parts, to which the King joined the greatest part of his Guards: but the Surrender happening before all the Preparations were ready, those thoughts were laid aside, and changed into another resolution taken up by the Cardinal with great undauntedness and courage.  
He judged it very convenient for the King to go to Amiens, whilst Affairs were in that posture, to cajole the Duke of Chaunes out of that City and Citadel, who had insinuated himself into the possession of that place, after the death of his Brother, and as was doubted would keep it, contrary to the desire of the King's Counsel, and thought the said Duke having a considerable estate in France, and his mind well composed to the service of the King, was supposed to have no other intent, but to create a jealousy in the Court, thereby to addvance his fortune (which Arts are no where practised so much as in France) nevertheless, it was judged no ill piece of policy, to secure themselves against the least suspicion of a person, who by the Variation of his mind, might contribute so largely to the prejudice of his Sovereign; And though the said Duke had sent to the Court the Letters which were writ him by the Prince of Condy, full of invitations and promises if he would engage on his side, yet the Cardinal looked upon it as a Seasonable piece of service, to make sure of that important place, considering how unstable the minds of men are, and particularly of that Nation, in whose brains there always boils a certain vivacity, more turbulent, with the desire of Novelty, than the Waters with the Wind. All this was managed and effected without noise, the said Duke being contented to deliver it up to the Sieur Bar, and he in Exchange, to enter upon the Government of Dorlans, held by the said Bar; To which was added the Title of his Majesty's Lieutenant General in the parts about Dorlans, and a certain sum of Money paid him for such Arms and Ammunition as he had provided at his own Charge, in the Citadel of Amiens.  
But the end of this Voyage was not barely the securing of Amiens, but to be more ready at hand to assist the Army with his Counsels, and (besides the usual Guards of Horse and Foot,) there being great numbers of the Nobles attending the King, with the one and the other, to succour the Army in time of need.  
Nevertheless, it had not been amiss, had their Majesties stayed in Paris, to prevent such accidents as might arise in that City, where the sinister intentions of some persons towards the Government, were not absolutely dispelled, especially the Archbishop being decrepit, and the Cardinal de Retz to succeed him, new troubles might arise among the people, who would have pretended not to be satisfied without their Pastor, he being a person of much esteem amongst them for his Generosity. But there being a necessity of the Kings going into the Field, the Cardinal thought (to evade all accidents that might happen, and to remove the said Retz out of Paris, as a person of too high and extravigant a spirit to be left behind) to offer him his liberty, and the King's favour, upon condition he would renounce the hopes of his future succession, and retire to Rome with promise to stay there, and not return into France, in recompense of which he promised him an Equivalence to the Archbishopric, though his Uncle was living, and other assistance besides, to augment his dignity and splendour.  
Cardinal de Retz, though under the durance and inconveniences of a Prison, preferred the glory of his Constancy, before all other private considerations, and being puffed up with hopes of seeing in a short time the face of things altered, either by the death of the Archbishop, or by the means of his friends at Rome, emulous of Mazarine, he stood firm in the Negative, not to quit his dignity, declaring, That for the King he would do this, or any thing else, to the very effusion of his blood, and loss of his whole estate, but knowing it to be no other but the Artifice and interest of Mazarine; he could not swallow so bitter a potion presented to him by his most irreconcilable enemy. The Pope, though not much inclined to the interest of France, declared that the Proposition in his judgement was honourable and practicable; of this also the Prisoner had notice, but it would not sweeten the bitterness of his mind, who bearing his adversity with great constancy, he gained the reputation of an intrepid person; and having found a way to write to the Sacred College of Cardinals in Rome Letters full of Lamentation, with earnest requests to be assisted with their Protection, by whom he did humbly conceive he ought not to be abandoned, for fear of manifest prejudice to the dignity of the Purple. One of the Cardinals of principal credit amongst them, seeing they were inclined to answer him, declared, in delivering his opinion, that he could not see why they should engage in an Affair, more likely to prove a detriment to the Church, than any benefit to the prisoner, seeing they could give him no other assistance then by words, which would persuade more by gentleness then by rigour. He urged moreover that Cardinal Mazarine was in the same or greater perplexities with the Parliament of Paris, and that nothing have been done in his behalf, though concurrent with the service of the King his Master. much less were they obliged to do any thing for Cardinal de Retz who was at that time in his Majesty's displeasure.  
The Counsel of this Cardinal being heard and approved as the best, gave occasion to the resolution they took of interceding to his Holiness, that out of his paternal care he would exhort his most Christian Majesty to grant Cardinal de Retz his liberty. The King showed himself very ready, and after divers Negotiations, the Duchess of Cheureuse undertook it, shuffling in Conditions for the Duke of Lorraine, who though he was secured by the Spaniards, as we shall hereafter relate, Nevertheless, the Treaty about the Cardinal was not laid aside, but at last was concluded, upon Condition he should renounce his Coadjutorship of Paris, giving him as many Benefices as were Equivalent to that Archbishopric, the revenue of which amounted to a vast sum.  
This affair was almost brought to a Period, all difficulties being reduced to two points, the one about the value of the Benefices, the other about the security for the performance, when the death of the Archbishop changed the face of Affairs, but though the Curates of Paris, all the factious party, and the friends of the Coajutor, had raised new tumults in his behalf, nevertheless the Cardinal resolved to accept of the Conditions offered him,  
Being brought therefore from the Castle of Vincennes, he was delivered into the hands of the Marshal de la Melleray, who conveyed him to Nantes, where he was to remain till the Articles agreed on were accomplished, after which he was to be sent to Rome, and money given him for his Voyage, and subsistence there, but he making his escape from Nantes, all things were disordered again, as we shall relate in its proper place.  
In the mean time the enemies of Mazarine, seeing their Artifices and Cabals to ruin him ineffectual, they began to plot and contrive how to take away his life. It was divulged, that the Prince of Condy had a hand in this business, upon a suspicion that the Cardinal had attempted his life.  
It is most certain (as was afterwards made manifest) that neither the one nor the other were true, but that all was plotted and designed by the malice of the common enemies.  
One Recous and Bertau were gained and persuaded to do the deed, who being resolved upon the Enterprise, they began to frequent the Lovure, and to watch for a place and time to put their design in execution; it happened that Letters were accidentally intercepted, which gave such discoveries as were sufficient to cause them to be apprehended: upon which they freely declared their resolution, to have stabbed the Cardinal with a knife, as he was coming down (as he was accustomed every night) from the King's Apartment, by certain private and straight stairs. They were according to their deserts condemned to be broken upon the wheel, the 11th. of October in Paris, near the Bastile, in the great street of St. Anthony.  
The Cardinal according to the gentleness of his nature, and as a true Prince of the Church, abhoring such bloody spectacles, interceded very earnestly for their Pardon, and had certainly obtained it if in so enormous a case it could have been done without violence to justice, which in such accidents ought not to be overpowered by pity and compassion.  
There followed several other Executions in Paris, upon persons imprisoned for heinous Offences, but without doubt the King's Clemency was greater than his Justice, they that received grace and pardon, being superior in Number to those that were punished.  
We cannot omit in this place the action of a delinquent, who being to lose his Head, declared, his ambition should triumph over his fate, and therefore before he was to appear upon the Scaffold, as he had been to go to a Feast, he put himself in a gay dress, caused his face to be Shaved; his hair, curled and powdered, and his Mustaccio's turned up, boasting with an undaunted boldness, That Persons of Honour, even in the most ignominious death, aught to die like themselves.  
And though clemency and too much indulgence gives but fresh boldness and encouragement to fall into the same crimes again, and, is therefore looked upon in many people's opinions, as a very ill Maxim, yet that was no impediment to the present Councils, for to all generous minds, the opportunity of meriting the benedictions of such as received grace, being much rather to be chosen, than the imprecations of those which were punished, the King's Ministers took this course, whereby their Charity working upon Heaven, has since produced those Miracles that have rendered his Government the happiest, who bearing the hereditary Title of most Christian, has to his everlasting honour added to it the Epithet of most merciful.  
And certainly, they may justly be called Miracles, which were seen in France, in this Year 1653. for whilst it was expected, and too probably, that that Kingdom could not avoid destruction by so many storms and tempests both at home, and from abroad. The Heavens cleared up on a sudden, and that Clime became quiet & sedate, which was before so dismally dreadful, for by the reduction of Guienne and Bourdeaux, being rid of that fastidious diversion, they were able to use those Arms in other places, which have since secured the Frontiers from daily Alarms; and penetrating into Catalonia and Lombardy, interrupted those designs, which by the favour of their antecedent Victories would have brought extraordinary advantage to th'interest of Spain.  
Whilst the military Affairs in Catalonia, Guienne, and Champagne were managed in this manner; in Piedmont also they began to have a better face, and those doubts to clear up, which by reason of their want of assistance, the people of that Province might have reasonably pretended, if to evade the calamities of a War, they had come to an Agreement with the Spaniards. For the Count de Quincè having passed into Piedmont, and by order from Mazarine, being enforced with fresh Troops from France, he advanced with 5 or 6000 men into the Enemy's Country, and encamping at Annone, upon the Banks of the Tanaro, in a month's time that he was there, he infested the Country about Alexandria, with continual incursions, after which he returned into the Territory of Montferrat, and passing the Po at Verrica, he went to encamp above Crescentino, to observe the motion of the Marquis of Caracene, who having taken the field with 8000 men, was come to Fo●tane and Palazzuolo three miles distant. Here the Armies remained several days, observing one another's motion, in which time the French made several excursions, and one in particular with 1500 men as far as Vercelli; afterwards, before they drew off, Quince drew out his Horse into the Fields of Bertola, within Canonshot of the enemy's Camp, and challenged the Spaniards to a battle; but they holding it as a Maxim, to tyre out the French fury with the Spanish Phlegm, laughed at his defiance.  
This Gallantry of the French vanishing in this manner without effect, Quincè repassed the Po in the Month of July, and entered a fresh into Montferrat, passing the Tanaro upon a Bridge of Boats near Asti, and from thence having stayed two days at Rochetta, he encamped at Monbersel. At the News of this March, the Marquis of Caracene crossed the Po likewise with his Troops near Pontestura, and traversing Montferrat, came to Felezzano, to pass the Tanaro at Rochetta; but discovering the enemy ready to oppose him, he went to pass it lower towards Alexandria, advancing as far as Nizza de la Paglia: Quince stayed, observing his motion about 15 days at castle nuovo Bruzato, where happened daily skirmishes betwixt their Horse. But Caracene resolving finally to fall into Piedmont, and by this diversion oblige the French to quit Monferrat, he passed the Po at Pontestura, and began to scour the Country round about which yet was not sufficient to make Quince remove, who judging it a thing very prejudicial, to transfer the War into the Country of his Friends and Allies, he took another resolution; He sent his baggage to Asti, and forded the Tanaro at Rochetta, and so passing to Bormida, by the way of Novi, he came to Serravalla a great Village, above Alexandria, upon the Confines of the Territories of Genoa, betwixt the Rivers Scrivia, and Orba, and having sacked it, he Marched towards Tortona, and castle nuovo di Scrivia, making great Booties in those places, where he was not expected. Upon this Caracene was constrained to change his designs upon Piedmont, and pass with all diligence to Alexandria, draining his Garrisons, and drawing all the forces together he was able, to cut off the retreat of the French to Nizza: But Quince having notice both of his motion and design, he marched by Cassino di Stradda, by Aicqui, and by the vale of Bistagno and Nizza, where the Spanish Army was arrived before him: The same Night the French retreated to Santo Stephano, and hasted away to gain the Pass of la Madonna de Tennello, preventing the enemy, who arrived there at the very instant that the French had made themselves Masters of it with their Vanguard. Here they fell a skirmishing, but with reservation on the Spanish side, who would not engage themselves in a Battle with the French, who though they were inferior in number, yet were too strong for them, in respect of the goodness of their Horse, Quince passed directly towards Alba without any stop, and from thence to Govenne, betwixt Alba and Asti, extending his Troops along the Banks of the River Tanaro, where the French made a stay till the Arrival of the Marshal de Grancè, who having passed the Mountains with a Recruit of 1200 men, on the 18. of September arrived at the Camp, where informing himself of the state of the Spanish Army, which was likewise encamped upon the same Confines, endeavouring to penetrate further into Piedmont: he had News that Caracene was removed from Montenego, and marched with all diligence to gain the Pass of the Tanaro at a place called Rochetta, with design to go to Felezzano.  
Hereupon they held a short Council of War, and it was resolved not only to hinder his Advance, but engage him to a battle, on which depended their hopes. Grancè sent out the Marquis of Monpesat, his Lieutenant General (who had the Command of the Rear) to possess himself of the most advantageous ground, and having drawn up the rest of his Army himself in a large field, reaching to the Neighbouring Hills: He advanced with 4 Squadrons to descry the enemy, and having discovered that Caracene began to pass his men over upon a Bridge of Boats, followed by the Infantry, under the Conduct of Don Vincenzo Monsuri, and that the Horse forded the River a little beneath, led by the Duke de Sesto, General of the Gens d' Arms, and Count Geleazzo Trotti General of the Neapolitan Cavalry: He thought it best not to give the Spaniards time to finish their Passage, but by possessing himself first of the Field, to necessitate them either to retire or to engage upon disadvantageous terms, he caused therefore his main body to advance with all possible speed; Caracene not being able to prevent the French, by reason of the slowness of his men, in passing the River, and the loss of two hours' time, in staying for the Bridge, resolved to expect them under the Advantage of the Posts where he was, and because he had not time to draw into the Plain, and the ground being somewhat straight on that side the Tanaro, accommodating himself as well as he could, both as to his time and his ground, he drew his Horse into Squadrons behind his Infantry.  
Thence he possessed himself immediately of two Cottages, placing there the Tertia's of Don Luigi Benaudes, and Don Inigo de Velandia, and in the space betwixt the two Houses, the Regiments of Don Giuseppe Velasco, Don Diego d' Arragon, and of Beltin, with design to have united them by a branch of a Trench, which for want of time could not be perfected.  
The Marshal observing the posture of the enemy, and perceiving that by the advancing of his Van he might put the Spanish Camp into some disorder, by the advantage of the hill (though without Musquet-shot, and provided only with two little Field-Pieces) he drew his Army into two lines with all possible expedition.  
The Marquis of Monpesat had the Command of the right Wing, consisting of the Regiments of Navarre, Perault, Aiguebonne, the King's Swiss-Guards, the Squadron of the Mareschals Guards, the Regiments of Orleans, Feron; of Prince Maurice of Savoy, Marcoussè, Ferues and Epinchat. The left Wing was commanded by the Marquis de Vardes, with the Regiment of Foot of Orleans, Lionnois, and Quincè, and of Horse there were the Regiments of St. Andrè, Brigy and Villefranche, on the left hand of which stood all the Companies of Volunteers, the Cavalry of Savoy, under the Command of their General the Marquis de Monte of Verona, to whom were joined the Infantry of the Regiment of Monpesat, and Villa, Lieutenant-General of the Savoy Horse.  
In the second line stood the Regiment of Saux, as a Reserve to the Regiment of Navarr, with the Regiment of Carignan de Sault: and on the left the Regiment of Grancè, sustained the Regiments of Orleans and Lyennois, having with them in the same line the Guards of Savoy, the French Gens d' Arms, with the Regiments of Ris, Deoncly, and Saint Agnan.  
In this Order the French advanced and with great fury, charged three Companies of light Horse, and some parties of Foot, which appearing upon the top of the Hills, were repulsed as far as the Battalions of Benavides, Velandia and Beltin, by whom the French were received so courageously, both with Pike and Musket, which flanked them thorough several holes of the Cottages, that Monpesat finding it impossible to advance further, made a stand.  
The French resolved to possess themselves of a little Church or Chapel towards the River, about some 20 paces distant from the little Houses, where Caracene had placed two Files of Spanish and Italian Musquetiers, with Orders, if they were attaqu'd, to retire to a body of his, drawn up hard by, composed of the Tertia's of Don Carlo d' Este, Don Giusippe Brancaccio, Danel Assy, Count di Santi lana, and some foreign soldiers of the State of Milan; Grancè caused the said Chapel to be Assaulted by 200 Foot, seconded by some Horse, which was immediately taken, the Musquetiers retiring according to their Orders, to their main Body, which stood firm in their Post. He sent out after them his Company of Gens d' Arms, who advanced within 30 Paces of the Trenches, on the Spanish left wing, and as the same time he made a brisk charge with his Foot, hoping that if he could disorder the Enemy's Battalion, the French Horse might fall in, and put them to an absolute rout, but meeting with a certain torrent of Waters which in that place falls into the Tanaro, the Horse were forced to stop their career. In the mean time the Troops of Savoy, made their charge betwixt the River, and the right Wing of the Spaniards, which was the most open place, where at the first volley of the Enemy's Masketiers, the Marquis Monte, (a person of great Conduct and experience, and of great same, for several valiant Exploits) was shot in the Head, and died immediately. The Marquis Villa had a slight wound in the Arm, and was afterwards made General in the place of the said Monte, the Count de Medavid, son of the Marshal and the Sieur de Boussy, Marshal di Battaglia, and several other Officers were hurt. Whereupon Grancè (observing the resoluteness of the Spaniards, animated by the presence of their General Caracene, who according to the example of an excellent Captain, kept still in the front among his first Files, thrusting himself forward where the danger was greatest) commanded up his second line, with two small pieces, one of which was disabled at the first shot, by the breaking of the Carriage, the French continued shooting with the other, but to so little purpose, That being repulsed in all places, at length about Sunset their fury beginning to abate for want of Artillery and Ammunition, (it being observed, that the Swissers for want of leaden Bullets had shot away most of their Pewter-buttons off their doublets,) they retreated to the Hill where and the next Morning took their March towards Montemagno and Granai. There were slain of the French in this Engagement, besides the Marquis de Monte, 4 Captains, and several other Officers, with a considerable number of common soldiers, which was not precisely known, and above 100 wounded, amongst which several Officers. The Spaniards lost but few Soldiers, and few or no Officers, but several were wounded, and among the rest the Marquis de Caracene was slightly hurt with a Musket-shot.  
After this Fight, the French Army remained 17 days at Mountemagno, and neither the one nor the other being in a condition to undertake any considerable Enterprise, all the rest of that Campagne was spent in Marches, and Counter-Marches from one place to another; The French to keep themselves in the Territories of Milan, and to subsist in the Enemy's Country: and the Span●ards, as much as they could, to prevent them, upon which several skirmishes happened with reciprocal success: Afterwards the French Army dislodged from Mountemagno and came to Tuline, attended still by the Spaniards, which at the same time discamped from Felezzano, and was got in the Enemy's front. Here Caracena and Grancè had a Conference, each of them accompanied with the principal Persons in their Armies, discoursing together for two hours with great Compliment and Civility, the French remaining well satisfied with the humanity and valour of Caracena, holding him in the esteem of a most prudent and most generous Captain.  
This Conference being over, the French Army kept the Field for some time, now in this place, and now in that, but still (according to the Instructions they had received from Mazarine) in the Enemy's Country, where by the vigilance of the Spanish Commanders, not being able to gain any Post to subsist in, and at length the Wether growing sharp, they were forced to retire into Piedmont, where they wintered their Foot, and sent their Horse over the Mountains, into Dauphinè, Bress and Dombes, and in this manner ended the Campagne in Italy in the Year 1653.  
Whilst things went thus in Flanders and Italy, Letters were brought to Court with the Capitulations of Bourdeaux, which being read in the Royal Council, and the relation of de Las heard, (who was sent from the Generals, and the Sieur d' Estrades,) the Amnesty was immediately dispatched away, containing an entire abolition of all crimes, without exception of any, but Francar the Counsellor, Blaru, and Desert, Merchants, deputed from the Olmiera into England, as also Durateste and Villars, Heads of that Faction, with Clerat their Agent in Spain. It was decreed moreover in the said Amnesty, That the Citizens should renew their Oath of Allegiance, That they should repair the Castles of Trumpet and du Ha, as necessary to restrain the unruly turbulencies of the people, and support the honest and more honourable fort, it being observable able in all Cities, that the populacy is always an enemy to those who have any thing to lose.  
This Declaration of the Kings being proposed to La vie, the Advocate-General (who was at that time at Bourdeaux, to draw up a Process against the two Spies which Marsin and Lenet had sent back into the City) he promised the Duke of Vendosme, it should be speedily verified; who expected from every one of the Parliament such testimonies of their submission, as might be able to cancel and obliterate the memory of their late disobedience: But the said La Vie, making use of this opportunity to render himself necessary; created so many difficulties and ambiguities, perplexing it with such intricate Interpretations, that gave encouragement to the Counsellors of the Parliament, to restrain the King's pleasure with their Comments, Glosses, and Modifications, that they seemed not only to be the Intepreters, but the Moderators and Disposers of his Majesty's Favours, as if they had come by their means. They stirred up the people particularly not to suffer the yoke (as they called it) of the Castles, ordering to renew their instances at Court for the demolishing of all the Fortresses in the City, and that if it should be the King's peremptory resolution to force that servitude upon them, they should not however consign the said places to the Governor-general of the Province.  
This reflection was not at all pleasing to the Cardinal and the other Ministers, much less the Contion, that the Publication of the Amnesty should be deferred, till the Parliament should be established and resident in Bourdeaux, as if that had been deemed necessary for the security of the people, and to make valid his Majesty's Will and Pleasure, which made the Court the more suspicious of them, by how much they pressed to have their desires in this Point granted. These kind of Proceedings and Extravagancies of the Parliament, were extremely resented by the Dukes of Vandosme and Candale, as looking like manifest demonstrations of their express disobedience; wherefore they ordered the Counsellors which were come from Reole to Bourdeaux, to return again to their residence. The said La vie, who was supposed to be the Author of this boldness for his own ends, was expressly forbidden to abide in Bourdeaux. After which, having with a wile procured the Original of the Declaration, out of the hands of the Clerk, of the Parliament, it was published by Order of the Generals, by the Magistrates of the City. The Court was as much surprised at these disorders as disgusted with the Parliament of Guienne, the most Loyal of whose Members, seemed by this, to be as much Rebels as the rest, whereupon by a severe decree of the 26. of September, they were prohibited (to their great mortification) to meddle in any matters pertaining to the State.  
The King Generals observing the inconvenience of their Troops lying so near the Town, resolved to remove them: and by the surrender of Peregueux, the war in that Province being at an end, the Count de Bougy, Lieutenant-General was by Order from the Court sent away with 6000 Horse and Foot towards the Frontiers of Flanders; Three Thousand other Horse, and 2000 Foot were Commanded into Catalonia, there remaining only part of the Duke of Vandosme's Army in the Country, called, Betwixt the two Seas, to be ready to be Shipped upon the first Order, in case the Spaniards should continue to block up the Mouth of the Garonne, who landed some men within 12 Leagues of Blaye, and set on fire certain stacks of Hay, belonging to the Duke of St. Simon, and on the other side they fell into the Country of Medoc, and burned all the Neighbouring Villages.  
The Duke of Vendosme in the mean time, having viewed all his Ships under the Fort Caesar, and with those which had been equipped by the Bourdelots', during the Siege, he proposed to engage the Spanish Fleet, as was earnestly desired by the Duke of Candale, and the Count d' Estrades, who to that end had brought along with him 700 Seamen from the Isles under his Government of Rochel, But the Sea Commanders represented that their force was unequal in respect of their great Ships; for though they out-numbred them in the whole; yet the French Ships were much less in bulk; so that the Spaniards had great advantage by their galleons full of fresh men, with which they would be too hard for the French Fleet, which was neither well manned, nor provided with other things necessary.  
And if the Spaniards should put out to Sea; or keep themselves at the Mouth of the River, where they than were, it was not possible for the Galleys (though never so well armed) nor the small Ships in the French Fleet, to do them any mischief. But if they should advance higher in the River, where the Channel is narrower and full of Sand, than they might be able to Attaque them with more advantage.  
To rectify the differences and difficulties the Sea-Commanders objected, the Count d' Estrades Engaged to muster up all the Seamen that were able to bear Arms, and put them on the Ships. But as they were Executing the Duke of Vandosm's Orders, to conduct them, on on a sudden the Spanish Fleet was discovered under Sail, standing towards Blay, and advanced as far as Paulliac; not as formerly, five or six in Company to fetch fresh water; but the whole Body of their Navy, in appearance, to fall upon the French, at a time when the Duke of Vandosme had withdrawn his Troops into Xaintoigne, to ease the Country about Bourdeaux: But being called back again in great haste, and advancing some Regiments to put aboard the Ships, the Spaniard retired to the Foss of Verdun.  
The Duke of Vandosme had taken a view of the Spanish Fleet the 26. of September, and sent Sir George Carteret to inform himself more particularly of their condition; who found they were 28 vast and stout galleons; but by some which had been taken prisoners in the Island of Patiras, he understood they were much infested with the Scurvy, which is a disease that eats up the Gums. Nevertheless, they landed some men at St. Surin de Cadurna in Medoc, and burned some few houses, before the King's troops were in a condition to repulse them, or accost them with their Cannon: As Vandosme was preparing to engage them, and had sent several Galeots to Saint Surin de Mortagne, and to Mortagne itself, to take in some corn; the Count Marsin arriving at the Spanish Fleet, had a design on that place, and accordingly landed about 3000 men, surprised the ten Galeots, sent thither to furnish themselves with corn for the necessities of the Army and Fleet, forced the Castle, and pillaged some houses; but apprehending, lest the Marquis of Breval Marshal de Camp, should fall upon him with the Regiment of Normandy, which was quartered hard by, he aabandoned the Post he had taken, and if Breval had had but the least number of Horse, to have cut off the passage from the Spaniards, who had no Horse at all, and were laden with booty, he had undoubtedly defeated them.  
Marsin made some barricadoes in a Meadow, which extends itself to the River, having on one side the Canale de Mortagne to shelter that flank, and on the other, his own men, which he drew into Battalia; He sustained the skirmish vigorously, & embarked all the plunder of that miserable Country, losing nevertheless some few men in his retreat, which the Regiment of Normandy fell upon as they found their Number lessen upon the Shoar.  
In the mean time the Count de Estrades, had got together about Rochel and Browages, and other places belonging to his Government, some 1200. Mariners, which he put aboard French vessels, and sent them away without delay to join with the Duke of Vandosme.  
The Duke being gone on board the Admiral, and all his men embarked, the set Sail, resolving to give them Battle, but the Spaniards surprised with this unexpected resolution, set fire on certain small Vessels, and with the favour of the wind retired. The Duke followed them out of the mouth of the River, where he saw them divide their Fleet into two Squadrons, one of them making towards Biscay, and the other towards Dunkirk.  
The Duke went on shore at Royan, and whilst he stayed there to receive more certain news of the enemy's Fleet, the San-Salvatore, Vice-Admiral of Spain, which came from Saint Sebastian, together with another small Ship, both of them laden with Victuals and other Provisions for the Fleet, entered into the River, not knowing they was departed, and were so far engaged amongst the French Ships before they were aware, that after some small opposition against the Ship called the Berger, they were forced to strike Sail, and surrender: In the Vice-Admiral there were 40 Pieces of Cannon, in the other Vessel 700 Mariners, and a Month's Provision for the whole Armada: After this Prize the French Navy retired into the River Sudra, and the Duke of Vandosme went away to Court: The Count d' Estrades for his great merits was declared Major of Bourdeaux, an Office of great honour and importance, and the Principal in all that Town, signifying as much as the Head or chief Governor of the City: which Office is so considerable, that it was formerly enjoyed by the Sieurs de Mattignon, d' Ornano, and the Roquelaure Mareschals of France.  
In this manner the disturbances at Bourdeaux were composed: But whilst these inhabitants were enjoying the fruits of the peace, which had been granted them by his Majesty's clemency, the Plague breaking out in that City, interrupted their liberty and their Trade, the Country, round about was so sorely visited, that it remained almost depopulate.  
The Deputies of Bourdeaux being arrived at Court, which was at that time it Chalons in Champagne, were received by their Majesties with such demonstrations of clemency and affection, that the guilt of their past errors was quite forgot and gave them confidence to expect even the favour of the King's bounty, The Parliament of Guienne, who had removed themselves to Reole, receiving the Provisions of the Government of Limousin, granted by his Majesty to the Marshal Turenne) who with his Valour and Counsels maintained the Frontiers against the strongest efforts of the enemy, encamping always so, as to be ready upon the least motion of the Prince of Condy, who though he was retired to give his Army refreshment, yet not without thoughts of returning into the Field again, and take up at least his Winter-quarters in France.  
The Cardinal, finding by the reduction of Guienne, the King's Army's free from a most powerful diversion in those parts, and being able thereby to apply himself with the whole Army, to check the bold designs of the Prince of Condy, and ruin his reputation in France; He called the Generals of the Armies together in his Abbey at Laon, to a Council of War, and proposed to them, that before they went to their Winter-Quarters, to attempt some new Enterprise, and if possible to take from the Prince of Condy the Town of Saint Menehaud, which having a strong Garrison in it, infested all the Neighbouring Country, and forced, not only the Villages and open places, but the walled and strong Towns to pay them very large contribution.  
The Judgement of the Major part of the Officers was not to engage in any new Enterprise that year, for that the Spaniards, though much weakened by the siege of Rocroy, might recruit themselves, and returning with considerable forces, either raise their siege, to the great disreputation of the French Arms, or by some other diversion, recompense the loss they should sustain, and perhaps to double the value.  
The Cardinal opposed this opinion, and made it appear, that with the Army of the two Mareschals Turenne, and la Fertè Seneterre, they might oppose the Spaniards and the Prince of Conde; and in the mean time with the King's Guards and some other few Troops, block up St. Menehaud, till the forces from Guienne, and certain new Levies from Germany, (which had at that time Orders to march) arriving, they might be able to form a Leaguer, and by taking that Town, free the whole Country of Champagne from their Incursions.  
These Reasons prevailing, the Court removed from Laon to Chalons. The Marquis de Castelneau with 1500 men, Monsieur de Saint Maur with 500 Horse, and some Foot provided by the Cardinal, on the 21. of October blocked up the Town, disposing themselves into four Quarters, without any line of Circumvallation, because their Camp being secured by the Armies of the aforesaid Mareschals, they concluded they should be able to reduce it without any formal siege.  
And though it seemed ridiculous at first, that 3500 men should undertake the reducing of a City and and strong Castle, Garrisoned with above 1500 Soldiers, under good Commanders, which were the Marquis de Forz Governor of the Town, and Monsieur de Montal Commander of the Castle, and indeed the chief Director, as being a particular Confident of the Prince of Conde's; yet the siege was undertaken with such briskness and dexterity, that the unexpected success did much confirm the great Judgement and Parts of the Cardinal in all men's opinion. And certain it is, his good fortune in that Enterprise added very much to his honour, forasmuch as against the sense of the whole Council of War, he alone defended the possibility of it.  
The Marquesses of Castelneau, and Uxelles, the Count de Novailles, and Mounsieur de St. Maur, commanded in the Camp before St. Menehaud, in quality of Lieutenant Generals: The Provisions for the Camp were supplied from Chalons; and because the Country, being ruined by the War, could not furnish them with Horses and Carts, for the conveying of such things as were necessary for the siege, they remedied that defect with those belonging to the baggage of the Court; which was never thought on by the enemy; who looked upon that Enterprise as vain, being undertaken without conveniencies for carrying on the siege; and the rather, because Clermont flanked them on the left side, whose Garrison scoured the Country continually, and much molested the Neighbouring villages: One day they happened upon the Court-Waggons, carrying Ammunition and Provisions to the Camp, and took away their Horses.  
Whilst the Cardinal was employed in promoting this siege, the Marshal de Turenne marched from Aubigny with five or six thousand men, to observe the Enemy's motion, who made a show as if they intended towards Rocroy.  
The Marshal de la Ferte Seneterre put himself with his men, betwixt Clermont and the Mose, to give encouragement to the Leaguer. The Count de Beaujeu with 1500 Commanded men marched further into Picardy, to have an eye to the Frontier Towns. The Duke de Elbeuf, and the Count de Illebonne his son, with their Troops, kept sometimes at Rosan, sometimes at Mon Carnet, and sometimes in other stations as Necessity required.  
On the 26. of October, the King accompanied by the Cardinal, and a great number of the Principal Cavaliers of the Court went to the Camp to see what Posture it was in, and to encourage them with his Presence. He lodged that night in the Abbey of Cicussy, belonging to Cardinal Bicchi; the next morning he visited the Quarters of Novailles: from thence he went to the top of a Hill, under which was the quarter of Castelnau, form hence certain Cavaliers, to show their courage, pickeered within Musquet-shot of the walls; the King was very well pleased with their Gallantry, which is not unusual among the French Gentlemen, the Nobleness of whose blood is for the most part accompanied with undauntedness of mind. The King had a Council of War called in his Presence, and resolved to send Monsieur Villequier to the Town with a summons, addressed more particularly to the Marquis de Forz. This Marquis, by the means of his Father-in-law Monsieur de Vaubecourt, Governor of Chalons, had treated with the Court, and in a manner made his Peace, but in the very instant, whilst he was in expectation of the Prince of Condy's consent, the Town being invested he thought it not consistent with his honour to abandon it, and therefore to perform the Punctilio of a generous Cavalier, he resolved to defend it; and that Montal might have no occasion to suspect him, he declared he would serve in the siege, only in the quality of a private Reformade, and leave the care and Government of the whole to him, as the accordingly did.  
The 28. of October the King returned to Chalons: The 1. of November the Trenches were opened in two places; and the French began to batter the Town, but with little progress, by reason of the brave defence made by the Garrison, who by their Salleys, and their Counter-batteries, gave them more difficulty than was imagined.  
Upon the News of this Siege, the Prince of Condy, who (as hath been said) was sick of a Quartan Ague, commanded the Counts of Briole and Duraz, to draw out what Troops they could out of the nearest quarters, and endeavour to relieve the place, whilst himself with the Spanish Generals, should join their Forces, not so much to raise the Siege, as to quarter in the French Territories.  
The said Counts with the Assistance of the Lorrainers, got together 3000 Foot and 2000 Horse; and passing the Mose, advanced to effect their design, which doubtless had succeeded had it not been prevented by the diligence of the Cardinal; Who having intelligence of their Motion the 4th of November 1653. at Midnight, from Grandprè Governor of Mouson, he leaped out of his bed, and gave Order immediately. He first dispatched Mounsieur d' One, the Lieutenant of his Guards, to Vitry, to cause the Count de Bougy with the Troops of Guienne, to march with all speed to the Camp. He commanded the Gens d' Arms, the light Horse of the King's Guards, and his own; and all the Gentlemen of his Train to march forthwith; He dispatched Courriers to all the adjacent parts, requiring all soldiers to repair immediately to the Army, which he designed should be commanded by the Marshal du Plessis Praslin, in whose valour and fidelity he had great very great confidence; by break of day all the Soldiers and Gentlemen attending the Court appeared mounted and armed, with an alacrity suitable to the greatness of their courage.  
The Marshal the same day after dinner departed from Chalons, and being accompanied by the abovementioned Guards, and a good number of Volunteers, he took his way directly towards the Camp: with design to arrive there in the night, as privately as he could possibly; intending, if the enemy appeared, as he expected they would the next morning, to fight them; but they were too well advised to come on; perhaps out of fear of being enclosed by the Marshal de la Fertè, (who by Orders from the Cardinal, was marching to put himself between Clermont and St. Menehaud, a proper place to have fallen upon their Rear, in case they should adventure to raise the siege. Or else, as the Spaniards pretended afterwards, by reason the Duke of Lorraine would not give his consent.  
The next day, the Guienne Troops, (consisting of 12 Regiments of Horse, and 10 of Foot; all old and well-disciplined soldiers) arrived at the Camp; so that the Army being recruited with these and other forces from Germany, the Prince of Condy was out of hopes of making any further attempt to relieve it, without an entire Army, and that with evident danger of being forced to a battle, which was at that time much desired by the French, but not by the Spanish Commanders, who would have hazarded too much. Wherefore they proceeded very deliberately in seconding the bold Counsels of the Prince of Condy, especially the dispute being for a Town belonging to the said Prince, so that the more forward he was to engage, the more averse they were from venturing their soldiers for another man's advantage; besides, the Lorrainers pretended they had done enough that Summer, and would retire to their Winter-quarters.  
Upon the Arrival of du Plessis Praslin, the siege was carried on with more vigour than before, and the Town as bravely defended by Mental, with frequent Salleys, and reciprocal damages; and he would have done much better, had not one of his Magazines of Ammunition been fired by a Canonshot, or some other accident, (for it was diversely reported). The night before the 6th. of November, the French stormed the Half-Moon before the Porte du Bois, and opened a way into the ditch: but the besieged sallying out upon them, they not only interrupted their works, but took d' Ortis (a Lieutenant of a Company in the King's Guards;) prisoner, and sharply handling several other Officers and Soldiers, amongst which Pontet a Captain in the same Guards was wounded.  
The 16th. at night they sallied again upon the Guard of Nancre, (who had then the Command in the Approaches) but were repulsed, as they were afterwards in another Sally upon the Trenches, guarded by the Regiment of Guards; and again, two days after they were worsted by Carmon a Captain in the said Regiment, but with the loss of la Garde, a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Regiment of Burgundy.  
The next day, Damon the Sergeant Major of the Town was slain in the ditch, as he was viewing which was to convey his men with most security to attaque the enemies works.  
Castelneau in the mean time caused a work to be assaulted, called, the Ferra cavalli, and having taken it, he descended into the ditch, where he prepared a Gallery to shelter their Mines, which he happily accomplished, after he had beat back the besieged, and slain several of their men in two considerable Sallies.  
On the other side, the Regiments of Uxelles, and Dampierre took the Half-Moon on the right hand of the Breach; so that the French standing ready to storm on the one side, and the Mine ready on the other to blow up the Bastion; they within the Garrison wanting Powder, the Governor beat a Parley, offering to surrender upon good Conditions, if they were not relieved in 8 days, but this was refused by the Marshal, who went on with his Works so fast, that on the 24. of November 1653. Montal was constrained to deliver up the Town, marching away to Rocroy on the 27. only with their Arms and Baggage, followed by a few French; the most part of those that served under him accepting of the Amnesty, entered either into the Kings Pay, or retired to their Houses, amongst which the Marquis de Forz, and others, (invited by his Majesty's clemency, and finding by experience, that the subjects truest felicity consists in their entire duty to their lawful Sovereign) laying aside all bitterness and animosity, returned to their obedience.  
The taking of St. Menehaud concluded the Campagne for that year, which in the beginning was likely to have proved very troublesome and dangerous the King's interest, as well for the inequality of their Forces in those parts; as for the diversion in Guienne, where at that time the Power of the Princes was much greater than the Kings, so that by how much the difficulty was the greater, to obstruct the progress of the enemy, by so much the more did it redound to the Honour of the Cardinal, and valour of the Captains, who knew how to Manage their Affairs to the best advantage, for having put so happy an end to so many disasters and Misfortunes, it was but reasonable to expect the Continuation of their success: Seeing the malignity of times can never be so great, but at length by the Constant force of policy and prudence, it may be overcome.  
The Conquest of this place freed the Neighbouring Country, from the Contributions which they most vigorously exacted towards their maintenance. During this siege, the Cardinal with great vigilance had an eye over all, and gave out such Orders as were most convenient for the good Government of the Kingdom. He dispatched Messengers into Provence, with directions for the Galleys to put in all necessary Provision of Victuals into Roses, apprehending that after the happy relief of Girona, the Spaniards would attempt that place. He sent the Captain of his Guards to Brisac, to complete the Negotiations with the Count de Harcourt, and put that strong Town once more into the Hands of his Majesty. To the turbulent and unquiet spirits of Bourdeaux, he applied such suitable remedies, as made them not only relish the sweetness of Peace, but abhor and nauseate their former confusions.  
At length having issued out Orders for disposing the Soldiers into their Winter-quarters upon the Frontiers, with the least grievance to the subject as was possible, he returned with the King to Paris, where his Majesty made his entry in great triumph, and was received with incredible applause, and with such admiration of the Cardinal's Management, that his name became venerable, and was immortalised by the very Tongues of those who had formerly traduced him. By order likewise of the Cardinal, Count Harcourt was treated withal, for the accommodating his Affairs, and to draw him out of Brisac, upon a jealousy that he might treat with some foreign Prince, and endanger that important place: but the business was interrupted upon the very point of Conclusion; for whilst he seemed content with the Government of Anjou, and the Town of lafoy Fere, in lieu of his Government of Alsatia, being mischievously informed of a design of seizing the Prince of Armagnac his eldest son, who was following his studies in Paris, he caused him to steal away secretly, and come to him to Brisac, whereupon the whole Negotiation ceased, and their jealousies and diffidences revived.  
It was the general opinion, that Count Harcourt, being a Person of valour, and having such Fortresses in his hand, would push on his Affairs to the highest pitch, the better to capitulate, and make his advantage for his reestablishment at Court; but they were mistaken in their Account; he had too noble a mind to engage in any Action that might reflect upon his fidelity, contenting, himself, to pay the Garrison, and establish his security in that place, without making any new Propositions, since the first were interrupted; On the other side, the King's Counsel did not much press him for several Reasons.  
The first was, because they hoped, when once they began to want money, the Garrison would revolt for want of their pay. The second, because they would not engage in a Treaty with him, till they were sure he was Master of the Town; for Charleroy being also there, his Presence was sufficient to create a doubt, That the Count's Authority was not absolute. The third was, that he being a great friend to his own reputation, would never be drawn into an Action that might eclipse the glory of his name; wherefore they thought it not Prudence to enter into a Treaty with him, lest they should be forced to another afterwards with Charleroy. So that when Harcourt began to treat with the Court, by the mediation of the Baron de Milet, and the Abbot of Charente, (who imparted all to the Duke d' Elbeuf, and the rest of his relations and friends) the Cardinal did what he could to protract the Affair; Monsieur de Besimaux Captain of Mazarins' Guards, went to Brisac under pretext of finishing the Treaty, but in stead of concluding it as he made show he intended; he privately corrupted the Officers of the Garrison of Philipsbourg, and prevailed with them to receive in the King's Troops, publishing a Declaration too injurious to the loyalty of Harcourt, as if he had treated to sell that place to the Duke of Lorraine.  
Whereupon Command was given to the Officers of the King's Stables to receive no future Orders from him, as Grand Escuyer of France, and Directions dispatched to the Marshal de la Fertè Seneterre to advance with his Troops into Alsatia, and make War upon such Towns as held for him, that he might be compelled to accept of such terms as his Majesty should please to grant. The Marshal besieged, and in a few days took the Castle of Betford, valiantly defended by the Count della Sufa, and sent to Harcourt to deliver up Brisac without further Expostulation, and to retire to his Government of Alsatia, or to Philipshourg, which should be restored him. The Count showed himself very ready to comply with his Majesty's Commands, entered into a Treaty with the Marshal, and accepted the Articles, which both subscribed to, by which it was agreed, That 40000 Pistols should be delivered him to pay Charleroy and the Garrison of Brisac, and 10000 for himself towards what he had disbursed, in maintaining the Garrisons of Brisac and Philipsbourg.  
The Marshal dispatched away the Sieur de Brinone, his Nephew, with the Articles, to have them ratified at Court. But the Cardinal being assured that Harcourt could not treat with the Spaniards, as not having the Town absolutely at his command; much less with the Emperor, who would not hearken to any such Proposition, as well for the 3 millions, which the French were to pay to the Archduke, Charles Ferdinand of Inspurg, according to the treaty of Munster, as also not to give the French occasion to cause the Swedes to return into Germany. The Mareschals Agreement was disapproved, and the Sieurs de Brinon, and D' Hautichamp who was sent also to the Court by the Count for the said Ratification, were sent back with Orders to revoke what had past; whereupon the Sieur de Seneterre writ by Brinon to his son, that he should not be disgusted because the Articles were not approved, but to obey without further dispute.  
The Marshal observed the Orders punctually, and sent Brinon to the Count with his Letters of excuse, telling him, that the King had not approved of his Treaty, and that therefore there remained nothing for him to do, but to restore all things into their pristine condition, putting Brisac immediately into his hands; and that he was marching forthwith into Alsatia with his Army, to reduce such places as should refuse to submit. Harcourt was much troubled at this unexpected News, complaining he was deluded, and urged that the Marshal was obliged to make good his Parole; for which reason he kept Brinon Prisoner, but to no purpose; for the Marshal caused Monsieur D'Hautichamp to be secured, and sent away the Sieur de Castelnau Lieutenant-General, to reduce Tannes. D' Hautichamp perceiving all his instances for his liberty ineffectual, he desired the Marshal to consider him as a Prisoner of War, and permit him to go out upon his Parole, which being granted, he proceeded in his journey towards Brisac, and arriving at Tannes, at the very instant that Castelnau was about storming the suburbs which were entrenched, he writ suddenly to the Marshal, entreating him to cause them to forbear the assault; and assuring him the Count de Harcourt should command the Sieur de Grum Covernour of that place to open the Gates. But the Marshal looking upon this as a delay, only to gain time, would not condescend to any Protraction: Whereupon the suburbs being taken, and a Cessation granted by Castelnau, till D' Hautichamp returned; he departed with all speed, and visiting the Marshal by the way, who gave him hopes that the Truce should be continued till the 9th. of March in the morning, that he might have time to return with an Answer from Brisac; but notwithstanding the Truce, the Town was sharply assaulted, upon intelligence of which, Count Harcourt dispatched Orders with all speed to Monsieur Grum to receive the King's Troops into the Town, without further Contest: D' Hautichamp sent away the Orders over night by a Soldier of the King's Guards, and was there himself in the Morning early: But the Marshal, not willing to receive from Harcourt the thing he knew he could compass himself, would not be spoke with, and in the meanwhile the Town was stormed, where Castelnau received a hurt with a Musquet-shot, & several other Officers on both sides were wounded.  
The Governor, in confidence of the Treaty with the Marshal, coming out of the Town to discourse the business with him, was taken Prisoner; the King's forces entered the Town, plundered the Governors' house, and he himself was condemned to pay 3000 Pistols, to his great regret, complaining he had been betrayed under the Public faith.  
At length Hautichamp obtained liberty to speak with the Marshal, who because the Regiment of Lorraine had been introduced into Tannes, (whereas at first he demanded only the Town, and had promised, as Count Harcourt affirmed, not to meddle with the Castle,) insisted to have that likewise surrendered, allowing the Governor only four days time to expect Orders from the Count  
Harcourt again by this last Action resolved to take away all Objections that could be made against his sincerity, and at the same time he released Brinon, and sent back D'Hautichamp to the Marshal, and thence to the Court, to assure his Majesty of his submission without further reserve, and that he would retire forthwith to Philipsbourg, and there attend his Royal pleasure, In this manner this Prince left Brisac, at the same time Charleroy, having received his Arrears, the Garrison was changed, and Monsieur de Besemaux Captain of the Cardinal's Guards was made Governor, with whom were left several other Officers, entirely depending on the King.  
This Affair having succeeded, as the Cardinal (contrary to the opinion of many of the Council) had presaged, contributed much to his reputation, and rendered his merits more considerable to the Crown. The Cardinal after all this assured the Duke d' Elbeuf, that being thoroughly informed of the sincerity of Count Harcourt, he had the same kindness for him as formerly; & that seeing he had submitted himself so ingenuously, he would take an opportunity that he should have absolute satisfaction. The Court remained very well pleased with the Respect and Generosity of the Count in that Action; but those who were emulous of his glory, and with several suggestions had wounded his reputation, were much astonished and confused.  
The Duke d' Anvil, who not many days before had been banished the Court, was recalled, and received into favour again, both by the King and the Cardinal. The displeasure was grounded upon this, that having promised to resign his Government of Limousin, which was designed for the Marshal de Turenne, in recompense of his services performed for the Crown, by the instigation of the Archbishop of Burges, d' Anvil seemed unwilling to give his Consent; whereupon to Court having engaged their word to Turenne, thought themselves obliged to make it good, as well to satisfy him, (who otherwise might have thought himself eluded) as to signify his Majesty's resentment to the Duke, but he, acknowledging his fault, and having performed what he promised, was restored again to Court.  
Whilst the Marshal de Hoquincourt was preparing for his journey into Catalonia, the States of Languedoc that Winter were held at Pezenas, a Town and Castle seated upon the Confluence of the two Rivers, the pain and the Eraut; the Marquis de Plessis Belliere residing there, and finding the humour of those people, by the infelicity of the times more disposed to Factions and Cabals, then to pay their Contributions to the King, he used all possible means to reduce them to their obedience; and at last perceiving the said States resolved to contribute nothing, unless the Troops were drawn out of that Province: and knowing that the Provisions of Oats for the Horse, and other Necessaries for the Camp, were to be made out of the Benevolences of that Country, which would amount to a very little, if nothing was given by the States, and by consequence the Army would be uncapable of doing any thing considerable: He offered to take the Field, if any reasonable Contribution would be made towards the subsistence of the Army, to which the States were well enough inclined. He considered moreover, that the time of the year was far spent, That supplies of men were coming to the Spaniards out of Italy, That the Enemy were drawing together, and made Provision of Cannon, Powder, Ladders, and other Necessaries of War at Castillon, in order to the besieging of Roses; wherefore concluding it would be too late to relieve it, if their Line of Circumvallation should be finished before his Arrival, it was necessary to provide against it in time.  
He departed from Pezenas the 25. of May, and advanced to Rigean, and Rivesalta, where he made some stay to get his Troops together, and to see what the final resolution of the States would be. Above all, he considered the importance of conserving Rossilion, about which the Cardinal had writ to him, and recommended that Province particularly to his care. He rendezvouzed his Army at Baulori, from whence he marched the 16. of July, to pass the Mountain of Pertus; his whole Number consisted of 2500 Horse, and 4000 Foot, all expert and veterane soldiers. The Spaniards Army was a Regiment of Foot more in number then the French, and was commanded by the Baron Saback, the Constable of Castille, and the Marquis Serra; so that it was probably judged they would have opposed the French at that Pass: but they only put a Guard into the Tower of Longuiera, purposing that whilst these had stopped them, to come in opportunely and defend the entrance, but contrary to all expectation, the Tower yielded at the sight of two small field-pieces, which the French had brought with them from Rossillion: here they stayed a day, attending the coming up of their Baggage and Rearguard: thence they advanced into the Plain beyond Oustelnau: Plessis Belliere divided his Army into two Battalia's, upon intelligence that the enemy would expect him about Castillon, who the more to engage their men to keep the Field, had set fire on their Forts before Roses, and drawn out the Garrison from Teguiers. The French Marched in good Order directly towards the Spaniards, leaving Teguiers on their right hand. Their Vanguard discovered the Spaniards drawn up in Battalia behind Castillon, under the shelter of the Town, a great Moor, and several Canals and Ditches, but as soon as they saw Night approaching, and that the French Rearguard was at hand: Their Horse, which had faced the enemy till their Foot and baggage Marched off, began to face about, and retire under the benefit of the Night, leaving only 1200 Men in Castillon, to hinder the advance of the French.  
The Marquis de Plessis Belliere called a Council of War, to consider whether they should follow the Enemy or not, and i● was concluded in the Negative, because in a Country full of difficult and straight passes as that was, it was impossible to force the Enemy to fight, unless he had a mind to it himself; Besides, their provision of Victuals was not yet come up to the Army, and they should be necessitated in a short time, to return for want of it, to the great prejudice of their reputation amongst those people, accustomed to judge of things according to their outward appearance, and it concerned the French, to preserve their friendship. It was resolved on therefore to take Castillon, before they procdeded any further, and to advance fair and softly, and not engage in long Marches that they should not afterwards be able to prosecute.  
To this purpose two Pieces of Cannon were sent for from Roses, and having taken a view of the Town, they began presently to open the Trenches which were in a short time advanced to the very brim of the Ditch, notwithstanding the perpetual firing from the walls.  
Castillion has a Rampart about it lined with stone, made curtain-wise, with a small dry ditch: the Garrison were Irish and Neapolitans, commanded by Colonel Milon, who being made Head of the people of Naples to their late Revolutions, deserted their Party, and entered himself into the Spanish service, in which he behaved himself with much reputation. The Besieged made no Salleys as having no works to shelter them without, but they threw such quantities of stones, that the Assailants were obliged to raise a Gallery, in the Ditch, to get to the wall with more security, which being finished, and a Mine ready to spring under a Corner of one of the Towers, the Garrison knowing themselves not able to hold out, capitulated and surrendered upon honourable terms, with obligation to return into Spain, by the way of Fonterabbia, which was a long way about. The French found in the Town six Pieces of Cannon, and 5000 pound of Powder, which came very seasonably to them, having ventured upon that Enterprise, very ill provided Ammunition: During this siege Plessis Belliere sent the Marquis de Bellefonds with part of his troops to attaque Empouries, the Tower Medes, and some other small places, all of them yielding upon the same Conditions as those to Castillon.  
The French, before they entered into Catalonia, knowing the Irish not to be over-well satisfied with the Spaniards, they invited them to their party, made them very advantageous Offers, which were accepted, with a promise to come over to them with seven Regiments, upon the first opportunity presented.  
While the French were before Chastillon, it was signified to the Irish that were within, to perform their Promise; but they replied, that they could not abandon the Spaniards like Cowards; While they were in that Town, they would defend it like persons of honour; but when the siege was over, they would perform their word, as they did presently after, so soon as they came into Rossilion, where taking their leave of their Neapolitan Comrades, they marched into Danphine, where they took up their quarters, and by degrees were followed by many more of that Nation.  
So soon as the Spaniards were marched out of Chattillon, Plessis Belliere renewed his Orders already given to all the Neighboring-Villages after the taking of Barcelona, compelling them to bring in Provisions to Roses: he commanded them likewise to throw down the works the Spaniards had made about Roses and Chattillon, committing the care of it to the Governor, who remained in the place with a Regiment of Foot, and another of Horse; but he neglecting to put these Orders in execution was punished severely.  
Having intelligence afterwards, that the Enemy was retired to Girona, and entrenched there, he suddenly took his March that way with resolution to engage them, but finding it not feasible, he marched along by the River Fer, putting himself at the Head of his Scouts, the better to observe the posture of the enemy.  
Here he discovered, that their Horse-Guard, which they kept at the Great Bridge, was retiring towards Girona, whereupon the foremost Squadrons of the French left the said Bridge of their left hand, and descending along the River side, till they came past the town, they found the Spanish Horse at forage on the other side of the River, who immediately drew themselves up into Squadrons, and the rest of the troops marching out of Girona with their Cannon, they drew up into Battalia without the trenches, and here (whilst the Scouts were skirmishing together, from one side of the River to the other) those who went closing up placed themselves directly before the Spanish Army, whose Commanders perceiving the design of the enemy, they retired immediately within their lines, which were very large, strong and deep, with a well contrived bank, and flanked with four or five Stone-houses, well-lined with Musquetiers.  
These fortifications made exactly according to the Rules of Art, began at the walls of an Hospital in the Suburbs, and ended at a little Brook that was not fordeable. In the mean time the Night approached, most part of the Soldiers wanted powder, and the Wagons which carried that little they had, were not come up; this notwithstanding, the Soldiers expressed great desire to fight; wherefore not to deny them this satisfaction any longer, Plessis Belliere took all his Horse along with him with 700 Foot, and causing every one of them to take a faggot on his back, he passed the River on the left hand not far from the Town, and Bellefonds did the same about 50 Paces below him.  
There were other troublesome Passes betwixt the River and the Spanish Camp, so that it was Midnight before their Forelorn could arrive there, where they found the Trenches stuck with lighted Matches, and approaching, perceived the enemy was gone.  
Plessis Belliere sent out several small parties, for intelligence which way they were gone, who having sought them all night to no purpose, in the Morning they descried them upon the Mountain behind the City.  
The French had left their Baggage on the other side of the River, with some few Foot to secure it, and attend the coming of their Cannon; the Spaniards perceiving it, caused their Horse to march down from the Mountain passing thorough the Town, with design to have plundered it, but they reckoned without their Host, for no sooner were they observed to march that way, but the French immediately sent seven or eight Squadrons over the River, who constrained them to quit their design, and betake themselves again to the Mountain; after which the Baggage and Cannon passed over the River with the rest of the Foot. So soon as their Ammunition arrived, which was expected from Narbon, the French encamped in the open Field, within half Canonshot of the Mountain and the town, so that if the enemy drew down their Foot to defend Girona; in that case they resolved to attaque the Mountain, and if they stirred not, they should be able to attaque and take the Town, at a cheaper rate.  
Girona is a great City, situate upon the side of a Mountain, encompassed with a wall, and flanked with some little Towers. The Houses of the Town serve as a Parapet on that side next the River Fer, which washes it on the right side, so that it would have been no hard matter to have taken it, had there not been an Army to defend it. The French were Masters of the Field, their Convoys came to them without any danger, and in every skirmish (which were very frequent) the Spaniards were still worsted: Belliere endeavoured by all ways to debauch the Spanish Soldiers; who both Horse and Foot, came over to them in such numbers, that the Officers themselves were forced to be a Guard to their own Soldiers, the Irish had promised to come in entire Companies to the French service; The Town began to be straitened for want of Provisions; Their Horse already for some days had nothing to sustain them, but what Grass they could gather upon the Parapetts of the Wall.  
The Spanish Generals perceiving their troops daily decreasing, to preserve themselves on the Mountain, they had built three Forts; And designed (as was collected by some intercepted Letters) to send away part of their Horse to Barcelona, as well to give them some refreshment from their sufferings in the Siege, as that they might join with the Constable of Castille, who was preparing an Army to relieve Girona; The French hereupon were constrained to very hard duty, in so much that they kept their Horses Saddled Night and Day. Whilst the Siege went on in this manner, Plessis Belliere had gained an intelligence with the Inhabitants of San Tibeau, a small Town, with a very strong Castle lying upon the Sea, betwixt Pallamos and Blanes, whose Garrison suspecting nothing, and not keeping strict Guards were easily surprised.  
Affairs standing thus, the Marshal d' Hoquincourt taking his leave at Court, hastened with all speed into Languedoc, where having got together the Soldiers that were designed to serve under his Command, he marched away to the Army before Girona: Plessis Belliere having notice of his approach, sent his Brother-in-law Monsieur de la Rabiliere to compliment him, and give him an account of what had passed in the Leaguer. He acquainted him likewise with their want of powder, and how necessary it would be to cause that to be sent to the Camp, which was expected at Narbon, and in the mean time to endeavour to borrow a quantity of the Governors of Perpignan and Roses; he advertized him likewise, that if he intended to storm Girona, or continue the Siege, it would be convenient to hasten the levies of the Catalonians, which were raising in Rossillon, to cause the Regiment of Swisses, which remained at Locoman to advance, as also the Queen's Regiment, the Regiments d' Anjou and Languedoc, which refused to march with the rest, (by reason of the precedence, to which the Regiment of Auvergne pretended) and stayed at Constans, under the Command of Tilly.  
The Marshal did what Belliere had desired him; he brought these Regiments along with him, who renewed their pretensions to that height that he was forced to cause all the Officers of the Regiment of Auvergne to be secured, till the Enterprise of Girona was over, besides which he brought 3000 pound of Powder with him from Perpignan. Plessis Belliere went out to meet him, and brought him to the Camp the 27. of July; He took upon him the Command of the King's Armies in those parts; Belliere fell sick of a Fever, which kept him in his bed several days. The French resolving to put an end to the siege, battered the walls, made a breach, and attempted to have carried it by assault; but whether the breach was not wide enough, or that the Parapets and Flankers were not well razed, or whether the Soldiers commanded to the assault, did not perform their duties, not following their Officers. They could not make their way through, and desisted from their Enterprise, in hopes that the besieged forwant of provision, would yield of themselves; and indeed they were reduced to the utmost extremity when their supplies began to appear, entering on the 24. of Septemb. (at the most difficult side of the Town to pass) with a great quantity of meal in Mailes. The Swiss, and the Queen's Regiment, seconded by the Regiment of Horse of Carvisson had the Guard of that quarter, but these were no sooner charged by the Spaniards, but they fled, and gave them liberty to join with those who sallied out of the City.  
The Marshal was gone to visit certain Posts, where having News that the said Regiments were attacked, he repaired thither with all diligence, but arriving found his own men Flying, and the enemy united. Belliere, at the Alarm, made likewise to that quarter, and meeting with the Marshal he participated to him the Accident; after convenient Consultation, they resolved to abandon the Enterprise, without losing more time.  
Hoquincourt entreated Belliere to take care of their Retreat; in order whereunto he sent his own Regiment of Foot and the Swisses, to make good the Great Bridge, to facilitate their passage over the River; after which he caused the Army to march in good Order, and passing the River they encamped at Madignan. So soon as the Guards had quitted the Bridge, the Spaniards took possession of it; and whilst the French were marched away, the Constable of Castille sent 400 Horse over the River with some Musquetiers, who placed themselves in the houses on the other side of the water. They were no sooner over, but the French faced about, and charged them so briskly, that they forced them back to the River, and took most of them Prisoners; This blow so cooled the Spaniards, that they pursued their enemy no further,  
From Madignan, Hoquincourt marched to Barca; And on the 26. of September came to Villeneufve d' Ampuries, where he remained for some time, to take up what corn was to be found in that Country, and convey it to Roses, causing each Company to carry six quarters of that measure along with them. After this, having nothing more to do in that Country of Lampurdam, and not being able to maintain his Troops any longer there, he ordered them to pass the Mountain Pertus the 28th following. The Regiments of Anjou, Languedoc, Roquelaure, Gramont and Harcourt were left in Roses: On the 30th. the rest of the Army arrived at Bovillon (a Town upon the River Teich) The Marshal quartered his Troops in Rossiglion, and those of Belliere in Conflans.  
All these Forces remained in that little Country, till the appearance of those from Guienne, under the Command of the Marquis de Marinville, upon whose Arrival in Rossillion, Hoquincourt resolved to put Provisions into Roses.  
He caused all things to be prepared to that effect, and resolved to conduct them himself with all his chief Officers, and such of his Army as could be spared from the posts which were necessary to be kept, about Conflans.  
On the 29. of October 1653. he passed the Mountains, and the next Morning put the said Convoy into Roses The French Army advancing eagerly against the Spaniards, They were in an ill condition near Lousteneau, but the French being a little slow in passing the Hills they had opportunity to retire.  
The Marquis de Marinville, who led the Van that day, with the Troops of Guienne, followed the enemy as far as Feguiers, where the Spaniards, taking the Garrison along with them. The Inhabitants upon the sight of Marinville's Troops, cried out, Viva Francia, Long live France.  
The Garrison in Castillion retired likewise in all haste. The 6. of November, Belliere having the Van, commanded out 100 Horse to discover the enemy; who bringing intelligence of seven Squadrons of Spaniards on the other side of the River towards Servia, Hoquincourt and Belliere being at that time together, they marched with all speed to the River bank: and Belliere being acquainted with the Fordeable places, by order of the Marshal, he passed over and put himself in pursuit of these Squadrons, with so much expedition and so good success, that he overtook them, charged them, and beat them as far as Bordilles, one of their quarters, where they endeavoured to rally by the assistance of those that were there, but they were routed again, and pursued to another of their Posts, and from thence to their Headquarters, where meeting with fresh Troops, they turned face and fought bravely for some time, but having the disadvantage of the ground, they were at length quite broken and dispersed, many slain and wounded, and many Prisoners, and all their baggage taken and plundered. Of the French few were slain and wounded, and only the two Vallavoirs, brothers, taken Prisoners, by engaging too far into a Squadron of Spanish Officers, who were retreating very bravely toward Girona.  
After this defeat the French Troops lodged themselves without any disturbance, in the same quarters that had been taken up for the Spaniards, though more enlarged, that they might subsist the longer in those parts, and with more convenience, till the Arrival of Monsieur Picoy, who was expected from Court with the King's Orders for their Winter-quarters in France.  
And in this posture the French Army continued about two months in Lampurdam, the Spaniards not daring to approach them in the least. The 20. of December; Picoy arrived from Court with Orders from the King, for their Winter quarters, upon which a Counsel of Officers being called, it was concluded how the Troops were to be disposed: In the mean time, they supplied Roses with all manner of Provisions, and transported thither whatever they could find in Lamprudam. On the 27. of Decemb. 1653. the French Army repassed the Mountains, and as soon as they were entered into Rossillon, the Marshal gave Orders to Belliere for the quartering of his Troops, who having distributed and dispatched them to their several places, he took his farewell of the Marshal, and repaired to the Court, according to the leave granted him by the King. Hoquincourt stayed with the Army, distributing the rest of them into their Winter-quarters, and making such Provisions for them as were convenient.  
Whilst the Cardinal was busied in the functions of the Field, and intent upon the taking of St. Menehaud, the Countess of Mancini and Martinozzi, his Sisters, with one of their daughters, (who after the Parentage betwixt the Pope's Family, and the House of Barbarini, were departed from Rome) arrived in Provence,, receiving great honours in all places where they passed, and particularly in Genova, where they were received with the greatest splendour that could be expected from the Generosity of that State, and befitting the merits of their Brother, and the dignity of those Ladies, who among their other virtues where adorned with admirable Modesty, and a noble behaviour. They stayed in Provence some days.  
The Court being returned to Paris; these Ladies repaired thither also, and were received with extraordinary affection and civility, not only by the Grandees of the Court, but by their Majesties themselves.  
The Prince of Conty arriving at Cadillac, found Langlade the Cardinal's Secretary there lying sick; In the Discourse they had together, the Prince intimated to him his design of reconciling himself to the Court, and to fulfil the last Precepts he received from his dying Father, which were, to keep himself firm to the interests of the King, and never to deviate from his obedience; he reflected upon the example of his brother the Prince of Condy, who whilst he continued in his Allegiance, enjoyed the fruits of a fortunate glory: He considered, that the treachery of those about him, deluded by the private interest of their friends, had constrained him to separate from his Brother, so that he was reduced at present to a necessity of remaining in an ill condition, where ever he was, if he did not find out some expedient, to return with glory and advantage to his former obedience, and preserve his family in the same state and condition in which his father left it.  
He foresaw, that to retire into Spain, would not only be against his own genius, but also expose him to his Brother's revenge, who being prepossessed by the sinister Informations of Marsin and Lenet, would certainly despise him. He considered to retire into Italy, or to any of his houses in France, he could not avoid the suspicions of the Court, so that either the one way or the other, his life in the very flower of his Age, would become unhappy, idle, and unworthy the vivacity of his spirit. Hereupon, considering with himself what was most essential to his own interest, and having prudently weighed what he was to do, he found the only way to conserve himself in the quality he was born was to introduce himself, by some strict Alliance, into an entire friendship with the prime Minister, and by consequence into the King's favour. Of these thoughts he gave some little hint to the aforesaid Langlade, but did not declare himself too far: A while after he discovered his mind more freely to the Duke of Candale, whom he looked upon as his particular friend; and he was not at all deceived, for the Duke concurring in his opinion, approved his judgement as very prudent and well-grounded, and with a generous frankness encouraged him to proceed, though he himself at the same time was in treaty of Marriage with the same Lady, and did most ardently desire the accomplishment of it.  
It did no seem convenient to the Prince to discover his inclinations so suddenly to the Court: he only sent Menil the Captain of his Guards, to pass some few Compliments, without any Letters of Credence, or others instructions whatever; Menil was received with great Civility, and having discovered the sentiments not only of their Majesties, but also of the Cardinal, and the other Ministers of the Court, he assured the Prince at his return, that he had found such a propension in the Cardinal towards him, that he could assure him of an eternal Oblivion of what was past, and a sincere renovation of his affection for the time to come.  
Upon this information, he concluded to send Saracin his Steward to Court (as a person in whom he much confided) to Negotiate this Affair with more liberty, and freedom which had been only darkly hinted to Langlade at Cadillac.  
Saracin soon discovered the Cardinal's good disposition and after some journeys and meetings betwixt him, and Langlade, the Treaty of Marriage betwixt the Prince of Conty, and the Countess of Martinozza the Cardinal's Niece, was so far advanced that no doubt was made of it; Such as envied the glory and repose of the Prince and the Cardinal, hearing the News, endeavourd to sow Tares, and create jealousies and suspicions amongst them: Some represented to the Abbey Ondedei, that all this was but an invention, and artifice. And that Conty held private intelligence with the Prince, his Brother, and his Sister the Duchess of Longueville, and that the effect would not answer the outward appearance; Others out of their pretended zeal to the Cardinal, Suggested to him; That to join himself in parentage with the greatest Princes in France, (he being a stranger) was not the way to secure himself from envy, and establish more solid foundations for the Authority which he at that time possessed, seeing the ambition of mankind is such, that every one flattering himself with his own proper esteem, oftimes grows weary of valuing another persons though his principal friend; That the favours of Princes the higher they rise the nearer they are to the disgraces of fortune. That there are but few Masters who will make their Servants their Companions and for the most part, the Patient being cured, the Physician is despised; As an example, they alleged Cardinal Richlieu, who by his extravigant greatness, was become so odious to Lewis the 13th. that without doubt, had they lived longer together, that Minister must of necessity have fallen; That it would be better therefore to settle his Alliance further off, to secure a retreat if any accident should happen without exposing himself to the inconstancy of that Nation, who are friends to none but their own fortune.  
But the Cardinal esteeming the advantage to be reciprocal, his inclination to his own interest prevailed above all other Advice, so that the Contract was at last agreed on, and the Marriage concluded by their Majesties, to whose determination the Cardinal left the whole disposure of that Affair, submitting his will to their pleasure, (as he said) he had sacrificed all the rest of his faculties to their service; but the consummation was put off, because the Prince was unwilling to be present in the Parliament of Paris, whilst they were forming a Process of High Treason against his Brother the Prince of Condy.  
He obtained therefore, to protract his coming to the Court, till the latter end of the Carnevale, about which time he arrived, and was received with all applause and satisfaction imaginable. The first Saturday in Lent the Ceremony of touching the hand, and signing the Articles of Marriage was performed. The Princess had a Dowry of 200000 Crowns given her by her Uncle, and 50000 by the King's bounty, besides a Pension to the Prince, equivalent to his Ecclesiastical Revenue, which he resigned into his Majesty's hands; after this followed the Espousals and the Nuptials, which were honoured by the continual Presence of their Majesties, the Duke of Anjou, and all the Princes and great Lords of the Court: where there was not any one found so stimulated with envy, or overwhelmed with rancour; no mind so enraged or corrupted that durst cavil at this Alliance, since the deserts of the Uncle towards the Crown were unparallelled; and the Beauty of the Bride, such an entire Compendium of the most conspicuous qualities in a woman, which were able to excite the praises and commendations of the greatest Emulators and Detractors.  
The Queen herself would needs do her the honour to see her in bed; by which incomparable Civility, her Majesty made appear, how much she was pleased with this Wedding.  
The King afterwards made a Present to the new married Prince, of all the Estate and Offices belonging to his Brother the Prince of Condy; but he out of an exemplary Grandeur of mind refused that grace, as despising the riches which came from that spoil.  
To express the content and joy every one conceived for the reuniting this Branch to the Royal Stock; The days following were spent in Balls, Feasting, Music, and other Recreations and Divertisements becoming a Royal and Majestic Court, as is that of the most Christian King.   

The HISTORY of the Managements of CARDINAL MAZARINE. Lib. II. Part III:  
WHilst Paris was thus full of joy and festivity, at Brussels all was in sadness and confusion for the Imprisonment of Duke Charles of Lorraine, who was Arrested Prisoner in that City, as shall be related in the ensuing Narrative. The Spanish Troops were retiring into their Winter-quarters, and the Count de Fuensaldagna considering, that by reason of the Numbers of great Officers, and the Generals of the three Armies, it would be impossible to quarter them all in the Low Countries; he treated with the Duke of Lorraine, and paid him a sum of money, upon condition he would quarter his Troops, and some of the Prince of Condy's out of the Country's belonging to his most Catholic Majesty, as he was accustomed to do at other times, under pretence of being General of the Empire, by which he made bold with several Neutral Countries in those Provinces, and other Principalities of the Empire, as were most exposed to that inconvenience. The Duke began to take up his quarters accordingly, and about the middle of Winter marched with his Army into the Country of Liege, pretending the Elector of Colen had given Sanctuary to Cardinal Mazarine in his State, permitting him to make levies there, and giving him other assistances against the Prince of Condy. The Elector desired help of the King of France against the Troops of the Prince and take Duke. Immediately Orders were sent to Faber the Governor of Sedan, to draw a Body of an Army together, and march to the assistance of the Elector. He executed the Orders with all possible expedition, marching with the French Troops directly towards Liege. The Duke of Lorraine, so soon as he had notice hereof, in stead of meeting and engaging them, as he might easily have done, being much stronger than Faber, retired into the Territories of the King of Spain, took up quarters there for his men, and came himself to Brussels. The proximity of these Troops of the enemy, being as it were in the heart of the Country, and the Duke's retreat, without attempting in the least to oppose them: The various Advices they received from several parts, that what was acted by the Duke of Lorraine, was done by private Intelligence with Cardinal Mazarine, gave no small trouble to the Archduke and the Count of Fuensaldagne, and so much the more, because these Advertisements did quadrate with the Treaty the Duke made with the King of France near Paris, deserting the Princes in their greatest need; With the withdrawing of his Troops from the siege of Rocroy: with the Negotiations (which were lately discovered) he had held with the Crown of Swedeland and other Princes, to hinder the New Election of the King of the Romans, hoping himself, by the help of his money, and the assistance of the King of France, and the Protestant Princes in Germany, to be able to pretend to that dignity: This jealousy was not a little fomented by the straight correspondence he held at that time with the Elector Palatines Family, with the Swedes, and with other Princes of Germany, to whom he had sent Ronselot his Secretary; having sent likewise for the Prince Palatine of Sultzbach, in the place of his Brother, killed at the battle of Rhetel, with design to marry him to his daughter. By the displeasure he expressed for the assistance granted to the Prince of Condy, by whose Treaty with the Court of Spain, he pretended to be very much prejudiced, by reason that all the acquisitions made in France, being to be delivered into his hands, there remained no place in the power of the Spaniards, to exchange afterward for those of Lorraine, at the General Peace. He began therefore to doubt that the bare Protection of Spain, would not be sufficient to restore him to the Sovereignty of his Dominions. This was one of the principal Reasons that renewed in the Duke the ancient emulation betwixt the Houses of Lorraine and Bourbon, not being able to endure that the Prince of Condy should be Master, not only of Stenay, Clermont, and other places belonging to Lorraine, but of the Conquests they should make in France also, with the assistance of his forces. He complained of these things very earnestly, urging, that Condy might be obliged at least to deliver him one of the Towns in his Possession, belonging to Lorraine, or otherwise, that he might equally participate of the Conquests that should be made with the help of his Army: Declaring openly, that if they would not consent to one of these Proposition,, neither would he assist them with his Troops in any Enterprise to be undertaken for the sole profit of the Prince of Condy.  
Upon these suspicions and jealousies the Spaniard began to think of a remedy, for so manifest a danger, both present and to come: that which imported most, was to oppose the French, and to pacify the Elector of Colen, with whom it was not convenient at that time to have any dispute.  
Hereupon, it was proposed to the Duke, That with his own Troops, the Prince of Condy's, and some of the Spanish, he should make head against the French, and the Electors forces, the Prince of Condy being unable for that expedition, as being sick at that time at Rocroy, but the Duke refused it, nor would so much as stir out of Brussels; he was desired at least to consign them his Troops, but he denied that also, which increased their jealousy more and more, and gave them greater cause to suspect him. It was already three years, that the Count of Fuensaldagne had received private Orders from the Court of Spain, to secure the Person of Duke, when he should see a fit time to effect it; but as the success of an Affair which drew so many consequences after it was uncertain, and the Count not being able to promise himself, whether this Act would be approved or disapproved by the Counsel of Spain when it was done, (though the King of Spain had every day new Reasons to confirm his resolution, without seeking further pretences;) He addressed himself to the prime Minister to be excused from that Commission; but could not be dispensed withal: On the contrary, his Orders were renewed, to take the time he should judge most convenient, without participating with the Archduke, giving him withal the Letter that his Majesty had writ him concerning that Affair, and persuaded him to give order about it.  
The Election of the time gave no small trouble to the Count, in respect the Duke's comportment rendered the execution of his Orders every day more necessary; To secure his Person, and not lose his Troops, was very difficult.  
For the better execution of his design, the Count with great dexterity had gained certain of the Duke's chief Officers, but without the least discovery of his Plot: he made sure of several who promised to stand by him in whatever he attempted. The late occasion the Duke gave, was of very great importance for the furtherance of this Affair; for hereby they should not only pacify the Elector, but satisfy the Emperor (who was already informed of all the Duke's Negotiations) and had need of the Electors of Colen and Bavaria, inseparable, in respect of their Parentage and common interest. On the one side the securing of the Duke's Person seemed to Fuensaldagne not very difficult, he being in Brussels, and at a distance from his Army; but on the other he saw infinite discouragements; for the French Army being within three leagues of Brussels, and the Duke's troops united with the Prince of Condy's, he knew not (though the said Princes had been perpetual enemies) how Condy might resent this resolution, apprehending perhaps the same fortune himself.  
The Duke's Troops were so near the French, they might join with them in very few hours; the Spanish Army were dispersed in their Winter-quarters: The Count considered likewise, that the Duke was in good correspondence with the inhabitants of Brussels, and that there were many Lorrainers in the town; that the Archduke perhaps would not have him taken in the manner as was to be wished, for though he had but little friendship for the Duke, and was entirely for the interest of the House of Austria; yet he was a Prince of so tender a Conscience, that he imparted every thing that gave him the least trouble to the Jesuits, who being always intent upon the greatness and conservation of their Society, would not concern themselves in any thing that might prove a stop or impediment to their common advantage.  
All these Reasons, both on the one side and the other, kept the Count for three days together in great perplexity of thoughts, thinking within himself, without daring to communicate it with any one, whether he had best conceal his Orders from the Archduke, or discover them to him: but seeing that danger does always increase with delay, he resolved to draw the Spanish Army together under pretence of opposing the Enemy, and to secure anew the Duke's Troops by Regalios and Presents, of which the said Count was always very liberal. He determined afterward to impart all to the Archduke, to show him his Orders he had from the King, and to present him his Majesty's Letter. His Imperial Highness concurred immediately, and the execution of it was disposed in the ensuing manner.  
First, they drew 300 Horse about Brussels, under another pretence; and it was resolved, that the Count de Garcies, Campmaster General, should go with some particular persons to find out the Duke, and conduct him to the Archduke, under colour that he must speak with him immediately about urgent Affairs. Garcies went, and found the Duke with a Father Confessor of the converted Courtesans in their little Church, and acquainted him that the Archduke desired to speak with him presently about some matters of great consequence that concerned the interest of the Crown, and that he stayed for him at the Palace. The Duke answered, Parmi esser l' hora un poco tarda, domuttina saro à servirlo, I suppose it is too late now, I shall wait on him in the morning. The Count replied, Tengo ordine de condur V.A. alla Corte prima. che si faccia notte, My Orders are to attend your Highness to the Court before it be night. To which the Duke answered, V. S. vada che la Seguiro, If you please to go, Sir, I shall follow you.  
Being arrived at the broad place before the Palace, where the Courtiers use to walk, the Count said to him, V. A. prenda il cammino verso quell' altro appartamento tenendo io ordine, dal Re mio fignore d' arrestarla, Your Highness please to walk towards that other Apartment, for I have Orders from the King my Master to Arrest you: The Duke stopped immediately, and desired to be conducted to the Archduke, but was denied, leading him hastily to the quarters prepared for him, where he was honourably served, and guarded by the principal Officers of the Army.  
Assoon as he was entered the Palace, the Count de Fuensaldagne sent word to the Burgomaster to put the inhabitants in Arms, and place Guards in all the streets that lead to the Palace.  
He clapped double Guards at the Gates and in the Piazza's, and the same night dispatched the Count de Bruny, to the Count de Ligneville, who commanded the Duke's Troops to give him an Account of what had happened, and to let him know that the next day he would come and discourse the business with the Officers, and bring money along with him to satisfy the soldiers; he sent him word likewise that the Count de Sant Amour was gone Post that night to acquaint the Emperor, and to invite Duke Francis to come and take upon him the Command of the Army, and to take care of his Brothers Concerns. The next day the Duke was sent to the Castle of Antwerp, accompanied with 300 Horse, and the aforesaid Campmaster General, with several other Cavaliers, and committed to the custody of Colonel Barnaby de Vergas.  
This being dispatched, Fuensaldagne went to the quarters of the Lorrainers, though many dissuaded him, in respect of the great danger to which he exposed himself, among those people extremely affected to their Prince, he discoursed with the Officers, and carried himself so dexterously, that he persuaded them, partly by fair words, and partly by ready money, to continue in his Majesty's service, without any more stir, assuring them Duke Francis would be with them in a short time.  
After this they consulted to oppose the French, and drive them from their Neighbouring quarters, and it was concluded, that the whole Army should march against them. They endeavoured likewise to establish a good correspondence with the Elector of Colen, which was easily effected by the means of a Conference held in Tirlemont, by the Prince de Ligni, and the Seecretary Navarro: whereupon the French retired, the Elector having signified to them that he had no more need of them, much less of the Spanish troops, by which means the Country of Liege remained free; in this manner this great difficulty was overcome, which might have produced great inconvenience in that country, & the soldiers were sent again into their quarters, intending to fill up their Companies and recruit them. Fuensaldagne issued out Orders for the good Government, and settled all Affairs, sparing for no money, which upon such occasions ought to be liberally dispensed.  
Many are of opinion the Duke did absolutely believ he should have his life taken away by some linger death: But the Count de Garcies told him very discreetly that he could not but wonder his Highness had such apprehensions; That the King his Master desired only to secure him for some time, upon some occasion that concerned the Crown.  
A Manifesto was afterward published by the Archduke, declaring, that when the Duke retired first into the Spanish dominions to secure himself against the violences the French began to exercise both upon his person and Estate; He was received by his most Catholic Majesty and his Lieutenant Generals, with cordial friendship and assurance of protection, and with so much sincerity to his interests that they included him in all Negotiations and Treaties for a General Peace, giving hereby sufficient proof of their candid faith, and honourable esteem of his person, admitting him moreover into all Councils and Resolutions concerning the War, which was carried on by his Majesty's Ministers. That not withstanding so many and so great obligations, contrary to his duty, and all terms of thankfulness and gratitude, he had swerved from these straight ties of Obligation, to the great prejudice of the interest and welfare of the Crown; for besides the tears, sighs and general Lamentations of the people, which had rendered the inhumanities', rapines, and sacrilege of his soldiers sufficiently notorious, committed even upon his own subjects, whose insolences were connived at by the Duke himself. His secret Intelligences and private designs tending to the prejudice of the public benefit and service, (to which he was bound to give a most sincere assistance with all his forces) were amply discovered; every one might discern his inconstancy and dissimulated variableness. Besides, in the resolutions of war, and the delays he affected in the execution of the most important expeditions, form whence there happened by his only fault so many funest and unhappy results, in several considerable Enterprises, which according to all humane Providence would have proved fortunate and successful. That all these things were so manifest, not only to the Lieutenant-Generals, the Colonel's, and all the Officers of the Army, but to the very Soldiers themselves and the common People, who were eye-witnesses thereof, every one exclaiming and wondering that such abuses should be suffered to run on and no remedy applied. True it was, his most Catholic Majesty out of his extraordinary kindness and affection for the house of Lorraine, had been indulgent to the last extremity, being very much troubled to have recourse to such expedients, hoping still that the remorse of his own conscience would some time or other awaken the Duke, and putting him in mind of his ingratitude towards so favourable and incomparable a King, dispose him to return to his duty; But growing worse every day than other, and the irregularities of his actions beyond all toleration, so that all his Majesty's subjects, all the Princes and Neighbouring States, had him in such detestation, that the effect of their vengeance was like to fall heavy upon Flanders. That His Catholic Majesty, not to provoke any longer the displeasure of Heaven, the indignation of the people and the Princes, that were abused in their own Dominions, could not any longer defer the necessary precautions for the stopping of these disorders, and therefore had caused his person to be secured; in which he had neither transgressed the Law of Nature nor Nations, which allow all Sovereign Prince's liberty to remove (without respect of persons) the oppressions and violences against their States, or their subjects, and to do justice to themselves, their People, and their neighbouring Potentates & friends, after the trial of all ways of sweetness and persuasion proves ineffectual: That what was acted was not done upon any aversion to the House of Lorraine, protesting on the contrary always to protect it, and its interests; in testimony whereof he had proposed Duke Francis his Brother to the Command of the Duke's Troops; and accordingly did declare and require all persons to receive and observe the Orders of the Count de Ligneville Lieutenant-General of the said Troops till the Duke's Arrival; assuring moreover all the Officers and Soldiers of a General Pardon of all their Disorders committed till that time, under the command of the said Duke Charles. This Manifesto was made the same day the Duke was Arrested, which was the 25. of Feb: 1654.  
It was afterwards insinuated to the Soldiers, that the Duke should not be sent into Spain at all, but that when some certain points were adjusted, and he had given security for his future fidelity, he should be set at liberty, by which suggestions they appeased the minds of the Officers and Soldiers, who being well-affected to the service of their Prince, were not a little surprised at the novelty of this case.  
Several reflections were made upon this Action, and some omitted not to consider, whether the advantage or prejudice that might succeed upon it, was likely to be the greater. It was considered, that the services the said Duke had done for the Crown of Spain, were apparent: but his failings, published in the Archduke's Manifesto and Declarations were not known to all, and that little credit is ordinarily given to what is published by those that are interessed. That it would be hard to dispossess the people of an opinion they had imbided, That the Duke out of mere complaisance to the Spaniards, had drawn upon himself the displeasure chastisement of the King of France: so that if after being beaten out of his country for their sakes, they had received him into Flanders, it was rather what they were obliged to, than a courtesy.  
That by how much the more the said Duke was blamed by the Ministers of Spain, by so much the more justifiable were the Proceedings of the French against him, because if the Spaniards, who were so much obliged to him had just cause to chastise him, it might well be thought the French had more reason, he having proceeded in a hostile manner against them: Moreover, the doubt that this example would be misinterpreted by others that served them, gave no small trouble to the Spaniards, fearing it might move them to resolutions little beneficial to their service, upon suspicion that their merits might hereafter meet with ingratitude, and their errors never be pardoned. Upon this News the Court of France made a great stir, endeavouring to make advantage of this Conjuncture as favourable, to calm the Actions of their enemies: And because the whole Affair will be more clearly comprehended by the Manifesto which was published in the Name of his most Christian Majesty, the 2. of July 1654. at Sedan (where the Court was then resident) it will not be amiss to insert it here, as followeth.  
His most Christian Majesty being informed, that several Officers as well as Soldiers and other persons belonging to the Wars, Natives of the countries of Lorraine and Barrois, to the prejudice of their honour and duty, (notwithstanding the great injury done by the Spaniards to Duke Charles their lawful Prince, in detaining his person) have taken part and engaged themselves with them, contemning the advantageous offers made them to enable them to set him at liberty; and his Majesty considering further that to continue the same tenderness towards them which he had shown ever since Lorraine was reduced under his obedience (having never proceeded to any severity against those who abandoned their Country, seeing they followed the fortune and commands of their Prince) his Clemency would prove too prejudicial to his affairs, he is resolved, as in justice he is bound, to have recourse to all such means as are in his power, to repress them and make them sensible of his indignation, since they acting indirectly against the interest of his Crown, as also against the interests of their own Duke and his Family, for whom his Majesty has always sufficiently manifested his esteem and affection. having many times, (as is notorious to all the world) offered the said Duke to restore him to his Country, if he would desert the Spanish interest, and come over to his Party; but he could never be brought to any resolution, to prevent the disgrace which is at length fallen upon him; imagining perhaps, that by refusing such considerable and advantageous Propositions from France; and by his strict Alliance with Spain, (so long continued, and with such extraordinary constancy) he should have deserved of them another kind of recompense, then to be laid in prison, and deprived of his ●state.  
His Majesty therefore Orders, and expressly commands all Officers, Soldiers, and other Natives of Lorraine and Barrois, serving in the Army of the said Duke, and that are any way engaged with the Spaniards, to abandon them, and retire themselves within the space of 15 days after the Publication hereof, into the Frontiers of France, either to take up Arms under his Majesty (in which case they shall be entertained and used as the rest under his Command) or to return into their Native Countries, or wherever else their Estates do lie, provided they make a Declaration in authentic manner and form before the King's Judges, in those places where they intent to reside, or the next they can meet with, never to bear Arms, nor to engage directly or indirectly upon any account to the prejudice of his Majesty's service, under penalty (to those which transgress after the time allotted) of being declared guilty and convict of High Treason, and as such, to be treated by the confiscation of their Estates, the razing of their houses, cutting down their woods, and other most severe Penalties contained in the Orders upon such crimes. His Majesty does furthermore command and require the Sieurs de Turenne and la Fertè Mareschals of France, to cause these Presents to be Published in every place where need shall require, to the end that no man may pretend ignorance; and that they be aiding, as much as in them lies, to the full and entire execution of all and every particular herein contained; declaring, that equal credit is to be given to the authentic Copies hereof, as to the Original itself.  
To this Manifesto there was annexed a Declaration, concerning what reception should be given to the Colonels, Captains, Officers and Soldiers of the Duke of Lorrain's Army, which should come into the French service, in the Tenor ensuing.  
That the King being highly concerned for the detention of Duke Charles of Lorraine by the Spaniards, and for the unworthy treatment he received from a Nation, that have no Authority over his Person nor his Troops, he caused to be proposed to the Count de Ligneville Commander in Chief of the said Duke's Army, divers ways for the procurement of his liberty, before he were conveyed into Spain, according as the said Count had notice was intended. But he would not hearken to this Advice to the prejudice of his honour and fidelity, having suffered himself to be gained by the Spaniards, to whom he hath shown greater affection than to his own Master, and considering that the Colonels, Captains and other Officers might be inclined to follow his Majesty's designs for the enlargement of the said Duke, he did by these Presents give assurance to all Officers and Soldiers, as well of Foot as Horse, belonging to the Lorraine Army, which to vindicate the wrong done to their Master, and to set him at liberty, should come into his Majesty's service and pay, That they should be placed, and continued together in one body, under the Command of the Marshal de la Fertè Seneterre Governor of Lorraine and Barrois.  
That according as any such body or company of the said Troops shall unite and join together, they shall immediately receive a Pay, both Officers and Soldiers, and every one shall be preserved and maintained in the same quality and condition as before.  
That Justice shall be administered by the Colonel of every Regiment, in the same manner as heretofore.  
That his Majesty will assign them Winter-quarters, so soon as the Campagne shall be ended, and that they shall be treated in all places, and upon all occasions, as other foreign Troops in his Majesty's service, promising in the faith and word of a King, to maintain and cause to be punctually observed, what he has declared and promised.  
At the first News of the Duke's Imprisonment, his most Christian Majesty had dispatched Monsieur de la Borez to the Count de Ligneville with instructions, to let him know the obligation that lay upon him to endeavour the enlargement of his Master by force of Arms, if amicable ways would not prevail: But all the Arguments used to the said Count, and to Duke Francis, (who not many days before arrived in Flanders from Germany,) proved ineffectual, the Management of the Spanish Ministers having had better success than the solicitations of Cardinal Mazarine: Ligneville excusing himself that he had express Orders from Duke Charles to obey his brother Duke Francis: and this Prince relying upon the Promises made him of being put into the same command as his Brother, did hope to be able to obtain more favour by his own merit then by force.  
The Cardinal continued in the mean time with prudent Councils, to manage other designs, the principal was, to carry on the Wars in the Enemy's country, thereby to force the Spaniard to a Peace, which he said they pretended very much to wish for, but in such manner, and with such advantages to themselves, that not being fit to be granted, they accused him of being an enemy to all accommodation.  
He reassumed the Negotiation of a League with the Protect or Cromwell at London, to secure the French from the jealousies they had reason to conceive of that Nation, at that time in Arms, and free from any diversion elsewhere. And to observe the motions of the Spaniards in Biscay, that they might not introduce any new confusions in those parts; he caused the Marshal de Gramont (in whose valour and fidelity he relied very much) to repair to his Government of Bayon and Bearn, there to have an eye to any attempt that might be made against those Provinces, for the better security of which, he concluded a Truce or Treaty of Neutrality and Commerce during the War: betwixt Bayon and the Basques subjects of France, and the Biscailins subjects of Spain.  
He sent out new Orders for recruiting the old Troops, and for levying of new, to the end, that in the Spring they might be able to take the field in Flanders, Catalonia and Piedmont; He commanded the fitting up of the Fleet in Provence, and all necessary Provisions to be got ready to put to sea when occasion should require, either towards Catalonia or the Kingdom of Naples, from whence the Duke of Guise reiterated his instances for their sudden resolution, upon the Account of the good intelligence he held with the malcontents in that City, by whom he was solicited over and over, and many Messengers sent to invite him thither.  
And as he was seriously intent upon his martial Affairs, so was he not unmindful for the establishment of quiet at home, prevailing with His Majesty to extend his clemency even towards those as were still contumacious, and to receive every body into favour, putting an end to all domestic jealousies, that it might appear to all men, that there was nothing he desired more, then to render his Ministry equally profitable and grateful to all the French Nation, towards which (notwithstanding the ill Treatment he had received) in stead of seeking revenge, forgetting all provocations, his aim was by his goodness and meekness, to work them gently to a repentance for their past faults, rather than by punishing them, precipitate them into new & more desperate offences.  
FINIS.   

THE TABLE.  

MOnsieur de St. Agolin solicits the Court of Spain in behalf of the Prince of Condy page 35 Another Amnesty sent to the Bourdelots' 246 Encamping of both Armies 84 A notable Artifice 118 The King's Army advances towards Bourdeaux 137 The Assembly of the Olmiera is prohibited 155 Additions to the Capitulations at Bourdeaux 172 The Armies on the Frontiers of France 188 Several Persons of both Armies meet and discourse 200 The Archduke comes to the Camp before Rocroy 220 The Order of the French Army 249 A General Amnesty granted to the Bourdelots' 256 The Armies in Catalogne 303   

B.  
The People in Bourdeaux solicit for help from Spain 35 The Baron de Batteville raises difficulties in the Spanish Court 38 Orders given to Batteville from the Court 40 Propositions made by the Spaniards to the Bourdelots' 41 Bellegarde taken 66 The Count Broglia surprises the Irish 68 Bourg taken 96 Divers disturbances in Bourdeaux 110 Brisac returns to the King's obedience 298   

C  
Cardinal Mazarine returns to Paris with universal Applause 1 Applies himself to the War 2 By the Cardinal's means the Count d' Ognon makes his Peace at Court 16 The Cardinal beloved by the Soldiers 18 His remarkable Policy ib. Count Marsin endeavours to take Granade 31 The communality of Paris invites the Cardinal to a Dinner at the Town-Hall 59 concourse of the People to see the Cardinal at the Town-Hall 60 The Speech of a Plebeian to the Cardinal 61 The Count de Coligni taken Prisoner 62 The Prince Condy's of intelligence in Arras vanishes 73 Designs of the Cardinal concerning the War 73  
Council of war held by the Spanish Commanders 77  
Condy's opinion prevails 85  
The Prince of Condy deceived by his friends 85  
The Conspiracy at Bourdeaux discovered 88  
The Duke of Candale endeavours to enter Bourdeaux 92  
Cromwell refuses to assist Bourdeaux 104  
The Cardinal endeavours to win Bourdeaux rather by fair means then force 106  
The Prince of Conty's answer to the Citizens of Bourdeaux 112 the Count de Fiesco returns from Spain to Bourdeaux 114 the Prince of Conty's answer to those that persuade him to peace 117 The Prince of Conty and Duchess of Longueville disgusted with Marsin 121 The Prince of Condy shows great esteem for Marsin 122  
The Prince of Conty resolves to consent to the peace 140 the Duke of Candale treats with the Prince of Conty 141 The Contents of the Articles of peace at Bourdeaux 166 The Court of Rome has thoughts of defending the Cardinal de Retz 233 He is conveyed to Nants 235 A conspiracy to Kill Cardinal Mazarine 238 Great Clemency of the King 238.  
Expedient of the Cardinal to allay the disturbances at Bourdeaux 259 decree of the Council against the Parliament of Bourdeaux 260 Courage of the French Nobility 276 The Prince Condy being sick orders his Commanders to succour S. Menehaud 278 The Cardinal's diligence to hinder the succour 279 The Court returns to Paris 288 The Count de Harcourt's Negotiations with the Court 289 He complains of the Marshal 296 The Cardinal's expressions to the Duke of Elbeuf 299 The Cardinal's Sisters come into France 327. The Prince of Conty Marries the Cardinal's Niece 335. The Count de Fuensaldagna's orders after the imprisonment of the Duke 354. The Cardinal renews the treaty with Cromwell. 373   

D  
The Duchess of Longueville goes to Molines. 143. Dispatches to Court for ratification of the peace at Bourdeaux 174.  
The Duke of Chaunes delivers up his Government of Amiens 229.  
The Duke of Lorraine dissatisfied with the Spaniards 342. He is arrested prisoner 350. Duke Francis of Lorraine is sent for to command his Brother's Troops 352.  
the English refuse to assist Bourdeaux 24 The Count de Estrades sent with Troops towards Bourdeaux 95.  
Endeavours of the well affected in Bourdeaux to dispose the people to peace 107.  
The Spaniards come to an agreement with the Elector of Colen 353.   

F.  
Filiot put upon the Rack 96. The French besiege Mouson 213. France begins to recover its pristin splendour 240. The French make inroad into the state of Milan 243  
A fight betwixt the French and Spaniards at Rochetta. 250. The French attaque Castillion 305. They advance towards Girona 309. the French Troops retire out of Catalonia to their Winter-quarters 325. Prudent reflextions of the Count of Fuensaldagna 344. His dexterity in gaining the Lorraine Officers 346 He comunicats the Kings Order to the Archduke, for securing the Duke of Lorraine. 349   

G.  
Several Persons sent out of Bourdeaux to treat with the King's Generals 139  
Gourville's Arrival at Bourdeaux, creates jealousy in the seditious. 142  
Guise attempted 202  
General Monte slain 242  
Situation of Girona 314  
Besieged by the French 315  
Girona relieved by the Spaniards. 318   

I.  
The Irish desert the Spaniards. 308   

K.  
The King resolves to send an Act of Oblivion to the People of Bourdeaux 20  
The King goes to the Army. 190  
Returns to Paris 192  
The King at the Camp before Saint Menehaud 270  
His Majesties Manifesto upon the Imprisonment of the Duke of Lorraine 362   

L.  
Levies of Germane-Horse 2  
The Marquis of Lusignan goes into Spain 39  
Lermont taken by the Duke of Vandome 45  
Libourne attaqued 99   

M.  
Mazarins' Orders to straighten Bourdeauz 50  
Prudent Council of Mazarine 51. by Mazarines' Council the King grants another Amnesty 53. Mazarines' Opinion concerning the agreement with the Prince of Condy 54.  
Mazarine by his sweet carriage wins the affection of many. 58. By the advice of Mazarine, Bellegarde is attaquaed 62. He endeavours to reduce Bourdeaux 84. the Marquis de Theubon complains of Marsin, to the Prince of Conty 85. Treats with the Duke of Candale 89. Marsin endeavours to bring the Prince of Condy's Troops into Bourdeaux 120 The Merchants of Bourdeaux assemble at the Bourse 124. A General meeting of the Citizens 127.  
Marsin endeavours to disturb the agreement with the Bourdelots' 150. the Citizens oppose him 152. He endeavours to prolong the War 157. Mazarins' Maxim of temporising 189. Divers marches and designs of the Arms. 195  
Description of Mouson. 215  
Mazarine offers to the Cardinal de Retz 231  
Marsin lands with 3000 men 265  
Propositions of Mazarine in the Council of War at Laon. 271  
His reasons for the attaquing of St. Menehaud 272  
The Marshal de Plessis Pralin sent to command the Army before St. Menehaud 284  
St. Menehaud taken 279  
Mazarines' diligence in ordering the Affairs of the Kingdom 287  
By his Managements Phillipsbourg is surprised 291  
The Marshal de Hoquincourt prepares for Catalogna 316  
A manifesto published by the Spaniards concerning the imprisonment of the Duke of Lorraine. 354   

N.  
A Notable accident 93  
Negotiations betwixt the French and the Lorainers' Neutrality betwixt the Basques and Biscailins.   

O.  
Obstinaey of the Olmiera. 48   

P.  
Plessis Bezanson sent to the Princes of taly. 4  
His Negotations with the Duke of Mantua. 5  
Progress of the Royalists in Guienne. 34  
Preparations of the Prince of Condy 54  
Propositions made by the Count de de Fuensaldagne in the Council of Warr. 77  
Propositions made to the Olmeisti. 134  
The Prince of Conty signs the suspension of Arms. 160  
The Peace concluded, the Princes depart from Bourdeaux. 174  
Perigueux puts itself under the King's obedience. 176  
New Plots in Bourdeaux 183  
The Prince of Condy's friends fail him. 204  
He proposes the besieging of Rocroy 205  
Progress of the French Army. 226  
Progress of the War in Piedmont. 240  
Some seditious endeavours top disturb the Peace at Bourdeaux 258  
Provisions conveyed into Roses. 287  
Progress of the Marquis de Plessis Belliere. 302  
The Prince of Conty resolves to make his Peace at Court. 328  
He designs to marry the Cardinal's Niece. 330   

R.  
Recruits sent into Flanders. 41  
Great sums of money distributed by the Spaniards among the French Rebels. 43  
The Revenues of Bourdeaux consists chiefly in Wines. 51  
Progress of the Koyallists. 70  
Siege of Rhetel. 71  
Resolutions if the good Citizens to introduce the Royalists into Bourdeaux. 118  
Resolutions of the Spanish Generals. 188  
Roye taken by the Prince of Condy. 194  
A remarkable Passage. 238  
Roses victualled by the French. 322  
Relation of the Imprisonment of the Duke of Lorraine. 338   

S.  
The Spaniards foment the Civil Wars in France. 28  
Sarlat returns to the King's obedience. 32  
Dispatches from Spain in favour of the Bourdelots'. 37  
A Spanish Ship taken by the English. 42  
The 300000 Crowns taken by the English, retards the Spaniards from taking the field. 69  
The Spaniards take the Field. 81  
The King's Colours displayed on several steeples in Bourdeaux 133  
A suspension of Arms for 3 days 145  
The arrival of the Spanish Fleet is kept secret 161  
The Spanish Generals are surprised at the peace of Bourdeaux 162  
The Citizens give the Spaniards an Account of their agreement 164  
The seditious appose the peace at Bourdeaux 171  
A Skirmish betwixt the French and Spaniards 190  
Another skirmish 200  
The Spaniards Land and plunder the Country 261  
The Spanish Ship retire to the Foss of Verdun 263  
A skirmish betwixt the French and Spaniards 266  
The Spanish Fleet goes part to Biscay and part to Dunkirk 267  
The Vice Admiral of Spain taken by the French 268  
The Plague at Bourdeaux 269  
The States of Languedoc assemble at Pezenas 301  
The Spaniards routed by the French 34   

T.  
Troops sent into Piedmont 3  
The Chevalier Todias his address to the Prince of Conty 130  
The Truce at Bourdeaux is concluded indefinitely 157  
Tannes taken by the King's forces 296  
Tiliou surprised by the French 316   

V.  
The Duke of Vandosme promises protection to the Bourdelots' 147  
Villeneuf d' agenois returns to the King's obedience 181  
Valour of the Marquis Caracene 253 He is slightly wounded. 253    

ERRATA,  
Page 72. line 2. read finding. From fol. 73. to fol 97. amend the Numbers.  
FINIS.