THE STATE OF FRANCE, As it stood in the IXth year of this present Monarch, LEWIS XIIII.  
Written to a Friend By J. E.  
LONDON, Printed by T.M. for M.M. G Bedell & T Collins. at the middle Temple gate, Fleetstreet. 1652.   

The State of FRANCE, as it stood in the Ninth year of this present Monarch LEWIS the XIIII, Written to a Friend.  
SInce I had first the honour to be one of those whose Conversation you have cherished with so many signal obligations, and, as it were, currents of civility; I can hardly think, that (when by so many literal expresses and personal commands, you enjoin me to deliver something in writing, touching the late subject of our discourse) you have either cause to delight in my trivial conceptions, or design my discredit: For however your instances have at last prevailed, yet your Honour is no less concerned to be tender how you publish my defects, whilst in them only (though the faults be mine) men will so peremptorily conclude your want of judgement, and condemn your Election. But you have promised to be discreet, and I shall then make a saving adventure of my Reputation with you, who have candour and charity not from the Multitude, but the stock of your own worth and ingenuous Education; of which this Essay will be rather an History, than any thing otherwise capable to inform you, who know already so much more, and better, than I can possibly either write or relate.  
But to begin once, since it is my fate to obey you; I shall nothing alter the Scene, which was then Presented you, when you were pleased (as it since appears) to take notice of those casual Discourses of mine, wherein I posted over the best Remarks, and most material Observations which my weak Judgement had been able to recollect, during my so many Pererrations, and unprofitable Sojourn abroad, and especially in this Kingdom of France.  
Nor will I vex your patience with any topographical Descriptions, as being the daily subject of your Contemplations, when at any time you please to refresh yourself amongst those exquisite Cards of the latest and most accurate Editions: But represent, in as succinct a Method as I am able, what in order to Affairs (as in the Government of this most active and Illustrious Monarchy they now stand) I conceive to be chief proper and requisite for a Gentleman of our Nation (under the notion of a Traveller) to be able to render an account of at his Return: And therefore, before I proceed further, I will comply with your desire, and speak a word or two (by way of Introduction, or Digression rather) of my sentiment and opinion touching Foreign Travel in General, wherein I shall also deal very impartially with all the world concerning mine own particular, as being (I hope) taking my long farewell thereof.  
That which first rendered me of this Apodemick humour, (I shall not discourse here of Mercurial complexions, whom Physiognomists affirm to be Individua vagas, like myself) proceeded from a certain vain Emulation which I had to see the best of Education, which every body so decrying at Home, made me conceive, was a commodity only to be brought from a far Country; and I cannot say, without a little ambition too of knowing, or at least of having the privilege to talk something more than others could reasonably pretend to, that had never been out of sight of their own chimney's smoke: All which was a Ridiculous affectation, contracted first from the ordinary Radomontadas of such as have seen strange places, and great want of discretion, and so fond transported with the pleasure only, and temptation of Novelties, the very instrumental causes of this unsettled extravagancy.  
True it is, Non omnis fert omnia Tellus: for the great and good God hath discreetly, and very wisely disposed, in the furnishing and adorning (as I may say) of this Terrestrial Cabinet, having left no one part or corner thereof without some thing specially different, and admirably remarkable, either in the composition, quality or use; all of them, according to their position, situation, and effects, admirably commodious, and dependant; of which divine Oeconomy there may be infinitely more spoken, then will be suitable to this design, after I have inferred that for these respects only, a Traveller has some excuse, as well as encouragement to go abroad and see the world.  
Now then, for as much as the end of all our Appetites, wisely inquired into, aught to be the principal Mira, and term to all our actions, he that would travel rationally, and like a Philosopher, must industriously apply himself to the pursuit of such things, as (throughout all his Peregrinations) may result most to the profit, and Emolument of his own Country at his Return; whether in the accomplishing of his person or affairs, there being nothing more veritable, than that saying of Homer, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
Turpe quidem mansisse diu, vacuúmque redire.  And therefore Peregrinatio animi imperio, & corporis ministerio debet perfici: For so it was that Ptolemy's young Noblemen, of whose rich freight and return we read of; traveled, and brought home with them wares of more value, then if they had transported Gold and Pearls. For the same cause PYTHAGORAS took leave of his Friends and native Country, to which he afterwards returned with the Learning of the Egyptians, as Strabo in his seventh Book and fourteenth Chapt. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. And not as Pliny affirmeth, Exiliis verius quam peregrinationibus susceptis: Nay, his passion and thirst after this excellent Commerce was so admirable, that the same Author in Siren. tells us, he made nothing of Circumcising himself, that so he might with the more freedom, and less suspicion pry into their profoundest Mysteries: For therefore were the Egyptian Priests called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, incommunicable, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, imparticipable. Clem. Alex.  
Such a design led THALES, EUDOXUS, APOLLONIUS, nay PLATO himself, and divers other renowned Personages, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. To comprehend (saith Plutarch) the Mysteries of Philosophy and Divinity: As it seems, esteeming the Egyptians to be the most Ancient and Noble people of the whole World, both for the wisdom of their Constitutions, and exceeding Reverence which they bore to Learning: These being indeed the fruits & most noble acquisitions, which a Gentleman (who is a qualified Traveller) should study and endeavour to furnish himself with whilst he is abroad.  
But these, some may object, are Heathen examples, Christians are content to be less curious, and stay at home: Saint Hierom shall be mine Instance on this occasion: and truly, it is worth the reading what he hath delivered in one of his Epist. ad Paulinum, you shall find it prefixed (amongst several other) to Sixtus his Edition of the Bible, when (after those words, Legimus in veteribus historiis quosdam lustrasse provincias, novos adisse Populos, maria transisse: ut eos quos ex libris noverant, coram quoque viderent, etc.) making a very ample repetition of what I have before spoken in the persons of other men, and especially of the incomparable Pythagoras, and those noble youths who went out of France and Spain, only to hear the eloquence of Livy, when quos ad contemplationem sui ipsa Roma non traxerat, unius hominis fama perduxit, referring us to the eight volumes which Philostratus hath purposely written on this subject; thus he expostulates, Quid loquar de saeculi hominibus, etc. what do I troubling you with old stories? when the Apostle Paul himself, that vessel of Election, and Doctor of the Gentiles dispersed the Christian Religion through so great a part of the world; by his almost perpetual Peregrination, after his miraculous conversion; the like may be affirmed of the rest of the Apostles, and even our Blessed Saviour himself: but I recommend you to the Author. On the other side, as we have justly censured those who merely run abroad out of that vanity of spirit, and such trivial considerations as I have already reproached in myself, so are we likewise to disband another sort of travellers, whose Cynical reservedness, declares to the world that they have only minded the sensuality and satisfaction of a private Gusto: communicating usually at their return but what may justly merit that repriment which Socrates once gave to a young man who would render him no account of all his long absence, quod secum peregrinatus fuerit: in the mean time, as much to be abhorred is all manner strangeness, disdain, Affectation and loquacity, by which so many travellers now a days (for the most part) distinguish themselves from the Vulgar, to that over acted degree of mimical folly, as one would easily imagine they had all this while lived in Pension rather amongst Apes, and Parrots, than ever either seen, or conversed with persons of Ingenuity or Honour.  

To proeeed therefore, presuppose Travel ut suscipiatur propter unum aliquem finem, as we have already constituted it: we are yet to give our young subject leave to be so far practical, as that he do not slip any opportunity by which he may inform himself as well in things even Mechanically curious and useful, as altogether in the Mysteries of Government and Polity, which indeed are more appositely termed Philosophical. Those who have imposed on themselves, and others, so many different species of travel, as it may be said to contain theoretical parts in it, that is to say, the Metaphysical, Physical, and Mathematical, are, in my apprehension, more exact and tedious in their Analysing, then perhaps they needed to have been; of them therefore I say no more: it shall be sufficient for him whom I send abroad, that he conform himself to such precepts as are only necessary, not cumbersome; which Rule he shall likewise do well to observe even in his very necessary accoutrements and port-manteau.  
First then, supposing him to be a Young Gentleman apt for all Impressions, but from his primary education inclined to the most worthy: having set his Foot upon the Continent, his first study shall be to master the tongue of the Country wherein he resolves to Reside; which ought to be understood perfectly, written congruously, and spoken intelligently: after which he may do well to accomplish himself in such exercises, as are most commendable at home, and best attained abroad; which will be a means of rendering him very fit, and apt for the general society of that Nation amongst whom he converses, and consequently the better qualify him to frequent, without blush, such particular places, and persons by whom he may best profit himself in the Mysteries of their Polity, or what other perfection they are renowned for, according as his particular Genius and inclinations import him. But this he shall never attain unto, till he begin to be somewhat ripened and seasoned in a place; for it is not every man that crosses the Seas, hath been of an Academy, learned a Coranto, and speaks the Language, whom I esteem a Traveller (of which piece most of our English are in these countries at present) but he that (in stead of making the Tour, as they call it) or, as a late Ambassador of ours facetiously, but sharply reproached, (like a Goose swims down the River) having mastered the Tongue, frequented the Court, looked into their customs, been present at their plead, observed their Military Discipline, contracted acquaintance with their Learned men, studied their Arts, and is familiar with their dispositions, makes this account of his time. The principal advantages which a Gentleman thus made, may observe, and apply, are Truth, Taciturnity, facetiousness without morosity, courage, modesty, hardiness, patience, frugality, and an excellent temper in the Regiment of his health and Affections, especially in point of Drink and Tobacco, which is our Northern, Nationall, and most sordid of Vices. It is (I confess) a thing extremely difficult to be at all times, and in all places thus reserved, and as it were obliged to a Temper so Statick and exact among all conversations; nor for mine own part, do I esteem it in all cases necessary, provided a man be furnished with such a stock of prudence, as he know how, and when to make use even of his companions extravagancies, (as then frequently betraying more freely their inclinations, then at times of their more serious recollection, and first addresses.) Seeing I find it generally impossible for a Traveller to evade some occasions & encounters, which (if he be at all practical) he will nolens volens, perceive himself engaged into at some one time or other. But to recover this deviation, and return to our purpose; the virtues which our Traveller is to bring home when he doth Repatriare (as Solinus terms it) are either public, such namely as concern the service of his Country; or Private, and altogether personal, in order to his particular advantage and satisfaction: and, believe it Sir, if he reap some contentment extraordinary, from what he hath observed abroad, The pains, solicitations, watch, Perils, journeys, ill entertainment, absence from Friends, and innumerable like inconveniences, joined to his vast expenses, do very dearly, and by a strange kind of extortion, purchase that small experience and reputation which he can vaunt to have acquired from abroad.  
Those who boast of philological Peregrinations (falsely so called) which they undertake merely for the flourish and Tongue of a Place, possess only a Paret-vertue; It is one of the Shells of Travel (though I confess, the kernel is not to be procured without it: And Topical; in which I find the Dutch 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, generally most accurate and industrious; both of them serve well for the entertainment of Women and Children, who are commonly more imported with wonder and Romance, than that solid and real Emolument, which is (through these Instruments) to be conveyed us from abroad.  
It is written of Ulysses, that he saw many Cities indeed, but withal his Remarks of men's Manners and Customs, was ever preferred to his counting Steeples, and making Tours: It is this ethical and Moral part of Travel, which embellisheth a Gentleman, in the first place, having a due respect to the Religion, which accomplisheth a Christian: In short, they are all severally very commendable, accommodated to Persons and Professions; nor should a Cavalier neglect to be seen in all of them: But for that my intention is here to make an Introduction only into mine own OBSERVATIONS, I shall forbear to enter so large and ample a Field, as the through handling of this Argument would insensibly oblige me to do, it having likewise been so abundantly treated of almost by every Pen which hath prevaricated on this Subject; though, in my slender judgement, and under favour, I must confess, without any real and ingenuous satisfation either to Truth, or Curiosity.  
To conclude (Sir) and contract this tedious transgression, I conjure you to believe, that I offer nothing to you in this discourse, out of any the least self opinion, censure of other men, vanity, or ostentation. No, I am assured you will find me far enough from that IdiopathiaE, and common distemper of Travellers; all I shall pretend being but to communicate unto you, how I have lost part of those seven years, and more; which, not being (as in truth they ought to have been) wholly exercised in the Benefit I might have reaped from your society at home, I am obliged in Honour, and for Justification of myself, to render you an Account how they have been dispensed abroad. I am very conscious to myself, how much mine own little interest hath suffered, during mine absence, in the judgement of your stayed and more Thriving Geniuses, and such as might justly indeed derive Characters, and Prognostics from a raw and unsettled spirit, such as was mine: but considering that all those transirory Accidents of Foyes tune and the world, can no way farther extend themselves, then to a very imperfect satisfaction of our regular and honest Appetites, (besides that which they ought yield unto others,) neither he who stays at home, nor he that goes abroad, is (in mine opinion) to be altogether censured and blamed; and truly, he that can accommodate himself to so retired and contemplative a life, as certainly that of a pure Country Gentleman's is, frees himself of an innumerable Host of troubles, and importunities which a Traveller runs through, and is in a manner compelled to entertain. Conformable to that of the most incomparable  Claudian, De Seine Veronensi, Epig. 
Foelix qui propriis aevum transegit in arvis:  
Ipsa domus puerum quem videt, ipsa senem:  
Qui baculo nitens, in qua reptavit arena  
Unius numerat secula longa casae.  
Illum non vario traxit fortuna tumultu●,  
Nec bibit ignotas mobilis bospes aquas.  
Non freta mercator timuit, non classica miles:  
Non rauci lites pertulit ille fori.  
Indocilis rerum, vicinae nescius urbis,  
Adspectu frui●ur liberiore poli.  
Frugibus alternis, non Consul, computat annum:  
Autumnum pomis, ver sibi flore notat.  
Idem conditager Soles, idem que reducit,  
Metiturque suo rusticus orbe diem.  
Ingentem meminit parvo qui germine quercum,  
Aequae unumque videt consenuisse nemus.  
Broxima cui nigris Verona remotior Indis,  
Benacumque putat litora rubra lacum.  
Sed tamen indomitae vires, firmisque lacertis  
Aetas robustum tertia cernit avum.  
Erret, & extremos alter scrutetur I beros,  
Plus habet hic vitae, plus habet ille Viae.  
The serious contemplation whereof, made me sometimes (being at Naples) break forth in this youthful, but natural Ode against Travel, which I will here pronounce for my final 
* Scal. lib 3. Poet c. 106. dict. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉: being a speech which was made to the Citizens by him that was returned home after his long travel.  Epibaterium.  
Happy that man who lives content  
With his own Home and Continent,  
Those chiding streams his banks docurb,  
Esteems the Ocean to his Orb;  
Round which, when he a walk does take,  
Thinks to perform as much as Drake.  
For other Tongues, he takes no thought,  
Than what his Nurse or Mother taught.  
He's not disturbed with the rude cries  
Of the 
* The guide or Messenger in Italy, which in the Morning calls to Horse.  Procaccia's [Up and Rise.]  
But charmed in down, sleeps by the side  
Of his chaste Love, or Loyal Bride,  
In whose smooth Arms no sooner hurled,  
But he enjoys another world;  
Where his Enfranchised hand may stray,  
O'er the warm snow, or milky way,  
And thence as oft as it declines  

† Haec Comicè dicta, cave ne malè capiat.  Towards those more rich and hidden Mines,  
Scorns us that travel Lands and Seas,  
Believes no Kingdoms like to these.  
If then at home such joys be had,  
Oh how unwise are we, how mad●  
This I did once write, and this I so believe, (as if God bless me with a successful Return into my Native Country) I shall endeavour Vivere, non dicere huic veritati: and though the Conscience of my personal inabilities, can never tempt me with the vanity to think of any public Advancement, for having spent the prime of my years and youth abroad; yet the contentment, and satisfaction which I purpose and fancy to myself, if I may obtain leave but to enjoy that private condition and Fortune, which Heaven hath decided me at home, so that I can but rub out of this, into a better world, without the least impeachment to my Religion and Loyalty, Sublimi feriam sydera vertice: I shall have arrived at the sum and very top of mine innocent wishes. But, if in the mean time, it be otherwise ordained, I have learned likewise to submit myself unto the will of God, as being very apt to believe that excellent Apophthegm of the Wise man, Quod Omne solum sit Forti Patria.   

But now to our TRAVELLER again.  
The principal places of EUROPE, wherein a Gentleman may, uno intuitu, behold as in a Theatre the chief and most signal Actions which (out of his own Country) concern this later Age and part of the World, are the Netherlands, comprehending Flanders, and the divided Provinces; which is a perfect Encycle and Synopsis of whatsoever one may elsewhere see in all the other Countries of Europe; And for this end, I willingly recommend them to be first visited, no otherwise, then do those who direct us in the study of History to the reading first of some authentic Epitome, or universal Chronology, before we adventure to launch forth into that vast and profound Ocean of voluminous Authors. From thence I would advise him to traverse Germany, (altogether contrary to the Vulgar Method) by reason of that so useful Tongue, which he will find very difficult, and with much regret, and many conflicts attained unto, after the facile, and more smooth Languages are once throughly imbibed, not omitting (comparatively) even the French itself. From this Region you naturally slide into Italy, and then Embarquing for Spain, return by a direct course unto Paris; where indeed, I would have the Principal abode of a Gentleman to be, not only in Relation to the Court, and exercises acquired in that City; but also in respect to his expenses. This may seem a Paradox to some; but for my part, I never found any wood to a great town; and when my Traveller hath cast it up, and made a true Audite of all Extraordinaries, he will find, what for removals, and what for the peril of disbauched and frequent collationing (for in all other little towns his acquaintance will be universal, the English perpetually intervisiting, with a gross ingredient of Dutch,) a very little, or inconsiderable disproportion in the total Account.  
Thus I propose France in the last place, for many other respects which here I purposely omit to enumerate, that I may avoid the taedium of so long a discourse; but especially, for this, that our Traveller may have the more time and resolution to conquer the Language, and go through those hardy and most eminent exercises which are there to be learned in their choicest perfection and native lustre; after which, with a competent tincture of their best conversation (for the over reservedness of the Italian, and severity of the Spaniard, as well as the blunt garb of the Dutch, would in an Englishman be a little Palliated; for fear it become affected) he may return home, and be justly reputed a most accomplished Cavalier.  
To the other part of your Request, Sir, that I should give you some touches of the Low Countries, and other places (besides the wrong I should do to those perfect relations already extant) observing them at a time when my judgement was not altogether so mature, & myself so much a Dutch Traveller, (as I have before rendered you the Character) I had rather make an Apology for what I have already, and promise yet to say, then proceed to depose allegations under mine own hand, of the loss of so much precious time; and betray mine Ignorance.  
Touching Italy, the States are so many, and their policy so different, that it would cost me more leisure than I have now to spend, to reduce, and discipline my scattered papers, and such indigested collections as require a more formal Method, and indeed, a better pen.  
Nor could your Servant in truth, have been possibly induced to discover thus far his egregious imperfections; did not your Arguments carry in them some specious reproach, as well as your Person so great an authority over me, when you please to persuade your self the Advantage I must needs (say you) have had by my extraordinary Relations to Persons of affair, as well as what I might haply in this case gather lawfully out of such as have the latest written on this Subject. So that however (and as indeed the very truth is) I was least of all inquisitive how others were governed, finding it so difficult a Province to Regulate myself, yet mine endeavour to pacify your importunity, and render you a demonstration of mine inabilities to comply with any future expectation of this Nature, hath in fine, extorted this from me, as an entire resignation & sacrifice of my reputation to that obedience which I professedly owe you, ever more preferring the satisfaction of so noble a Friend, to the very promulgation of my own shame and most visible imbecilities.  
So then (to approach our purpose) seeing all those Nations (before spoken of) and several governments seem at this instant Epoch of time, to conspire as it were, and defer to the present Grandezza of the French Empire, as likewise considering in what Relation we of England are concerned, I have esteemed it best meriting my reflections and your patience, to finish, and dress this Piece, as judging it most worthy the consideration.    

Erratas committed (in absence of the Author, almost the whole time this Book was in Press) the ingenuous Reader is desired to reform, thus: Page 8 in marg. for eaten read late. pag. 10 in mar. r. Character. p. 27 r. Marshal. p. 32 l. ult. a [,] betwixt Deüanes Tailles p. 34 lin. 9 a parenthelis at certain (etc. pag. 16 r. Treasurers p. 36 r. of the Tailles p. 50 r. which is drivin of that Trade, pag. 51. lin. 1. a parenthesis at (for &c p. 52 in mar. r. Cap. p 53 r. whom we p. 56. after Legate deal [,] p 57 r. it will be &c p. 6● r France. p 62. r. each Soldier's head. ibid. read in Garrison. p. 68 r. their hands. p. 69 r. but for that p 70 after State Affairs deal [:] Ibid. r. of far greater &c. p 73 r. poverty. p 74. r. objects p 78 r. are estimated. p. 81. deal or before interests p. 87 for of strength r. a strength. p. 90 r. must of consequence etc. with divers ●o her misinterpunctations.   

The STATE OF FRANCE.  
I Will begin with a saying of Nich. 
Machiavels saying of France,  Machiavelli: Lafoy Corona è li Regi di Francia sono hoggi più richi, & più potenti che mai. The Crown and Kings of France, are at this day more opulent and mighty then ever they were; so that Prince of Politicians, a great while since: and without controversy, had he any reason to give it out so in his time, we have much more to affirm the same in these our days, wherein they have emerged, as it were, the sole victorious and Flourishing Nation of Europe, in whose bosom Nature hath even built this goodly Kingdom.  
That where a Sovereign Prince is able to maintain an absolute and unarbritrary jurisdiction over his subjects, 
Victory and greatness the effect of sovereign power and prudent Council.  managed with an active and prudent Council, there, and rarely elsewhere, doth victory and greatness bless and favour a Nation with any permanent success, is a verity most demonstrable: whether we reflect on the present Age, 
From the example of the Romans, Athenians.  or those frequent Examples of the Romans and Athenians, whose desertion and abandoning of their Royal superiors fomented such confusion and distraction amongst the Noblemen and Plebeians, as could never be afterwards composed even to the ultimate destruction and lamentable catastrophe of those most illustrious Republics.  
But in vain do we seek for other Instances of this great Truth, than the present progression, and almost quotidian conquests of the now flourishing Ottoman Family; which, 
and Ottomanians; though now a dangerous Truth.  as it is the most invincible upon earth, so must we needs acknowledge it to be the most independent and absolute which these later times have likely produced unto us. But for that this is a Verity which may now adays cost a man his Teeth (to lose nothing else in the pursuit) I shall prosecute it no further than may serve to illustrate what it is which hath of late rendered so potent and aggrandized this present aspiring, & formidable Monarchy, France; of which I shall next essay to give a brief Character.  
And now, as in description of Bodies natural, Dissections begin ever with the supreme and more noble Regions; so in anatomising the Kingdom of France, which consists of a Body Politic, I will commence with the Head, that is, the King; 
The Kings of France absolute since Lewis the 11. his saying.  whom here I may call as Absolute, since Lewis the Eleventh hath so long since (to use his own expression) put them horse de page; that is, freed them from that grand authority, which, till his time, the Parliament indeed exercised over them; so that now the same reason which moved the late kings to depose or translate Saint Denys their ancient Patron, 
S Denys the patron of F. deposed, to gratify the B. Virgin.  and to put his Kingdom formally under the protection of the blessed Virgin, is esteemed good reason, 
For with these words of course, the Secretary (it seems) concluded the Arrest, whereby it was conferred, which gave many occasion to reproach it.  and sufficient Logic for all his present Commands whatsoever: Car tel est nostre bon plaisir: for such is our good will and pleasure.  
Sic volo, sic jubeo, Stat pro Ratione Voluntas.  
For so we will, so we command,  
Our will does for our Reason stand.  
The Monarchy of France (from a Democratick state) was founded Anno, 
The Monarchy of Fr. when founded.  420. and hath continued itself under three several Races; viz. of Meroüese, 
count nued under three Races.  Charle main son of Pepin, and lastly, Hue-capet; from whom this Royal house of Bourbon derives its succession, branched from Robert Earl of Clermont fourth son of, Saint Lewis; so that the King at present Reigning is the sixty fifth Monarch of France, without that any of the Feminine Sex hath ordinarily intervened; 
no woman intervening.  as they affirm at least, 
From the Salic law; being a mere pretence to invalidate the title of England:  from a very inveterate Law, which they entitle the Salic, being indeed but a mere Romance of their own feigning, a piece of legier de main, by which they have so long pretended with the great shadow of Justice to elude and invalidate the title of our former and ancient Kings of England, as to succession in the right of their Mothers and Wives.  
Touching that other Legend of their Saint Ampoule, 
as well as their Saint Ampoule.  which in the time of Cloüis first Christian King of France was (as they give out) brought by an Angel from Heaven, & reserved at Rheims for the Royal Chrism, we will give it leave to pass as a vulgar, yet not impolitic error, or impertinent tradition: 
The Daughters of Fr. sometimes married to private persons, yet reserve their Titles and Surnanes.  however, by the device aforesaid, the Daughters succeed not to the Crown, some of them having oftentimes martied themselves unto private men, but still reserved their Titles, together with the Surname of France, which it seems is an honour permitted them during life, to show from what stock they originally derived. 
And the Queens admitted to the Regency during the minority of the Kings.  Notwithstanding this, the Queens of France, are usually admitted to the Regency during the Minority of the King, which is at the age of fourteen years, in choative; until which term, they with their counsel administer the public Affairs of State, without equal or Control.  
Concerning the Title or adjunct of the Kings of France, 
The title of the F. King's  which is most Christian, and eldest son of the Church, they make no small boasts; for not having been a compliment (as they name it) sent them from Rome, as were those of other Kings; but descended, time out of Mind, from their own virtue, merits, and Piety.  
The Eldest son of France is during the life of his Father, 
of his eldest son.  called the Dauphin, from a stipulation (as it seems) made with Vmbert: who bequeathed that Province conditionally to Philip de Valois.  
To speak something particularly of this little-great Monarch Lewis the fourteenth, born Sept. 
Birth and Character of the present King.  5. 1638 after the Queen his Mother had been above twenty years without Issue, as his production was almost miraculous (not to repeat here any bold disquisitions, with those who give themselves a liberty in these days, to speak evil of dignities) so is his person a Character doubtless of no less Majesty, and fair hopes; and certainly, if his Education be fitted to the prognostics of his Nature, he cannot but emerge a Prince of singular Qualities and egregious perfections: This I am willing to add from that Mechanic and Artificial breeding, 
Artifice of the French Queen and public ministers in the are kings Education.  which men conceive some of his progenitors and nearest relation received; that so not being altogether so dextrous and knowing in Kingcraft, as their high calling required, they might with less suspicion and more ease suffer themselves to be governed, by the counsels and inclinations of such, whose mystery and ambition it hath ever been to continue by this means their Greatness, and reinforce their Authority.  
This present King hath one only Brother, 
Duke of Anjou his Character.  who is called the Duke of Anjou: but more frequently distinguished by the name of Monsieur; a child of an extraordinary prompt and ready spirit.  
The other principal branches of this Royal Family, 
Duke of Orleans his character.  are in the first place, Gaston Jean Baptist, the King's Uncle, and Duke of Orleans, Lieutenant General of the K. and Governor of Languedoc; the same, who during so many years as his Brother was without offspring, had those fair hopes of a Crown; which however his merit and abilities for such a jewel be commonly disputed, to his no great advantage, certainly there is no man alive in competition with him for his exquisite skill in Medailes, Topical memory, and extraordinary knowledge in Plants: in both which faculties the most reputed Antiquaries & greatest Botanists do (and that with reason) acknowledge him both their Prince, and superior.  
The Eldest daughter of this Duke, is Anne Marry D'orleans, 
Mademoiselle her character.  particularly called Mademoiselle, Sans queüe per eminentiam, as being the first in praeeminence, and (after the Queen) greatest Lady in France, to give whom the Epithets of her great worth, were to spoil all her sex of their Praises, and make her as much envied, as she is indeed justly to be admired.  
The next in Blood and Ranke is Loüis de Bourbon the Prince of Condy, 
Prince of Condy his descent and haracter.  the son of Henry de Bourbon, who (to so little purpose) was yet so miraculously saved in the last bloody and inhuman Parisian Massacre. This Prince is Grand Maistre of France, Governor of Bourgongne and Bery, descended by a direct line masculine of Francois de Bourbon, second brother of Antonee of Bourbon, Earl of Marle, afterwards Duke of Vandosme, and King of Navarr, the Father of Henry the Great, and of Charlot Catherine de la Trimoüille, his second Wife.  
A Prince, whose merit in field, and successful Achievements, high extraction, and extraordinary parts, prompt him sometimes to Enterprises beyond the duty or praise of a Loyal subject; for their lives not a more Ambitious young man upon earth, having outlived his imprisonment, once chased his enemy the Cardinal; and not satisfied with this revenge (or what ever other assurances the State can render him) puts fair by a fresh Rebellion to speed a prosperous Traitor; or perfect his Infamy.  
His brother is Armand de Bourbon Prince of Conty, 
Prince of Conty his Character.  seemingly designed for the Church, but susceptible of any other advantage; a prince of a weak fabric and constitution, but sound intellectuals. They have likewise a Sister called, Marry, Wife to the Duke de Longuevill.  
How the daughters of France have been disposed of into England, Spain, Savoy, Mantoa, 
daughters of F. how disposed of.  etc. will be here superfluous to relate. 
The natural issue of the K of F. how esteemed.   
Touching the Natural issue of the Kings of France (who are ever in this kind Country in very great Reputation and place, suitable to their birth, (by their father's side) I cannot learn that the late King had any; nay, it is reported, he did so abhor Paliardize, that he scarce thought any other act to be sin in comparison of it: contrary to the opinion of his wise counsellor and Cardinal de Richlieu, who (as I have sometime heard) did use often to say, that a Concubine was the honest man's recreation: a Priestly Aphorism, and spoken like a Churchman.  
Now to say something of the Sovereignty of the Kings of France, 
The Sovereignty of the French Kingdom, how it became so absolute.  we will step a little back, and see by what means and degrees it became so absolute.  
Whilst the Nobility of France were in a manner free and independent Princes (for such was heretofore the most part of them) how are Histories loud with their carriages and deportment towards their Sovereigns? What checks upon every occasion were they ready to give them? Witness those frequent impresses of a certain Duke of Gienne, Bourbon, Bretagne, and others of the same rank; nor hath these later times exempted the Crown it  from the dangerous consequences which so many fortified Towns, Governments, and Places of importance have so often menaced, and in effect notably brilding the head of Majesty; until the defunct and great Cardinal de Richlieu found out a speedy and fortunate expedient to reduce them to obedience, 
C. de Richlieu his subtlety in reducing it to that independency.  and that not only by subjugating the Posts themselves, which he performed by strength; but likewise by so dextrously interessing the Gentry and refractory Nobility, both by honours and blood, to the Court and his faction, which he did by policy: In fine, he so handled the Cards, that the better sort of people became tractable out of mere respect to their Relations; and the meaner by an inevitable constraint, as well as the example of their Chiefs, were compelled to a due submission; so that now the Sovereignty of France is become so Independent and absolute, that albeit it do still retain a shadow of the ancient form, yet it is, duly considered, a thing heavenly wide and different: 
The King's absolute power, both,  For in the King's sole power it is to resolve of, and dissolve wars; by him are the Laws interpreted; Letters of grace, of Naturality, and other Acts given out; he it is imposeth Taxes, from which (by a special decree) the Church herself is not exempt; 
In Church and State.  nay, albeit the Pope his own holiness consent not; from all whose Ecclesiastical Censures, Fulminations, and anathemas he esteems himself also privileged, and therefore nominates all Spiritual persons to their preferments and dignities: Notwithstanding all this; the handsomer to disguise and apparel these his volunties, and render them at the least specious proceedures of Justice, 
Though under colour of Justice &  he permits none of his Edicts to pass as authentic until the Court of Parliament (who is absolutely at his devotion) have first verified them; a favour, this likewise out of compliment too, 
Compliment.  non tam necessitatis, quam humanitatis, as a Civilian (whose gloss it is) hath warily termed it. 
Parliament of France a name only.  So that as for the Parliaments of France (besides the name and Formality) there is in truth, now no such thing in Nature; which together with their ancient liberties, how deservedly they lost them, may be easily discovered in their frequent Rebellions. In a word, he who would perfectly, and without more ado understand by what Law and Rule the Kings of France impose on their Vassals, may see it summarily, yet very legibly engraven by that forementioned Cardinal, upon that excellent Artellery, which defend his Majesty's Citadel at Haver de grace in Normandy; where you may run and read the best of Tenors, as the times are now, in this Epigraph,— RATIO VLTIMA REGUM, though for this slavery of theirs, they may in some degree thank our Countrymen, 
By what means discomposed.  whose forces being emboweled amongst them, hindered the Assembling of the Three Estates (as they should have done:) whereupon the King being necessitated to make his simple Edicts pass for Authentic Laws (although this power were delivered to him during his wars only) was the reason why the people could never recover or seize on them since. A Jewel this of too great value (some think) to be entrusted to one person, upon what pretence or necessity soever. To the King and his immediate Issue, in dignity and rank, are the Dukes and Peers of France.  
But first, It is to be observed, that the Princes of the Blood of this Kingdom possess their Lands and Revenues under the name of Appanage, 
Their Estates revertable to the Crown by Appanage.  and not as absolute Proprietaries; by which means all their Estates return again to the Crown by the right of Reversion, to the end that the domaine abide entire; and for other the like reasons: the Duke of Sully Henry Richmont, heretofore called Bois Belle (on which there hangs a Story) only excepted.  
We will pass over their original, which would be extreme difficult to investigate, 
Their Original, Authority,  and proceed to their Authority, which was first established by Hughes Capet and his descendants, who thereupon obliged them to hold their Lands of the Crown immediately; by which means he also gained many that before were disaffected to him; as the Earls of Flanders, the Archbishop of Rheims, and divers others, who had been at the first great opposers of this Usurper. Now of these Peers, there were at the first Twelve only ordained: 
and Number.  to wit, six of the Spiritualty, and as many of the Temporalty: but at this day their number is become indefinite, depending solely on the pleasure of the King: And these are so named, not for that they pretend to any equality of Dignity with their Sovereign, but their mutual parity in authority one amongst another.  

The ecclesiastics were  
1 Th' Archbishop and Duke of Rheims. 
Ecclesiastical,   
2 The Bishop and Duke de Laon.  
3 The BP and Duke de Langres.  
4 The Bishop and Earl of Beauvais.  
5 The Bishop and Earl of Noyon.  
6 The Bishop and Comte de Cha●lons in Champagne.   

The six Temporal were  
The Dukes of 1 Bourgongne. 
Temporal.   
The Dukes of 2 Normandy.  
The Dukes of 3 Guyenne.  
The Counts of 4 Tholouse. 
Temporal.   
The Counts of 5 Champagne.  
The Counts of 6 Flanders.   
These twelve Peers composed likewise in times past the Parliament of France; from whence it is to this day called (as once with us) the Court of Peers. 
Their immunities & privileges.   
Now, amongst sundry other Immunities & Privileges which they enjoy, this is none of the least, that they can neither be disposed of, nor appealed in judgement, but only in the Court of Parliament, where they have their Places as the Princes of the Blood have: for before the Institution of that high Tribunal in this Kingdom, the Peers were those which judged all Causes that were ordinarily brought before the King; nor did he manage any thing else either in War or Peace, without their special aid and assistance. Moreover, this dignity to some hath been granted for life, some personal, others only to the Males descending, 
Women capable of Paireries.  some for ever; yea, and even women themselves are alike capable of Paireries.  
It would take up too much time, should I trouble you with their several Functions and Charges at the Coronation, 
Charges at the Coronation.  more fit for an Herald, than an Historian; this only is observable, that albeit there were never so many Peers present, Those only who bore the Titles of the six Spiritual, and six Temporal before noted, officiate at the Ceremony; for which very purpose, those who are wanting, or extinct, have yet their Representatives, who upon this occasion stand for, and supply their Persons.  
We have spoken now of the King and prime Nobility; 
The Crown of France, and Officers belonging to it.  Let us next survey the Crown, and the prime Officers thereunto belonging.  
The late Author of the Estate de France hath divided them into three Ancients, three Modern, and three Domestic; which truly, is not an unequal trichotomy: But for that I intent to perfect what I have already established touching the Court, I will commence with the three last in this partition, and so come to those which more immediately appertain to the State afterwards. 
The Domestic Officers.   

The three Domestic Officers and Charges are,  
The Grand Maistre of France,  
The Grand Chambellan of Fr.  
The Grand Escuyer of France.   
The office of the Grand Maistre de France, 
The office of the Grand Maistre de France.  is superintendent of the King's house, and hath absolute jurisdiction over all the domestic officers and Provisions of his Majesty's table; and is a place of so supreme Authority, that it is seldom conferred save upon one of the Princes of the Blood; The Prince of Condy at present undeservedly inheriting his father's charge therein.  
Under the Grand Maistre, 
Subordinate officers to him.  are many subordinate officers; as Mistress de Hostel, Butlers, Carvers, Gentlemen waiters, and a whole Regiment of others, which are reduced to no certain number: One thing is to be noted, 
ceremony at the ●eath of the king.  that when the King dies, the Grand Mastre breaketh his staff of office, not only as an emblem of the dismission of the rest, but likewise to show that their charges are only dependant upon the life of the King, albeit afterward, the successor for the most part re-establish them. 
The high Chamberlain and officers subordinate to him.   
Next to the G. M. is the High Chamberlain of France, who hath the supervisall and disposition of all officers of the King's Bedchamber and Wardrobe, gives or denies access to his Majesty; under him there are four chief Gentlemen of the Chamber, called, les quatres premiers gentils hommes de la chambre du Roy; one of these ever lies in the King's Bedchamber, or very near to it. Under these are the Masters of the Wardrobe, very lucrative places, to whom are subordinate the Pages, etc.  
Lastly, the Grand Escuyer, 
The Grand Escuyer, his authority.  or Master of the Horse, superintendent of the Premier Escuyer and other Officers of the stables; his charge it is to march on Horseback before the King, bearing a Sword and Belt, when his Majesty entereth into any City; but in those towns which have a Parliament he carries (in place thereof) a Casque of blue velvet semeèd with flower de lys, his own horse Caparisoned with the like. He pretends also authority over the Masters of the Post, Offices of wonderful gain; but it is now otherwise settled. The Master of the Horse hath likewise under him four and twenty Pages, who being the sons of prime Noblemen, are educated in all such exercises as become their quality. The Grand Escuyer is at present the Prince of Harcourt.  
The Premier Escuyer (whom I have before mentioned) hath particular care of the King's little Stable, 
Premier Escuyer.  where the coach horses are kept, as also over the Pages, who be no less than fifty in number, and the King's footmen; in effect he commands equally both the great and little stables, so that the charge of the Premier Escuyer is not much inferior to that of Master of the Horse himself. 
Secretaries of the King's Chamber and Cabinet   
The King hath likewise four Secretaries of his Chamber, and three of his Cabinet: to speak truth, the multitude of those who style themselves Secretaries to the King, is such, that what with the greatness of their number, and inconsiderableness of most of their persons, the dignity of the charge is extremely Eclipsed.  
The Kings Bibliothecarius, 
The Bibliothecarius, controllers Treasurers, Mareshals des Loges.  Superintendant of the Movables of the Crown, controllers, Treasurers, Mareshals des Loges, la Capitaine de la Porte, 
Captain de la porte, etc.  who hath under him a guard of fifty Halberds, etc. and of other inferior officers of all sorts under those above five hundred more, though never half of them waiting at a time, and so not constantly eating at Court, 
Order, splendour, & hospitality, of the English Court preferred.  as did heretofore most of the officers of the Kings of England; the splendour, hospitality, order, and decent magnificence of whose service and attendance in this kind, I am confident no Court of Europe hath ever approached or Paralleled.  
There are likewise of Church men, 
The Great Almoner.  The Great Almoner of France, upon whom depend all of that Robe in the Court; under him is also the Premier Almoner, 
Chaplains, Clerks, confessors.  and subordinate to him the several Chaplains, Clerks, Confessors.  
Now before I proceed, something I should speak of those Royal officers which superintend the King's pleasures and ordinary Recreations, 
pertaining to the King's pleasure: as Veneur, Fau connier ' etc.  such is the Grand Veneur and Fauconnier, the chief Hunter, and master of the Game, places not only of very great honour, but also of Command; but a word of them shall suffice, as offices rather of dignity than policy.  
Touching the officers belonging in particular to the Queen's household, 
Officers belonging to the Queens in particular much like those of the Kings.  I shall herein likewise much contract myself, having so amply discoursed of those which appertain unto the King; and the rather, in regard that in most of the subalternate, they so much resemble the one the other: 
Except maids of honour. Knights, &c  Yet she hath differently one Dame d' Honneur, of Extraordinaries many more; six Maids of Honour, twelve Chambermaids called Fills de la Rein: a Knight of Honour divers Masters, Cupbearers, & carvers; a chief Groom, under whom are a great many pages and footmen: also Secretaries, Treasurers, etc. She hath likewise her Grand Aumosnier and a Premier Aumosnier, ecclesiastics, and the like, as before was said of the King.  
And now having surveied the Principal officers of the Court, I know you are ready to inquire of me where the Guard of this great Monarch is all this while? I will but only mention the grand Prevost, 
The Grand prevost, his command.  at present the Mareshal d' Hoquencourt, whom I may not omit, and then I will draw them forth in their several orders:  
Not only the Grand Prevost is an office which extends itself over all the officers (already mentioned) which belong to his Majesty's Household, but it hath likewise command absolute for six leagues round about Paris, and the Court, every way, which is in truth a very great and noble jurisdiction; besides he is judge of all causes, as well civils, as criminels, which are incident in Court, and hath for this Respect two Leutenans, Fifty Archers of the King's Guard, and several other officers: To him appertaineth the imposing of the price of Bread, wine, flesh, fish, hay, 
Guard of the King of F.  oats, with sundry other very important privileges. But behold, here comes the Guard, The first which present themselves are. 
100 Gentlemen.   
Le Cent Gentiles hommes, so named from their primary restriction (albeit now double in number) they are called the King's Company, and wait on him upon all days of Ceremony, and like occasions. 
Musquetiers on horseback  Next  
The Musquetiers on Horseback, which during the Regency have been dissolved, but are now in great probability to be reestablished by the King: they were composed of a hundred and fifty horsemen, chosen out from amongst the prime youth of the chiefest families of France, and at the first instituted by Lewis the thirteenth, 
Late King's curiosity in choosing them.  father of this present King, who was so Physiognomically punctual in their Election, that it is reported, he would admit none who were of a Red hair: These waited on his Majesty in Person when ever he went abroad: but after these, and the more Ancient far (who besides their immediate attendance on the Person of the King we are to account as principal and solid Forces of the State) are the Guards of French, Scotch, and Swiss: Of all whom, because those who approach nearest to the person of his Majesty are the Scotch (by an extraordinary & special good fortune (it seems) ever esteemed faithful to this King and Crown only, for they are very near his person, and therefore called the Guard de La Manch) I will first begin with them. 
Scotchguard or guard de la Manch.  They consist of an hundred Archers, and four Exempts, who carry a staff or Truncheon in stead of an halberd, with the rest, from whence they are so denominated: These wait on the King, and observe him in all motions, joined also with some other of his Majesty's guards, whereof some bear halberds, others Carabines, whether the King be at Table, in Coach, or in his bedchamber. But this guard of Scots, as sympathising with the calamity of their Nation, is of late years very much impaired, divers French suborned in their places, 
Decay of the Scots at present.  and many of their privileges lost and infringed, insomuch as it seems at present to retain rather a name then a real Being.  
The Swiss (for being likewise strangers) I produce in the next place: 
Guard of Swiss.  The guard of this grim Nation, is composed of sixteen Companies: but of these the more immediately attending as the King's constant Guard are only an hundred of them, who all wear the King's cloth, marching which halberds on their shoulders, drum always beating, and fife playing before his Majesty, when'ere he stirs but into the City.  
Lastly, the Guard of French, 
Guard of F. or Regiment des Guards.  called the Regiment des Guards, with the Swiss (composing two entire Companies) guard all the avenues and precincts of the King's Palace: They are both of them two Regiments, whereof each is made up of 30 companies, consisting of two hundred men a piece, if full; and Besides these there is also another Company de Gens d' Arms, 
Gens d'arms Cavalry.  who are Cavalieres, & serve quarterly on horse back.  
Thus is this great Monarch so environed with men of iron wherever he goes, that one who should meet him abroad, though but upon the most ordinary occasion, would suppose them an Army Marching rather to defend or invade some distressed Province, than the private guard only of a Prince's Person; so careful have the Kings of France ever been to maintain this principle of greatness and security the very quintessence certainly of true Polity, 
True signatures of Absolute Monarchy.  and infalliblest signatures of an absolute jurisdiction.  
It would now peradventure be thought proper here to speak next of the Militia, having already placed the Guards, who indeed compose so considerable a part thereof: but because we have now done with the court, 
Officers of State.  we will in the next cast our eyes upon the State, and afterwards secure it.  
But first a word or two touching the King's Revenue, & Counsel; 
Ks Revenue  as being the very Nerves and Pillars of all earthly grandeur.  
The ordinary Revenue of the Kings of France is extremely uncertain, albeit vastly augmented within these late few years, and (besides from the Domains formerly engaged to the Crown) are infinitely increased by the Doüanes Tailles, and other customs arising upon all manner of Merchandise; a treasure altogether uncertain, and therefore imposed still as occasion requireth, and at the pleasure of the King. In order to this, are established several grand Officers of whom in order first.  
The Superintendent of the Finances, 
Superintendent des Finances, or Cuostumes.  equivalent to our quondam Lord High Treasurer, and officers depending on him. This is he who doth absolutely dispose of the Farms and Customs of the King, hath the charge and dispensation of the Revenues: In short, it is a place so immensly lucrative, and prodigiously rich, (as being obnoxious to no Account) that there is no man able to make a just estimate of their gain. Subordinate to him are four other Intendents, 
Thres●tiers de l' Espargne.  and as many Treasurer's de l' Espargne, whereof one of each wait every month, and these are those great Financiers, who suck the very blood of the people; for which (like the Jewish Publicani their Brethren) they are sufficiently blasphemed by them upon all occasions.  
The Tresoriers de l' Espargne (which are as Chancellors of the Exchequer have an alternative office; because the number of them is not always certain, places of that vast Revenue, that they are frequently sold at no less than a million of livers: for this the Espargne is resembled to the Ocean sea, into which, like so many rivers, all the other Receipts, general and particular, of the King's Revenue, do praecipitate themselves, and pay their tribute. From hence all other the Treasures, as well ordinary as extraordinary, of the Wars, Generals of the Provinces, Maritime Officers, Payers of Public rents, Courts, etc. receive money, and advance for their several and respective distributions.  
There are likewise besides these, the Treasurers of the Parties Casuelles, who are four. 
The Treasurers of the parties Casuelles.  These have charge to receive all moneys proceeding from the sale of offices, (which is a gain here openly avowed.) But that which much countervails the inconvenience of their casualties, unto which they are incident, is, that though a man deposit a vast sum, and even exhaust himself for the purchase, they are yet hereditary, 
Casual Offices hereditary even to Widows, and how.  so that even the Widow of the defunct, may delegate it to a Deputy, or Proxy, the King only reserving a small annual rent, which they call La Paulet; in default of which payment, or that the person die without having resigned his office. These Treasurer's dispose of it to the King's use and benefit.  
The Controller General des Finances, 
Comptrollers General of the Customs.  his office it is to register all receipts and expenses; but for the present, it remains extinct.  
These Treasurers are distributed into Generalities or Buraux 
Bureaux & Generalties  (so called from a stuff of that name which covereth the table, 
Bureaux and Generalties.  as our Exchequer) the Generalties are twenty two great Cities, and each of those have their general and particular Receivers, which last bring the moneys of Tailles (which certain elected officers impose or assess upon the Parishes) unto the respective Collectors who receive it: 
How the taxes are collected.  and these at Paris render it into the Office aforesaid.  
The ancient Kings of France had other ways then these to subsist, 
Kings of France had other ways of subsisting till King Pepin.  till Pepin and some later Princes of the third Line, so much augmented the Domain of the Crown; as by Appanages, which through defect of Issue Male now revert unto it; also by possession of Lands and Signories annexed to the Crown, by Rents, Fifts, and other rights proceeding from Fiefs. 
Impositions by Edicts.  By Impositions and deuce which are payable by Edicts. By a number of Lands who own faith, and do homage to the Prince. 
Droict d' Aubaine, death of strangers, Bastardy, Vacancy through death, First-fruits and deuce from ecclesiastics.  By the Droct d' Aubaine, by which the goods of strangers dying in France, most inhospitality escheat to the King; putting (in this respect) no difference between them, and Bastards unnaturalized. By the goods vacant through death, etc. By Annates or First fruits, Deuce from certain Archbishoprics and Bishoprics, to the number of 30, and more: as likewise innumerable other ways, which here it were too long to reckon up.  
Nor can the Domain be otherwise alienated, then (as already hath been said) in case of Appanages: The other upon some extraordinary and desperate necessity, as in occasion of war, yet then also but upon condition of Redemption, and that they be both first verified in Parliament. But these it seems of late, not sufficing the public expenses of so great a Prince and his many Armies; Those Tailles and subsidiary assistances before mentioned, have been more frequently levied; 
The ordinary entertainment of the Soldiery.  yea now (since Charles the seventh) made the Ordinary Entertainment of the Soldiery. Notwithstanding the Gentry and Nobility (for these terms are coincident and convertible in France) Churchmen, 
Gentry and Clergy exempt of Taxes.  and their dependants are exempt from these contributions; an immunity which they enjoy as a distinction, which ours of the same quality in England never so much as tasted off; so that (amongst us) if a person be not Rich, let him be never so well borne, 
Nobility no advantage in England.  the Peasant is as good a man every whit for any privilege which the other enjoys above him; through which defect, as there remains little encouragement and reward for ancient virtue or future industry, so must it needs, in time both utterly confound, and degenerate the race of the most illustrious Families, which have yet hitherto remained.  
The Aides (which I therefore the rather mention, 
The Aids, what, and when instituted.  because it was instituted upon occasion of King John's imprisonment in England) is now become a perpetual and general Tax upon all sorts of Commodities whatever, 
All commodities taxable in France, wheat only exempted.  excepting wheat only, which is the sole individual in all France free from any Impost.  
But that which seasons all the rest, and is indeed a principal ingredient to the King's Vast revenue, is the Gabels upon Salt; 
Gabels upon Salt.  which yields this Monarch more than Twenty Millions of Livers: for which respect there are divers officers appertaining thereto, some whereof have power to constrain men to buy a certain quantity of the King whether they will or no; 
Rigour of exacting.  a rigour, some interpret extremely approaching the very height of extortion: some particular places yet of the Kingdom, (as towards the Frontiers, and sea towns) are exempted, and have their salt quit of any impost at all.  
These are in fine the most principal quarries from whence this Monarch digs forth and fetches his treasure and revenue, 
K. of Frances' Revenue 14 millions sterling.  which those who are yet thought to have made a favourable Audite, do not blush to affirm, ammounts unto more than an hundred and forty Millions of Livers, which is about fourteen Millions of our money: nay some, that in Cardinal Richlieus time, it was brought to an hundred and fifty: which portentous and monstrous Treasure, together with the mannagement and manner of exacting it, might (as some think) serve a little to extenuate that which was yet thought a proportion too large for a most excellent prince, whose whole Revenue could never yet be stretched to above one Million sterling in all, viis et modis. Which is some thirteen short of that, which the Kings of France at present enjoy.  
Now 'ere we define the more distinct Ministers of State, 
Supreme counsels of France.  we will first speak severally of the supreme Counsels which are two: The chief is called the secret or (more frequently) le Conseil d'en halt, that is, 
Le Counsel d'en halt, of this counsel are the Duke of Orleans, Prince of Condé; The Cardinal and 4 principal Secretaries of State.  (after our old English stile) the Cabinet Counsel; because it is commonly held in the King's Bedchamber: for which respect you may reasonably imagine it to be composed but of few, and those the prime and most illustrious persons of charge and title in the Kingdom: so that (according to the nature of affairs) it is sometimes reduced unto two or three only: but upon intelligences and transactions of State, as those which concern matter of war, foreign Alliances, etc. Then there is a fuller number of other Ministers required to be present.  
The other Conseil is termed le Conseil d'Estat & priué where, 
The counsel of State.  when the King himself sits not, the Precedency is given to the first Prince of the Blood then present, and in default of their absence, to the Chancellor, who, together with the Treasurer or Superintendent, hath principal authority in all those Courts I have, or shall speak of; and this Court (besides the above named who are chief) is composed of many Counselors of State, who are all persons of great merit, and commonly such as have given signal testimonies of their abilities and address by their long services, as Ambassadors and Orators to foreign Princes; or officers in other jurisdictions and Counsels: also to this Court appertain four Secretaries that serve quarterly: eighteen Mistress de Requests, who (according to the nature of the affair) with the Intendents, make the Reports, having first resolved the business amongst themselves, according to which the Arrest is sometimes given.  
In this Counsel pass all matters belonging either to War or Peace, and all other concernements of the Crown whatever; for here they determine definitively, which judgement so passed, is termed an Arrest or Act of Council; howbeit, in causes of high consequence they are often revoked both from this Tribunal (yea, and the Parliament itself also) unto the Counseil d'enhault although a Counsel but of a later Initiation. Branches from this are also the Counsel of the Finances or Customs, called the Council of direction; 
The Counsel of direction.  where all the affairs of the Exchequer are disposed: likewise the Chancellor holdeth another Counsel, 
The Counsel of Parties.  called the Counseil des parties, wherein the Processes of particular parties and Recusations have their proper hearing; and to this also belong quarterly Secretaries apart.  
Now the manner of proceeding in these Courts goes according to the disposition of the several affairs, 
The manner of proceeding in these Courts.  by the Reports made ready, reformed and first signed, which is by them, then by the Chancellor if it be at the counsel of parties; if at the Finances, by the Duke of Orleans, Monsieur, the Prince, and Superintendents, who deliver them to the Grefier or Clerk, by whom they are to be allowed, that is paragraphed in Parchment, to which they subjoin a commission which is sealed by the chancellor, if they are to be immediately executed. Other Arrests and Acts of Counsel are executed by an usher or Sergaent of the Counsel, who wears a chain of Gold about his neck, with a Medail pendent, wherein there is impressed the King's picture. 
Grand Conseil.   
There is likewise another Council, called the Grand conseil, in which also the Chancellor presides virtually, though seldom present in person; and this is Composed of four Precedents, and a hundred and fifty Counsellors, who serve by Semester: and this court is chief, and indeed only conversant in affairs Ecclesiastical, such as concern Bishoprics, Priories, Hospitals, etc. collation and presentation to Benefices in the jurisdiction either of King or Pope within this Realm; and therefore here is the King's Advocate, and proctor General continually attending.  
And now (returning to our former division) we may remember that the more ancient officers of the Crown were likewise three: viz. The Connestable, the Marshal and the Chancellor: I shall forbear a while to speak much of the two first, till I come to treat particularly concerning matters of war: 
Officers of State & Justice. Chancellor of France.  we are now in affairs of State and Justice, wherein this last in our division as chief and sovereign; his office is to dispatch and modify all the Graces and gifts of the King, is keeper of the Great seal, with which he confirms all the Ordinances, Edicts, declarations and pleasure of his Majesty; for which respect he hath in Parliament his seat on the left hand of the King, when he is there present. But there are no days properly designed for sealing, that wholly depending upon the will of the Chancellor. 
Days and manner of Sealing.  The manner thereof is this: The chancellor sits at the middle of a large Table, upon which is placed a cabinet or coffer (wherein there is locked all the public seals of France) the key of which he carries about his neck: at the End of this Table are two Masters of Requests, with whom he may advise in case the affair require it; and over against the Chancellor one of the four Referendaries of France who reads all the Letters, Arrests, and other expeditions, which if approved, are accommodated with Yellow wax fitting and ready for the seal, and so put up into a box to be controlled by the King's Secretaries, who must first allow and Paragraph them, and then they are sealed: for Expedition of highest consequence, as Treaties, Edicts, Abolitions, etc. in green wax: but the seals of Dauphine are in red: Moreover the character of the Chancellor is esteemed so sacred & Inviolable, that it remains altogether indelible but by death only; 
Guard des sceaux.  yet notwithstanding upon decadency, or disgrace with the King, there is commonly one called Gardiner des Sceaux, who executeth his charge & hath also the same authority; for the Seals may be taken away at his Majesty's pleasure, but not the Chancelorship, which as it is never to die, but with his Person, so may he not put on Mourning for the King himself, his Father or Mother if any of them decease, as being insensible of all other Relations, and considerations besides the sole interest of the People: his habit is a Robe of black Velvet doubled, or lined with Crimson plush: before him go two Searjeants', with chains of Gold, who bear 2 rich maces of gold on their shoulders.  
The Secretaries of State and commands of the King are four in number; 
Secretaries of State.  whose functions, for being different, deserve to be mentioned in the next place. One of these Secretaries is for Expeditions altogether foreign: one for affairs Ecclesiastical and benefices; a third for matters only appertaining to the King's house, and the fourth, serves for affairs and concernements of war; and thus have they the whole Kingdom so cantonized betwixt them, that upon all particular Exigences of the Provinces, every one knows his division: In Court and presence of the King, they wait alternatively by Months; for he uses them likewise in affairs of the cabinet, which for not being matter of State, he will not have made known or divulged.  
Lastly, 
Masters of Requests.  The Masters of Request (of whom there are at present no less than seventy) are as it were Assessors of the Chancellor, and compose the body of the Court of Parliament, (of which we shall shortly speak) and have their Seats next to the Counsellors, but not exceeding four at a time. In absence of the Precedents, they preside also in many other Judicatures, and Bailliages: these make report and sign the Request of Justice, and sometimes the affairs of the Exchequer: they are likewise many times chosen for Extraordinary Embassades, as well as Commissioners for his Majesty in the Cities and Provinces, where they judge and determine upon all affairs of the Crown with most absolute power and authority.  
The rest of the Officers more immediately belonging to the King's Revenue I have touched at large already. I come now to the Parliaments of France, of whom there hath hitherto been so much talk.  
The Justice of France (in the equal dispensation whereof should be the glory and diadem of a Prince in Peace, 
Parliament of France,  as is the multitude of people his visible strength in war) is doubtless very good, but wonderfully ill executed; which happens through the sordid corruption of such as dispense it for money and favour, without which there is nothing to be hoped for in this Kingdom: and good reason there should be some gain made of that which the dividers thereof buy so dear, purchasing their places and offices at such excessive charges, that they are constrained to fallen their Virtue to him who bids most for it. But this is not (I suppose) the only Monopoly which drives that trade. 
by whom established.   
Philip the Fair established the Parliament of Paris; for before it was Ambulatory, and only observed the motion of the King) whither both ecclesiastics and seculars repaired. As it is now constituted, it is composed of Five houses or chambers: La Grand Chambre hath twenty five Counsellors, 
La grand chambre des Inquests.  who take cognisance of affairs of highest Consequence: and of five Chambres des Inquests, to either of which there is also about the same number of Counsellors: likewise two other Chambers, one whereof is called La Tournelle, 
La Tournelle.  wherein are pleaded only matters Criminal, composed of two Counselors of the Grand Chambre, and of two of every Chambre des Inquests. The Chambre del' Edict that is of the Edict of Nantes, which only toucheth the affairs of the Protestants, and is also composed of two Counsellors, out of each of the six other Chambers, who are nominated every second year by the Chancellor and the Protestant deputy General. 
De l' Ed●ct for the Protestant's Precedent au Mort●er. because there standeth a cup ●ade in fashion of a mo●●er over the mantling of the Arms in lieu of a wreath and helmet.   
In the great Chambre presideth the Precedent au Mortier, who presenteth the ancient Dukes and Peers: these precedents are Counsellors of State the first day of their reception, and have about their neck an hood of velvet, lined with fur, from whence some affirm they derive their name: they are now in number seven or eight, having of late been increased.  
To all the other Chambers of Parliament there are likewise Precedents: 
Precedents, Conseillers, Advocats & ●rocteurs.  viz. two at the Tournelle, and one at the Edict: To each Chambre des Inquests are two, but these last for being only commissionated Counsellors, have no places as precedents in full assemblies of Parliament. Besides precedents and Counsellors; there is moreover a Procurer, and two Advocate's General, who intervene in all Causes which concern either the King or State: besides an Infinity of other Advocates who are rather to count by m●●titudes than numbers established, only the proctor's have of late years been reduced to about 600.  
There is likewise a Greffier en chef, or clerk of the Parliament, 
Clerk of the pa●lia●e●t.  one of the most luerative charges of France, as esteemed to be no less worth than an 100 Crowns of Gold a day: This office having now successively remained in the family of Monsieur, du Tillet near three hundred years, we could not pass his name in silence; Lastly, of Commises, Searjeants', Ushers, and under officers there are in very great numbers.  
All the Officers of Parliament wear a long Gown, 
Rob●rs of the Officers of Parlia●.  and square cap, but the Precedents au Mortier and Counselors, upon solemn occasions, put on Robes of scarlet, which are trimmed with black velvet.  
The Solemn Arrests or Acts of Parliament are pronounced four times the year: 
Arrests of Parl. when pronounced.  viz. on Christmas Eves eve, on the Tuesday before Easter, on Whitsun Eves eve, and the seventh day of Sept. till which, from the morrow after the feast of St Martin it continues: but the Parliament doth not open until such time as the King renews their Commission.  
there are besides Paris, 
Cities besides Paris, that have parliaments  these nine Cities which have Parliaments, 

1 Toulouse.  
2 Roüen.  
3 Bourdeaux.  
4 Dijon.  
5 Grenoble.  
6 Aix.  
7 Rheims.  
8 Pau.  
9 Mets.    
Whose Constitution and Composition are alike to that of Paris, 
In what they differ from the Par. of Paris.  except that of Mets and Roüen, whose Precedent and Counsellors of late serve semestraly, that is half during one six months, and half the other: some of the Parliaments also have no chamber of Edict, as Rheims, and Dijon, so that the Protestants of those parts repair to Paris to plead; and in Toulouse, Bourdeaux, and Grenoble, for default thereof, those of the Religion have established them Chambers Miparties, that is, of equal numbers of Romanists; nor have the other Parliaments so many chambers of Inquests, as not (in truth) needing them  
Likewise this Prerogative hath the Parliament of Paris, 
Prerogative of the P. of Paris.  that it hath the sole honour to be called the Court of Peers; for here only can they of right be judged: yet this privilege was not able to protect them, at what time the late great Cardinal de Richlieu made bold to infringe it, when it served to his purpose.  
In all these Parliaments aforesaid the Advocates plead covered, 
How the Advocates and proctor's plead.  but the Prectors both bareheaded and kneeling.  
Moreover, the business of the Parliament of Paris, besides the verifying of the King's Edicts, Ordinances, and letters Patents (as hath been already touched) is the dispensing of all other Justice Civil and Criminal: here the Appanages of the crown are regulated, the erection of new dignities, Modification of the Pope's Legates, Commissions, procedures to Banishment, Letters of naturalty, Pardons and the like supreme transactions of State have their genuine and natural source.  
The Bishops in Parliament have right of place, 
Bishops and ecclesiastics in Parliament have place, no deliberative Voice, except B. of Paris, and abbot of St. Denys.  but no deliberative Voice, except only the Archbishop of Paris, and Abbot of Saint Denys. Thus much shall suffice to have been spoken touching the Parliaments.  
The Chamber of counts (which comes next in order) is a jurisdiction and Court apart, 
Chamber of counts, its high authority and number.  that concerns & judges the account of all the Receivers, Treasurers and officers paid into, or received out of he King's Exchequers, for which cause all their Letters, Edicts, Ordinances, etc. are read, registered, and verified. Here it is that homage for Feifs moving from the Crown are acknowledged. It hath belonging to it ten Precedents, Monsieur Nicolas, who is the first (having from Father to Son conserved this charge near two hundred years in his Family) hath refused for his charge 1400000 Livers, which the late D'Emery offered him for it. To it also appertaineth seventy Mistress des counts, eighty Auditors: in fine, it is a Court of that high Authority, that it hath sometimes stood even in competition with the Parliament itself. There are eight of these in France. 
Chambers des Requests du Palais.  Besides this Court, there are likewise the two Chambres des Requests du Palais, where is pleaded the Privilege of the Royal offices, and household; and therefore they consist of Counsellors of parliament, etc.  
The Cour des Monnoyes composed of three Precedents, 
Cour des Monnoyes.  twenty four Conseillers, these concern the Mint in all particulars. 
Mint.   
Also the Admiralty, 
Admiralty and Table de Marbre.  called the Table de Marbre instituted for Maritime affairs. And lastly,  
Les Eaux & Forests, 
Waters and Forests.  with some other inferior courts, whereof we have already sufficiently spoken elsewhere.  
And so I am come out of Westminster-hall to the other two of our three ancient Officers, viz. the Connestable and marshal of France, being the last of our division and will naturally lead us to discourse something of the Militia.  
The Connestable, 
Military officers, and first the Connest able of F.  albeit an office, to a greater then which the King himself can promote no subject, yet for that it is not a charge which is always in being, but upon extraordinary Emergencies and grand occasions, will be needless to say more of it, then that this Office holdeth rank immediately after the Princes of the blood; 
The D. of Orleans is as it were Connestable now.  and in Parliament it is before the Dukes and Pairs: The Connestable therefore is chief, superior, and Generalissimo over the Armies of France, for which respect he hath his jurisdiction in the Court of the Table de Marbre; but at this day the Mareschals supplying this high office (although properly speaking, but his Lieutenants) come next to be spoken of. 
Mareschals de Fr.   
The Mareschals de France, or rather, so many Generals, are the only persons of Enterprise and Action in their Armies, both at home and abroad; being commonly men who are elevated to those Charges, purely by their own Valour and Demerits: so that as their number is indeterminate, so there is no Soldier, of what condition soever, but may possibly by his virtue aspire to this preferment. I said even now, that their Jurisdiction did much resemble that of the Connestables; nor can they be devested of this honour during their lives. Before these Mareschals are determined all matters of private quarrels and defies incident to the Noblesse; for which cause they have their Provosts or Lieutenants in all the greatest Cities of the Kingdom. They bear in their Achievements a Truncheon Salterwise azure, semeéd with Flower de lyces or.  
Finally, 
Last division  (which is the last part of our division) the three Modern Offices of the Crown, viz.  

1. The Admiral of the French.  
2. Le Colonel de l' Infantry.  
3. Le Grand Maistre de l'artillery.   
In the first place the Admiral, (who holds likewise his place during life) is General of all the King's forces by sea, 
Admiral.  and under him are all the Marine jurisdictions. The charge hath in times past been divided unto more, both Guyenne and Provence having enjoyed theirs apart: but the defunct Cardinal de Richlieu (who hath left this high office to his Nephew) united them all under one: his jurisdiction also is at the Table de Marbre, where (for being but subalternate judges) their places in Parliament is at the lower end. The charge is now in the person of the Queen Regent, some say, the Duke of Vendosme: likewise the General des Galeres' hath here his seat, 
General des Galeres'.  which is a place of very notable gain and Authority on the coasts of the Mediterranean seas, where his Majesty's Galleys do both harbour and ride. 
Colonel of the Infantry   
Next is the Colonel of the French Infantry, which is a charge one of the most considerable in all respects, of France, especially for Gain, receiving eight solz every Muster for every soldier's head his authority being generally over all the French-foot, 
Masters of the Camp.  and hath for his Lieutenant Colonels the Mistress de Camp: under his name issue all Ordinances of Warr.  
There is likewise a Colonel General des Swisses, 
Colonel General des Swisses  who hath jurisdiction over all those Mercenaries, as well those of the King's Guard, as those who serve in the field and in the Garrison; of which there are constantly about eight thousand in this Dominion.  
Last of all, 
Grand Maistre de l'Artill●r●e.  the Grand Maistre de l'artillery, which is a charge equal with a marshal of France: under his tuition and conduct is the Arsenal of Paris, all the Cannon and Ammunition of war in the Kingdom, for which cause he hath his Lieutenants, Captains, and other officers belonging to the Carriages in great number: besides all this, he hath the management of five millions of Livers, together with the arbitrary disposition of above eight hundred Officers; of all which he is obliged to no particular account. 
Grand pricurde France Mr. of the Religion of Malta.   
There is likewise the Grand Prieur de France, which for being a quality of high reputation is not to be pretermitted. The Mastership of the Religion and Order of Malta for the French being not less worth than 10000 pounds yearly: his ordinary Residence is at the Temple, a quarter in the town of Paris as is that of ours in London so called. 
Counsel of War.   
The Council of War is commonly held in the Palace of the Duke of Orleans, as being Lieutenant General of all the King's Forces, and therefore little remote (as hath been said) from the dignity and charge of high Connestable. Thus we have done with the Courts and Officers of France: now we will take a Prospect of the Forces.  
The King of France hath commonly four Armies in field: 
Constant armies of Fr.  viz. that of Flanders, of Germany, of Italy, and that of Catalogna; wherein the King, Queen, Monsieur, the Duke of Anjou, the Duke of Orleans, Princes of the Blood, and Mareschals of France have their several and individual Companies, whose Lieutenants enjoy many singular precedencies above other Officers of the Armies: All these consist of well armed horse.  
The light horse are at present commanded by the Master of the Camp. 
Light horse and other forces under continual pay.  The King hath commonly under pay about a hundred and forty Cornets of cavalry distributed into 56 Regiments, besides of Strangers twelve: Of Infantry the King hath two hundred and ten, whereof some Regiments have thirty Companies, and every company paid for eighty men effective. Moreover, his Majesty hath divers Regiments of strangers, whereof enough hath been said in the beginning.  
The Armada Naval may be composed of about twenty men of War, and as many Galleys; 
Armada Naval.  I have showed you before how these Forces are paid, and therefore we will proceed to the Governors of the Provinces, as being likewise Men of Arms.  
The Governors of Provinces have their Commissions (which are simple and depending on the pleasure of the King) verified in Parliament, 
Governors of provinces, cities and sorts.  where they have their seats next after the premiers precedents: they are in some degree equivalent to our Lieutenants of the shire, but exercise a much more vigorous power, which is yet restrained to matters of Arms; for in other justice they meddle not at all. So likewise the Governors of Cities, Fortresses, and places of strength, all which are chosen of persons of Blood, Valour and merit. But before we altogether quit this subject of Arms, it will not be impertinent to say something here of the order of Knighthood in France.  
I shall not much amuse you with those orders which are so far antiquated, 
Orders of Chivalry in France.  that even the Heralds themselves can scarcely render us any certain account: Such is that which is named de la Genette, Instituted by Charles Martel, or the Order de l'Estoile by King John, the Order of the Crescent, Porc Espic, nor much concerning the order of Saint Michael itself, 
Instituted 1469 by Lewis the eleventh.  although not many ages since first instituted, and for a long while, the principal Order in the Kingdom; composed but of 36, because (as the manner of this Nation is to be as soon weary of their new invenons, as children are of Rattles) they begin to have this Order already in contempt, 
Ordre de S. Michael.  albeit the chain and pendent badge be commonly reserved in the Coat Armours, together with that which is now in Vogue, and next ensues. 
Ordre du S. Esprit. Institution.   
L'Ordre du S. Esprit was instituted on new years' Day, Anno 1579, by Henry the third, and honoured with that name, because he was both born, and afterwards Elected King of Polonia on Whitsonday: This Prince restrained the number also to thirty six; but that is likewise as indefinite as it pleases the King: however, it remains yet the Order of greatest esteem, and therefore let us look a while upon the Ceremonies of the Inauguration.  
The day of their Reception they appear all in Cloth of silver, 
Reception.  their cloaks (especially the capes) cut a l'antique, of black velvet; which they put off and change, to receive on them a robe of green Velvet full of Embroidered tongues of fire: then remaining on their knees, the King hands between the palms of his own, striking them lightly upon the shoulder, and kisses their Cheek.  
Ordinarily they wear a Flame, 
Order.  or Orange colour Cross of velvet upon the left side of their cloaks, in the midst whereof is embosted a dove of silver, and about it a glory of Rays, like that which our Knights of the Garter in England do wear, as having first assumed that mode from the French, albeit for Antiquity of the Order, ours stands much before it.  
About their bodies likewise they wear a blue ribbon which of late they have watered, and at the end of that a Cross of Gold in the midst whereof there is ennamailed a White Dove: and this is all which I find observable.  
We have been hitherto very silent of the State Ecclesiastic in particular, 
State Hierarchical.  which although it come last in Order, yet was it one of the first in mine intention, as consisting of Persons who besides their qualities both for Extraction and Letters, possess alone one third part of the total Revenue of France.  
The Arch Bishops of this kingdom are in number fifteen, 
Archbishops & Bishops.  whereof he of Lions is the Primate and Metropolitan, and some of these be Peers. Bishoprics, two hundred and one.  
Of this Hierarchy is composed l' Eglise Gallicane, 
L'Eglise Gallicane.  which by the concordats made with the Pope, hath sundry rights and privileges extraordinary, which for that they are not much incident to our discourse, we will purposely omit, and content ourselves with what hath been briefly spoken.  
Having thus, as I was able, finished my design and your request, with what succinctness & perspicuity I might (for herein I am obliged to some Relations, more discourses, and a little experience) I will make bold (the better to let you understand the full nature of things as they subsist and are governed at present) to reassume the Argument, & deliver you the best and more solid opinions of men concerning the particulars already spoken of.  
The Government of France doth at present rather totter than stand upon the late great Cardinal's substruction; 
Present Government of France.  
Q. Regent.  the Queen Regent having ever since his decease continued in the principal ministry of State affairs: 
Card. Mazatini.  Her favourite Mazarini, a person of (to speak with the world) fare greater fortune, than either extraction or virtue; however he hath steered this great vessel of Monarchy a long time, and that amidst so many storms, and in such foul weather, as whether his craft or courage exceeds it is not yet decided: certain it is, that as he hath longer held in, then by some wise men it was judged he could, so some late actions of his (interpreted to have been ingrateful enough) make othersdaily confident of his absolute ruin: and in truth, he doth play so hazardous a game at present, that as the hand is universally turned, it were great odds to lay on Confusion's side, so prodigious a fatality now threatening Princes, that if France compose not suddenly, these calamities I am confident, will epidemically visit Europe for a time. And why it should be that this active Nation have endured so many Strangers to govern them thus in chief, 
Government by strangers incident to this monarchy.  I am much to seek for a reason, when I steadily behold the universal promptness of the Noblesse; unless peradventure to avoid emulation at Court 'twixt so many greater Princes and Subjects, as might else pretend to highest Authority, they rather submit themselves to the meanest Alien. But this by way of gloss and species, not opinion. The subtle have ever been too hard for the simple: and though the law deny women succession to the Crown, yet the Fate of the kingdom, and addresses of the sex, furnished them a title which hath fully recompensed for that injury.  
The Noblesse of France comprehend the Gentry, 
Noblesse of France, and Gentry the same thing.  under one and the same common term; nor indeed is there in any Kingdom (save ours only) that severe distinction of Minores and Majores amongst the Nobility: a difference which some think neither suits with true policy or justice. But quitting this decision to whom it belongs, we are (as I said) in this Dominion to take, the Noblesse (that is the Gentry) for the sole visible body, and consequently the Plebeians of a far more vile, 
Plebeians, their misery.  and naturally slavish genius, than they really are in any part of Christendom besides; which meanness of spirit I easily conjecture to have been long since contracted from the over severity and liberty of their Superiors; their incomparable paucity, and excessive oppression.  
Other immunities, besides the fore rehearsed, which the Nobless enjoy in France, is, that with their Pensions and Governments, they are likewise exempted from all Contributions upon their own demains; which doth so far oblige them to their Prince, that there are none which render him such real and considerable service, upon all urgent and brisk occasions, 
Service the Nobility of France ●●eld their Prince. Ban and Ar●er●Ban.  as do the Gentry; especially, at what time the Ban and Arrier-Ban be summoned to their several assignations: And to this Heroic life of the Field, 
Chivalry, t●ei● general profession.  they are generally addicted, as being thereto excellently disciplined from their very Cradles; by which means, certainly they become the best esteemed, and most adroict Cavalry of Europe; nor doth this early education of them abroad, prejudice the State at home; for being kept, and dissevered from projecting of commotion in the Country, 
Rebellions for the most part improsperous in France; and why?  their Rebellions have been for the most part, though frequent, yet improsperous, so considerable a party ever remaining with the Prince, whose personal presence with them in the Field, gives an extraordinary life, and loyalty to their Actions.  
As touching the Plebeians or Roturiers of France; 
Commons, their litigious nature in France.  truly I esteem them for the most miserable object, that one may likely behold upon the face of the Earth; especially, those which live towards the Frontiers, so immeasurably exhausted by Taxations, Gabels, Impositions, Spoils, and Contributions, unto which they are generally obnoxious: The rest of the two first Estates, together with all their dependants, living only upon their Revenues, remain free and exempt; but that which adds not a little to their Ruin, is (for all this) their extraordinary litigious nature, and vindicative disposition, especially those of Normandy, Bretagne, Gascogny, and Provence; so that, what with the premises, delay of their Process, and the abominable corruption of Justice, this rank of people seldom or never arrive to any considerable Fortune or Competency, by their own wit or industry, as do so many of our Yeomen and Farmers in England. 
Farmers in England.  By these means also, their spirits becoming so abjectly debased, they are not able to afford their Prince that ready service in matter of Arms, as indeed their multitudes and necessities, both promise and require: To supply which defect, in all Expeditions of Consequence, the King makes use of the Gascons and Biscaians', 
Auxiliaries in the French Armies.  who being bred about the Confines and Frontiers of Spain, are much the better Soldiers, and esteemed for the best Infantry of France; as also of the Dutch, Scotch, Irish, Italian, and others, in whom, together with the Suisse (a most principal Ingredient) consisteth their greatest Foot confidence; the more considerable part, whereof being mercenary Auxiliaries, and very frequently left in great arrears, might peradventure administer to Politicians sufficient cause of suspicion and discourse; but the event having hitherto, for many ages past, been nothing prejudicial, takes away any farther occasion of dispute.  
The People of Trade and Mechanics, 
Mechaniques of France.  are nothing so contemptible as the commonsort, of whom we have spoken a little; many of them living very decently and handsomely in their houses, especially the better sort of Merchants, 
Merchants.  who are better furnished then the rest; howbeit, in competition with our Countrymen of the same quality, to be esteemed, in truth, but as mean Mountebanks, and inconsiderable Pedlars. Those of greatest Wealth and Commerce, being some crafty Italian or Portuguese, who (during the time of the late, and present Cardinal) have amassed very considerable Estates, and great Riches And here we may properly observe, That no Gentleman will in France bind his youngest son to any Trade or Mechanic Calling whatever, under that of a Military life, 
Appren●isage counted a diminution of honour in France.  as esteeming every Apprentisage and subjection, a stain and diminution to the Honour and Dignity of his Family; the like also, they for the most part observe in their Marriages and Alliances: but herein the Germane is most religious.  
The Nobility and Gentry of this Kingdom differ much from the garb of living in England, 
No●ilities Garb of living in France.  both within, (and till of late) without doors: They have many of them vast estates, either in Lands or Offices; the Revenues whereof they choose rather to spend at Paris, and other great Cities, in a specious Retinue of Coaches, Pages, and Laquays, then suffer themselves to be eaten up at home in the country in the likeness of Beef and Mustard, among their unthankful Neighbours. This affection of theirs to reside for the most part in the chief Towns of the Kingdom, 
Corporations.  is the reason why the Corporations are little considerable, as not daring to be brewing and hatching such Factions, as where the Gentry and civiller sort of Mankind are universally given to solitary and unactive lives in the country. Besides, the Gentlemen are generally given to those laudable Magnificencies of Building, 
Magnificence of the Nobility & Gentry.  and furnishing their Palaces with the most precious Movables, much of the luxe and excess of Italy, being now far entered amongst them, as may well serve to exemplify, when in the Duchess of Chaulmes her Palace near the Place Royal in Paris, the pennaches, or tusts of plumes belonging to one of her beds only, is estimated worth fourteen thousand livers, which amounts to near a thousand pounds sterling of our money.  
Every great Person who builds here, 
Great pretenders to learning.  however qualified with intellectuals, pretends to his Elaboratory and Library: for the furnishing of which last, he doth not much amuse himself in the particular elections of either Authors or Impressions; but having erected his cases and measured them, accords with a Stationer to furnish him with so many gilded Folioes, so many yard of quartos, and octavos by the great, till his Bibliotheke be full of Volumes. And yet some of them, both have excellent books, and are very polite Scholars: but the Noblesse do not naturally so addict themselves to study, as the Gownsmen do; accounting it a life so contemplative, and below their spirits, 
Physic and Law despised by the Nobility of France.  that no Gentleman's necessity whatsoever shall easily engage him to seek any support, either by Physic or Law: both which Professions are (as in truth they highly merit) in very laudable esteem and reputation amongst us in England.  
The State Ecclesiastic (comprehending that of the Religion) is of two sorts; 
State Ecclesiastic of France.  the greater part whereof being Pontificians, and the Protestants, 
Protestants.  commonly called those of the Religion, (and by them with this adjunct, Pre●endue Reformée) who exercise the Doctrine and Discipline of Geneva.  
The Roman Catholics of France are nothing so precise, 
Roman Cath●l●cks of Fra●c●, how they differ from others of the same Religion.  secret, and bigotish as are either the Recusants of England, Spain, or Italy; but are for the most part an indifferent sort of Christians, naturally not so superstitious and devout, nor in such Vassalage to his Holiness, as in other parts of Europe, where the same opinions are professed; which indifferency, whether I may approve of, or condemn, I need not declare here.  
As for the poor Protestants, 
Protestants, how eclipsed & weakened of late.  they are now so inconsiderable, since the late Successes of the Cardinal Richlieu, and especially our Nation's reproach, and their misfortune at La Rochel; that for the present they possess no one place of strength, or any other singular immunity above others, as being defeated of all Eminent Persons, either of Birth or Charge, who might be able to defend or Counsel them at need; the Court having now rendered most of them Proselytes, by Preferments or Interests, or other effectual means: Howbeit, such as remain (and of which too there are likewise a very considerable body) are permitted peaceably to enjoy their Consciences, upon renovation of the late Edict of Pacification; and are undoubtedly, in case of any considerable Rebellion, capable to form a very balancing and ponderous party; but with nothing that front and confidence which within these twenty years past, they might have done; when they durst even beard the King, 
The cause of 〈◊〉.  and protect such as retired to them, from his displeasure, in most of his, now strongest Towns and places of Importance: But the Scene is now much altered, and they shrewdly contracted, especially since the stir under that late and incomparable person, the D. of Rohan: the folly of their own private Interests, having evidently proved their fatal destruction; as it is most frequently seen to fall out (first or last) amongst all contrivers of Civil and Popular Dissensions. 
Fate of civil dissensions. Little Schism amongst the Protestants, betwixt themselves, and why.  However, thus far I must needs vindicate the Protestants of France, That we find not amongst them those frequent Schismatics and broachers of ridiculous Enthusiasms, as abound amongst us; every particular so unanimously concurring with their Pastor, That, in truth, they are herein not unworthy to be commended; though that virtue likewise were the more estimable, were it not certainly constrained by the vigilancy of their Antagonists, who watch all advantages to discom, pose, and defame them. To be short, though they have lost many great ones, and much strength, and that the form of their Discipline invite few, yet the light of their attempts hath invited so many to look into the reason of things beyond the mask of Tradition, and mystery of Policy, that it is both thought, and well known, That even divers of those who are persons of greatest eminency, both in Church and State, 
Inclinations of many great ones to a Reformation.  have so good an inclination to change some points of the received opinions, That were it not more out of secular consideration, to lose their preferments, than any other inconveniency, many of them would openly profess themselves Jansenianists, 
Jansenianists, Moulinists.  Moulinists, etc. Whose opinions, as they infinitely propagate amongst them, so do they come on a great way towards a Reformation.  
The Forces of France is that which renders it (as indeed it doth 
Forces of France.  all other Kingdoms) most formidable abroad, and secure at home.  
The Frame and Positure of the Continent, 
Advantageous site of France.  situated as it were in the Navel of all the Christian World, qualifies it to collect, unite and dispose of her forces; for it hath Spain and Italy before it, England behind; The Seas upon the right, and Germany upon the lefthand; at one corner the netherlands, and the Cantons of the Suisse at the other; all of them potent, considerable, and active Neighbours; and where they intermit, it is a worthy prospect to behold, how Nature hath served and defended her with the Pyrenes, Alps, Ocean, and Mediterranean Seas, whilst she sitting secure from any subitaneous irruption or natural pretention, may well be pronounced, a fair and most Just Empire; and especially, since the later accession of Bretagne, Guyenne, Normandy (once the goodly portions of the English) and Bourgogne, who are now all of them under one Prince, as having enjoyed heretofore every one their proper Dukes; by whose favour or spleen there was always a facile entrance for any potent stranger to disturb the rest of the Kingdom; the consequencies whereof, have filled almost every modern Chronicle. And to the stronger twisting of this Cord, such prudence hath been had of late times, that all those great and powerful houses remain now no more divided (as still amongst the Princes of Italy and Germany) the Cadets and younger Brothers, 
Cadets and younger Brothers, all Soldiers of Fortune.  minding for the most part no greater preferments, than what they cut out with their Sword, and merit in Field by being Soldiers of Fortune.  
As for the Forces by Sea, 
Francis the first, reproached, and why?  as it was never great, so we do not read, That ever any signal action hath been achieved by any of their Navigations; for which cause, Francis the first, was once pretty well resolved to make use of the Turk, and call in that stout Misercant, to the eternal reproach, both of that Prince and Nation; notwithstanding, at this instant, 
Maritime Forces and Havens.  their Maritime strength is not totally so contemptible, having a very stately and considerable Armada of handsome Galleys, in most of their Mediterranean Ports, as at Toulon, Marseilles, and other places, which are Vessels of excellent use and service upon those Seas: On the Ocean, I confess, both their Shipping and Traffic have been alike trivial; and yet of late, they have greatly augmented their Fleet, especially since the time (to our Nations egregious shame and dishonour) that they have made so large inroads and gaps into Flanders, 
Late Acquists.  towards the Sea Coasts; Witness those strong Towns and Havens of Dunkirk, Mardike, etc. Stout Forts, and very commodious Harbours for shipping; so that a little time (if we will still suffer it) may likewise furnish them with Ships enough to make them stand in a bolder competition with their Neighbours.  
But the more principal Nerve of the French Power consists in his Forces at Land; 
Land Forces  and amongst them (as hath already been touched) chief his Cavalry, which is of strength and spectacle both of admiration and gallantry, 
Cavalry of France the best of Europe.  they being for the greater part composed of Gentlemen, who generally so bequeath themselves to this service, that he who (amongst them) hath not made two or three Campagnas (as they use to term it) by that time he is 18 years of age (is esteemed as a person lasche, that is, of a soft education and small repute: Besides, 
The Horse an exercise proper to the French youth. Their Academies and other gymnastics.  the Horse is an exercise unto which they have so natural a disposition and address, that the whole earth doth not contain so many Academies dedicated chief to this Discipline, & other martial Gymnastiques, wherein they handsomely attain to competent perfection in whatsoever is active and proper for their youth and inclinations.  
And what incomparable soldiers this Country hath in all ages bred, 
Soldiery of France commended.  we need look out no further for testimony, than their many past and present Acquisitions and Enterprises, under Harcourt, Condy, Gassion, and infinite others: besides, (what is no trivial mark of our assertion) the multitudes of such who are at present employed in the Services of Foreign Princes. Very undeniable it is, 
Spanish and Fr. Insantry compared  that the Spanish Infantry is too hard for the French Foot: for the Peasants of France (of whom they should naturally consist) are thought (and that upon good grounds) to be more then accidentally improper and mal-adroict for that service: Howbeit, we find (and that by quotidian experience) that Custom, or something else more propitious, hath much altered and reform their Natures, even in this particular instance: And for aught I perceive, they keep what they have gotten, and become as good Soldiers, as those who brag so much of their lousy and tenacious Epitheton: But I must confess, how few Indigene and natural Spaniards serve now against them; all the old brave foot having been for the greater part slain, or continued unrecruted, at and since the signal Battle of Rocroy, where (though with their own destinies) they bravely made good that general and worthy repute which the world hath of the Infantry of that Nation. And however, had this reproach a more solid ground, 
A saying of Machiavelli.  yet that saying of Machiavelli in his Ritratto, That Le Fanterie che si fanno in Francia non possono esser buono per che gli è, gran tempo che non hanno hawto guerra, e per questo non hanno sperienza alcuna, etc. Is now no more an Argument, Then that the premises being changed, the Conclusion must needs remain, considering that the Cause being taken away, through their present exercise, and perpetual War, the Effect and Defect cannot of consequence ensue, as we have already sufficiently proved: or admit it were yet so, I hope the Suisse and other faithful Mercenaries to that Crown, abundantly supply all these wants and prejudices; most of which, yet notwithstanding, for my part, were, I think, first hired rather out of consideration of diversion, and since custom, than otherwise out of any pure necessity. That likewise which made the Armies of France so inconsiderable for native Foot Soldiers, may with much reason too (if we please) be attributed unto Lewis the Eleventh his disarming of the Commons; 
Consequence of disarming the Commons.  by which advice, the King indeed became more absolute at home amongst his Vassals, but a great deal less formidable abroad amongst his Enemies: And herein it was, that his Neighbours stood him in stead.  
Another thing rendering this Kingdom very considerable for an Army, is, 
France abundant in people and Victuals.  their Prolifique multiplying; for Europe embraceth not a more populous Nation, nor more abounding in Victuals, which is the belly of that cruel Beast, called War; so Fertile, I say it is, That when Charles the fift entered into France by Provence, and afterwards by Champagne, it nourished (besides the many Garrisons thereof) more than an Hundred and fifty thousand Ravenous Soldiers; and even in the time of Charles the sixth, there were found in this Kingdom, Twenty thousand Horse, and Thirty thousand Foot, all consisting of strangers; and Fifteen thousand Horse, and One hundred thousand Foot, all of Natural French. And verily, when we have seriously surveighed the complication of Enemies, which once invested this Kingdom, when for Extent and Command, it was far inferior to what it is at present, since the English have been dispossessed, Navarre adjoined, and other additions of great strength: I say, when England, Germany, Spain, and Italy, invaded it on all parts, in the Reign of Francis the first, as it will appear, how potent and able this Kingdom united, is to defend itself: So doth the consideration of it seem to me most strange, and altogether portentous.  
Add to these advantages, 
Store of Arms, Ammunition, and Artillery.  their store of good Arms and Munition, excellent Artillery, many famous and well furnished Magazines; in sum, Why should I farther tyre you with particulars, when their present Exploits, and almost continual Triumphs, have planted the Flower de Lyces where ever they break ground. Witness those renowned adventures since Charlemaigne, 
Ancient and late Acquists  St. Lewis, Charles d'Anjou, Charles the eighth, etc. whose Heroicque Achievements and glorious Trophies, have filled all Histories and Countries, even as far as Asia herself; witness their Expeditions and Successes at Jerusalem, in Egypt, Barbary, Cyprus, Greece, Naples, Saxony, Hungary, and sundry other places, even in these our times, and before our own doors; witness all their late Acquists and Conquests in Catalunia, Spain, Italy, Flanders, etc. Besides the Signal battles and Sieges of Nordlingen, Rocroy, Perpignian, Theonvil, Arras, Dunkirk, etc. Not to repeat the miraculous, or rather ingenious reduction of La Rochel, Montpelier, and other impregnable holds appertaining to the Protestants: So that if now we see them begin to decline, and refund what they have so hastily swallowed down, it is but the common fate of all humane undertake, 
The common fate of all humane Enterprises  all things having a period in this World, that had a beginning.  
And now, 
Church near a third part of France.  albeit the Church (who is near a good third part of France) doth in most places (as the Proverb goes) neither lose nor defend any thing; yet here in times of public and emergent necessities, have they been made contribute most bountifully towards the maintaining of Armies and Supplies.  
Nor are the Frontiers, 
Frontiers & Maritime coasts how fortified at present.  and Maritime coasts of this Kingdom so ill fortified now, as in former times; but there hath been of late so through a reformation and care had in that regard, that it were hard to call to mind a considerable place at present but is capable to support a long and strenuous resistance; especially those Harbours and Keys of the Country which respect our Coasts: as Haver, Calais, deep, and divers other places of Importance.  
In fine, 
State of Fr. at present.  France is at this present grown to that stature, so well planted, and commodiously laid to itself, that (but for their own madness, and the feared fate of these times, which already gins to work) in the real Interest & balance with her Neighbours, 
High time that a Non ultra were fixed to her greatness.  it were high time she were now a little observed, and a Non ultra fixed unto her proceed and future aspire: Nor doubt I at all, but if the Low Countries were able to preserve her Neutrality, but England with Spain (as poor and contemptible as she is now grown) may one day so exercise this ambitious Kingdom, as she may be glad to contain herself within her own Confines, without molesting or incommoding of her Neighbours.  
I deny not, 
The greatness of Spain suspicious, and how far it concerns us.  that even the greatness of Spain herself were as much to be apprehended, equally as dangerous, did not her accustomed swelling and unnatural Plethory most certainly incline to a Tympany, rather than show it proceeded from any strong and sane constitution: their overgrasping humour, 
The humour of the Spaniard likened.  being much like his, who desiring a good handful of sand, by gripping it over hard, loseth more through his fingers, than he can carry away in all his palm: 
England's best bulwark and balance.  So that in this case, our only best Bulwark is France; and (vice versâ) opposed to their power, Spain, so long as this antipathy amongst them continues, and they remain in one entire body. For this cause it was, 
Qu. Elizabeth's policy  and for no other, that Queen Elizabeth would very wisely by no means consent to that offer of Cantonizing this Kingdom, when in the time of the late League she was offered a considerable share. But on the other side, 
Danger in the Accession of the Low Countries to Fr.  the Accession of the Low Countries to this Empire, were beyond all comparison more perilous, then if they had also never started aside from their lawful Master; and this by reason of their Situation, Vicinity, Ports, Traffic, Towns of defence, the infinite disadvantages whereof we should soon acknowledge to our cost and ignominy.  
As touching the Protestants, they are yet so numerous in France, 
That the Spaniard hath no pretence to alienate the French subjects, by his instruments the Jesuits, and why?  and the Roman Catholics so averse in that point, as there can never spring up the least appearance of hope that the King of Spain should ever pretend any thing in this Country by way of inclination or defection; however, the late Jesuits (notwithstanding all those strict Edicts and Bans made against them) begin to swarm and re-establish themselves. And so I have done with the more general remarks worthy your consideration. I shall only say a word or two of the people, and of Paris in particular, and so finish this task. 
Genius and nature of the people.   
Concerning the Nature and Genius of the Inhabitants, that which the Prince of Politicians gives out of the French, where he affirms, that I Francesi sono per natura piùfieri, che gagliardi ò destri, Upon what Cesar of old said of the Galli Insubres, 
Caesar's saying of the Galli Insubres.  that in the beginning they appeared more than Men, but proved in the conclusion less than Women, retains in it still something of their present promptness, and as sudden discouragement: Upon which observation, the forecited Florentine notably adviseth, Chi vuole superare j Francesi si guardi dal primo loro impeto, etc. That he who would vanquish the French, should be sure to withstand and break their first brusk and onset; because they usually rush on upon danger like a torrent, and in a desperate fury, when they first charge and join battle: 
French fury at onset.  but as nothing which is violent is permanent, so expectation as soon ruins, and utterly daunts their courage.  
But as for their Intellectuals, and more noble part, such of them as dedicate themselves to Letters and Erudition, 
Learned men in France.  prove as polite Scholars and as trim Wits as any Italian of them all. The greater part of them, I confess, and ordinary Pretenders, please themselves more in analytical and cursory speculations, to which one may take post at every pillar in the streets, 
Pedantry of some professors.  where you shall never fail of some bragadocio Hippias, who like some Intellectus universalis, professes, and will undertake to render any man an exact and perfect Philosopher, Divine, Orator, Chemist; or to teach him all Languages, and indeed, what not, within the space of a month or two: which kind of Table Method and Lullian art, renders many of them, even to the very Mechanics, most egregious talkers, and intolerably pragmatical.  
Add unto this, 
Their levelling of learning.  their levelling of Learning, and laying all Authors in common, by their intemperate Translations, having but of very late put all the Orations of Cicero into French, as it is long since that the Poets have been made Orators: for there is nothing more frequent than the turning of them into prose.  
Amongst the Faculties of Paris, 
The Faculties of Paris  there are some good and dextrous Divines; but their School Exercises are dull and perfunctory things, in competition with what was wont to be performed here in our Universities.  
Generally, 
Physicians & Chirurgeons of Prance, their Method and ill success.  the Chirurgeons of France are Pretenders to Physic, and the Physician as great a friend to the Empiric; especially in point of Phlebotomy, which is their Panacea for all Diseases. And albeit they have bred some able and accomplished Proficients of all these kinds; yet their common practice in tedious and Chronique, as well as acute diseases, imports them rather to a sudden ease of the patiented, than any entire recovery, or security from relapse; for they study more to weaken and enervate the Body, than the Disease: so that they recover few of languishing Fevers, which relapse not as soon again, and for the most part perish: contrary both to the Method and success of our Physicians in England; 
Praise of English Physicians.  into one of whose hands I had rather put my life, then to a whole College of these French Leeches.  
In the Mechanics, 
French Mechanics incomparable.  they are universally excellent, inventive, and happy; and are of late too become far more stayed and constant in point of habit and fashion than they were wont to be: for I will undertake, our native levity and wantonness in that kind, hath of late years infinitely exceeded them.  
The French Children are the fairest letter that Nature, I think, 
French children and youth.  can show through all the humane Alphabet; but though they be Angels in the cradle, yet are they more like Devils in the saddle: age generally showing, that what she so soon bestows, she takes as fast away; for the French (after twenty) presently strike forty in their faces, and especially amongst their Women, 
Sudden decay of Women.  who are then extremely decayed, when ours, if not beautiful, are yet very tolerable at those years; which, whether it proceeds from the siccity of the air, drinking water, ill diet, or other accident, I dare not easily determine; and yet I am the rather inclined to think, something of that nature it must needs be, when we find the women of Quality for the most part as exquisite Beauties as any the whole world produces, without disparaging our Ladies at home, whom I would be unwilling this Paragraph should in the least degree offend.  
I cannot affirm that the youth of the Gentry and Noblesse of France are bred altogether so literate as most of our English and Dutch are; 
Youth of the French Gentry not bred to letters, and why?  being, as I said, of less phlegm, and more prompt then to fix to those unactive studies; Nor are they at all so curious and inquisitive in their Travels, unto which fewer also are inclined, 
Humour in Travelling.  but seem abundantly satisfied, to be able to say, They have been in such, or such a place. 
No trust to the cu●wa●d p●●●earance   
It is a true observation of one, That a French man appears a child at all ages; but in practice and negotiation you shall find him a man. It is the Field and Court which the Gentry affect as the best of Education; 
Indifferency of the Fr. in religion.  and thence I am inclined to believe, they contract amongst them that indifferency of believing and living, in which they are generally more open and free then even the Italians; 
The French not so disbanched as ●he English youth at present.  albeit yet not in all points so enormous as the depraved youth of England, whose prodigious disbaucheries and late unheard of extravagancies, far surpass the madness of all other civilised Nations whatsoever. 
Nor more given to Gaming  Gaming also they frequent, 
Nothing so much to drink and tobacco.  but are in no one vice so abandoned, as to the exhausting their Estates, especially in point of drink and Tobacco; which, though it have of late got some footing upon the more vile sort, and infected some Northern parts of the Kingdom; yet few persons of Quality use either in excess: 
but adorers of bread and pottage.  But what they do not in drink, they pay in bread, and are strange devourers of Corn; they adore a good pottage (whatever the rest of the Repast be) as the Egyptians did garlic: nor will a true Monsieur be brought at any rate to taste a glass of wine, sans premier manger; which although they neither do so much, nor sit so long at it, yet they use to collation more often, the most temperate of them.  
The passions of the people are suddenly imported and puffed up with a Victory, 
Elevated & dejected suddenly with victory or loss.  and as soon dejected with the least repulse or loss. They are prodigal, 
Splendid in externals.  and splendid in externals, but seldom undo themselves in house-keeping and hospitality: The best sort eat like Princes, and far exceed our Tables; the common worse than dogs: generally, so they flourish and appear for a month or two in the Summer, they will far hard enough the rest of the year besides; 
Full of Interest,  and such as mind only their profit, have little charity, where they see no evident Interest. They are exceedingly courteous, and have generally their tongues well hung; which promptitude of theirs, 
of a jovial conversation, handsome address, and well spoken  as it becomes them well in encounter, so they are for the most part, of jovial conversation, and far from that constrained address which is natural to our sullen Nation, who never think ourselves acquainted, till we treat one another with Jack and Tom; familiarities, 
Censure of the rude familiarity of the English.  which, as we find not where else in use, so they commonly terminate in vain and rude Associations.  
The French are the sole Nation in Europe that do idolise their Sovereign, 
French reverencers of their King.  unto whom the have likewise a more free and immediate access (without much ceremony) then ordinarily is to be seen in any other Prince's Court: 
and his affability to them.  and this affability and freedom gains them as strangely to him; which (certainly) is an excellent art in the one, and no less a virtue in the other. But on the contrary, their choler throughly stirred, there never wants some Raviliac or cutthroat to perpetrate their malice; so unstable is popular confidence.  
Finally, 
Their opinion and hate of the English.  they have a natural dread and hate to the English, as esteeming us for the most part, a fierce, rude, and barbarous Nation: but their antipathy to a Spaniard is deadly and irreconcilable.  
For their Bodies, 
Stature,  they are both Sexes of mean stature, rather in good point, than either lean or gross; 
complexion,  generally, swa●t of complexion, except such as have mixed towards the North and East: the Women have commonly black eyes, rare teeth, and sweet voices; and certainly, so gentile and natural an address even in their most ordinary actions, that one may as easily distinguish them by it, as their tongues: In fine, 
promptness,  they are extremely prompt, and imagine to comprehend all upon an instant, which makes many to give out and tyre in the journey before they be half way: for all which, 
and cheerful supinity of the people.  and their oppressions to boot, there lives not under the cope of heaven a more frank galliard, and supine people: howbeit many of them will not stick to repine, 
Victories , to the Fr. and why?  and censure even their own Victories and successes, whereof every one but seems to add a heavier weight to their Oppression.  
Now, 
The best & most compendious Map of a Country.  as every Metropolitan and Royal City is likely the best Map of the Country wherein it stands; so may Paris be esteemed the most exact Compendium of France.  
Paris is a City in a Ring, 
Paris, site, Edifices, etc.  whereof the Lovure or Palace of the King is the Diamond: And truly, considering the vastness of its circumference, so incomparably built all of the living Rock, whereupon it is seated (which for beauty, easy working, and lastingness, renders it a pre-eminence above many more costly Materials) I think no City in the whole world equalizes it. I have seen Naples, Rome, Florence, Genoa, and Venice; all stately Cities, and full of Princely Fabrics; but then I compare the extent, and here are many Centuries of Nobleman's Houses, both within the Town and the Environs, which altogether approach, if not exceed the best of them. This I will boldly affirm, that for the Streets, Sububrs, and common buildings, it infinitely excels any City else in Europe: for public Edifices, some of the Hospitals are fair Foundations and handsome Piles; but the Convents and Churches come far short of the Towns before recited: yet that of the Sorbonne and Jesuits, are not much inferior to some of the best and most modern Pieces of Architecture extant.  
The River of Seine, 
The River of Seine.  which divides it, is nothing comparable, for sweetness and good condition, to our Royal River of Thames: yet it would deceive any man in the use, when he shall seriously examine and consider the huge Vessels of burden (though not Ships) it brings up, full of Commodities and necessary Provisions. In conclusion, Paris wants nothing but clean Streets, and a redress of the multitude of Coaches, Laquays, and throngs of Mankind; with all which, 
Number of people etc. in Paris too great.  it is generally so pestered, that it appears a miracle to me, how so many backs are clothed, and bellies maintained (in a Town of no eminent Staple) as you may behold in one day, if you walk the streets and public Carfours; Most of the Houses ordinarily harbouring six, 
True cause of our reproaching their Nastiness.  as often ten families betwixt heaven and hell, the Garrets and the Cellars: and this I take to be the true cause of that Nastiness which we usually impute to the Nation: Persons of Quality, 
Persons of quality more neat and sumptuous than any in England.  and such as have room enough, being far more proper and sumptuous in their houses, than the best of us here in England, however we arrogate the contrary.  
Touching the Extent of this City, 
The extent of Paris and London difficult to be compared, and why?  it hath been, and is still a great controversy amongst our Countrymen Travellers, which is the larger, This or London, every one speaks according to his inclinations: But the figures of them both are so different, that it would be a very difficult matter to reconcile them, by making an exact trial: and peradventure, all things considered; there is as yet no very great inequality: but if we may conjecture from the buildings at present, 
Prodigious increase of buildings.  and prodigious enlargement of their Suburbs on all sides, what a little time and Peace will render it, it must, without doubt, in a short time outgrow the contention, and far exceed it. for I find no end of their erecting not only of particular houses, but even of whole streets, and those so incomparably fair and uniform, 
Beauty of the now new Edifices of Paris.  that you would imagine yourself rather in some Italian Opera, where the diversity of Scenes surprise the beholder, then believe yourself to be in a real City. This is only to be observed in their prime Builddings and Palaces, that the best Fabrics commonly promise less towards the Front or Street, than you will find them within the Court; which is caused by the high walls and tarraces that thwart them: a piece of Modesty, which in other Appearances and outsides they do not usually practise.  
But what our City of London hath not in houses and Palaces, 
London for Shops, Taverns, other drinking Schools, and Noise, exceeding all C●●ies of the world.  she hath in Shops and Taverns; which render it so open by day, and cheerful in the night, that it appears to be a perpetual Wake, or Wedding to the beholder; for so mad and loud a Town, is not where to be found in the whole world.  
The Government and Policy of this Prevesté is exercised by Judges, 
Government of Paris.  called Lieutenants Civils and Criminels; who, for purchasing their Offices of the Court, sell their Justice at extraordinary rate, to such as have use of that rare Commodity. 
Prevost of Merchand●  They have also a Prevost of the Merchands, & les Eschevins, which is an Office more resembling our Recorder and Sheriff, then Major: Likewise the Archbishop hath a spiritual jurisdiction here; 
Archbishop of Paris, etc.  as also some particular Abbots and Priors: And with all this, I cannot say, it is well governed; the disorders of every day and night will convince me, 
Disorders of Paris in the night, how they might be prevented  if I should, when so many execrable Murders and Villainies are committed in the streets; an inconvenience which might yet be easily prevented, if they would but imitate our Policy, and form their Watches of constant and responsible persons.  
Neither is the strength of this renowned City any thing considerable in stress of a Siege, 
Strength of Paris nothing in a siege.  or respect of other natural advantage, save only fire: nay, so open it is to the Conqueror, that Sr Denys (which lies but two leagues remote from it) hath oftentimes been the Frontier of France; & had not the late Marshal de Gassion as dear, 
Marshal de Gastion preserved Paris from the Spaniard.  as bravely purchased their Liberty at the signal battle of Rocroy, the Spainyard, 'tis believed, might (without the least obstacle, have marched up to the very gates of Paris.  
But the incomparable Air of Paris is that which fortifies the Inhabitants: 
The Air of Paris celebrated.  so that very seldom hath a Plague or other Epidemical Contagion made here that havoc and lamentable devastation, which it so frequently doth in our putrified climate, and accidentally suffocated City: contrary to that Vulgar (but most false) Tradition, which I find in every man's mouth; 
The ordinary tradition amongst us, that the plague is never out of Paris, refuted.  that the Pestilence is never out of Paris: but this (besides the siccity of the air) many Naturalists ascribe to the over sulphurous exhalations of the streets, and dry attracting quality of the Plaster, 
Quality of the Plaster of Paris.  which, bears or gives the Name to this goodly city.  Cert è id firmissimum Imperium est, quo obedientes gaudent.  

Thus, Sir, by the assistance of your Patience, I have adventured to draw the Curtain, discovering a very ample Theatre, in a short time, and represented it in as narrow a Circumference, as those Artists who introduce a multitude of species through an Optic, into some dark room or closet: And the similitude peradventure will not appear unapt, when you consider the reversed Method, and confused Style in which it is described. But as writing of Histories is not my Trade, I know you have not commanded me to undergo this Task, to make thereby any advantage of my Imperfections, but approve mine Obedience. And now, although I doubt not but many able Persons have most excellently treated upon this very Subject, appropriated to their Times; yet I will be bold to affirm, and that sans vanity, none hath lately performed it with greater faith, succinctness, and in more natural Colours. For he that will truly comprehend the Government and Genius of this Kingdom, must prospect and look out every day for new discoveries; France being now no more the thing it was forty years since, than the garb and fashion at that time, to the habit and Mode now in use amongst them, equally as different, as incomparable: And in truth, (to disabuse the World) the complexion and Crasis of this Body Politic is of so high concernment to the health, and good estate of our poor Nation, that to preseure her in entire habit and Constitution, there can never be too often inspections into the State and Regiment of this Kingdom. This is the opinion of  
Paris, this 15 of Febr. 1652. Stilo novo. Sir, Your most affectionate Friend, and most obedient Servant, J.E.  
FINIS.